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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great intro to 1st Amendment issues, January 11, 1999
This review is from: The Day They Came to Arrest the Book (Paperback)
I first read this book when I was perhaps 13 years old, and looking back, it was my first step to a real appreciation of America's civil libertarian tradition. It took me to Hentoff's fascinating and excellent "Free Speech For Me - But Not For Thee," and then Jonathan Rauch's "Kindly Inquisitors," both nonfiction books defending an uncompromising view of the First Amendment. (Which, of course, is the only view that makes any sense.) The story is a fun one, and outlines the issues in a fair (if not balanced) sort of way. One of the book's biggest storytelling strengths is the variety of "censor personalities" -- there is the fire-eating parent who speaks loudly and not only wants his own son not to have to read "Huckleberry Finn," but no one else's kids either. There is the compromising, silky smooth principal whose primary objective is to appease and evade, censoring where it will please anyone. And there is the student censor, who feels strongly about her education -- strongly enough to place control of its content in someone else's hands. Persuasive without being overly polemical or preachy, and written for young adults, this book makes a fine addition to any kid's shelf.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A thought-provoking look at censorship in school, November 9, 2002
This review is from: The Day They Came to Arrest the Book (Paperback)
"The Day They Came to Arrest the Book," by Nat Hentoff, takes place in an American high school. Controversy erupts when some parents and teachers object to the teaching of Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" in a history course; one of the key points of contention is the use of the word "nigger" in the book. Soon the battle lines are drawn, and the stage is set for public debates that will ultimately decide the fate of Huck at the school. Overall, this is a fast-moving and interesting book. There are a couple of dated references to Russians and Communists that reflect the book's Cold War-era setting (the copyright date is 1982), but in general the story and issues remain relevant. The book is not without flaws; there are some stiff lines, and one character comes across as a rather two-dimensional villain. Also, the issue of homophobia is briefly skirted, but not satisfactorily addressed. Still, I enjoyed this book very much and think it has significant value. Hentoff raises many important issues: First Amendment rights, the role of the student press, racial sensitivity, sexism in language, etc. If I were teaching Huck Finn in a high school course, I would definitely consider using this short novel as a companion text. Finally, if you enjoy this book, I recommend the play "Inherit the Wind," by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Disturbing, thought-provoking, memorable, December 21, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: The Day They Came to Arrest the Book (Paperback)
An English teacher assigns "Huckleberry Finn" to her class. A black parent picks up the book his son brought home and lights on a certain word. From this, a battle over censorship begins. The students divide into two factions, as do the faculty and the community. Impromptu arguments in the hallways are supplemented by debates. Hentoff relates everything in such a way as to put forward many answers, while making his own strong belief in the right to free speech clear. The opposition is, however, portrayed very fairly--Kate is a prominent and sympathetic character. The fight is not between the good and the bad, but between two groups whose motives are both good; they disagree as to how things should be done and how much power people should have over other people. A very thought-provoking book that the reader will think about at random times for years afterwards. Although in fiction form, this book is more like a modern, YA version of a dialogue of Plato's. It isn't, perhaps, what one expects--although the author's name should have been a tip-off. Kids who like to think will love this book.
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