WEEKEND UPDATE
It’s become very quiet in Bartlesville.
Too quiet.
I don’t know what’s going on there, friends. No one is talking. I have a feeling that all of a sudden I’m going to hear some news, and then we’ll be right off to the races again. I sleep with one eye open, never fear. If you want to hear me talk about it--or if you just want to hear what I sound like on the phone--you can listen to this podcast. Or you can read this article on the banning by Little Willow.
My team and I are monitoring the situation.
In the meantime, here is a little update on the weekend.
First, I was at the Nebula Awards. My personal reason for being there was because Devilish was nominated for the Andre Norton Award, a fact which astonished me from the very first moment I heard it. I was on the same list as Scott Westerfeld (for Peeps and Midnighters) and Justine Larbalestier (for Magic or Madness). Not only are Scott and Justine my friends—I’m a huge fan.
I am beyond pleased to tell you that Justine won! I screamed. We cried. I texted them in Australia and my phone kept going off and I thought the woman behind me was going to hit me with her robot (we all got robots and they are AWESOME—Free Monkey has already claimed it as his).
PLEASE READ MAGIC OR MADNESS. I AM BEGGING YOU.
Thank you.
I have also been going through the dozens and dozens of comments from the last few posts, and I wanted to take a moment to respond to just a few of them.
liz said...
Fake irish food sucks, too.
Finally! While everybody is yammering on about the “friendship” and the “romance” in Bermudez, Liz has correctly summed up what the book is REALLY about. It is my manifesto against chain restaurants! While Bennigan’s is the specific target, any chain restaurant that pretends to be representative of another country (I’m talking to you, Outback Steakhouse) can be substituted.
anonymous said...
Many of you are ridiculing the parents for signing a petition without reading the book. While at the same time, many of you are ridiculing the Bible - - - -have you read it?? The Bible does speak of many horrible acts because it is explaining to us what happens when we turn our backs on God and God's truth. Try reading the book- - -it might change your life!!
I have read the Bible. Cover to cover. On multiple occasions. In multiple editions. I had to sit through religion classes for four years in high school. Half the year was Bible study and church history, and half the year in religious life class, like my senior year marriage class (which was taught by a nun and featured prom lessons). Then I continued reading it in college as part of the Biblical and classical literature component of my major, which did not have marriage or prom classes.
You’ve missed the point, anonymous. The people who have commented here are pointing out the fact that if we start banning books, the Bible is in as much danger as everything else.
(An aside: did I ever tell you the story about the time my friend Betty Vox and I had to run from a nun and how it was all my fault? I don’t think I did. Please indicate if you would like to hear it.)
anonymous said...
can free monkey travel overseas- i.e. England?
YES! In fact, Free Monkey will be visiting England in July. Please feel free to submit your proposal to him! He loves traveling in his home country.
anonymous said...
Jesus said the world would hate Christians because it hates him (John 15:18-21) People hate Jesus because his very name convicts them of their sin even if they can't fully articulate that.
There are a lot of Christians reading this site who, I am sure, are wondering why you think this is about hating Christianity. It’s not. Nothing could be further from the truth. Realize that many Christians are not on board with hateful condemnations of others. It’s against their religion.
cecil castellucci said...
I am going to the 4 day Star Wars Celebration event here in LA in two weeks. I'm sure there will be a store called "SLAVE LEIA OUTFITS 'R US" and I will get you an order form. I'm not even kidding. I've said it before, I'll say it again. "Maureen, I've got your (princess leia) back."
Thank you, Miss Cecil! You guys know Cecil, right? You have read her new book, Beige, haven’t you?
You have, right? Because I can wait.
Let me know if they have forms. I don’t want to end up making my own gold slave bikini, because that will NOT end well.
kiersten said...
wait so what are the honkers? the alien guys are the yip-yips, right? so the honkers are...what? and also, is free monkey a guy or a girl? dont know why its important i just was wondering.
I always thought these guys were called the Honkers, but I was wrong. They are Yip-Yips. How did I live before Wikipedia?
Free Monkey is a boy, but mainly, he’s a monkey.
