Reddit reviews Smack

Well, I'd be more likely to check it out from the library, personally, since there's one half a block away from my front door. However, I can see how it would be more convenient to just buy the book out of curiosity for people who don't live near a library-- a couple clicks on Amazon and you're done, versus driving to the library.

And yes, shocking people does sell books, music, movies, and pretty much any given product. I recall being forced to read Smack in high school. Cut, too. Honestly, despite being praised for bringing to light serious issues facing teens, I found both those books disturbing and without particular redeeming value.

However, I think "ban it or buy it" is a false dichotomy. I may not wish to buy a book, I may hope nobody buys it and the author goes broke, but that doesn't mean I don't think it should be possible to buy it.