You don’t have to burn books books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them. -Ray Bradbury
It’s that time of year again. The time when I feel the need to behave like an insurgent, a mutineer, an insurrectionist. Even more so than every other day. Need I explain once again that I’m a middle child? Good. Let’s just get past that. It’s what you love about me anyway. It’s the thing that makes you come back again and again to witness my mischief making.
Book challenging (and banning and burning) has gone on for a long time. Some of the titles of books that have been challenged in the past surprise me while some of them just beg for banning because they are so controversial in nature. Whatever the case, I just can’t stand for it. I’ve not always been like this, either. There were times when I didn’t really care what was being challenged, but then something happened…oh, about the time this little-known author wrote a series of books that maybe, just maybe, you’ve heard of and it probably wouldn’t have brought about any red flags for me, except I take issue with one thing.
The basic premise of challenging a book presupposes that one has actually READ THE BOOK. I dunno. Maybe it’s just me.
When it comes to opinions of books and such, my own philosophy tends toward the fact that I happen to want to think for myself on these issues. I have a brain and I take it everywhere I go. May as well use it.
Arguing about whether a book is “good” or not isn’t often the question. Any critic worth her salt knows that when panning a work of literature, you simply don’t just say, “It was a good read.” People expect more than that, which is fine. If you like to read critiques before delving into a book. Those who challenge books seem to be of the mind that others shouldn’t be reading them. Be it young children, teens, or even other adults. And that is where I draw the line.
My uncle, one of the smartest and well-read people on the planet, probably got influenced me more than he knows when it comes to this. When I was in high school Salman Rushdie published a book that was the hot topic of the day. My uncle, tired and disgusted with people talking about a book that THEY HADN’T EVEN READ, decided to read it on his own. This affected me greatly. I was shocked, first of all, that an entire country banned the book and also that this was even possible. When he was forced to go into hiding I wondered, “Gee. What is this book about anyway?” In any case, I was awed that my uncle wasn’t going to take anyone’s word for it. He was going to educate himself in the most obvious way possible: he was going to read the book.
Later in life when I became a teacher and was teaching at a private school, I was dismayed that they banned Harry Potter. Dismayed, not shocked. Most of the people who talked about it hadn’t read it. Interestingly enough, it was one of the parents who had originally given it to me as a gift because she thought I’d like it. I did. Thorougly. In fact, every time I read it and was forced to set it down to start dinner or do other things, Mallory would come along and pick it up and refuse to give it back to me because she loved it so much, too. I listened intently to their reasons for not liking it and waited for the inevitable question. You know the one. The one you ask English teachers who should know better than anyone else what a book is like. (Sorry, Libby. But we do get asked an awful lot. I’ll bet you do, too, though.) My response to them was always the same:
“You seem to feel very strongly about this book. Tell me, when did you read it?”
Let’s just go ahead and get all Paul Harvey right here and now. You know the rest of the story.
They hadn’t read it.
“I’m sorry. I can’t possibly discuss a book with you when you haven’t read it. Maybe you should read it prior to discusssing it as if you know everything about it. You would never presume to go to a Book Club on the night they were discussing a book when you, yourself, hadn’t read it, right?”
Right.
For this entire week, I’m going to write about some of my favorite banned books that can be found on this site and why I love them so much. I long to hear what Banned Books you enjoy and would recommend to others.
What have you read that is banned or challenged?
*In case you’re not familiar, the post title is from a Ray Bradbury book that is also one of my favorites, but I won’t be writing about it.
September 25, 2006 @ 5:12 am | Filed under Education, Everyday Mundane | Permalink |
Juli Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 5:29 am
If I wrote a book, I’d be sure to have it banned just so I could sell more copies. : + )
And, what’s the significance of the 451? Or am I just S-L-O-W?
-S. Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 5:45 am
I actually got into a big discussion at Jr Youth one night about this very subject. Some of the parents had “banned” their kids from reading it. I hadn’t read it yet, but I argued that since they hadn’t either and since it is a fantasy book, that I couldn’t understand why they were not allowed to read it. The Bible has all kinds of horrid things in it and they are allowed to read it correct. I had to stop the conversation because I was getting angry and I didn’t want it to get any more heated. So I know exactly what you are talking about. If I question a book one of my children has, I read it first and then decide if they are mature enough to handle it. I would never “ban” them from a book unless it was not age appropriate then I would put it up for a later time.
-S.
Theresa Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 5:48 am
Hey Sweetie! Great entry! Thanks for letting us know about Banned Books Week! I had no idea! I will be sure to spread the word about this travesty! When I see names like Alice Walker, May Angelou and Toni Morrison I have to wonder what country we’re living in and what century!! Oh well…it won’t stop us from reading them anyway!
