From: Aptimber at aol.com <Aptimber>
Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2001 16:25:47 EDT

In a message dated 8/22/01 11:39:33 AM, irrualli at idirect.com writes:

<< While I think his books are very powerful literature I don't think they're for everyone. I think they can be dangerous. I really believe that they could push some teens over the edge. >>

But the answer isn't banning his books, right? I mean, the truth is that people respond to stories in very different ways. You could hardly predict where I'd find hope -- in the same way that I couldn't predict where you'd find hope. For some of us, just seeing reality, in all it's grim-ness, is a relief -- finally somebody knows, somebody says it exists. As for teens -- part of the process of growing up is finding out what feeds us, what helps us and it may come in surprising packages. In situations where discussion is available these kind of stories would be invaluable -- a teen could talk to someone about what the story made them feel, what they thought could be done, what it reminded them of in their own life, etc. . . . Cormier's editor has already brought much of this up, and backed up her point with a rather amazing letter and essay.

Amy Timberlake
Received on Wed 22 Aug 2001 03:25:47 PM CDT