It's Banned Books Week, which provides the perfect opportunity to discuss censorship. (Sounds riveting, right?)
Books and reading are near and dear to my heart. The idea that anyone would be threatened by a book used to be laughable (emphasis on the "used to"). In the past few years, we've all become all too well acquainted with the intolerance and fear that leads to things like banned books.
Reading has the ability to transport you in a way that films and television don't even come close to. When you read a book you enter the reality of the characters. You don't just watch them you walk in their shoes, see through their eyes, and live in their world. There's a level of intimacy that cannot be replicated in any other medium.
It's this familiarity with the characters and their way of thinking that terrifies the would-be censors. It's also why you should really consider reading outside your comfort zone. Not only will you expand your mind and your world, as an added bonus you will terrify the crap out of the bigots of the world.
Okay, that's all I have for you. Be brave, be kind, and keep expanding your mind.
P.S. - Today's throwback photo is brought you by caffeine and a portion of my novel addiction.
