Thursday's Discussion of "That Librarian!"

[Jonathan Bacon]

The All Good Books meeting this month starts at 7 PM, this Thursday, October 17, 2024.  We'll meet at the Community of Christ Mission Road Congregation (7842 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS) to discuss That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America by Amanda Jones. This is our 25th Anniversary meeting and Jonathan Bacon will moderate the discussion.

Here are some questions to generate discussion. We hope to see you this Thursday at 7 PM!

1. Before reading That Librarian! did you understand the difference between public libraries and school libraries? What are the differences?
2. How would you feel and react if you were in Amanda Jones’ position with the events she describes?
3. Do you think parents should have control over which books are available in the school library? Is this censorship?
4. Do you believe patrons of a public library should have control over which books are available in their local library? Or other libraries in their county, city, or state? Is this censorship?
5. Were you aware of the book challenge process described by the author and do you think it is sufficient?
6. Do you view the author as a public figure and therefore not a candidate for damages for libelous online postings? Do you agree with the first judge’s focus and judgment?
7. If you were Amanda’s first lawyer (Ellyn), would you have advised her differently in her case against Michael Lunsford and Ryan Thames?
8. Amanda says “I don’t think anyone who has not experienced something like this realizes the huge emotional toll it takes.”  Do you agree or was she overly sensitive? Have you experienced any similar situations?
9. Amanda is obviously a Christian but also very blunt. How did you react to some of her language and statements such as: “Have you ever just wanted to punch someone in the face with all your might? Maybe someone has said something awful to you, and the thought crossed your mind that a good ass whipping would wipe the smirk off their face and teach them a lesson.”
10. What lessons, if any, does Amanda’s experience teach about our reactions to and interactions with social media?
11. The author indicates that after her pregnancy she had developed sleep apnea, that her thyroid had essentially stopped working, and that she suffered from major postpartum depression. Through therapy, she discovered that she probably had undiagnosed depression for most of her life. Does that affect how you read her message/book?
12. Do you think that Amanda‘s small town background helps or hurts her book’s message?
13. The author writes about friends who betrayed her. What reactions did you have as you read about “Katie?”