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That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America
“Amanda Jones started getting death threats, all for standing up for our right to read . . . but she's not stopped fighting against book bans, or stopped advocating for access to diverse stories.”-Oprah Winfrey, in a speech at the 2023 National Book Awards
"Amanda Jones clearly outlines how we got here, who's leading this false charge against qualified educators, media specialists, and authors-and most importantly, explores the steps we all must take to make the voice of truth and reason louder than their caterwauling.”-Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Part memoir, part manifesto, the inspiring story of a Louisiana librarian advocating for inclusivity on the front lines of our vicious culture wars.
One of the things small town librarian Amanda Jones values most about books is how they can affirm a young person's sense of self. So in 2022, when she caught wind of a local public hearing that would discuss “book content,” she knew what was at stake. Schools and libraries nationwide have been bombarded by demands for books with LGTBQ+ references, discussions of racism, and more to be purged from the shelves. Amanda would be damned if her community were to ban stories representing minority groups. She spoke out that night at the meeting. Days later, she woke up to a nightmare that is still ongoing.
Amanda Jones has been called a groomer, a pedo, and a porn-pusher; she has faced death threats and attacks from strangers and friends alike. Her decision to support a collection of books with diverse perspectives made her a target for extremists using book banning campaigns-funded by dark money organizations and advanced by hard right politicians-in a crusade to make America more white, straight, and "Christian." But Amanda Jones wouldn't give up without a she sued her harassers for defamation and urged others to join her in the resistance.
Mapping the book banning crisis occurring all across the nation, That Librarian draws the battle lines in the war against equity and inclusion, calling book lovers everywhere to rise in defense of our readers.
"Amanda Jones clearly outlines how we got here, who's leading this false charge against qualified educators, media specialists, and authors-and most importantly, explores the steps we all must take to make the voice of truth and reason louder than their caterwauling.”-Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Part memoir, part manifesto, the inspiring story of a Louisiana librarian advocating for inclusivity on the front lines of our vicious culture wars.
One of the things small town librarian Amanda Jones values most about books is how they can affirm a young person's sense of self. So in 2022, when she caught wind of a local public hearing that would discuss “book content,” she knew what was at stake. Schools and libraries nationwide have been bombarded by demands for books with LGTBQ+ references, discussions of racism, and more to be purged from the shelves. Amanda would be damned if her community were to ban stories representing minority groups. She spoke out that night at the meeting. Days later, she woke up to a nightmare that is still ongoing.
Amanda Jones has been called a groomer, a pedo, and a porn-pusher; she has faced death threats and attacks from strangers and friends alike. Her decision to support a collection of books with diverse perspectives made her a target for extremists using book banning campaigns-funded by dark money organizations and advanced by hard right politicians-in a crusade to make America more white, straight, and "Christian." But Amanda Jones wouldn't give up without a she sued her harassers for defamation and urged others to join her in the resistance.
Mapping the book banning crisis occurring all across the nation, That Librarian draws the battle lines in the war against equity and inclusion, calling book lovers everywhere to rise in defense of our readers.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2024
575 people are currently reading
18930 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,086 reviews
August 30, 2024
My lower rating is not due to the subject as I 100% support the author’s position and am totally against book banning.
However, I struggled with the length and structure of the book with too many chapters repetitively describing the author’s emotional struggles along with the horrible social media vitriol she received. I was expecting a more linear description of the court case and trials.
About halfway through, I started skimming through the many repetitive sections. Much tighter and rigorous editing would help this become more readable.
Ch 15 was the most useful in its useful descriptions of steps to take to combat the crazies in this right wing book banning movement.
I hope she continues to succeed in her cause!
However, I struggled with the length and structure of the book with too many chapters repetitively describing the author’s emotional struggles along with the horrible social media vitriol she received. I was expecting a more linear description of the court case and trials.
About halfway through, I started skimming through the many repetitive sections. Much tighter and rigorous editing would help this become more readable.
Ch 15 was the most useful in its useful descriptions of steps to take to combat the crazies in this right wing book banning movement.
I hope she continues to succeed in her cause!
July 24, 2024
First the review:
"I chose to take a stand, and that decision changed the trajectory of my life . . . I have zero regrets."
After speaking her mind at a public meeting on "book content," school librarian Amanda Jones found her Facebook page blazing with slurs, accusations, and death threats. Thus began an uphill, and ongoing battle for Jones to defend her right to create a safe, inclusive environment for EVERY reader. I highly recommend this one to anyone interested in censorship, and the freedom to make choices. My only complaint about the book is it seems to be more about internet bullying (I thought Melania was supposed to take care of that . . . ) than book banning.
Now the rant:
Last year the library where I work attempted to have a drag queen story time. (Though we received numerous complaints over the phone, only one protestor showed up that day, and he sat outside on his lawn-chair clutching a little sign that said something about pedophiles.) No children attended the story time, though every member of our library board was there in a show of support. Later that year when we sent out letters asking for donations, we received one reply that stated loosely that, "she would NEVER give money to us as we had drag queens talking to children, and the book Gender Queer on our shelves." Had this irate woman been secure enough in her views to include her name and address, I would have happily written her back to let her know that our children's librarian offers over one hundred story times a year that DON'T feature drag queens, and our shelves feature thousands of books that DON'T concern LGBTQ issues or characters.
When you attempt to defund libraries, you take EVERYTHING away from communities: books for children AND homeschoolers about animals and nature, sweet and innocent tales by Nicholas Sparks, clean books about Amish romance, access to computers for job seekers, and heat or air conditioning for the homeless. Take away money from libraries, and you're not just harming the LGBTQ community, as many right-wingers seem to think.
The Heritage Foundation has put together a nifty little package called Project 2025, and, make no mistake about it, it will be implemented the next time a Republican attains our highest office. Part of their master plan seeks to jail pornographers, which in Christian speak means anything about LGBTQ individuals. (Don't worry - good Christian men will still be able to stop off at those strip clubs on the way home from bible study.) The Project report is filled with "allegations of criminal conduct by librarians, publishers, authors, and educators and argues in favor of criminal charges and incarceration."* Eleven states have already passed laws posing restrictions on libraries, and the majority of the most frequently challenged books are by and about LGBTQ people, and people of color.
If you care about the First Amendment and the freedom to read, you know what you have to do.
*EveryLibrary
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for providing both an electronic and physical copy of this book. I have happily shared it with my coworkers.
"I chose to take a stand, and that decision changed the trajectory of my life . . . I have zero regrets."
After speaking her mind at a public meeting on "book content," school librarian Amanda Jones found her Facebook page blazing with slurs, accusations, and death threats. Thus began an uphill, and ongoing battle for Jones to defend her right to create a safe, inclusive environment for EVERY reader. I highly recommend this one to anyone interested in censorship, and the freedom to make choices. My only complaint about the book is it seems to be more about internet bullying (I thought Melania was supposed to take care of that . . . ) than book banning.
Now the rant:
Last year the library where I work attempted to have a drag queen story time. (Though we received numerous complaints over the phone, only one protestor showed up that day, and he sat outside on his lawn-chair clutching a little sign that said something about pedophiles.) No children attended the story time, though every member of our library board was there in a show of support. Later that year when we sent out letters asking for donations, we received one reply that stated loosely that, "she would NEVER give money to us as we had drag queens talking to children, and the book Gender Queer on our shelves." Had this irate woman been secure enough in her views to include her name and address, I would have happily written her back to let her know that our children's librarian offers over one hundred story times a year that DON'T feature drag queens, and our shelves feature thousands of books that DON'T concern LGBTQ issues or characters.