He’s been very impressed with the World Tour submissions so far. Remember, the deadline is May 23rd! In the meantime, I have to get ready for the release . . . and be on the lookout for a secret sister Brotherhood2.0 video later this week. John has put out the call for people to help editing his wikipedia page and Hank’s wikipedia page. Now, that’s worth a few minutes of your time.
Too quiet.
I don’t know what’s going on there, friends. No one is talking. I have a feeling that all of a sudden I’m going to hear some news, and then we’ll be right off to the races again. I sleep with one eye open, never fear. If you want to hear me talk about it--or if you just want to hear what I sound like on the phone--you can listen to this podcast. Or you can read this article on the banning by Little Willow.
In the meantime, here is a little update on the weekend.
First, I was at the Nebula Awards. My personal reason for being there was because Devilish was nominated for the Andre Norton Award, a fact which astonished me from the very first moment I heard it. I was on the same list as Scott Westerfeld (for Peeps and Midnighters) and Justine Larbalestier (for Magic or Madness). Not only are Scott and Justine my friends—I’m a huge fan.
I am beyond pleased to tell you that Justine won! I screamed. We cried. I texted them in Australia and my phone kept going off and I thought the woman behind me was going to hit me with her robot (we all got robots and they are AWESOME—Free Monkey has already claimed it as his).
PLEASE READ MAGIC OR MADNESS. I AM BEGGING YOU.
Thank you.
I have also been going through the dozens and dozens of comments from the last few posts, and I wanted to take a moment to respond to just a few of them.
liz said...
Fake irish food sucks, too.
Finally! While everybody is yammering on about the “friendship” and the “romance” in Bermudez, Liz has correctly summed up what the book is REALLY about. It is my manifesto against chain restaurants! While Bennigan’s is the specific target, any chain restaurant that pretends to be representative of another country (I’m talking to you, Outback Steakhouse) can be substituted.
anonymous said...
Many of you are ridiculing the parents for signing a petition without reading the book. While at the same time, many of you are ridiculing the Bible - - - -have you read it?? The Bible does speak of many horrible acts because it is explaining to us what happens when we turn our backs on God and God's truth. Try reading the book- - -it might change your life!!
I have read the Bible. Cover to cover. On multiple occasions. In multiple editions. I had to sit through religion classes for four years in high school. Half the year was Bible study and church history, and half the year in religious life class, like my senior year marriage class (which was taught by a nun and featured prom lessons). Then I continued reading it in college as part of the Biblical and classical literature component of my major, which did not have marriage or prom classes.
You’ve missed the point, anonymous. The people who have commented here are pointing out the fact that if we start banning books, the Bible is in as much danger as everything else.
(An aside: did I ever tell you the story about the time my friend Betty Vox and I had to run from a nun and how it was all my fault? I don’t think I did. Please indicate if you would like to hear it.)
anonymous said...
can free monkey travel overseas- i.e. England?
YES! In fact, Free Monkey will be visiting England in July. Please feel free to submit your proposal to him! He loves traveling in his home country.
anonymous said...
Jesus said the world would hate Christians because it hates him (John 15:18-21) People hate Jesus because his very name convicts them of their sin even if they can't fully articulate that.
There are a lot of Christians reading this site who, I am sure, are wondering why you think this is about hating Christianity. It’s not. Nothing could be further from the truth. Realize that many Christians are not on board with hateful condemnations of others. It’s against their religion.
cecil castellucci said...
I am going to the 4 day Star Wars Celebration event here in LA in two weeks. I'm sure there will be a store called "SLAVE LEIA OUTFITS 'R US" and I will get you an order form. I'm not even kidding. I've said it before, I'll say it again. "Maureen, I've got your (princess leia) back."
Thank you, Miss Cecil! You guys know Cecil, right? You have read her new book, Beige, haven’t you?
You have, right? Because I can wait.
Let me know if they have forms. I don’t want to end up making my own gold slave bikini, because that will NOT end well.
kiersten said...
wait so what are the honkers? the alien guys are the yip-yips, right? so the honkers are...what? and also, is free monkey a guy or a girl? dont know why its important i just was wondering.
