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06 September 2012

Banned Book Week is right around the corner...


...so why not be a host? Don't know about you, but I am stricken with fear that just one person can challenge a book, potentially banning it, simply because they feel there is something in it so horrible that it absolutely shouldn't be read by anyone else and then they then pursue its removal from shelves, denying access to it. That scares me. Big brother much, right?


I still shake my head when I look at some of the books that have been challenged or banned around the world. I mean, really? Harry Potter? Of Mice and Men? To Kill a Mockingbird? And there are so many of Stephen King's works as well!

Here is the link to the list of the most challenged books from 2000 to 2009 as documented by the ALA (American Library Association). In the few years I've blogged about books, I've enjoyed the celebrations for Banned Book Week and it is right around the corner. I plan to celebrate these wonderful books and I hope you join as well; the more the merrier!

The incomparable Sheila from Book Journey is hosting the event, which will take place from Sunday, September 30 to Saturday, October 6. Click here to read the post and submit your interest for it. As Sheila shared on her post, here is the definition from the American Library Association for what a challenged or banned book is:
A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. As such, they are a threat to freedom of speech and choice.
Why not consider including a book into your reading world this season that was once considered banned and post about it on your blog? More than likely, a book you were planning to read at some point is probably on the list. So I say, let's read!

7 comments:

  1. your site looks great! i'm looking at this list now and some of my all-time favorite books are on it: harry potter, the perks of being a wallflower, to kill a mockingbird, go ask alice, the giver, the judy bloom books... wow! it's crazy how your favorite books are ones that people are banning a lot of the time :) check out my blog, i'm new!

    theperksofbeinglav.wordpress.com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! I would definitely encourage you to swing by to Sheila's site to see if you'd consider hosting and reviewing a fantastic book from the list available. It should be fun!

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  2. The idea of banning books concerns me too. Although I don't necessarily agree with some of the topics, ideas, etc behind some of the banned/challenged books, I don't think they should be pulled from shelves. If one book/thought/idea is banned or challenged, it's just a matter of time before my thoughts or ideas are banned.A slippery and dangerous slope it is.

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  3. Hmmm, I need to see what all of King's books have been banned...

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  4. Yikes, I had no idea about this - I mean, I knew that there were "groups" out there trying to get books banned, but I didn't know the extent of the list! I'm shocked at some of the books on the list. What will you be reading in recognition of this? I've decided to join the readalong in October for The Grapes of Wrath hosted by Laura @ devouringtexts. It's one I've never read, but have always wanted to!

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  5. Thanks for bringing this up! I've signed up as well. :)

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  6. I am SO looking forward to BBW! My daughter and I are reading Are You There God? It's me Margaret together :)

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