When you attempt to defund libraries, you take EVERYTHING away from communities: books for children AND homeschoolers about animals and nature, sweet and innocent tales by Nicholas Sparks, clean books about Amish romance, access to computers for job seekers, and heat or air conditioning for the homeless. Take away money from libraries, and you're not just harming the LGBTQ community, as many right-wingers seem to think.
The Heritage Foundation has put together a nifty little package called Project 2025, and, make no mistake about it, it will be implemented the next time a Republican attains our highest office. Part of their master plan seeks to jail pornographers, which in Christian speak means anything about LGBTQ individuals. (Don't worry - good Christian men will still be able to stop off at those strip clubs on the way home from bible study.) The Project report is filled with "allegations of criminal conduct by librarians, publishers, authors, and educators and argues in favor of criminal charges and incarceration."* Eleven states have already passed laws posing restrictions on libraries, and the majority of the most frequently challenged books are by and about LGBTQ people, and people of color.
If you care about the First Amendment and the freedom to read, you know what you have to do.
*EveryLibrary
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for providing both an electronic and physical copy of this book. I have happily shared it with my coworkers.
November 16, 2024
“We should ALL want the freedom to read what we want, and have access to reading materials from a variety of viewpoints. Protecting our libraries is exactly how we do that. The attack on librarians and libraries is shameful and something everyone should fear.”
This is a perfect week to discuss this book. This week is ‘Banned Books Week.’ The theme this year is “Freed Between the Lines.” It reminds us how much is at stake. It has been obvious for some time now that our freedoms to explore new ideas and different perspectives is under threat, and thus, book bans don’t just restrict access to stories – they undermine our rights.
“Banning books gives us silence when we need speech. It closes our ears when we need to listen. It makes us blind when we need sight.” – Stephen Chbosky, Author
In a recent article I read, MSNBC journalist Ali Velshi, who is well aware of the struggle his parents experienced growing up in apartheid South Africa, shared…
“If you haven’t lived around other people — you don’t know queer people, you don’t know immigrants, you don’t know refugees, you don’t know people of a different race — books give you a window into those kinds of things.”
And, with this memoir it reminds me just how much I love librarians. Let me just get that out of the way. I love their commitment to reading, and education. And, in this particular case, the author takes her devotion to books one step further…she is fighting against book banning in America. How can we not be her cheerleader?
And, sadly, this wasn’t really meant to be her cause.
Jones was born and raised in the small, rural town of Watson in southern Louisiana. Watson is a place known for family, faith and conservative tradition. Where everyone knows everybody. She had been employed for more than 2 decades as a middle school librarian at the same public school she attended. She even garnered recognition when she was named the National Librarian of the Year by the School Library Journal in 2021. Reading her story, it was clearly obvious that she adored her job, her students and her standing in the community.
But what happens when one’s comfortable life is upended by a far-right citizens group that targets individuals, books and institutions it considers too liberal, permissive and/or inclusive?
For Jones, it was her life. The vicious social media campaign against her was relentless and heart-breaking especially because it was by people she had known all her life. Unfortunately, these people believed they were right about what books should or shouldn’t be allowed in the school, and they didn’t care what lies or allegations they were spreading about Jones. Especially false ones.
In an interview with the New York Times, the author shared…
“Good librarians and good activists put kids’ interests first. Everything I do is so that current kids, and kids in the future, have a better world.”
Certainly, this attack had its effect on Jones, and she shares very openly about what occurred to her in this memoir. But instead of hiding, she chose to defend herself and the principles she believed in as an educator. Which makes this a very compelling story. Of a remarkable woman, and her defense of the freedom to read, to discover oneself and the world around them, and to think. It also led her to finally realize something very important to her…
“I will never again let anyone dull my sparkle.”
The author’s story reminds us that freedom of speech is central to democracy. Reading what we want should be our choice. Which also means…
Our voice matters. Our vote matters.
One last thing…
It is recommended that readers also read the author’s 2022 speech to the Livingston Parish Library Board of Control at the end of the book.
This is a perfect week to discuss this book. This week is ‘Banned Books Week.’ The theme this year is “Freed Between the Lines.” It reminds us how much is at stake. It has been obvious for some time now that our freedoms to explore new ideas and different perspectives is under threat, and thus, book bans don’t just restrict access to stories – they undermine our rights.
“Banning books gives us silence when we need speech. It closes our ears when we need to listen. It makes us blind when we need sight.” – Stephen Chbosky, Author
In a recent article I read, MSNBC journalist Ali Velshi, who is well aware of the struggle his parents experienced growing up in apartheid South Africa, shared…
“If you haven’t lived around other people — you don’t know queer people, you don’t know immigrants, you don’t know refugees, you don’t know people of a different race — books give you a window into those kinds of things.”
And, with this memoir it reminds me just how much I love librarians. Let me just get that out of the way. I love their commitment to reading, and education. And, in this particular case, the author takes her devotion to books one step further…she is fighting against book banning in America. How can we not be her cheerleader?
And, sadly, this wasn’t really meant to be her cause.
Jones was born and raised in the small, rural town of Watson in southern Louisiana. Watson is a place known for family, faith and conservative tradition. Where everyone knows everybody. She had been employed for more than 2 decades as a middle school librarian at the same public school she attended. She even garnered recognition when she was named the National Librarian of the Year by the School Library Journal in 2021. Reading her story, it was clearly obvious that she adored her job, her students and her standing in the community.
But what happens when one’s comfortable life is upended by a far-right citizens group that targets individuals, books and institutions it considers too liberal, permissive and/or inclusive?
For Jones, it was her life. The vicious social media campaign against her was relentless and heart-breaking especially because it was by people she had known all her life. Unfortunately, these people believed they were right about what books should or shouldn’t be allowed in the school, and they didn’t care what lies or allegations they were spreading about Jones. Especially false ones.
In an interview with the New York Times, the author shared…
“Good librarians and good activists put kids’ interests first. Everything I do is so that current kids, and kids in the future, have a better world.”
Certainly, this attack had its effect on Jones, and she shares very openly about what occurred to her in this memoir. But instead of hiding, she chose to defend herself and the principles she believed in as an educator. Which makes this a very compelling story. Of a remarkable woman, and her defense of the freedom to read, to discover oneself and the world around them, and to think. It also led her to finally realize something very important to her…
“I will never again let anyone dull my sparkle.”
The author’s story reminds us that freedom of speech is central to democracy. Reading what we want should be our choice. Which also means…
Our voice matters. Our vote matters.
One last thing…
It is recommended that readers also read the author’s 2022 speech to the Livingston Parish Library Board of Control at the end of the book.
August 23, 2024
An important documentation of the movement to ban books and discredit librarians and teachers. Amanda’s story is shocking. Folks need to read this, become informed, and fight book bans and censorship in our own communities.
