THE FAULT IN OUR STARS was banned from middle school libraries in Riverside, CA smack in the middle of Banned Books week, earning the school system the awards for both unnecessary intolerance and the worst timing ever. Reportedly, the books were banned after a parent complained about the book’s focus on mortality and mentions of sex.
John Green was asked how he felt about the decision on his tumblr. Naturally, he had a perfectly valid and totally hilarious response:
I guess I am both happy and sad.
I am happy because apparently young people in Riverside, California will never witness or experience mortality since they won’t be reading my book, which is great for them.
But I am also sad because I was really hoping I would be able to introduce the idea that human beings die to the children of Riverside, California and thereby crush their dreams of immortality.
At least John Green accepts that mortality and sex are both subjects that middle school students know about and should have some perspective on, even if their parents want to keep them ignorant forever.
Don’t forget to celebrate Banned Books Week!