Tag: drugs

focus on marijuana

Focus on Mary Jane

For the Kids 15 comments

Focus on Marijuana
Zeller
1990

I think a lot of folks would like to focus on marijuana. Since legalization (or decriminalizing) seems to be a trend, maybe an updated book is needed. There is also a statement about marijuana as a gateway drug. From what I can tell, this is still a debate from the scientific community. There is also no recognition of the on going research into the benefits of marijuana such as chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy.

I really don’t have an opinion on the benefits since my experience is limited to a shared joint in 1981. I was more worried about getting the munchies and killing any ambition to keep my ass from expanding any further.

These types of books kind of bother me. They have more of an agenda than about real information. I have had many a teen and preteen that must do a “drug report”. More than once I have had a teen question me on why marijuana is “worse” aka illegal than alcohol. Gotta say my favorite questions are ones where the teens call b.s. and ask me to help them get better resources so they make a case.

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Hippie Trip cover

Lifestyles of the Hippies

But it's Historical! 4 comments

The Hippie Trip
Yablonsky
1968

Here is your insider guide to the mysterious world of hippies. This mostly academic work details the lifestyles of hippie culture through surveys, interviews and case studies.Yablonsky is a relatively important figure and his unorthodox research methods were part of an “immersion” philosophy as an academic. (He died in 2014 and you can read his obituary here.) Obviously, his work is important and should be included in sociology collections in the academic world. A larger public library would also probably consider including this in the collection, if community interest supported this kind of work.

I kind of chuckle since it reminds me of my undergraduate intro course in Sociology back in the day where the professor used the “hip” dialogue so he could relate to his students. Even in the late 70s, this guy sounded dated and ridiculous. I will also never forget that his opening lecture included the line: “Sociology is what sociologists do.”

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Foster Care Fun

Doris Hall of Infamy 20 comments

For Your Own Good
Sanford
1993

These books seem to be ubiquitous. I think they are stalking me! I am now sleeping with one eye open.

Yes, today we have another Sanford Special about life in a foster family. Our young protagonist is Jerome and he has a little brother Jamin. Of course, mom is a drinker and drug abuser. Her boyfriend Jake is also a real prize. He is a drug dealer and has been known to hit Jerome and his brother. Fortunately child protective service swoops in after a particularly bad night and rescues Jerome and Jamin.  Mom and Jake are off to jail and Jerome and Jamin are placed in foster care.

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