September 10, 2024
To be clear, I'm on Amanda's side. And I'm glad someone in a small, red state town spoke up and fought back. However, this book should have been no longer than a longform magazine or newspaper feature story. It's repetitive and reads like a series of unedited journal entries. It focuses too much on grievances. It indulges in too many clichés. And what should sound like self-empowerment sounds more like self-back patting. About halfway in, this began to feel like a slog. I stuck with it, but with little reward... though the chapter towards the end on how to battle the anti-library/pro-censorship cretins is fairly helpful. Otherwise, the last half is skimworthy.
All this said: I hope Amanda wins her case and makes her harrassers pay/apologize.
All this said: I hope Amanda wins her case and makes her harrassers pay/apologize.
September 8, 2024
I really wanted to like this book but the author made it incredibly difficult.
Jones claims she isn't trying to "settle a score" (page 154), yet spends at least half the book decrying how people in her community wronged her, judging them based on their (in)actions and personal lives. She admits, "One of my biggest flaws is my tendency to hold grudges. I promise I'm working on that, but it's hard" (page 148).
The book was clearly written while her wounds were still fresh; it would have been much stronger with time and perspective—or at least a better editor.
Jones claims she isn't trying to "settle a score" (page 154), yet spends at least half the book decrying how people in her community wronged her, judging them based on their (in)actions and personal lives. She admits, "One of my biggest flaws is my tendency to hold grudges. I promise I'm working on that, but it's hard" (page 148).
The book was clearly written while her wounds were still fresh; it would have been much stronger with time and perspective—or at least a better editor.
December 20, 2024
One of the most important books I have read in 2024. Highly, highly recommend!
Amanda Jones taught English at the same middle school in Louisiana for over 20 years that she attended as a child. Then she became the school librarian. At a local hearing regarding the public library, she spoke out that books that are targeted for challenges and banning are typically about marginalized communities.
The lies, hatred, and vitriol that spewed forth was horrific. Yet Jones stood her ground, and she sued her harassers for defamation. Most disappointing were social media posts by "friends" and parents of children she had taught. The silence of friends and family was particularly sobering.
Her memoir is an inspiration about taking action in order to make the world better.
Amanda Jones taught English at the same middle school in Louisiana for over 20 years that she attended as a child. Then she became the school librarian. At a local hearing regarding the public library, she spoke out that books that are targeted for challenges and banning are typically about marginalized communities.
The lies, hatred, and vitriol that spewed forth was horrific. Yet Jones stood her ground, and she sued her harassers for defamation. Most disappointing were social media posts by "friends" and parents of children she had taught. The silence of friends and family was particularly sobering.
Her memoir is an inspiration about taking action in order to make the world better.
March 27, 2025
Disclaimer: I am probably biased since I am an officer in our local public library. I am a lifelong reader and supporter of public libraries.
Amanda Jones went to her local library board meeting and spoke against book censorship. The hate directed at her for that was incredible. She was attacked on social media and eventually was so concerned that she slept with a shotgun under her bed! Obviously, her mental health was also affected.
Rather than hiding from the social attacks, she took the high road and focus on fighting against banned books and has become well-known as a result. She clearly states that this was never her intention when she went to the initial meeting.
I agree with others who stated that the book could have been shorter, but I think that she wanted to include how much of a toll it took on her.
The complaints from her opposers that pornography was in the children's section is ridiculous. I frequently take my four-year-old granddaughter to our library and there is certainly no pornography there! I wonder how many of the censorship people have been to the children's section of a library.
I also agree with the author that it the parents' responsibility to decide what their children are reading but they shouldn't be able to decide what other children are reading.
Amanda Jones is an inspiration, and our library is doing some of the things that she suggested.
Libraries are so much more than books today. There are so many activities for all ages. I know of several seniors that stated how much they look forward to the monthly book club discussions. The book clubs provide a method for social interaction as well as engaging your mind. The library book clubs were so crucial during Covid even though we met by Zoom.
My favorite book The Grapes of Wrath was banned in some states after it was published for a variety of reasons. There were senators that said that Steinbeck was lying, and the migrants were not facing the conditions described in the book. Eleaner Roosevelt went on the road to see for herself and came back and reported that Steinbeck was not lying.
Eleanor Roosevelt also stated that there were complaints that the book was coarse in spots, but she said that life was coarse in spots.
I agree with the author that we should be welcoming to all people regardless of their race, religion, or sexual identity. That should be true for libraries as well as individuals.
Highly recommended for library lovers
Amanda Jones went to her local library board meeting and spoke against book censorship. The hate directed at her for that was incredible. She was attacked on social media and eventually was so concerned that she slept with a shotgun under her bed! Obviously, her mental health was also affected.
Rather than hiding from the social attacks, she took the high road and focus on fighting against banned books and has become well-known as a result. She clearly states that this was never her intention when she went to the initial meeting.
I agree with others who stated that the book could have been shorter, but I think that she wanted to include how much of a toll it took on her.
The complaints from her opposers that pornography was in the children's section is ridiculous. I frequently take my four-year-old granddaughter to our library and there is certainly no pornography there! I wonder how many of the censorship people have been to the children's section of a library.
I also agree with the author that it the parents' responsibility to decide what their children are reading but they shouldn't be able to decide what other children are reading.
Amanda Jones is an inspiration, and our library is doing some of the things that she suggested.
Libraries are so much more than books today. There are so many activities for all ages. I know of several seniors that stated how much they look forward to the monthly book club discussions. The book clubs provide a method for social interaction as well as engaging your mind. The library book clubs were so crucial during Covid even though we met by Zoom.
My favorite book The Grapes of Wrath was banned in some states after it was published for a variety of reasons. There were senators that said that Steinbeck was lying, and the migrants were not facing the conditions described in the book. Eleaner Roosevelt went on the road to see for herself and came back and reported that Steinbeck was not lying.
Eleanor Roosevelt also stated that there were complaints that the book was coarse in spots, but she said that life was coarse in spots.
I agree with the author that we should be welcoming to all people regardless of their race, religion, or sexual identity. That should be true for libraries as well as individuals.
Highly recommended for library lovers
April 13, 2025
3.5 stars, a book of interest to those in Library Land.
In 2022, Miss Jones, an award-winning school librarian in a small Louisiana parish called Livingston, attended her public library's board meeting and as a member of that library's service area, she spoke out against book censorship. After that statement, two men affiliated with groups that hold conservative values and who take issue with specific books that libraries in general are purchasing, began an online smear campaign against Ms. Jones, claiming that she in her school as a librarian was "teaching anal sex" and "providing pornographic materials" to her students.
Ms. Jones's book is more about her personal hellish experience with online lies about her and the ensuing bullying that she experienced and not so much about book banning and censorship in America.
I'm with Amanda. I agree with her and support her. I'm on her side. She did explain very well about American libraries' collection development practices and how materials are cataloged and shelved within the library according to very high, established standards for the intended age group and collection. She explained that libraries have policies already in place for patrons to contest a book for removal or relocation and she agreed with past decisions that some libraries made to move items from the young adult to adult section of the library.
I emphasize with Amanda. I can imagine one person accusing me of something that's untrue and believing in it but I cannot imagine a whole grouping of persons spreading and sharing nonfactual statements about what I said or what I believe on social media. She has time and again stated that she does not teach "anal sex" nor distribute "pornography" at her school library. What she encountered was most unfair. She fought back, seeking retribution in two defamation lawsuits that she did not win. Her push back, which she said was to fight censorship, kept the drama ensuing. She speaks about seeking therapy and practicing mindful behaviors to help her to heal and to handle adversity.
