After speaking up against censorship at her local public library board meeting in Livingston, Louisiana, in 2022, Jones, the former president of the Louisiana Association of School Librarians, began receiving threatening emails and attacks via social media. In response, she filed a defamation lawsuit against the two men she contends were at the center of those attacks. “I chose to take a stand, and that decision changed the trajectory of my life,” she writes. “It was a hard decision that I did not take lightly. It has taken an emotional, physical, and mental toll on me and my family.” Nonetheless, she notes, “I have zero regrets.” In this straightforward narrative, Jones shares her point of view, details her experiences, including the status of her lawsuit, and offers advice to other librarians who may find themselves in similar situations. At the end of the book, she also shares the transcript of the speech she gave at the public library board meeting. At times, Jones’s narrative is repetitive, and her raw anger often detracts from her intended message and “newfound purpose…to inspire and support others like me.” As Jones acknowledges, she has “wrestled with how much is too much when describing these people and the hatred I’ve felt, and sometimes still feel, about them.” Despite a few flaws, Jones offers sound advice regarding how individuals can better educate themselves about library content, purchasing processes, and reconsideration policies. Ultimately, she contends, “everyone in the United States should stand up for intellectual freedom and stand against censorship, regardless of party line.”
A useful book for gaining an understanding of all sides of the book banning issue.
Review Publication: Kirkus Reviews