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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

Beginning the Red Rising Trilogy now by Pierce Brown. This one has been banned or challenged in some school districts, as dystopian books often are. #BookSky #ChallengedBooks #BannedBooks #RedRising

Cover of Red Rising by Pierce Brown. Book 1 of the Red Rising Trilogy. Black cover with a red wing across the front.

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

Well, I officially did not finish a series. I just couldn't not get through it. I did my best, but some books just aren't for everyone. #BookSky #BannedBooks #ChallengedBooks

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 19/04/2025

While waiting on Libby to gift me the next Wayward Children book, I started a commonly challenged book series, Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. I have feelings about this one. They are a bit sappy, but I see grown adults on BookTok complaining they aren't spicy enough. The YAs are 17 and 19. #BookSky

Cover of Shatter Me by New York Times Bestseller Tahereh Mafi

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

I believe Book 8 of the Wayward Children Series has been my favorite thus far. All of the books have had a strong impact. They are a stark reminder that our kids are individuals. If we try to fit kids into OUR views of how they should be, they may feel as though they don't belong at all. #BookSky

Cover of Lost in the Moment and Found by Seanan McGuire

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 12/04/2025

True. Removing history is no different. It's just digital burning. But, lucky for us, the internet is often forever and I *know* someone has downloaded all the important stuff. #modernbannedbooks #bannedbooks #booksky

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 06/04/2025

Now starting Book 5 of the Wayward Children series, Come Tumbling Down. This book takes the reader back to the main storyline, as each even numbered book is a character back story while each odd numbered book is the primary story. #BookSky #BannedBooks #Libby

Cover of Come Tumbling Down by Seanan McGuire. Hugo and Nebula Award-winning Winning Series.

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 06/04/2025

I finished Down Among the Sticks and Bones, Book 2 of the Wayward Children series, although I read it after Book 4. I think this has been my favorite, thus far, of the series. I really enjoyed the narrative of nature v nurture and the power of individual choices. #BookSky #BannedBooks #Libby

Cover of Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

Listen, #Libby, you can't make all of my holds available at once. I can't listen to all of these #audiobooks at once. I want to, but I can't. I guess the next person in line will get one of these 😂 #Libraries

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

Cooking dinner and listening to Cory Booker as he speaks about two men from my home state of Georgia: John Lewis and Jimmy Carter. Now I'm crying as I butter my corn on the cob, as he speaks of love, not hate, and of leading with your heart. Thank you, Sen. Booker.

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

I grew up next to a farm with peacocks. Their mocking cries of "heeeeeeeeelp heeeeeeeeelp" resulted in my loathing peacocks. The place we enjoy going to in the summer has neighboring peacocks. My home neighbors now have peacocks. It's beginning to feel as though peacocks have a vendetta.

media.tenor.com

a close up of a peacock 's head with its mouth wide open

ALT: a close up of a peacock 's head with its mouth wide open

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 30/03/2025

Began Book 4 of the Wayward Children series. It's certainly an interesting series. The idea of a perfect world for someone who doesn't feel they fit into this one is incredibly appealing. #BookSky #Audiobooks #BannedBooks

Cover of In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire. Hugo and Nebula award-winning series.

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

Beginning Book 3 of the Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire. Book 2 was not yet available on Libby. But, that works out. Because, this is a unique series in which odd numbered books are a continuation of the main story, while even numbered books are standalone backstories. #BookSky

Cover of Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire, New York Times Bestselling Author

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

I started Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire. I'm actually almost done with it because it's a short read. This is one of those good 'ol Florida bans. It's interesting; I cannot decide how I feel about it. It's certainly unique. #BookSky #BannedBooks #Libby #Audiobooks

Cover of Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire, New York Times Bestselling Author.

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

I finished Sunrise on the Reaping. Then, decided to listen to music, and hit my random playlist. Wait for It from Hamilton kicked off. It felt incredibly right after finishing that book. Getting fire to catch can often take time. But, eventually, it does. #BookSky #Audiobooks

Cover of audiobook Sunrise on the Reaping. A Hunger Games Novel by Suzanne Collins. Read by Jefferson White.

