Customer Reviews

Memoirs of a Bookbat

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Even as a person who completely disagrees with book banning and censorship in general, I found this book to be a little heavy-handed. Harper and Gray, admittedly, are great characters, but occasionally they just seem too perfect, especially Gray and his family. Harper's parents and their friends, on the other hand, are simply narrow minded and too obsessive about their religion to pay any attention to anything else- you never get the sense that they could be even vaguely nice. Some of the descriptions are good, the concept is great,and Gray's answering machine messages are very funny and lighten things up a lot, but the flatness of the characters and the obviousness of the plot gives it an overall unrealistic feeling. And as much as I disagree with censorship, I don't need the message thrown in my face so hard.

I have been a long-time fan of Kathryn Lasky, but I have to say that this must be her best book yet. It paints a very realistic picture of a girl whose freedom is oppressed by censorship. I read this book in one day, yet still completely absorbed it and savored it. To anybody who thinks (or does not think, at for that matter)that books should be banned, read "Memoirs of a Bookbat". It is a real eye- opener.

Religion, adolescence,and Briar Rabbit? Intriguing and thought provoking, this novel is without a doubt the pinnacle of what religion can do if taken to the extreme. Harper doesn't want the past of her parents to come back but at what price are they all happy? As religion takes a firm grip on her life she is slammed with censorship and her beloved books are deemed satanic. Her references to fiction and books made me think twice about the depth of her fantasy world. Writing to authors seems the whimsical thoughts of children and she does in fact view much of her life through a child's eyes. Dealing with the theory of evolution and sin Harper is torn between two fantasy worlds, her parents and her own. Dragged by her parents on their "quest" she encounters an ally in her sanctuary and finds grounds she never knew existed. Only read this book with an open mind, you will view religion more diffrently than you ever thought possible.

Memoirs of a Bookbat is one of the best books I ever read. The language is realistic, with phrases people really use.It's got a preety simple vocabulary, but it creates stunningly beautiful images with the words it does use. The book centers around Harper, a girl with book-banning religous fanatics for parents. The book is against censorship; but i think that it's more about having an open mind than anything else.

I'm a major fan of Lasky's and was looking forward to reading this book, which had come highly recommended. It was a big disappointment. Two-dimensional characters; stilted, artificial language; cliché situations; and worst of all, a preachy tone destroyed the message for me. And I'm someone who agrees with her message; I'm strongly against censorship of all sorts. But Harper's path was too clear-cut for her. If one of the people from the so-called "religious right" had been the least bit sympathetic, or if Gray had shown some human resentment at being the brunt of her anger, or if one of her parents had tried a little bit to understand her, it would have made her choice much more difficult and painful, and ultimately, more important.

I must say that I was highly disappointed in this book. I wanted to like it because the title promises a book-crazed teen girl--like myself possibly--and maybe a good story to go along with it. It doesn't deliver. The message is strongly pushed throughout the novel, but in a rather clever way, because it's difficult not to agree with the main character's final actions. The religious zealots in the book are portrayed in such a way that you are nearly forced to dislike and disagree with them. But that's precisely the issue. The right-wing characters of the book fit all the stereotypes, and even exaggerate them. The author seemed so intent on pushing her message that she did not put much effort into making them human, rather than the cardboard, two-dimensional 'villians' they are. Not one even partially positive or sympathetic character exists among them, adding to the unbelievability factor. Note that I am fully against banning books in any way, but my concern here is that the book not only attacks that worthy foe, but sweeps across a whole range of minor issues (minor in the book, at least) and immediantly taints them by association with cenorship. The idea is: "These awful people who are for banning books are also on this side of another issue, so of course their (exaggerated) opinions and reactions to this issue must be wrong as well." It's subtle and maybe not totally intentional, but it's very much there. My complaint about the book also stems from being unable to find redeeming qualities in the book. The language is plain, unoriginal and not beautiful or creative for itself. Some scenes have a very improbable feel, and none of the good characters are realistic or alive. Gray, the best character in the book, has sparks of humor and extreme likability, but is too perfect, while lacking the something to make him really come alive out of the book. What did I like? All the literary references, and the few moments of hilarity from Gray's answering machine messages. Otherwise, only worth it if can prompt some interesting disscussion.

A book about a girl who loves books as much as I do? How could I resist.

However, the book was pretty didactic.

I enjoyed it for its depiction of a reader. I found the girl's thoughts on books and reading to be quite believable and even memorable. But on the whole, I felt like this book sacrificed what could have been a good story for the point the author wanted to make about censorship.

But, hey. Read it. Books are good.

A wonderful story that shows issues of intellectual freedom. Harper is a girl whose parents are part of an over- realigious group that tries to control and censor everything. Harper, however, has a need to read and have intellectual freedom. I couldn't stop reading it once I started. And I nearly cried toward the end. It's one of those books that you almost don't want to end! The writing style is lovely, the ideas are awesome, and the isues are important. I urge you not to hesitate at all. Go to the nearest library or bookstore and get this book. You will be missing out on a lot if you don't!

I dont remember ever buying this book, but I own it, an it could not have been more meaningful to my life. The language used and style of writing draws in any reader, and the story line is wonderful.

This book ment so much to me at a time in which life couldnt be worse. I would recomned it to anyone! I find myslef re-reading it sometimes many years later, its powerful and emotional, leaving the reader at a more content place in their own lives.

5 stars, an amazing book

This book, as I said, is absolutely wonderful! However, it is not exactly meant for younger children. I rate it 5 stars because it made me open my mind. I am 14 myself, so I felt very close to the main character. This is a funny, touching, and great book.