I applaud Amanda Jones for her love of librarianship, her love of students and their parents, and love towards her community. She seems to me to be a very vivacious and likable lady, determined to do her best.
The reason for my 3.5 stars is that I'm not sure that writing this book in the manner it is written was the best way to convey the message. Like I said a little earlier, I can imagine what it is like for someone to believe something outrageously untrue about your character or conduct. I imagine you'd want to shout of your innocence or set the record straight from the rooftops. She was able to do that via interviews that she elected to participate in with reporters she trusted and also by being in the courtroom (regardless of the outcomes).
It's obvious to me that Amanda is still very hurt and vulnerable at the time of the writing of this book. I do wonder how she would have written the book if she'd waited and allowed some time for more personal healing and growth to commence. The later chapters are repeats of what she said earlier in the book and this may turn some readers off.
Now, what I found cringe-worthy in the book: Miss Jones aims to "go high," to take the high road, which she does in many actions. But--she does travel the lower roads too. In her drive to prove her innocence, she names specific people and their moral failings. I was already on her side. To hear that so-and-so is a church goer and had an affair left a bad taste in my mouth. I did not need that additional information to believe her.
Amanda also admits to keeping track of who publicly or privately supported her and who kept silent or spoke against her. She had scads of people all over the United States and the world (many whom she knew personally), give her support via text messages, letters, emails, phone calls, social media comments, etc. She in my opinion had a terrific level of supporters and people helping her along the way, more than the average person who is undergoing a crisis. It seemed to me a cheap shot to list in the book every individual by their position in the community who kept silent or did not say the exact right thing that she expected them to say or do. It's complicated and those folks may not necessarily be against her but are trying to do their jobs and live their lives.
I hope that this chapter in Miss Jones's life will be a that, a chapter, and that she can continue to be the kick-ass librarian and teacher and community member that she is.
My main take-away from reading Ms. Jones's book is that applying labels, such as "White Christian nationalist," and "groomer" are not helpful.
In 2022, Miss Jones, an award-winning school librarian in a small Louisiana parish called Livingston, attended her public library's board meeting and as a member of that library's service area, she spoke out against book censorship. After that statement, two men affiliated with groups that hold conservative values and who take issue with specific books that libraries in general are purchasing, began an online smear campaign against Ms. Jones, claiming that she in her school as a librarian was "teaching anal sex" and "providing pornographic materials" to her students.
Ms. Jones's book is more about her personal hellish experience with online lies about her and the ensuing bullying that she experienced and not so much about book banning and censorship in America.
I'm with Amanda. I agree with her and support her. I'm on her side. She did explain very well about American libraries' collection development practices and how materials are cataloged and shelved within the library according to very high, established standards for the intended age group and collection. She explained that libraries have policies already in place for patrons to contest a book for removal or relocation and she agreed with past decisions that some libraries made to move items from the young adult to adult section of the library.
I emphasize with Amanda. I can imagine one person accusing me of something that's untrue and believing in it but I cannot imagine a whole grouping of persons spreading and sharing nonfactual statements about what I said or what I believe on social media. She has time and again stated that she does not teach "anal sex" nor distribute "pornography" at her school library. What she encountered was most unfair. She fought back, seeking retribution in two defamation lawsuits that she did not win. Her push back, which she said was to fight censorship, kept the drama ensuing. She speaks about seeking therapy and practicing mindful behaviors to help her to heal and to handle adversity.
I applaud Amanda Jones for her love of librarianship, her love of students and their parents, and love towards her community. She seems to me to be a very vivacious and likable lady, determined to do her best.
The reason for my 3.5 stars is that I'm not sure that writing this book in the manner it is written was the best way to convey the message. Like I said a little earlier, I can imagine what it is like for someone to believe something outrageously untrue about your character or conduct. I imagine you'd want to shout of your innocence or set the record straight from the rooftops. She was able to do that via interviews that she elected to participate in with reporters she trusted and also by being in the courtroom (regardless of the outcomes).
It's obvious to me that Amanda is still very hurt and vulnerable at the time of the writing of this book. I do wonder how she would have written the book if she'd waited and allowed some time for more personal healing and growth to commence. The later chapters are repeats of what she said earlier in the book and this may turn some readers off.
Now, what I found cringe-worthy in the book: Miss Jones aims to "go high," to take the high road, which she does in many actions. But--she does travel the lower roads too. In her drive to prove her innocence, she names specific people and their moral failings. I was already on her side. To hear that so-and-so is a church goer and had an affair left a bad taste in my mouth. I did not need that additional information to believe her.
Amanda also admits to keeping track of who publicly or privately supported her and who kept silent or spoke against her. She had scads of people all over the United States and the world (many whom she knew personally), give her support via text messages, letters, emails, phone calls, social media comments, etc. She in my opinion had a terrific level of supporters and people helping her along the way, more than the average person who is undergoing a crisis. It seemed to me a cheap shot to list in the book every individual by their position in the community who kept silent or did not say the exact right thing that she expected them to say or do. It's complicated and those folks may not necessarily be against her but are trying to do their jobs and live their lives.
I hope that this chapter in Miss Jones's life will be a that, a chapter, and that she can continue to be the kick-ass librarian and teacher and community member that she is.
My main take-away from reading Ms. Jones's book is that applying labels, such as "White Christian nationalist," and "groomer" are not helpful.
February 27, 2024
“Hell hath no fury like a librarian scorned.”
⚖️
Part memoir part manifesto part warrior cry, That Librarian shares the story of Amanda Jones and the fight she’s had since standing up for an lgbtq book at her local public library in 2022. That one action sent Amanda’s life into a tailspin after extremists began targeting her and her family in her hometown in Louisiana. She’s still fighting against those who set to defame her on social media, calling her horrible names, trying to tarnish her character and threaten her life. But still Amanda fights for #freadom for the right to read, for librarians all over the world.
📚
When Amanda told me she was going to write a nonfiction book about her experiences over the past two years I was elated. Everyone should hear about how she’s been fighting against these hate groups trying to tear her down, how it effected her mental health, her family and how she saw her community and the world as a whole. Amanda is our champion of books We love her and her moxie. She gives us strength and I hope she knows how much of a difference her story will make for our librarian community. When I get my physical copy I’m going to highlight and note take the heck out of it. This title releases August 27. @bloomsburypublishing
CW: racism, homophobia, mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, bullying, cyberbullying, doxing, misogyny, hate speech
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Part memoir part manifesto part warrior cry, That Librarian shares the story of Amanda Jones and the fight she’s had since standing up for an lgbtq book at her local public library in 2022. That one action sent Amanda’s life into a tailspin after extremists began targeting her and her family in her hometown in Louisiana. She’s still fighting against those who set to defame her on social media, calling her horrible names, trying to tarnish her character and threaten her life. But still Amanda fights for #freadom for the right to read, for librarians all over the world.
