The thought of banning books is appalling to me, especially since so many of the most commonly banned books are amazing ones. Harry Potter has witchcraft and yes, Brave New World has sex and drug use, and The Hunger Games has...ok, I don't know why that one's banned, but come on! They are beautiful books!
Not being a parent, I can only use my experiences as a teen to justify my sense of outrage at the censorship of reading material...but then, as my husband loves to remind me, there was little to no supervision in my house regarding reading and tv/movie viewing. Yes, my mom raised us on Cujo. Yes, I watched Revenge of the Nerds at age 8. Yes, my brother showed me Full Metal Jacket at 14. Yes, I read my first romance at age 14. But I turned out just fine, and I am the person I am today partly because of my reading and viewing experiences.
So in honor of this week, I might just go out and read something salacious. Something dirty. Something naughty. Something thought provoking. Or maybe just something fun. And then thumb my nose (or stick out my tongue) at those who would ban books. You can't keep books away from me, SO THERE!
I hope you'll join me!
I'm reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower and I'm wondering if that ones banned. I'm guessing it might be, because there's numerous drug and sex references--but it's an awesome book. I can't believe I waited so long to read it.
ReplyDeleteI also just finished re-reading The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Another amazing book. The whole message of the book is to have hope, no matter what. To refuse to settle. To strive for more. Yet, it was banned, because it mentions masturbation. Utterly ridiculous. If you haven't read it, I'd highly recommend it. Great post!
I just saw that The Perks... is being made into a movie. I'll definitely read it before it comes out.
DeleteI had never heard of The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian until today when I read it on the ala's website. I just don't understand why people are so uppity about masturbation and drugs and stuff. I mean...did they not go to high school? The kids are going to do it and/or talk about it despite what their parents think. Might as well be open about it!
I have always been my own book censor. I tell everyone who looks over my book collection and says, Oh may I borrow this one, I always tell them that I am not a book censor so if you find something about the book you don't like, don't feel you have to read it. I won't care. I won't censor your books, therefore don't censor what I read.
ReplyDeleteWhen we got our toy poodle 12 years ago, (he was 5 months old) the owners had named him Cujo, Up until than I didn't even know anything about Cujo. I thought what a dumb name for a dog. I changed his name to Joey, and now everyone knows Joey, but don't know who my husband and I are. If they haven't seen Joey in a while they will ask about him, and how is he doing. Funny, how pets make impressions on people, but we owners don't. hee, hee.
I'm amazed that I'm not scared of dogs courtesy of Cujo. At 5, I really didn't get the point of the movie - I hated it because it portrayed a dog as bad and in my opinion, there was no such thing. :)
DeleteI know just how you feel, in our neighborhood, the kids call me Benny & Riley's Mommy even though they know my name. I think they just like the dogs better. LOL!
So glad to see another post for banned books week! I know it's early in the week, but I'm surprised I'm not seeing more around the book blogs. I did one yesterday if you'd like to check it out! Banned Books Week
ReplyDeleteI often take for granted what a great public school system my county has, but when I looked at the list you posted on your blog, I am so happy to say that MANY of them were required reading in my high school.
DeleteAlso, Bridge to Terebithia was inspired by a girl who died in my county. They have a memorial to the child that died at her elementary school (my sister-in-law works there), so my county certainly wouldn't ban that one.
Which brings me back to my point - we don't have banned books. In fact, in the whole state of MD, only 1 county has tried to ban a book since the 80s and it's a "fly your rebel flag" kind of county. And I am so lucky to live, and gone to school, where I do.
I went to Catholic school, which I suppose might have influenced their book choices, but almost all the frequently challenged books I've read were required reading at said Catholic school, so I have to give them credit for that. It's good to know that so many places don't buckle under the pressure when books get challenged. I feel fortunate that I do live in a time where most are appalled by the idea that anyone would try to get books banned.
DeleteWow. Thank you for the information on banned book week. I will be putting more research into this.
ReplyDelete