I always thought these guys were called the Honkers, but I was wrong. They are Yip-Yips. How did I live before Wikipedia?
Free Monkey is a boy, but mainly, he’s a monkey.
He’s been very impressed with the World Tour submissions so far. Remember, the deadline is May 23rd! In the meantime, I have to get ready for the release . . . and be on the lookout for a secret sister Brotherhood2.0 video later this week. John has put out the call for people to help editing his wikipedia page and Hank’s wikipedia page. Now, that’s worth a few minutes of your time.
Labels: comments, John Green, Justine Larbalestier, Yip-Yips
posted by Maureen at
6:48 AM
36 Comments:
Thank you for linking to the article.
If Wikipedia doesn't have the following articles yet, someone needs to add them.
The Battle of Bartlesville
Free Monkey
Fauxthentic Restaurants
Oh, Angela - because I know you're reading this - I got another call today that would have made you jump up and down, except that it wasn't from who you thought it was, again.
Agreed on the first Bible quote. I've read it several times too, due to growing up in a Catholic family and going to a Catholic school, and then taking on a religious studies minor in college. So yes, I've read it, and I'll leave it at that because I don't want to get into what I think about people forcing religion on others, like that anonymous poster was doing, saying we'll go to hell because we haven't read the Bible and have supposedly turned our backs on God.
Ok, that's all I'm gonna say about that. And I mean it this time, lol.
Anyway, real reason I'm leaving a comment. Due to this whole controversy, I picked up your Bermudez Triangle book at my local library. I was wandering through the YA section as usual and there it was! I was like "Oooo, must get!" and I did. I started reading yesterday after having finished Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz (awesome book!) and I'm loving it so far! I already can't wait to finish it and get more books from you.
Love all the Spice Girls references in the beginning- I'm a huge SG fan, both as a group and in their solo work! lol
Ack! Wow, I wrote a lot... lol, sorry. I'll stop rambling on about how amazing you are. lol
Hope you have a fantastic week!
Boothy
"Please indicate if you would like to hear it."
YESYESYESYESYESYES!!!! :D We like your stories.
For some reason, the links to your other blog entries aren't working.
I just listined to your podcast, even though itslike 12:30am here..it was awesome of course.
I would also like to hear the story!
okay i was like super bored so i was looking up the Princess Leia costume on the internet and if you don't find one you can always buy FREE MONKEY one:
http://shop.starwars.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=2698;category_id=332;pcid1=;pcid2=
haha i found that funny..well as soon as i get done putting photos on photographica i'm going to bed..
good night everyone
Alright, that's it! You've convinced me of Justine's books' awesomeness. I have been eying them for a very long time now, and I almost grabbed one the other day, but then I thought, "Nahhh, so So You Want A Wizard (Which I used to love, but stopped reading the series, because they weren't out when I was finished with the fourth)" and I got Midnighters #2 and An Abundance of Katherines instead. I guess I got out of fantasy, which is sad, because I was like, "That is blatant magic silly stuff for preteens who will find it vastly life-changing and amazing, but I would see through its childishness," and that was well...stupid (and pretentious)...I need to read more fantasy! I used to be obsessed. And I have no come to the revelation...that I need to be obsessed again. Huzzah. (But now I have no money because An Abundance of Katherines made my boyfriend's debit card overcharge and he has about $150 in fees now...)
And what is this about you flicking off fellow YA writers in I Heart YA? :-O! *all sorts of gaspshockhorrors ensue*
While it's not on the ALA list of the hundred most challenged books in the United States, it HAS been challenged in the US and banned in other countries.
A Honker is one of those dudes who bonks his or her head or nose and it makes a honking sound like a bicycle horn. He just bonks his own noise, and that sound comes out. HE doesn't talk. Only honks. He or she.
I would like to hear the nun story, please.
Did I miss something? How does Christianity connect to your book being banned (or maybe not banned -- recommended to be banned, but maybe not that either . . .)