📚
When Amanda told me she was going to write a nonfiction book about her experiences over the past two years I was elated. Everyone should hear about how she’s been fighting against these hate groups trying to tear her down, how it effected her mental health, her family and how she saw her community and the world as a whole. Amanda is our champion of books We love her and her moxie. She gives us strength and I hope she knows how much of a difference her story will make for our librarian community. When I get my physical copy I’m going to highlight and note take the heck out of it. This title releases August 27. @bloomsburypublishing
CW: racism, homophobia, mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, bullying, cyberbullying, doxing, misogyny, hate speech
September 22, 2024
A Louisiana school librarian speaks out at a public library board meeting against book censorship and gets bullied online by conservatives who tell lies about her and go on parental rights screeds. Initially devastated, she finds the strength to fight back in the courts and becomes an activist against those who would ban or challenge books just because they touch on LGBTQIA+ issues or matters of race.
It's fascinating to watch the woman's journey from Trump voter to woke social justice warrior.
As Neil Gaiman has said, "Rule 1: don’t fuck with librarians."
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: 1. Liars And Buzzards and Trolls, Oh My -- 2. How We Got Here -- 3. Here, There, Everywhere -- 4. WWJD: What Would Judy Do? -- 5. (Wo)man in the Mirror -- 6. Hell Hath No Fury Like a Librarian Scorned -- 7. The Battle Begins : Initial Court Proceedings -- 8. Are You There Michelle? It's Me, Amanda : It's Hard to Go High When the Haters Go So Low -- 9. The Mob Song -- 10. Some People Are Ride Or Die, Some People Aren't -- 11. The Longevity of Hate -- 12. Think of the Children -- 13. It's Raining Sin, Hallelujah -- 14. It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times -- 15. What You Can Do in Your Own Community -- 16. Don't Let Anyone Dull Your Sparkle -- My July 19, 2022, Speech to the Livingston Parish Library Board of Control -- Acknowledgments -- Bibliography
It's fascinating to watch the woman's journey from Trump voter to woke social justice warrior.
As Neil Gaiman has said, "Rule 1: don’t fuck with librarians."
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: 1. Liars And Buzzards and Trolls, Oh My -- 2. How We Got Here -- 3. Here, There, Everywhere -- 4. WWJD: What Would Judy Do? -- 5. (Wo)man in the Mirror -- 6. Hell Hath No Fury Like a Librarian Scorned -- 7. The Battle Begins : Initial Court Proceedings -- 8. Are You There Michelle? It's Me, Amanda : It's Hard to Go High When the Haters Go So Low -- 9. The Mob Song -- 10. Some People Are Ride Or Die, Some People Aren't -- 11. The Longevity of Hate -- 12. Think of the Children -- 13. It's Raining Sin, Hallelujah -- 14. It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times -- 15. What You Can Do in Your Own Community -- 16. Don't Let Anyone Dull Your Sparkle -- My July 19, 2022, Speech to the Livingston Parish Library Board of Control -- Acknowledgments -- Bibliography
July 1, 2024
Bloomsbury USA provided an early galley for review.
I am currently an adult services librarian in a public library, so books related to my career are a big interest. Also an interest is the growing challenges that we librarians are facing every day when it comes to censorship and the attempts to limit the materials we make available for all readers in our community. That is what drew me to Amanda's story.
The opening chapter describing the aftermath of the hearing is very powerful. I really felt for her and what she was going through. The story then shifts to a few chapters of background leading up to the hearing itself. It was good to get a sense for the community where she grew up, still lives and works as well as the sense overall with what had been happening with libraries in Louisiana up to that point. The climate at the time was tense indeed (and still is).
Where things got a little "uncomfortable", for me, is with how personal she was willing to go. Sharing details from her family life, conversations she had with friends, and even her ongoing thoughts of aggression against those who harassed her were a lot. I understand she is making known her truth, but I fear this book will just continue the cycle of attacks and harassment against her. Speaking out at the hearing put her in the public eye; this book along with the many interviews and appearances she has done (as noted in the book) continue to keep her in that spotlight - for the good of the cause and for ill in her own life. That is a brave thing to do for one's profession and beliefs. I am fairly sure that is not a level of notoriety I am willing put myself into, especially in the current social-political world we've been living in for the past several years. I would find myself instead standing behind the policies of our library, letting them speak clearly where I might not be able to.
Since the subtitle of this one is "The Fight Against Book Banning in America", I appreciated when the author included details of other libraries across the country who are responding to similar attacks and censorship. I wish there was more focus on these other libraries; what little we got was sprinkled in-between her personal fight and grievances.
In the end, she provides some good information on how to be a more vocal advocate against book banners. That will prove useful to those looking into this. All in all, it was an enlightening read and has plenty to offer even those not part of our profession.
I am currently an adult services librarian in a public library, so books related to my career are a big interest. Also an interest is the growing challenges that we librarians are facing every day when it comes to censorship and the attempts to limit the materials we make available for all readers in our community. That is what drew me to Amanda's story.
The opening chapter describing the aftermath of the hearing is very powerful. I really felt for her and what she was going through. The story then shifts to a few chapters of background leading up to the hearing itself. It was good to get a sense for the community where she grew up, still lives and works as well as the sense overall with what had been happening with libraries in Louisiana up to that point. The climate at the time was tense indeed (and still is).
Where things got a little "uncomfortable", for me, is with how personal she was willing to go. Sharing details from her family life, conversations she had with friends, and even her ongoing thoughts of aggression against those who harassed her were a lot. I understand she is making known her truth, but I fear this book will just continue the cycle of attacks and harassment against her. Speaking out at the hearing put her in the public eye; this book along with the many interviews and appearances she has done (as noted in the book) continue to keep her in that spotlight - for the good of the cause and for ill in her own life. That is a brave thing to do for one's profession and beliefs. I am fairly sure that is not a level of notoriety I am willing put myself into, especially in the current social-political world we've been living in for the past several years. I would find myself instead standing behind the policies of our library, letting them speak clearly where I might not be able to.
Since the subtitle of this one is "The Fight Against Book Banning in America", I appreciated when the author included details of other libraries across the country who are responding to similar attacks and censorship. I wish there was more focus on these other libraries; what little we got was sprinkled in-between her personal fight and grievances.
In the end, she provides some good information on how to be a more vocal advocate against book banners. That will prove useful to those looking into this. All in all, it was an enlightening read and has plenty to offer even those not part of our profession.
August 31, 2024
There are more than a few people I’d love to slap across the face with this book. I really admire Amanda and her willingness to share and her perseverance to keep fighting when it would have been much easier to quit. I’ll be really curious what the aftermath will be once this is released. My only note is that the middle chapters got a bit long-winded and repetitive, but overall a really thorough and honest account of standing up for what’s right.
July 1, 2025
I started off strong with this one, stating to library colleagues it should be recommended reading for all library and information science degrees, but I began to get bogged down and a little stressed with the repetitious nature of the author’s reaction to the unacceptable online vitriol she faced. Standing up against book banning at her public library (and the skewed views of these people who did not understand the process and/or used it to suit their own weird agendas) this turned into a serious situation of online abuse and hatred. The author was rightly appalled, but having stated many times she was taking the high road, I didn’t see this was the case. What was apparent is the job she loved and excelled at (telling us all the accolades) was turned upside down and her status of everyday librarian in an everyday town was ripped apart brutally.
