burn this book edited by toni morrison

On May 12, HarperStudio launched the treasure of a book you see above, Burn This Book, and a nationwide petition in conjunction with PEN American Center to bring awareness to the plight of writers fighting censorship worldwide. You will find that petition here.

The book was inspired by a speech Toni Morrison gave at the PEN International Festival dinner last year, a speech she concluded with the words, "A writer's life and work are not a gift to mankind; they are its necessity." Many face censorship unseen, but what is the toll on us all? Why and to what extent should the written word be protected? This compilation was culled from the words of legendary writers - Toni Morrison, John Updike, David Grossman, Francine Prose, Pico Iyer, Russell Banks, Paul Auster, Orhan Pamuk, Salman Rushdie, Ed Park, and Nadine Gordimer. Perhaps you have seen these individual essays published elsewhere, but they are lent special significance and weight by residing together here in this book.

So why write? The answers run the gamut and are best expressed in these esteemed authors' own words.

"For the novelist does not speak in his books for others, the novelist listens to others. Especially to those who otherwise would go unheard. The novelist does not step forward in public to be seen by others: he sees others. Especially those who otherwise would remain invisible. And by his example, as well as by the work itself, he inspires others to listen and to see." Russell Banks

"The hush of reverence is inappropriate for literature: great writing makes a great deal of noise in the mind, the heart." Salman Rushdie

"Writers know that when we write, we feel the world move; it is flexible, crammed with possibilities." David Oldman

There is so much more here, and this entire book can be ingested in less than a single afternoon. The content not only stays with one, but inspires the reader to attach merited significance to his own words and their value in the overall scope of human experience. Loved it. And will read it more than just this once.

Comments

[Teddy]

Thanks so much for bringing my attention to this book! I just signed the petition.

[claire]

Do I sense telepathy?? I saw this a few days ago and added to wishlist! Those passages you quoted are gems.

[Sandy]

I heard about this book recently, but I can't remember where, which is what I always say. I wonder about my brain some days. I'd say that every person who loves to read should pick this one up!

[Emily]

I love that Rushdie quote. I'll definitely be checking this out!

[ds]

Wow. Not only a must-read, but a must-own. Wonderful quotes you chose. Off to sign petition now...

[Jackie]

Great quotes, need to own. will work at handselling this title. Going to sign petition...