Review by diversereader7 -- The Banned Book about Love
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diversereader7
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- Latest Review: "The Banned Book about Love" by Scott Hughes
Review by diversereader7 -- The Banned Book about Love
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Banned Book about Love" by Scott Hughes.]
3 out of 4 stars
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The Banned Book about Love by Scott Hughes is a non-fiction booklet with 14 standard pages that takes a philosophical stance on love and hate written from the perspective of the author. It was released originally through Amazon for free on the 13th of June 2016 and garnered 1,181 downloads after only a few days. The author pledged to donate 10 cents for every free copy downloaded from Amazon to a charity that helps victims of sexual assault. Unfortunately, it was banned by Amazon due to a torrent of complaints from people who were outraged by the supposed pro-rape content of the booklet.
The booklet centers around the story of fast-swimming Brock Turner who was convicted of three felonies all under the category of sexual assault. He committed these felonies under the influence of alcohol. Brock was then sentenced to 6 months of incarceration, for which he will probably serve only 3 months. Hughes pointed out how, and I quote, “The Internet has exploded with self-righteous outrage at the allegedly light sentence, an understandable complaint in relation to the many nonviolent people who get much harsher sentences for nonviolent crimes.” He then points out how self-righteous rage is often tantamount to hate and explores the idea of how far people are willing to go in using a means to end. More so, will their means lead to a desirable end? Or a hateful one? He believes that hate doesn’t work as a means to an end as it doesn’t have a desirable end.
First of all, I would like to commend the bravery of the author for figuratively standing in front of a delegation who are eager to throw stones at him for believing something that most people don’t. Contrary to the complaints, I actually find this book beneficial and thought-provoking. It gives the readers another way– a positive way– to look at things. It allows for healing to take place. “Hate begets hate,” according to Matthew 26:52. And it’s true. Violent behavior will just promote another violent behavior and it won’t stop until you make the decision to stop it. I also believe that everyone, people from all walks of life, deserve to be loved unconditionally no matter what they have done, are doing, or will do. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be loved like that? I really appreciate the sincerity and thought behind this book. I love how the author didn’t seem to mind if the book was marketable, he wrote what he wanted to and focused on conveying his message out of love. That’s pretty rare.
On the other side of the coin, I think the feelings of the victims were not taken into consideration. How would they react if they read this? Although it is evident that the author cares about the victims and empathizes with them, it is not that easy. I would prefer if it started on a lighter note– since the subject is sensitive– then eventually build up to make the point known. The beginning was too straightforward and the thoughts were redundant and lengthy. Other than that, it's an amazing booklet.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I didn’t give it a 4 because it is not for everyone to read. I gave it a 3 because although it is not for everyone to read, if understood and read thoroughly, the message is beautiful. It promotes love and not hate.
All in all, I loved it. I recommend this to those who want to pass time and read something both light and thought-provoking.
******
The Banned Book about Love
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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3 out of 4 stars
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The Banned Book about Love by Scott Hughes is a non-fiction booklet with 14 standard pages that takes a philosophical stance on love and hate written from the perspective of the author. It was released originally through Amazon for free on the 13th of June 2016 and garnered 1,181 downloads after only a few days. The author pledged to donate 10 cents for every free copy downloaded from Amazon to a charity that helps victims of sexual assault. Unfortunately, it was banned by Amazon due to a torrent of complaints from people who were outraged by the supposed pro-rape content of the booklet.
The booklet centers around the story of fast-swimming Brock Turner who was convicted of three felonies all under the category of sexual assault. He committed these felonies under the influence of alcohol. Brock was then sentenced to 6 months of incarceration, for which he will probably serve only 3 months. Hughes pointed out how, and I quote, “The Internet has exploded with self-righteous outrage at the allegedly light sentence, an understandable complaint in relation to the many nonviolent people who get much harsher sentences for nonviolent crimes.” He then points out how self-righteous rage is often tantamount to hate and explores the idea of how far people are willing to go in using a means to end. More so, will their means lead to a desirable end? Or a hateful one? He believes that hate doesn’t work as a means to an end as it doesn’t have a desirable end.
First of all, I would like to commend the bravery of the author for figuratively standing in front of a delegation who are eager to throw stones at him for believing something that most people don’t. Contrary to the complaints, I actually find this book beneficial and thought-provoking. It gives the readers another way– a positive way– to look at things. It allows for healing to take place. “Hate begets hate,” according to Matthew 26:52. And it’s true. Violent behavior will just promote another violent behavior and it won’t stop until you make the decision to stop it. I also believe that everyone, people from all walks of life, deserve to be loved unconditionally no matter what they have done, are doing, or will do. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be loved like that? I really appreciate the sincerity and thought behind this book. I love how the author didn’t seem to mind if the book was marketable, he wrote what he wanted to and focused on conveying his message out of love. That’s pretty rare.
On the other side of the coin, I think the feelings of the victims were not taken into consideration. How would they react if they read this? Although it is evident that the author cares about the victims and empathizes with them, it is not that easy. I would prefer if it started on a lighter note– since the subject is sensitive– then eventually build up to make the point known. The beginning was too straightforward and the thoughts were redundant and lengthy. Other than that, it's an amazing booklet.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I didn’t give it a 4 because it is not for everyone to read. I gave it a 3 because although it is not for everyone to read, if understood and read thoroughly, the message is beautiful. It promotes love and not hate.
All in all, I loved it. I recommend this to those who want to pass time and read something both light and thought-provoking.
******
The Banned Book about Love
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like diversereader7's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: "The Banned Book about Love" by Scott Hughes
