Review by Kitkat3 -- The Banned Book about Love

[Kitkat3]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Banned Book about Love" by Scott Hughes.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

The Banned Book about Love by Scott Hughes is a non-fiction book about our approach to sexual assault as a society and individuals. Love and hate are described as our main reactions. Hughes states that love creates while hate destroys. This book was banned from Amazon, because people judged the subject from the original title. Even though it is a short, easy read, it deals with some very controversial issues.

This book is about how hate does not result in anything constructive. Brock Turner’s case is used as the main example for the author’s points. Hughes points out intelligent solutions to problems are better than self-righteous hate that does nothing but destroy. He illustrates the hypocritical nature of society as we fail to realize our deeply rooted passivity to all world problems. It does not lie in our ability to realize problems and injustice but our unwillingness to find a solution.

Hughes says that unconditional love should be something we all feel for criminals, no matter their offense. However, he does not say that this excuses anything that rapists or deranged people have done. He also addresses religion and how unconditional love is at the very core of Christianity. He does not say that these ideals are completely attainable but encourages personal growth.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I did not notice any typos, and it is well written. However, it was difficult for me to read at points, and I understand why some people may not like it. It encourages a level of self-reflection that can be uncomfortable. I agree with many of the author’s points about loving all people. I also like how he presents love as a challenge, because hatred is easier and sometimes much more satisfying. I also think that the solutions he suggests, specifically for prison sentence durations, are really good ideas.

I think that the title change was a good choice, because without further explanation, it could be and was easily misunderstood. I really appreciate books that make me think, so I feel that it had a positive effect on me. However, an open mind is required to finish this book. One aspect of the book that I think could be improved is the way it is divided. I have mixed feelings about the different ‘chapters’ and how they flow. It does categorize the information nicely; however, the thesis is stated multiple times. It might have flowed better if it was divided differently.

Overall, I enjoyed reading The Banned Book about Love. Hughes presented his ideas clearly, and it caught my attention. I enjoyed the amount of self-reflection that this book encouraged as well. This book is worth a look to challenge your perspective on love and morality.

******
The Banned Book about Love
View: on Bookshelves

Like Kitkat3's review? Post a comment saying so!

[va2016]

Yours is such a good review! I have also reviewed the book which you can find in my list.

I liked the subject very much, though the formatting was awkward. Also the language
was a bit flowy like a salesman pitch. Nevertheless, the book gives a very different perspective
of thinking.

Thank you for your review!

[Kitkat3]

Yours is such a good review! I have also reviewed the book which you can find in my list.

I liked the subject very much, though the formatting was awkward. Also the language
was a bit flowy like a salesman pitch. Nevertheless, the book gives a very different perspective
of thinking.

Thank you for your review!

Thank you. I'll check out your review too! I agree that the flow did seem a tad unnatural at points. The short length (like a pamphlet) may have also added to the salesman vibe.

[Rosemary Okoko]

You did a nice review on this book.

[Izesicle]

I agree where you said that the self reflection is requested by this book and it is a very difficult thing to do. Feel free to check out my review of this book. I rated it 3 out of 4 stars.

[bookreviewmi1111]

This book sounds good to read. As I paid attention to, every review I saw about this book rate it 4 out of 4 stars.
Thank you for your review!

[Zelda Boshoff]

Thank you for your great review. I did download the book, and can't wait to read it. The review indicates that loving all people could be challenging and that some may find it easier to hate. I am intrigued.