I think some of the anonymous writers have tried to suggest that anyone who protests a banning is, in effect, protesting an upholding of Christian values. Not so, at least for me. (Besides, isn't there something called the seperation of church and state that should prevent this whole issue?)
I though the whole issue in Bartlesville was that the book was not fully read by the review board (or by the mother who lodged the complaint, if you really look at her issues with the book), so the banning was really based on hear-say and the mob mentality.
Brett
(and yes, I see the irony in posting a comment under anonymous)
Here's one devout Christian who is utterly opposed to book banning. How on earth can one postulate that banning books is consistent with Christian values?
The Bible is one of the most frequently banned books in human history. People who like the Bible should aggressively oppose the banning of any book as a bad precedent.
Book banning is also a proven cause of halitosis.
Sorry to post twice, but where, in any of Maureen's blogs, her novels, or even in the comment sections attached to her blogs does anyone "ridicule the Bible"?
Another Christian who is anti-banning.
I may be confused, but didn't Rader suggest the teenagers of Bartlesville read the Bible instead of Bermudez Triangle? I just thought that was an interesting comment. I mean, I like it, sure, but I'm always reminded of the Twain quote about how he was ruined by several of the more salacious books of the Bible.
I don't think anyone should think Maureen or anyone else in this thing is against Catholics or the Bible. No one has condemned it, it's just that if the Bible is okay, why shouldn't The Bermudez Triangle be?
Also, Maureen, I would love to hear about your running-away-from-a-nun story.
Whoooo Free Monkey can come to England!!!
Newayz i'd really like 2 hear that story:)
xxHxx
Regarding the relevance between the book banning, Christianity and the Bible. . . .there were many posts previously that were saying that the Bible should be banned because of the inclusion of homosexuality, murder, and so forth. The point is that Christian parents are NOT trying to shelter their children from these evils of the world, but they want these things presented in the light of God's truth, which is that they are wrong. I do not know if all of you read the comments on the April 27th blog entitled “I’m a Very Dangerous Person”, but there were MANY hostile comments toward Christians. I felt very persecuted for my beliefs. The godless spirit of this age, directly inspired by he (Satan) whom Jesus called the "god of this age," demands the suppression of all discernment, encouraging a radical "tolerance," and intolerantly criticizes anyone who dares to oppose homosexuality or who cites the biblical prohibitions against it.
Very few people understand what TRUTH is these days. This is the almost universal view of students who are no longer taught "absolute truth" as a viable option, in elementary, high school, or even in the institutes of higher learning. Those students who have received instruction through a Biblically oriented "world view", understand the reality of absolutes; most others, however; believe only in the possibility of "relative" truth, and have no concept of truth that remains truth, irregardless of anyone's "subjective" feelings on the subject. This worldview will lead to anarchy one day because there are NO longer absolutes for right and wrong. And just maybe in my mind, it was RIGHT for me to murder my husband- - - -who is to say I am wrong???? It is all relative. He was making me unhappy- - - -so I killed him. We are not far from this type of crazy thinking when we start rejecting the absolute truths that God gives us in His Word!!
We, as Christians, feel the same about homosexuality as you do about Christianity. . .if you want to be homosexual, then that is your life and DEATH to deal with but please do not PUSH it on our children!!!! By validating it in a book, it sends the message that it is an acceptable lifestyle and goes against our beliefs and should NOT be pushed upon our children!!! If someone wants to read this particular book, then they can purchase it themselves from Amazon or a local bookstore. It does NOT need to be in our school libraries.
Maureen,
I appreciate you pointing out that you don't hate Christians and that may be true of you, but many of your "fans" who have posted comments seem to. Christians should not HATE homosexuals either and I don't believe by banning a book that merits the statement that Christians "hate" homoosexuals. It is not the person to be hated because we are all made in God's image but it is the act of homosexuality that is to be hated. All sin should be hated! It is the agenda of homosexuals that is to be hated- -not the homosexuals. Example: The Hate Crime Legislation that is trying to be passed. Let's protect the homosexuals from having the TRUTH spoken which goes against their lifestyle, but the legislation would not include Christians under this protection. I believe that Christians receive just as much HATE talk from non-Christians as homosexuals do from heterosexuals. Why do all the minority groups need special protections that the rest of the citizens of the U.S. do not recieve?