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

I'm really struggling to not look up what happens to certain characters in Sunrise on the Reaping. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to stand finding out organically. I want to go ahead and burst my own bubble. #BookSky

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

Starting Sunrise on the Reaping. If TikTok speaks the truth, my heart is about to be crushed. I'm not ready. Haymitch has always been a favorite. #BookSky

Cover of Sunrise on the Reaping. A Hunger Games Novel by Suzanne Collins. Read by Jefferson White.

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

I finished Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. There were so many incredibly lovely lines in this book. Sometimes I would just pause after a beautifully worded explanation and just repeat it to myself. #BookSky #BannedBooks #Audiobooks

"They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God." -Zora Neale Hurston-

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

Still listening to Their Eyes Were Watching God. I think this was the perfect book to listen to because there is so much dialgoue. Ruby Dee was a fantastic narrator (d. 2014). #audiobooks #BookSky #BannedBooks

Cover of Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

Going to begin Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston today. I *almost* began another fun book first, but Libby told me it was time for this one, and who am I to say no to the library? #BookSky #BannedBooks #Libraries

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

Currently reading a "just for fun" series based off of many BookToks. I just needed something not too terribly serious. #BookSky

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

Sigh. I'm exhausted. Not shocked, but tired anyway. "The group EveryLibrary decried the looming cuts to the agency, arguing that the IMLS is statutorily required to send federal funds to state libraries, based on an act passed by Congress." #BookSky #Libraries www.politico.com/news/2025/03...

politico.com

Trump’s next agency cuts include US-backed global media, library and museum grants

On the list is the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees Voice of America and Radio Free Asia, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

I finished The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. I enjoyed learning more about how we came to know The Hunger Games in the original trilogy. I think it was a good reminder that villains don't always have an origin story. While they can be likable initially, some people are simply born villainous.

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 09/03/2025

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes had me feeling initial sympathy for Snow but that quickly wore off. I find myself thinking a lot about children who enjoy the power of fireworks who become adults who crave the power of control. And I find myself thinking a lot about a certain billionaire.

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

We love to see communities protecting literature. “If more of us are brave enough to step into communities and say, ‘You know what? Let’s just talk. I think we will get a whole lot further like that in all aspects of society.” #BookSky

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

You heard it from a librarian: Audiobooks count as reading. If you're struggling to reclaim reading, start with some #audiobooks. You can use the Libby app through your library! #BookSky #Libraries

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

This! Actually being able to challenge challenges because you understand the context of the challenged content is important. #BookSky #BannedBooks #Libraries

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 02/03/2025

Started Catching Fire. During this re-read of The Hunger Games, I've been reminded by just how often I really wanted to throttle Katniss. #BookSky

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 02/03/2025

The discussion on Parable has begun! I highly recommend this book, if you haven't read it yet.

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 02/03/2025

I don't really blame the kids for escapism. I was born prior to 9/11. I can remember a time the world felt safe. That's why so many millennials remember the 80s and 90s so fondly. These kids have never known that world. They've only ever lived through unprecedented events.

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

I was actually able to do full-blown kitchen things today. Here's to stuffing topped pork chops, roasted green beans, brown rice (with mushrooms and onions cause that's how we like it) and pear cobbler with blueberries. And I finished a book. And and the laundry is done. What a successful day.

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

I'm going to do a re-read of The Hunger Games. I still haven't read The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and I'd like to re-read the original trilogy, as it has been a while. And, look, #Libby has delivered Book 1 just as I finished my previous book! It's kismet. #BookSky #BannedBooks #Libraries

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

Finished Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune, companion to The House in the Cerulean Sea. If Book 1 was about realizing the system is set up to specifically be against marginalized populations then Book 2 was about rising up to fight against those systems. I enjoyed them both. #BookSky

Covers of The House in the Cerulean Sea and Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune. Both books feature a red house on a cliff overlooking the sea. Book 1 is set during a bright, sunny day. Book 2 is set at night and a phoenix is rising up over the house.

