Positives of Book Bans written by the Ent (with the interview from Carew Papritz). This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.
Carew Papritz Introduction
Carew Papritz, the author of The Legacy Letters, published his first book at 21, graduated from UCLA Film School and worked in Hollywood, but eventually wanted to step away from that life. He now works as a cowboy on a small ranch in Arizona. His book, “The Legacy Letters” is a bestseller and he has had book signings in the most unique places, from signing a book on a glacier to signing a book on top of Mt. St. Helens. He is passionate about reading and getting children to read. We had the opportunity to discuss how book bans may affect teens reading in positive ways,
You can find the full interview here where we discuss the Positives of Book Bans and other topics:
What Are The Positives of Book Bans?
“Talk about the gift of adults telling you what not to do. This is the greatest advertising on the planet. Look what happened when they banned 1984. All of a sudden it went to the top of Amazon’s best seller list. Let’s take lemons and turn them into lemonade. You guys who are doing the book banning, guess what? You are advertising books that kids would never look at.”
Why Do You Think it’s Important to Read Banned Books?
“(Jokingly) to stick it to the man! It’s not the whole banned books thing. It’s the whole idea behind squelching curiosity. I love the oxymoronic idea that is Moms for Liberty. They say “We are for liberty and freedom.” Freedom from what? Freedom to squelch ideas. This is not the way freedom works.
Here’s the other option: to believe in your children that they have the ability to discern the difference between right and wrong. Your teaching them to have the liberty to decide. That’s the freedom that we’re built on, but you are saying “No, we know better”. That is finger wagging 101. Anger and fear are the heart of what they do. Teaching kids to be fearful of these things.”
Related Read: Banned Books and Middle School- School Trip Book Review
What are Ways You Discuss Difficult Books or Topics with Your Children
“I think its having moral and intellectual courage to take on things that are fearful. Let’s ask the fundamental question, “Why are these groups banning these books?”. Because they fear change. Besides death and taxes, the only thing cannot stop is change. When I refer to moral and intellectual courage, what I’m referring to is finding that thing in yourself that allows you to read the book instead of just being fearful of it outright.
I’m all about letting kids fall appropriately, whatever age that might be. Now there may be books out there that they may need the intellectual ability to do that. Once they get there go ahead and sit down and ask them what they think. I think it comes back to trusting our children. Trust in them that if you open them up, they have a whole world for you to learn about. I’m just constantly amazed at the beauty and the curiosity and the different way of looking at the world.”
What Are Some Steps Parents Can Take to Help Their Kids Get Into Reading
“Read. Read in front of them. We all work hard in what we do in life, but if you can be the example and walk your talk. It doesn’t have to be this huge investment. I think we forget about the joy of reading. Growing up the nearest library was 50 miles away. I visited it recently and it reminded me how hungry I was to read. I had checked out every Hardy Boys book imaginable and I read every single one of them and it was joyful. If there’s one thing we can pass on to kids, find something you like to read. It doesn’t have to be this painful thing.”
Related Read: The Bad Guys- a Fun Graphic Novel to Read Together
Check Out More About The Legacy Letters Book
On a father’s deathbed, he writes letters to leave for his wife and children, that he never got to raise. And it becomes a guidebook to life for them all. The writing is poetic, inspirational, and instructional. It’s more than a motivational book, it’s a captivating story. An expanded version of The Legacy Letters is currently in the works, you can find the current version right here.
Thank You Letter Day
Carew was also a part of creating the world’s largest thank you letter with Continental Elementary School and Middle School in Arizona. The world can always use some extra kindness and it feels so nice to get a thank you letter! Consider participating in Thank You Letter Day on November 14th this year. Check out more about the building size letter here.
Follow Carew Papritz Here
-His Website: TheLegacyLetters.com
-His Youtube
-His Socials: Instagram and Facebook
Here are some links to Carew’s book and the other books mentioned in the interview
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