by Julie Coulter Bellon
It was announced last week that Deseret Book has declined to carry James Dashner’s new book, The Scorch Trials, saying that the book, “contains language that some of our customers would find offensive.” The book is geared toward teenagers and contains the word “damn,” and also the phrases, “this sucks,” and “shuck it.”
The article brought up several issues that I have been discussing with my writer friends. Some have thought that Deseret Book is dabbling in censorship for readers, but I disagree with this premise. Deseret Book doesn’t carry the book in its stores, but you can special order it there, or you can go to any Barnes and Noble, or Borders, or wherever else to pick it up. In my mind, it’s not censorship at all when the book is still available to be read. There aren’t any book-burning parties here (although that might be a cool launch party premise since the title of the book is “The Scorch Trials.”)
Some also are of the opinion that this is just a publicity stunt to garner more publicity for the book and give it a “I have to read it since it’s got banned book status,” now. I don’t think management at Deseret Book is interested at all in publicity stunts. I believe they sincerely want to be careful of what they stock and how it is perceived. For example, I once met a woman who believed that the LDS church approved each book in Deseret Book so it must be okay to read whatever was on their shelves. While this is not true, I think there is a heavy responsibility placed on the bookstore because of its connection to the church.
Which brings me to the third issue that was brought up---are faux swear words as bad as real ones? When we say “shuck it,” are we really saying something else? Does our mind call up another word even if we’re saying “darn,” or “shoot,” or “fetch,” or “freak?” One of the phrases in “The Scorch Trials,” is “I’m with shuck face,” and one of his fans made a t-shirt with that emblazoned on it. (All I could think of when I heard that was the shirt having a picture of an ear of corn being shucked with a face on it. I know I’m weird. It totally wasn’t like that.) So is it better to say a faux word? And if that is the language that is the reason for it not being carried in Deseret Book, is that some sort of statement on what is or isn’t appropriate in shelved books and in regard to faux swear words?
No matter your opinion on Deseret Book refusing to carry James’ new book, the book itself is doing well. (And the publicity from it not being carried probably helped out a bit as well). The books that have been released in the Maze Runner trilogy are New York Times bestsellers and are being sold throughout the world. It is going to be made into a movie. I think James Dashner is a talented author who has earned incredible opportunities in the writing world because of his hard work and perseverance. I’m thrilled with his success. I might just be one of those in line at my nearest Deseret Book to order Scorch Trials. Or, I might just go to Barnes and Noble and buy one same day. Whatever method is chosen, I know I’m going to read it so I can see what happens in the story. Here’s a blurb on the Maze Runner, the first book in the trilogy:
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.
Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.
Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.
Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.
Now do you see why I want to read The Scorch Trials?
To read an excerpt of the book, or to read more about The Scorch Trials you can go to James’ website here
If you want to read the article on Deseret Book’s decision and see a picture of James hanging out in a Barnes and Noble writing, then go here.
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