I guess I would be one of the people who said the bible should be banned (I never exactly said that, but okay).
what I was trying to say was that if you start banning books on ridiculous reasons (like containing "homosexuality") you might as well ban all books and close libraries etc. and because Rader came up with the bible as a replacement it was a nice example to illustrate that point.
now I'll have to admit I'm not a big fan of the bible (and I do have my reasons). And if anyone wants to discuss that with me I would love that (just ask me for my e-mail), but I won't do it on this amazing nerdfighter's blog.
As for living without wikipedia: I can't imagine it anymore. When I didn't use internet for a week I would constantly run into things I wanted to look up but couldn't. I discovered I'm an information-addict.
All this is making my head hurt..
I think we are getting a little off topic, remember this is about Maureen's book yeah know :)
Maureen you rock,keep rocking!
"Let's protect the homosexuals from having the TRUTH spoken which goes against their lifestyle, but the legislation would not include Christians under this protection."
Um, perhaps because being a Christian is a choice while being homosexual is not, and also yours is not the only (or right) truth. Why should people be discriminated against for something they cannot change? Being Christian can easily be changed; I've done it and am now more or less apathetic toward all religions (though I do enjoy learning about them). I don't really need it in my life, but I can still lead a moral life without it.
Also, you talk about how homosexuality is supposedly forced onto the children through this book and others like it. Yet you then turn around and say that homosexuals need to be shown that their lifestyle is wrong and Christian values need to be upheld. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but that's also forcing YOUR religion on me. And I don't want that.
In regards to the book, which I have next to me right now, it specifically says on the inside flap that (paraphrased) hey, there's homosexual content in here. Even on the back with the excerpt is one of the excerpts with Mel and Avery kissing. If someone checked this book out, they would obviously have known that this book does include homosexuality and they are willingly still wanting to read it. There is no forcing in that, from what I can see.
And there is no homosexual agenda, and if there was one, it would only be to attain equal rights in this world, which I don't think is too much to ask.
And, finally, as for the world falling into anarchy because of our "godlessness" thing, for many centuries this world has done perfectly well, despite everyone's differences. So I don't think there will be any anarchy at all. In regards to absolutes, there are no absolute right or wrong because everyone has their own concept of right and wrong. Murder is wrong, unless done in self defence; your statement about your husband making you unhappy so you killed him would not hold up in any court and you would be punished for your crime.
Homosexuality, whether the being or act of, is right. So is heterosexuality and bisexuality. How can love between two consenting people be wrong? I don't see how it could be wrong.
Christianity is supposed to be about love, not hate, and yet here some of you are protesting and basically spouting hate against homosexuality. Take a look at yourselves and realize the hurt you're causing to many people because of what you say about who they are and who they love.
And on a more positive note, Maureen, I'm really loving The Bermudez Triangle so far. It's hilarious and just so much fun to read. Kudos to you!
Now that I've followed the link and read your prom story, I absolutely need to read the tale of Betty Vox and running from the nun.
Also, check out Maureen's (very modest so far) wikipedia page.
I want to hear the nun stories. Those are always amusing.
In a new book for kids called Reality Leak, two kids have a brief conversation about the Bermuda Triangle, and instead of confirming something with a "Yes" or a "Yep," the girl says, "Yip." She goes on to talk about aliens. I kid you not. Page 121.
Okay.
I'm kind of a muppet nerd, so here's some clarification:
the honkers are the ones who have squeezy horn noses and bike horn shaped ears (or horns/antlers/antennae).
they look like this
and p.s.
whoever said it is right-- this has nothing to do with anti-catholicness, because if anything is anti-catholic, i'm willing to bet it's the people who are involved in things like (presumably) bible-based book banning here in bartlesville. trust me. there's nothing like growing up in a town where you're regularly reminded that you are going to hell for worshipping mary.
but that's probably just a personal beef of mine.
thanks for the clarification maureen and amy. there's a muppet wiki? thats wicked awsome.
