Places I Never Meant to Be: Original Stories by Censored Writers edited by Judy Blume

Places I Never Meant to Be: Original Stories by Censored Writers edited by Judy Blume

After reading Rachel Vail for the first time since middle school, I wanted to see what else the library had of hers, and this anthology came up. I've read books from many of these authors and, as a short story lover, was excited to see what they did with the form.

Each writer also included a brief essay about censorship. A quote from Rachel Vail stood out to me: "But I had made a vow to myself when I was a teenager that I would never forget, and never disrespect, the intensity of the adolescent experience, the power and terror of being a person actively creating herself."

I love that idea, and think it goes well beyond adolescence. Aren't we always actively creating ourselves? If not, I think that quote is certainly inspiration to do so.

But overall, I’m sad this book is still relevant. Let people read what they want to read. Don't parent other people's kids. Don't ban books. Let people make their own choices. Etc etc etc. I could turn this into a full-blown rant, but I won't. That said, I liked reading a bunch of different YA stories in one collection, and the essays authors shared about censorship and why they write were powerful.