Banned Books Week- "Read for your Rights"

Banned Books Week- "Read for your Rights"

What is banned books week? 

So today is the start of banned books week. Which if you are not familiar is a weeklong event (Oct.5-Oct.11 this year.) Which is a way for bookstores and libraries to oppose book banning and censorship around the country. It is official put together by the ABA (American Booksellers Association)

To challenge myself this month I plan on reading at least four banned books to talk about and share with people. I was originally aiming for eight books, but I want to still have time to eat at least. 

My Banned Books Reading list 

So, if you are interested in reading more banned books here is a little list of books I've either read or have on my shelf to read. That have been either banned or challenged. There's a ton more, but I didn't want to sit here listing for hours ha-ha.

Ones on my TBR

  • Brave New world, by Aldous Huxley  
  • The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, by Muriel Spark 
  • The Patrion Saint of Liars, by Ann Patchett 
  • The Book thief, Markus Zusak 
  • The Catcher in the Rye, J. D. Salinger 

Ones I read

  • Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury 
  • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou
  • Slaughterhouse Five, by Kurt Vonnegut 
  • The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie 
  • Fun Home, by Alison Bechdel  

How to combat book banning

If you are wondering how, you can oppose book bans across America the easiest answer is to just read. To quote the ever-famous Asimov "Any book worth banning is a book worth reading." If you continue to read and collect books getting banned and challenged it defeats the power of those doing this. I have many customers come in that only read or collect banned books because they understand the importance of free speech and the freedom to read. 

Also, if you are ever worried about book banning in your local community you can show up to those school district, and library board meetings. As a member of your community your voice is strong and important in combating this nations book banning. 

You don't have to be a huge reader to have a voice in protecting your rights. You have the ability to read anything you want. And to throw some of my bookselling experience on the plate, I have seen lots of books that have either been challenged in a library or pulled out of student's hands and burned. I don't believe books should be held from people just because they don't align with certain political agendas or go against specific personal views. 

Resources:

If you want to read more on banned books here is some great places to start!

Please comment down below with any questions or topics you want me to talk about! 

Don't forget to keep reading like the book will just grow legs and run away. 


 

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