Memoirs of a Bookbat: A YA Novel About an Avid Reader, Family Censorship, and the Hardest Choice

By Kathryn Lasky

Book Overview

Harper Jessup is an avid reader, and when her parents become "migrants for God" she must keep her books secret. As Harper grows older and realizes how valuable reading is to her, she comes to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0152012591
• ISBN13: 9780152012595
• Release Date: April 1996
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.6" x 5.0"

Customer Reviews

A haunting narrative with vital questions

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.

Fantastic!

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.

from a bookbat

To all fellow bookworms-- you must change your name. Memoirs of a Bookbat is the most amazingly thought-provoking book I have ever read. A teacher of mine told me to, and I did. IT WAS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ. Read it. Read it now, and enjoy.

One of the most thought provoking, most stunning works ever!

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!

"Memoirs of a Bookbat" is definitely worth your while

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.