Monday 13 July 2015

Banned Books?

So I was reading a post about banned books on bookjourney.net and it got me thinking....

I am 100% against censorship when it comes to books. While I may not enjoy every book, I feel that all books are a work of art. Somebody took their time to write something, to express something, to spread ideas and provoke thought....and I feel that every author has the right to have their work out in the world, shared for others to enjoy, critique, or recommend.

I understand banning books under certain circumstances, such as an elementary or high school banning books due to inappropriate content for the age range. But I feel this is the only real, acceptable excuse for banning books.

Click here for a list of frequently challenged books by decade.

Click here for a list of frequently challenged books of the 21st century.

Click here for a list of banned and challenged classics.

I'm surprised by some of the books that have been challenged or banned. The Goosebumps series by R.L Stine? The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie? Twilight by Stephenie Meyer?

In the end, I find banning books is generally a silly practice meant to silence voices, prevent diversity, prevent free thinking and diversity of thought, and to control through censorship. In other words, I don't like it.

What are your thoughts on banning books? What's your favourite banned book? Comment below!