I always say good books are well written, great books are found at a good time. This doesn’t mean great books are always profound, get favorable reviews or declared a classic by the literary authorities. It means for whatever magical reason, or twist of fate, you discovered a book that resonated with you at a time when you needed it most.
This experience can happen on an individual level or be collectively shared by a particular demographic or generation. It’s why ordinary books can become bigger than words on a page. They transform into conversation starters, community builders, and, in the eyes of some, monsters that need to be destroyed.
It breaks my heart to think that somewhere a student in a Utah public school is barred from the opportunity to discover a great book by someone else who doesn’t understand what makes a book good, what makes a book great. Someone who says “it’s to protect others,” when what they mean is it’s to protect themselves.
A ban is an illusion to cast when you only want to live in a world of your imagination and pretend the imagination of others is disgusting, appalling or inferior. It’s a shield to shy away from productive critique and thought-provoking conversations. And it’s a story that needs a major rewrite.
Dannielle Moriondo, Salt Lake City
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