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

"Anyone who violates the law is subject to a "misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature." If SB 74 is passed, this would include librarians."

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

Ever since TikTok came back, I've been getting an outrageous amount of spammy follow requests and DMs. Probably more in the last 2 weeks than than I'd received the entire time I've had TikTok. It's feeling an awful lot like Meta up in there.

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

“When we strip library shelves of books about particular groups, we defeat the purpose of a library collection that is supposed to reflect the lives of all people,” Baêta added. “The damaging consequences to young people are real.” #BannedBooks #BookSky #Libraries

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

On Chapter 6 on Somewhere Beyond the Sea. Prior to beginning it, I saw some reviews that said it was "preachy." Is it? Perhaps. But, I don't think conversations around treating people like people or addressing the sadness of food insecurity for children is worthy of complaint. #BookSky

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

Started Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune. This is a sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea, which I read not long ago and loved. It felt like a warm hug. It has also been challenged due to LGBTQ+ themes. Klune has stated he wants to be the anti-J.K. Rowlings. #BookSky #BannedBooks

Cover of the audiobook Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune, New York Times Bestselling Author. Read by Daniel Henning. The Sequel to The House In The Cerulean Sea.

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

It feels good to return a book early to #Libby for someone else's enjoyment. If you haven't gotten a library card and downloaded the Libby app yet, do it today! #BookSky #Libraries

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

I finished Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. I found this to be a powerful read about Melinda understanding what happened to her, acknowledging what happened to her, and finding her voice and strength after trauma. Banned for being sexually explicit. #BannedBooks #BookSky #Libraries 🧵

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

Speak took me back to the olden days. I can remember a conversation in middle school when my best friend told me she didn't want to be friends anymore because I wasn't cool enough. Some times YA books can really rip your heart out and remind you of old hurts. #Audiobooks #BookSky #BannedBooks

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Reposted by Listener of Banned Books

Retired-Librarian @retired-librarian.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

Hey, so, thanks Bluesky people for supporting the #BannedBookSkyClub You make a librarian proud. Pin and like the feed if you'd like to join. See pinned post on my profile page for schedule.

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

Listening to Speak has prompted me to Google: "Do hospitals still use candy stripers?" I hadn't thought about candy stripers in a long time. Answer: No, they are simply called "volunteers" now and no longer wear pink striped outfits. #BookSky #BannedBooks #Audiobooks

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

My next choice for a banned book is Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, brought to you by my Libby app. It was first published in 1999 but somehow I missed this one along the way. But, it constantly pops up on banned book lists, so I figured it was time. #BannedBooks #BookSky #Libraries #audiobooks

Audiobook cover of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Introduction by Ashley C. Ford

Afterword by Jason Reynolds

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

Finished To Kill a Mockingbird. Reading it as a kid, I believed it was just a story about how things *were* and that we are past all that now. Reading it as an adult, it is a stark reminder that we have never gotten past hate. Be the Atticus Finch. #Audiobooks #BannedBooks #BookSky #Libraries

Cover of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

Performed by Sissy Spacek

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize

The Great American Read (PBS)

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

Found this "recipe" in a cookbook from '91. Although the title gave me pause at first, it turned out to be quite lovely.

Preserving Children
1 lg. field
Half dozen children
2 to 3 small dogs
Pinch of brook and pebbles.

Mix the children and dogs well. Put them in a field, stirring constantly. Pour the brook over the puppies. Sprinkle the field with flowers. Spread all over a deep blue sky and bake in the sun. When browned, set in bathroom to cool.

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Listener of Banned Books @listenbannedbooks.bsky.social · 23/02/2025

I suppose Bruno flipped his ears back to watch TV so he has surround sound for a more immersive experience. #DogsofBlueSky

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