let’s talk about Banned books for a minute

Last updated on July 5th, 2024 at 11:49 am

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I happened upon an interesting post yesterday on social media. it shared a list of banned books. Be it the list fake or real it always amazes me which books make those lists.

Some I can see have been banned for certain reasons. Now that everyone wants to be politically correct many books that are dubbed classics have been added to the list. Or maybe they were on the list than removed and readded again.

I know every school district has its rules as does every state’s education board. But some of the books on the list always make me wonder.

some used to be required reading

Okay, I’ll admit I haven’t had to read some of these books in 20 years or more. I’ve read at least 4 or 5 of the books on the list featured in this Reader’s Digest article from February of this year.

The biggest surprise to me is Anne Frank Diary of a young girl as well as Call of the Wild.

I didn’t have to read the first one but I do recall reading the second while in school.

I also had to read To kill a Mocking bird as well.

Now that one I can see why it’s on the banned book list since it deals with racism and topics of that era. Another book along those lines is Of Mice and Men. I remember my freshmen high school English teacher read that book to us. She would sub out the swear words because she didn’t feel comfortable reading them.

To me Of Mice and Men shows you the struggle and poverty of the era. It also shows you how George struggles with Lenny and what to do with him when he gets into trouble. It also highlights the inner battle George faces when he decides on Lenny’s fate.
I will admit the movie was pretty good too.

There are always surprises on the list

One of the biggest surprises to me was Harry Potter. Yeah, I get most people don’t like the witchcraft aspect of the stories. I will openly admit I’ve never read any of the books.

Another one that gets me is Lord of the Flies. I remember having to read that book in high school. I didn’t see anything wrong with it. I can say I think I had to watch that movie a few times during my school years.

The only thing I can see people would have an issue with now (mind you I haven’t read it since the late 90s) would be the bullying aspect. It also had the us against them mentality when the boys band together to try to stay alive.

I’m surprised that so many schools are banning a lot of LGBTQ+ books as well. I guess it seems too many parents don’t like the content. When I worked at the library I shelved my fair share of Young Adult books that had straight characters that were up to some dirty stuff.

I like how everyone grumbles that there isn’t enough inclusivity yet books that matter to people or a set community is being banned.

Books that should be read anyway

I think there are books everyone should read even if it’s not required reading. I’m not saying they will be for everyone but give them a chance.

Brave new world

I didn’t read this until I was in my 20s but I don’t get why people gripe about the sexual content. People read 50 shades of Gray and this book wasn’t even that bad. To be honest I thought the writing was much better.

I get how people don’t care for the futuristic content or the possible immorality of it. But again as a reader, everyone takes these ideas a different way.

To me, it showed you what these characters dealt with. It also made you think What if?

The color purple

This is another book I read as an adult. I liked the way it was presented. In letter form. I liked how you were able to follow Celie and her struggles with Mister. This book also shared the bonds of sisterhood. It also showed the struggle women suffered during that era.

A Clockwork Orange

A clockwork orange is similar to Brave New World since it’s set in a future time. The book isn’t too bad if you can focus on the slang they use in it.

Here are a few more books that aren’t banned but you might like to read.

There will always be controversy

I think no matter how much people moderate books for schools there will always be someone who complains. If it’s not about the content material it will be about possible social issues discussed. You can check out this list from ALA (American Library Association) to read more about banned books.

Which banned books have you read? Feel free to share your thoughts.