Raven asked Gail Carriger:

I have a question that might be a little... I dunno, strange? But I saw you gave The Scarlet Letter a 1 star rating on her, and I'd be interested in hearing why, if you'd take some time to explain? People seem to be very divided on this book.

Gail Carriger Not a strange question at all. In brief? I don't like the premise of ostracism and women shaming over issues of sexuality, even understanding the historical perspective. I don't think the author is commenting as severely on this issue as modern interpretations claim. I was forced to read it in school and I found it a challenging and uncomfortable book, and NOT in a good way. I don't like books that turn children off reading, and for me, this was one of those. I think it's possible to find stories that deal with similar themes and subjects in ways more accessible and enjoyable for modern readers, AND I think schools should be flexible enough to encompass alternatives that kids might actually enjoy. For example, I just read and really liked My Bittersweet Summer by Starla Huchton - a romantic YA that deals with themes of bullying. If that is one of the themes the teacher wishes to address with the Scarlet Letter than this would be a good alternative book.

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