The particular group of conservatives and the way they propose to be christian folk, their behaviour and attitudes were horrible. This is where I tune out and become disappointed with the human race. It’s ick, unappealing and all awful.
The author states she finds it hard to not hold a grudge, and she points out the wrong doings of her ‘haters’ which were hard to read as well - such as marital affairs etc, this I suppose made me uncomfortable.
Voting for Trump was mentioned, and I don’t often talk about politics, this raised my eyebrows as well. The author is passionate which at times led to lots of rehashing, and I believe firmer editing may have helped. This was an interesting but troubling book given the zealousness and hate that people so easily place on others who they don’t agree with.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library.
The particular group of conservatives and the way they propose to be christian folk, their behaviour and attitudes were horrible. This is where I tune out and become disappointed with the human race. It’s ick, unappealing and all awful.
The author states she finds it hard to not hold a grudge, and she points out the wrong doings of her ‘haters’ which were hard to read as well - such as marital affairs etc, this I suppose made me uncomfortable.
Voting for Trump was mentioned, and I don’t often talk about politics, this raised my eyebrows as well. The author is passionate which at times led to lots of rehashing, and I believe firmer editing may have helped. This was an interesting but troubling book given the zealousness and hate that people so easily place on others who they don’t agree with.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library.
August 29, 2025
I have always loved to go to the public library to find a book to read among a huge selection that includes many diverse outlooks on the world. Some people want to eliminate libraries because they allegedly expose innocent children to harmful influences and these people are the white Christian nationalists. This group of activists tried to remove some books that promote LGBTQ+ and diversity of voewpoints. Amanda Jones was the victim of social media defamation for speaking out against them. She saw them as a vocal minority who had a hidden agenda that included the elimination of public libraries all together and eventually public schools. Despite suffering ill health from the stress of combating this, she persisted in her efforts, and wrote this book to instruct readers on how to deal with censorship. I remember a similar situation that a columnist in the Comic Buyer's Gude had with right wingers trying to defund the Medina Ohio library by supporting the elimination of a tax that funded it. The columnist Tony Isabella got the pro library voters out and the tax levy referendum past overwhelmingly. What both Tony Isabella and Amanda Jones have in common is they did not kow tow to a vocal minority that does not represent the views of most Americans.
Read
September 30, 2024DNF at 50%
February 28, 2024
This book is everything. It is the hope that we all need. It’s the fighter that we didn’t know we needed. It’s the truth in black and white. Having watched this entire story play out in real life and then seeing it on paper is heartbreaking. No one should ever have to deal with this and it’s crazy that we have people in this world who have hearts filled with such vile hate. I’m blessed beyond measure to have this amazing person in my life, but the world is even luckier to have her fighting for all of them. It’s time to set the record straight because they messed with That Librarian and they shouldn’t have.
December 10, 2024
before someone jumps me for the rating, I have to state that OBVIOUSLY I support every censorship-related standpoint that the author has. I have worked in public libraries for almost ten years now, and I am currently working as an adult librarian. there aren’t any points or values or tips on how to fight censorship that I disagreed with here. I wish her luck moving forward with her case and with other situations that she helps fight.
that said, I found this to be a hard read, mostly because of the way it was written and the many, many contradictory statements that the author made. I guess I’m too radical for this profession sometimes because some of the things my peers say piss me off so much. in this case, wdym you voted for Tr*mp in 2016, yet you’re baffled by how his followers act now? IT WAS LIKE THAT BACK THEN TOO??? it’s not like anything changed; it just got worse? and now you see that because YOU personally got dragged into it. it’s a shame that you did, don’t get me wrong, but girl come on! I knew I was gonna be pissed off by this book when she proudly admitted her republican views in the FIRST CHAPTER. you're working in a profession where our literal job is research and fighting for the truth, yet you as a grown woman went along with your family and friends' values for the election in '16... OKAY. some of the stories she told about diversity had me rolling my eyes too… I guess I just don’t understand how people get into this profession proclaiming a love for books and their community, but have the most close-minded views ever (literally what are you reading?) and then have to rely on people of color to broaden their worldview instead of doing that work themselves. I could continue to rant here but I’m gonna hold myself back lol
I appreciate that the author has at the very least been doing the work to make up for her past beliefs and actions (or lack of), but I found this memoir to be messy. it was like reading an unfiltered diary rampage with no edits made whatsoever… idk, it needed some structure or something. or a better editor. I can understand her rage obviously, but when you let it impact your storytelling ability to the point where I’m constantly like “okay let’s keep this thing going,” it’s not good writing. I saw some other reviewers (who are also librarians) note that her tone comes off as “holier than thou” at times, and I agree with that. that probably was not her intention, but it’s good to know that it wasn’t just me who felt that way.
... all of THAT said, please do your own research on how to support your local library. do the ground work at the community level. make yourself aware of what’s BEEN going on for many years now. it’s nothing new, but it’s going to get worse before it gets better. I would not recommend turning to this book for tips on how to do so since it’s a memoir through and through, but the tips she does give are a good starting point, so… I guess that’s a good thing??
that said, I found this to be a hard read, mostly because of the way it was written and the many, many contradictory statements that the author made. I guess I’m too radical for this profession sometimes because some of the things my peers say piss me off so much. in this case, wdym you voted for Tr*mp in 2016, yet you’re baffled by how his followers act now? IT WAS LIKE THAT BACK THEN TOO??? it’s not like anything changed; it just got worse? and now you see that because YOU personally got dragged into it. it’s a shame that you did, don’t get me wrong, but girl come on! I knew I was gonna be pissed off by this book when she proudly admitted her republican views in the FIRST CHAPTER. you're working in a profession where our literal job is research and fighting for the truth, yet you as a grown woman went along with your family and friends' values for the election in '16... OKAY. some of the stories she told about diversity had me rolling my eyes too… I guess I just don’t understand how people get into this profession proclaiming a love for books and their community, but have the most close-minded views ever (literally what are you reading?) and then have to rely on people of color to broaden their worldview instead of doing that work themselves. I could continue to rant here but I’m gonna hold myself back lol
I appreciate that the author has at the very least been doing the work to make up for her past beliefs and actions (or lack of), but I found this memoir to be messy. it was like reading an unfiltered diary rampage with no edits made whatsoever… idk, it needed some structure or something. or a better editor. I can understand her rage obviously, but when you let it impact your storytelling ability to the point where I’m constantly like “okay let’s keep this thing going,” it’s not good writing. I saw some other reviewers (who are also librarians) note that her tone comes off as “holier than thou” at times, and I agree with that. that probably was not her intention, but it’s good to know that it wasn’t just me who felt that way.
... all of THAT said, please do your own research on how to support your local library. do the ground work at the community level. make yourself aware of what’s BEEN going on for many years now. it’s nothing new, but it’s going to get worse before it gets better. I would not recommend turning to this book for tips on how to do so since it’s a memoir through and through, but the tips she does give are a good starting point, so… I guess that’s a good thing??
January 24, 2025
Amanda Jones is a librarian in Louisiana who speaks up at a meeting about the importance of having books on diverse subjects and by diverse authors. The group at the hearing was trying to ban books with LGTBQ+ characters or subjects, and Amanda felt it her duty to speak out. She discussed that there are policies already in place for books of concern to be reviewed.
