Title: Banned Books
Series: None
Author: R.J. Astruc
Genre: YA
Length: Novella (70 Pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 27th, 2013)
Heat Level: None
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: A Harmony Ink Press Young Adult Title
At St. Peter’s, an exclusive British boarding school for boys, a teacher’s word is law—and Anthony Parker is leading a rebellion. When he is found reading a book containing “questionable content,” he receives a reprimand from the headmaster. Parker responds by secretly lending questionable materials to other students, aided by his best friend and long-time crush, Rafe.
The situation escalates when their draconic literature teacher discovers their subterfuge and compiles a banned books list. Parker and Rafe fall in with Peter Fritz, a broody outcast who’s turning the ban in his favor by buying and lending banned books to students—for a price. As the banned books library grows and hidden feelings threaten the boys’ burgeoning partnership, they discover that the challenges of growing up might outweigh the rewards of bucking the system.
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3979
Reviewer: John
Review: I liked Banned Books. It was a very entertaining read and you learn a lot about books in this short little novel. Now, Banned Books stars Anthony Parker, a normal gay kid who is attending an exclusive British boarding school for boys. Everything in his life is normal and boring until he is caught reading a very controversial book by Miss Lowry.
I liked Anthony. He was smart, young, and naive. He is in love with his straight best friend, Rafe, who loves him like a little brother. I loved their relationship and Rafe is a really nice guy. I liked Fritz. He was unique and a rebel with a cause. He hated how society works and following its rules.
The one thing that turned me off about this novel was the ending. It was so vague and you don’t really know if Anthony got his happy ending after all. I recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read a short story about a group of friends who rebel against society and follow their own rules.