Redcardlibrarian writes “This article is in the online editon of the The Galveston County Daily News:
Published January 28, 2006 FRIENDSWOOD: The community of Friendswood is neck deep in discussion about the novel “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.” Unfortunately, the discussion is not literary.
On Monday, Friendswood Mayor Kim Brizendine issued a proclamation declaring Jan. 31 Galveston County Reads Day for all citizens, teens to seniors as part of an effort to join a national project promoting “one city, one book.”
On Friday, he issued a press release that expressed concern about the content of the book. Friendswood council member John LeCour was not happy with the selection. He said the book could “pollute” young minds.”
Great book
“Curious Incident” is one of the best books I’ve read in the last few years. My teenage son loved it too. What is particularly amazing about the book is that it allows the reader to really understand what it’s like to be autistic; almost like understanding a different language or culture. There’s too little of that these days (understanding different cultures)…
lovely little town of Freedomwood
Funny how a single book can unearth the deeprooted problems of Freedomwood.
Councilman Pedon said: “A lot of liberal do-gooders say“
Wow, it must be great to live in a town where your government resorts to name-calling over one’s political beliefs.
“The firestorm is all the liberal pacifists who are trying to make us out to be book burning, goose-stepping Nazis. That’s not the case at all.“
Well, let’s review the case. For instance, goose-stepping Nazis believe art is divided in clean art and depraved art. Democratic societies on the other hand have room for all books. Councilman Pedon?
“There are plenty of books without profanity we could promote.“
(Note: councilman Pedon has not read the book.)
Re:lovely little town of Freedomwood
I grew up in one town over from Friendswood. It is a very conservative area. Friendswood was founded by a group of Quakers and was mostly Quaker until the 1950’s when the Baptists came and founded a church there. It was the only ‘dry’ county for miles around for many many years.
Still, it would seem prudent to read the book before condemming it.
And given the religious roots of the community, why not choose a book that fits the mood of the community?