This is the week in which we talk about books that have been banned or challenged. Someone, somewhere, found the books on this list objectionable in the decade of the ought’s (2000 – 2009) and made it a point to get those books off the shelves of libraries.
Banned and Challenged Books
Image from a friend’s Facebook page
My question to you is have you ever purposely read a banned book?
Notes from Rumbly Cottage 
I’ve read some of the books listed on the banned book list but at the time didn’t know they were banned. I will certainly read more banned books in the future.
I like to try and read a new one just to know why a book is banned.
I just read books – don’t really count on reviews or lists as guide.
I do know that we’ve had a mom in elem. school who demanded all books with pictures/mention of ghosts, magic, witches, fairies, all classical mythology, demons, devils…oh the list went on and on…..she managed to get Halloween carnival renamed Fall Festival….most unpleasant person…we were glad to “graduate” and get out of her reach.
School shouldn’t have caved – she only got worse.
What ever happened to majority rules…and tolerance for all opinions of others..oh, yeah. But won’t condemn all Christians for one odd one…and do believe this is public school for everyone and if you don’t like it, you are free to go elsewhere.)
OK…getting down off soapbox….
Well, Karen, I cannot say I disagree with you. I have stood up to those righteous Christians who take the fun out of everything. Once they get their way on Harry Potter then they move on to banning country music and competitive games. That is why I am totally against prayer in school but that is another post for another day.
I like to make people aware of the banned book list so they can find out what books various groups want to ban. I personally think it is because those books lead to thoughts, which some leaders find abhorrent. Read a banned book and find out why someone wanted it removed from the shelves.
Odd how some don’t like thinking. Good idea to post the list – we had local news stories on it here, too
I’ve heard that many of the books you mentioned were banned for one reason or another. I just shake my head. As for reading a book because it was banned – no, I’ve yet to do that. I suppose if there is a book banned in my boys’ school, and I am unfamiliar with it – I may read it to see why it is banned, but generally speaking, a banned book does not increase the chance I’ll read it.
I like to read my kids’ books to keep up with what they are reading which is how I read The Hunger Games which I found out today is on the list.
I read Catcher in the Rye when I was younger than I should have been. Does that count?
Was it on purpose?
Yes I have.. but in my country.. some of these arent banned books.
Does your country ban any books?
Hmm.. not that I know of.
I have read many of these books. I was in a rendition of “Go Ask Alice.” While it’s imprtant to be discerning as a parent I think many of these works offer important opportunites for dialogue.
Absolutely.
These banned book lists always fascinate me. So many of them make me thing, Really? Like To Kill a Mockingbird, my idea of the best American book. But I guess, in its day I can see where it might have been controversial. I think the only banned book I’ve read purposely was Salmon Rushdie’s Satanic Verses, but that doesn’t count because it wasn’t banned here.
I think I bought that book just to be supportive of a writer under siege.
We are killing the future education of our children by banning classics like many of these. Great post!
I have to admit I am intrigued by the Percy Jackson books that explore Greek and Roman Mythology in a modern setting.
Amazing! I’ve read nearly all of the books on the list you show – I didn’t know I was such a rebel.
And some of them are among my all-time favorites 🙂