Do you like bonfires?

That’s a seemingly innocent question right?

Earlier in the year, I joined a book group and shortly after joining someone asked if I like bonfires. I grew up camping and roasting marshmallows over a fire so I said as much. This person responded back with ‘great’ and a link to a website. I clicked on the link and it led me to an event invitation for a book burning. SAY WHAT?!?! Maybe I was naïve in not knowing that ‘bonfire’ really doesn’t mean innocent marshmallow roasting? Regardless, I was shocked! Never in my life have I been approached and asked to burn books! Once I picked my jaw off the floor I responded with something along the lines of ‘It seems I have misunderstood the term bonfire. I do not believe in burning books no matter the content’.

I could go on forever on my opinions but I will keep it short and simple. I understand that not all books are for everyone. I think that a parent has the right to restrict what their child reads, but I do not believe in banning books beyond that level. I don’t think one person or a group of people should be able to decide what others can and cannot read.

Why am I telling you this? Well Saturday is the beginning of the Banned Book Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & I Read Banned Books. For the occasion I read and reviewed Scars by Cheryl Rainfield (see my review here). I will also be giving away a copy of Scars so check back on Saturday for the hop/giveaway!

I would love to hear your opinions on banned books and/or book burning!