Previous by Date | Next by Date | Date Index
Previous by Thread | Next by Thread
| Thread Index
| LM_NET
Archive
| |
Thank you to everyone who responded. The overwhelming response was to not include it on the shelves and that it belongs more in the public library. These are some of the responses: "I'm a 9-12 librarian, and I was ok with the book until the very end. Perhaps I'm an immature reader, but I was hoping for a positive outcome. I never expected "Alice" to not survive, and I really don't understand the point of that ending. Shock value perhaps? I'd have added it to my collection IF she had managed to survive. The book could have generated thought-provoking discussions on the methods people use to gain power over others, "Alice's" survival mechanisms during her ordeal, clues about the origins of Ray's twisted thinking, the role of others (people like you and me) in Alice's life (neighbors, Barbara, etc.), and all kinds of themes. But if she's just going to get killed with Ray at the end, what's the point of any of it? She's become evil like him, corrupted beyond redemption, and needs to be exterminated? THAT's not a message I want to send kids! I do think the author wrote in detail about a horrific situation in a well-crafted manner. I admire the ability to perfectly capture the horrific nature of the experience without the use of profanity and explicitness. That was one of the reasons I was willing to consider it for my collection, until the end." "Recently I heard a book talk on this particular title given by some public librarians and found it extremely disturbing. I am in a middle school and of course would not purchase this but would also never purchase this if I were a High School librarian. These librarian presenters were quite knowledgeable and did not tell the audience to purchase or not purchase any particular titles but they did strongly caution school librarians about this particular book." "I also read "Living Dead Girl" and found it extremely disturbing. It made me very uncomfortable and was depressing. However, I did put it in my library because it is very well written and has been reviewed for High School Campuses. We have other books with disturbing material, such as "Identical" by Ellen Hopkins, that are actually quite popular with the students." "I even had one of our English teachers read it to make sure I wasn't being too judgemental and she was horrified with the book. It went into the box I give to the public library's book sale." "I found this book really disturbing and just couldn't put it on the shelf. We have all the Dave Pelzer books (A Child Called It, Lost Boy...), but I thought this was much worse and just couldn't imagine students reading it. I think it was too dark and didn't seem to provide any hope. I have been nervous as I have been reading how it is on the short list for several awards. I can't imagine encouraging HS students to read it. Let me know what you hear from others." "I only started to read this book. I could not spend the time to finish it as there is so much that I need to read. I know I would never recommend it to anyone. I am sure there might be a use for a novel on this theme but I am at a loss to think of on." cporschet@mwcsd.org Christine Porschet, SLMS High School Library Marcus Whitman Central School District 4100 Baldwin Rd. Rushville, NY 14544 (585) 554-4865 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html * LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------------