1 I go to a Catholic school and alot of people I know there, myself included, are aganist book banning.
2 please please please tell us the story about the nun.
Tell about Betty Vox and the nun!!!
I haven't even read Bermudez Triangle and I don't see why people are making such a big deal...if u don't like it, don't let your own kid read it, otherwise- who cares!
Oh yeah, my letter ran in the Examiner-Enterprise yesterday. I have had many emails already. Hopefully things will get less quiet here real soon. Stay tuned.
I LOVE your video!!!! it was awesome..I want to go meet the Wizard. He sounded very friendly!
Tell us the nun story please! It's only fitting seeing as you're going to be a nun for the Evil Baby Orphanage soon :)
Maureen, I (and I think everyone else on here) would LOVE to hear the story about the time you and your friend Betty Vox had to run from a nun and how it was all your fault. Actually, I'm pretty much willing to hear ANY stories you might want to throw my way. Please, please, please?
Yay! I read Magic or Madness! It was awesome. I also read Peeps and Midnighters. I still haven't read Devilish but I believe you know why...
I've noticed in some of the posts from christians defending the bible and their beliefs etc that there is a lot of use of the word "hate." In fact it is repeated multiple times in a single paragraph. Now, when the bible is about truth, love, acceptance etc, and people that decide to defend it (when it is not even in question regarding this book banning) you repeatedly point out that it is the act of homosexuality that you should "hate"
I don't know about the rest of you, but my mother always told me never to use the word "hate," because few things in this world are stronger than it.
I am not religious, and I am willing to accept anyone. If you are a girl and you truly love another girl (or boy/boy) then have at it! A thing in this world more powerful than hate is love. If you want to avoid this anarchy war that you fear is coming, stop hating, start accepting and loving.
Oh my, sorry for this long comment!
PS, oh please tell us the story! *sits and waits patiently*
((I aplogize greatly if this post shows up more than once, my internet is being VERY odd))
I hereby blame you for starting my Star Wars obsession. Intrigued by your costume dilemma, I decided to troop on over to Wikipedia and look it up. About ten minutes later I had a million tabs in Internet Explorer open of articles on Princess Leia, the rest of the Organa Family, Luke Skywalker, Padme Amidala, and YODA.
...
YODA. If you have not experienced the awesomeness of Yoda yet, I highly recommend that you at least read the Wikipedia article on him.
But anyway, yes, it is indeed your fault for starting this obsession of mine. I've already wasted many hours watching the three prequels on Youtube. I will begin the first three movies soon.
By the way, I am purposely avoiding this whole religious topic. Once I get started on that it is very difficult for me to stop, and I don't want to offend anyone.
Glad to hear your team is monitoring the situation. They look very competent.
I live in Bartlesville. Personally, things like this make me feel pity for my city.
This whole debacle was stupid, to me. I feel that books/information should be freely accessible to anyone who wants it.
While I have never read the book in question, I still feel that nothing should be banned from a library. If the student if intellegent enough to know what they are looking for, I say let them have it.
My town has always been conservative and very religious. I'm not saying that that is why the book was challenged, I'm saying that the action was typical of Bartlesville.
I am a teenager. I do not go to Bartlesville High School, thanks to Whomever. I go to Dewey, but I'm surprised that Dewey didn't do it first. (FYI: Dewey is about 1 mile north of Bartlesville, and is about 3000 population.)
Just my few thoughts.
Now for stuff from the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise.
There are several letters and a bunch of comments about the incident.
Letter: "Let's get to the real issue here. The issue has nothing to do with supporting or not supporting alternative lifestyles, it has to do with preserving a child's right to innocence and to filling their minds with educational subjects that they need imprinted now to become future successful citizens. Teen angst is an issue that parents will take care of in the privacy of their homes as has been done for generations."
So then, the mailer says that it was banned because (to her) it threatens the power the adults have over the children.
Just a small example of what this town is like.
Thanks for letting me post my thoughts.
It's Friday, May 18 here.
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