Banned Books, Crop Tops, and Other Bad Influences is a coming-of-age story about friendship, rebellion, and self-discovery, set in the emotionally charged landscape of adolescence. The novel follows Rose, a well-behaved, rule-following teen, whose world begins to expand and unravel when she meets Talia, the edgy new girl with a mind of her own.
I have mixed feelings about books about book banning. It is an incredibly important topic, and we absolutely need to be talking about it and fighting bans and making it a topic of conversation in schools and libraries and book clubs; but, given how long it takes a book to be published, it means we've been fighting these bans for a few years now, and they only seem to be gaining force. Let's hope the worst of it is over and we'll start seeing less of them in future.
At its heart, this book explores the tension between obedience and individuality. Rose, a model student and daughter, is used to following the rules set by her parents and society. But the arrival of Talia, who comes from New York City with a rebellious attitude and a “bad” reputation, forces Rose to reconsider her worldview. Talia represents the allure of freedom, curiosity, and danger, all wrapped in a personality that draws Rose in, despite the warnings from her best friend, Charlotte.
There's some great use of opposites in this story. Rose is a 'good girl'; Talia is a 'rebel'. Rose's parents are very - maybe too much - involved in her life; Talia's - though they do have excuses - are barely involved at all. Rose worries a lot; Talia doesn't worry at all. I also loved that there are no real villains, beyond possibly a couple of the school staff; the parents supporting the book ban are genuinely concerned about their children, Rose's overbearing parents are scared because of their history, Talia's absent parents are frantically working to try and get them all out of her grandmother's apartment so she can have some space. People mess up and make mistakes and get angry, but - in general - they have good, or at least neutral, intentions.
The friendship dynamics in this novel are nuanced and relatable. Rose's internal struggle between her loyalty to Charlotte, who represents her safe, predictable world, and her attraction to Talia, who brings excitement and the thrill of the unknown, is well-portrayed. The act of reading a banned book becomes a metaphor for stepping out of her comfort zone, questioning authority, and discovering that the rules she’s always followed may not always be right. The banned book club idea is particularly compelling, serving as both a literal and figurative act of rebellion for Rose and her peers. It's a fascinating way of representing the teen urge to rebel and prove that the older generation don't know what they're talking about.
What makes this book engaging is how it doesn’t shy away from the consequences of rebellion. While Talia’s influence opens Rose’s eyes to new ideas, it also introduces her to situations that are more dangerous than thrilling. The balance of excitement and risk is woven throughout, as Rose navigates the fine line between breaking free from her restraints and realizing that not all rules are meant to be broken. There's some finely woven warnings about online friendships and being wary of people you've only met online; it doesn't feel preachy at all, it's very naturally done.
The novel does a great job of highlighting how friendship can be a transformative force in a young person’s life, but also how it can sometimes lead them down risky paths. Talia’s character, while vibrant and charismatic, brings a darker edge to the story, as her actions sometimes cross the line into recklessness. Rose’s journey is about finding her own voice and learning when to stand up for herself, especially when Talia’s choices begin to spiral out of control.
Banned Books, Crop Tops, and Other Bad Influences is a thought-provoking story about breaking free from expectations, challenging authority, and discovering one’s identity. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy stories about friendship, personal growth, and the complexities of teenage rebellion.
No comments:
Post a Comment