Within days the leaders and members of this group targeted her and spread hateful lies. They called her a pedophile and groomer, and claimed she provided porn to children in her library. As Amanda took a stand, she was appalled and saddened that people who knew her and whose children she had taught and nurtured would participate in this attack on her character. She describes her journey in trying to sue for defamation.
This is such an important topic. Amanda speaks passionately and at times with humor and candidness. She discusses how this has affected her and her family personally, how it negatively impacted her health, and how angry it made her to have her professional career questioned. My only complaint is that there is a fair amount of repetitiveness in the information she shares. I think it would have been as or more effective to whittle the information down a bit… I actually skipped ahead a couple chapters at one point. But don’t let that dissuade you from reading or listening to this.
As book lovers, we should certainly stand up for the rights of readers to choose their own material. And as for children, parents can guide their own children. The bottom line is these are people that think reading a book or playing with the wrong toy will turn your child gay… and they want to control access to books based on their personal beliefs.
Within days the leaders and members of this group targeted her and spread hateful lies. They called her a pedophile and groomer, and claimed she provided porn to children in her library. As Amanda took a stand, she was appalled and saddened that people who knew her and whose children she had taught and nurtured would participate in this attack on her character. She describes her journey in trying to sue for defamation.
This is such an important topic. Amanda speaks passionately and at times with humor and candidness. She discusses how this has affected her and her family personally, how it negatively impacted her health, and how angry it made her to have her professional career questioned. My only complaint is that there is a fair amount of repetitiveness in the information she shares. I think it would have been as or more effective to whittle the information down a bit… I actually skipped ahead a couple chapters at one point. But don’t let that dissuade you from reading or listening to this.
As book lovers, we should certainly stand up for the rights of readers to choose their own material. And as for children, parents can guide their own children. The bottom line is these are people that think reading a book or playing with the wrong toy will turn your child gay… and they want to control access to books based on their personal beliefs.
September 1, 2024
I would probably give this 2.5 stars. This is a book about an important topic: banning books and some concerning trends in politics. But this book is more about this author telling what happened to her when she spoke up and spilling the tea on people and some friends that were not supportive. I wish this would have been something from a reporter talking about trends, history, etc of book banning. This just isn’t that book, but it might be interesting to some people. I wouldn’t recommend it, though.
October 3, 2025
Amanda Jones is an award-winning school librarian in Louisiana who spoke against censorship at a public meeting in her hometown, where she grew up and where she lives and works. She found herself vilified with outrageous lies and name-calling and hate mail.
In this book, she carefully goes over the events of that meeting and the response on social media. She examines the larger issue of censorship in the public library and in the public school library, and describes for the non-librarian the procedures that are already in place in libraries for librarians to seek out books and resources for all of their patrons, examining reviews and seeking out patron input, as well as the procedures, already in place in libraries, for a patron to complain about a book.
Amanda Jones bravely and intelligently speaks up for libraries and librarians and educators and schools. Who would have ever dreamed that these would be the targets of so much hatred and vitriol?
In this book, she carefully goes over the events of that meeting and the response on social media. She examines the larger issue of censorship in the public library and in the public school library, and describes for the non-librarian the procedures that are already in place in libraries for librarians to seek out books and resources for all of their patrons, examining reviews and seeking out patron input, as well as the procedures, already in place in libraries, for a patron to complain about a book.
Amanda Jones bravely and intelligently speaks up for libraries and librarians and educators and schools. Who would have ever dreamed that these would be the targets of so much hatred and vitriol?
December 12, 2024
[3.5] This passionate memoir/manifesto about an incredibly timely topic is loaded with personal drama, intriguing insights and annoying repetition. Had a disciplined editor pruned a quarter of the verbiage by tossing out many redundant anecdotes and examples, “That Librarian” would have earned 4.5 stars.
The repetition aside, Jones casts a revealing spotlight on the contentious issues swirling around book bans, including the debate over the “parental rights movement” and “soft censorship” (the tendency to block or limit access to material to avoid controversy.)
I finished the book with a better understanding of how school libraries operate and a new appreciation for the challenges that face many librarians across the nation. As a communications professor who teaches a college-level media literacy course almost every semester, Jones’ experiences will likely fuel lively discussion when we discuss book bans.
The repetition aside, Jones casts a revealing spotlight on the contentious issues swirling around book bans, including the debate over the “parental rights movement” and “soft censorship” (the tendency to block or limit access to material to avoid controversy.)
I finished the book with a better understanding of how school libraries operate and a new appreciation for the challenges that face many librarians across the nation. As a communications professor who teaches a college-level media literacy course almost every semester, Jones’ experiences will likely fuel lively discussion when we discuss book bans.
November 26, 2024
DNF at page 80.
I think the funniest thing about this book to me is how she is shocked pikachu face when her fellow republicans demonize her for "giving out sexually explicit material" at the library. That's...what they've always been arguing about...
On a more serious note, this book felt like it should have been a shorter news article memoir type thing. It's too long and we have numerous depressing examples of book banning that just hammers in how messed up everything is right now with censorship. We get it, but what can we do next?
Jones herself needed some serious editing to reign in the "Holier Than Thou" attitude she has. She's fighting for the right thing regarding book bans, but a lot of the things she says/does contradict, especially with her republican/religious lifestyle.
How has she "always" been supportive of the LGBTQ+ community if she's been voting republican all this time? The party that is currently fighting about bathrooms as we speak?
So, with tighter editing and less blurry twitter posts I think this could have been a good book. But I don't like Jones as she presents herself in this book.
And it goes without being said I am AGAINST book bans. This is not a review that says librarians are evil, I am literally a librarian. I just wish it was less personal and more objective in this book because I didn't want to know everything about Jones herself and her odd policies.
I think the funniest thing about this book to me is how she is shocked pikachu face when her fellow republicans demonize her for "giving out sexually explicit material" at the library. That's...what they've always been arguing about...
On a more serious note, this book felt like it should have been a shorter news article memoir type thing. It's too long and we have numerous depressing examples of book banning that just hammers in how messed up everything is right now with censorship. We get it, but what can we do next?
Jones herself needed some serious editing to reign in the "Holier Than Thou" attitude she has. She's fighting for the right thing regarding book bans, but a lot of the things she says/does contradict, especially with her republican/religious lifestyle.
How has she "always" been supportive of the LGBTQ+ community if she's been voting republican all this time? The party that is currently fighting about bathrooms as we speak?
So, with tighter editing and less blurry twitter posts I think this could have been a good book. But I don't like Jones as she presents herself in this book.
And it goes without being said I am AGAINST book bans. This is not a review that says librarians are evil, I am literally a librarian. I just wish it was less personal and more objective in this book because I didn't want to know everything about Jones herself and her odd policies.
November 4, 2024
Wow. First of all I have to say how much I admire the author for her strength and grace while under attack. What happened to her was horrific. But she didn’t let it take her down. The call to action at the end and the steps everyone can take to get involved, stand up and protect themselves were amazing. The author said so many things I agreed with, but I think what resonated most was the need to protect children from hate and exclusion.
April 15, 2024
I loved this book. Book banning is a horrible thing, and finally, hearing from the librarians who are fighting this is so important. Jones gives such a passionate recount of her experience and how she refuses to back down. This is a wonderful book about such a strong and passionate librarian who deeply cares about her community and everyone who uses the library.
February 23, 2024
Amanda is an incredible educator, librarian, and advocate against censorship. This is her story, which is sadly all too relatable for librarians across the country who are being vilified for standing up for the right to read. Amanda does a stellar job of sharing her personal experiences and highlighting the issues that librarians are up against.
September 1, 2024
I got this after hearing the author interviewed on NPR (I also saw her in a television interview yesterday evening). The book started off strong with a pretty straightforward narrative of how Jones's ordeal began in the small Louisiana town where she grew up, taught middle school, and became a school librarian. Her undergraduate major was English, her master's degree in library science. Her community was mostly Republican, and she describes herself as white, moderate Republican and staunchly Christian; she is married and has one child. Throughout her career, despite her conservative background, Jones has embraced children and families of all sexual orientation and racial and religious makeup. She was alarmed by accusations from the far-right that school libraries' collections contained books for young children with explicit sexual and racial content which promoted BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ lifestyles and agenda; the complainers demanded that all such books be banned. In July 2022, Jones attended a meeting of the Livingston Parish Library Board to counter these accusations, oppose censorship, and advocate on behalf of libraries. (The text of the speech is included in the book.)
Jones's speech ignited the nightmare that is the remainder of the book: a persecution that comprised a relentless avalanche of hate mail and death threats through the U.S. Postal Service, emails, and across social media, primarily Facebook, being stalked at her home and in the community by persons she did not know and had never met. Friends and family who initially attempted to support her efforts were likewise threatened with bodily harm and loss of their jobs which caused many to withdraw their support. Jones filed a defamation lawsuit which was abruptly dismissed; attempts to revive it failed several times. Jones's physical and psychological health suffered, and she endured panic attacks, depression, and anxiety, all requiring treatment. Fortuitously, Jones kept careful documentation, meticulously organized, of these relentless assaults; without it there would have been no book.
The second half of the book was hard-going for me; the endless detailing of the attacks became repetitious and grueling to read. I was also surprised at the many lapses in grammar and punctuation, unusual, I thought, for an English major and educator. Nonetheless, it is an important book which illuminates the determination and tactics of the far-right book banners and white Christian nationalists as well as the courage and resilience of the author.
Jones's speech ignited the nightmare that is the remainder of the book: a persecution that comprised a relentless avalanche of hate mail and death threats through the U.S. Postal Service, emails, and across social media, primarily Facebook, being stalked at her home and in the community by persons she did not know and had never met. Friends and family who initially attempted to support her efforts were likewise threatened with bodily harm and loss of their jobs which caused many to withdraw their support. Jones filed a defamation lawsuit which was abruptly dismissed; attempts to revive it failed several times. Jones's physical and psychological health suffered, and she endured panic attacks, depression, and anxiety, all requiring treatment. Fortuitously, Jones kept careful documentation, meticulously organized, of these relentless assaults; without it there would have been no book.
The second half of the book was hard-going for me; the endless detailing of the attacks became repetitious and grueling to read. I was also surprised at the many lapses in grammar and punctuation, unusual, I thought, for an English major and educator. Nonetheless, it is an important book which illuminates the determination and tactics of the far-right book banners and white Christian nationalists as well as the courage and resilience of the author.
December 26, 2024
262 pages could have been edited down to 5,000 words. Or maybe a haiku:
Southern libraries
Attacked by right wing bigots
Breaking news: sky’s blue.
Southern libraries
Attacked by right wing bigots
Breaking news: sky’s blue.
October 4, 2024
This is a memoir of sorts by a Louisiana school librarian, who, after making a seemingly innocuous statement at a local public hearing regarding inclusivity in library books, she was brutally and incessantly bullied, harassed, and vilified online by two men, as well as their followers. She filed a defamation lawsuit against the two men who continued, and continue, their online campaign against her.
Amanda Jones was just an ordinary, anonymous woman living a quiet life when her world exploded around her. The stress took a physical and emotional toll on her, and she struggles with the repercussions to this day. She is still trying to work her way through the legal system in her lawsuit against these men.
Where the book is strongest is when she is describing the facts about the harassment, how it affected her personal and professional life, the legal repercussions, and how book banning is affecting libraries across the country.
Where the book is weakest is when she gets extremely self-righteous about her accusers and the lack of support from “friends“, repeatedly talking about her own feelings in a “humble-brag“ way and settling some scores, and a lot of expounding on her faith. There is a lot of repetition throughout the book. The book really needed some good editing. This book would could have been shortened by about 30% and been a much better read. I found myself skimming a lot at times.
I know it would have been extremely difficult, but if the author had stepped outside her own trauma, which was significant, and presented a more journalistic, objective point of view on book banning writ large, this would have been a more powerful book. Her “manifesto” at the end is the perfect coda to the story and shows how good the book could have been if she had been able to be a bit more objective. I think with proper editing and the help of a good journalist, this could have been a very powerful article for a magazine like Vanity Fair or The Atlantic Monthly, and she still would have gotten her story out there.
Amanda Jones was just an ordinary, anonymous woman living a quiet life when her world exploded around her. The stress took a physical and emotional toll on her, and she struggles with the repercussions to this day. She is still trying to work her way through the legal system in her lawsuit against these men.
Where the book is strongest is when she is describing the facts about the harassment, how it affected her personal and professional life, the legal repercussions, and how book banning is affecting libraries across the country.
Where the book is weakest is when she gets extremely self-righteous about her accusers and the lack of support from “friends“, repeatedly talking about her own feelings in a “humble-brag“ way and settling some scores, and a lot of expounding on her faith. There is a lot of repetition throughout the book. The book really needed some good editing. This book would could have been shortened by about 30% and been a much better read. I found myself skimming a lot at times.
I know it would have been extremely difficult, but if the author had stepped outside her own trauma, which was significant, and presented a more journalistic, objective point of view on book banning writ large, this would have been a more powerful book. Her “manifesto” at the end is the perfect coda to the story and shows how good the book could have been if she had been able to be a bit more objective. I think with proper editing and the help of a good journalist, this could have been a very powerful article for a magazine like Vanity Fair or The Atlantic Monthly, and she still would have gotten her story out there.
December 23, 2024
When a well-liked middle school librarian decided to express her rather ordinary and unthreatening views on book bans at a public hearing in her Louisiana town, she had no idea she would be thrust into a bizarre and terrifying world in which she would be targeted for near-constant harassment and death threats by an element of the alt right.
Jones's life changed dramatically as friends turned or fell silent, her workplace turned into a gauntlet, and she lived in near-constant terror for her family's safety. However, she came out the other side with an admirable wisdom and resolve.
As others have noted, the only knock on this book is that it often repeats itself; the text seems stretched to fit a particular word count. However, this is an important story told straightforwardly by an ordinary person who was unexpectedly spotlighted by an emboldened and cruel part of society.
Jones's life changed dramatically as friends turned or fell silent, her workplace turned into a gauntlet, and she lived in near-constant terror for her family's safety. However, she came out the other side with an admirable wisdom and resolve.
As others have noted, the only knock on this book is that it often repeats itself; the text seems stretched to fit a particular word count. However, this is an important story told straightforwardly by an ordinary person who was unexpectedly spotlighted by an emboldened and cruel part of society.
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