Hey…I decided to put my friend Patricia and her husband Orlando’s music (Minas) on my space this week. I came across a song of theirs and I thought about you 
- http://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/89969/02%20Strong%20Black%20Coffee.wma Have a good week!!
Caffeinated Librarian Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 7:30 am
Juli - I believe 451 degrees Fahrenheit is the temperature at which book-paper burns.
Mocha, honey…you and I talked and talked about this early in the month and yet it STILL snuck up on me! But then banned book week always does. Great post! I’ll join you on this subject this week. I’m a little chagrinned that if folks follow your link, right now all they get is my less-than-scintillating play-by-play on the Carolina Panther’s game. *blush* Oh well, we librarians are human too, I suppose.
Oh and you’re right, I do get asked my opinion on books, particularly controversial ones, all the time. It’s very odd actually - I don’t know why people think all librarians have some secret insight on all books ever published, as if all we do is sit around and read all the time (HA! I WISH!).
I could go on, but perhaps I should wait til tonight and my own blog. Thanks for shining the spotlight on banned books, Lady!
Dana Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 7:44 am
I have to say that my mother and my uncle were up in arms over the Harry Potter books. They didn’t want any Catholic children to read them because there’s talk about witch craft in them. I got upset because neither my mom nor my uncle had read the books, but my cousins did. I haven’t had the chance to dive into them yet, I’m still trying to finish “Monica’s Story” (don’t ask)….but when I do I’m certain I’ll love them. Afterall, it’s fiction, not a documentary…and even so……what’s the big deal?
They also became upset when I read The DaVinci Code, but whatever…..
Tanilan Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 8:03 am
I didn’t get my project done for banned book week. But I plan to do a few post on the subject too! I also plan to do something for the kids in regards to it. Maybe a few posters around the library!
People get upset about such trivial things. What they have to realize is that it is creativity and fiction. What they are asking, by banning books, is for us and our children to shut our minds to free thinking and thought. And I hate when people tell me what not to read or watch. It just makes me want to read it or watch it that much more. Because nine time out of ten, they don’t have the foggiest clue as to what they are talking about. They just jumped on someone’s band wagon without finding out the facts.
Natalie Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 9:04 am
Yes, caffeinated librarian is correct. The 451 is the degrees in farenheit in which a book (paper) will burn.
Banned Books week always meant a way for me, as a bookstore manager, to sell more “classic” books. It was a cool display. More than that… it reminded people of the silliness of why some books were put on those lists. When I heard that many “christian” schools were banning HP because it was “witchcraft” I just shook my head. However, many people did finally read the HP books because they wanted to see for themselves.
Silly. Just silly. Yet the influences of fanatics is nothing compared to what our history (hopefully) teaches us.
Natalie
QofS Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 9:16 am
I love you. I Love you. I love you. I love you.
R Burgess Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 9:22 am
Oooooooh! You’re a SASSY girl! SASSY! It’s great!
If someone tells me I can’t read something it always makes me want to read it! Of course, that also workes the other way around, so that if people WANT me to do something, I often don’t want to do it, even if I wanted to before. Like my grandmother wanting me to learn Spanish. So I took French.
R
kapgar Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 9:33 am
That was kinda what forced my decision to actually read an Ann Coulter book. I hated what I knew of her at that point in time, but I still felt bad trashing her on my blog. So I read one. I was totally justified.
Jorge Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 9:34 am
Mocha Momma, did you do some “einstrilling” in your quote?
On to the topic…
I love reading.
I don’t usually give in to hype (I’ll read “The DaVinci Code” when I am damned ready to read it).
I think it’s important to read books - especially banned ones - so that we can make informed decisions on what to do with them (and if they really should be banned).
I, on the other hand, have started to discover that there are books that I don’t think are worth reading (just for myself). And the hardest thing is to stop reading when I realize that I am just getting no “vibe” from the thing.
What do you think about that?
Lisa Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 9:56 am
Hi,
I’m from Canada. Last month during a stop-over at Detroit Airport, I met a lady who was reading “The Giver” by Lois Lowry. I had read it recently because a friend who is in teacher’s college recommended it as an excellent children’s novel. My flight was delayed, so I struck up a conversation with the reader, commenting on how much I had enjoyed the novel. I was amazed to discover that she was a retired teacher, who had just begun to read some of the books on her school’s banned book list. “The Giver” is banned because it contains euthanasia. I was amazed first of all, because I didn’t think books were banned anymore (this must be my ignorance, though I plan to find out how much of this happens in Canada). Second of all, “The Giver” isn’t about euthanasia. It’s a book that looks at a number of sensative issues, in a very creative way and I imagine that it’s probably designed as a vehicle to discuss tough issues with young adults.
Anyway, I took a look at the list of banned books on the website you linked to and a few of my favourite children’s books made the list (”Bridge to Terabithia”: my favourite book in sixth grade, “A Wrinkle in Time”: I still have a copy ).
Interesting post!
Jenna Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 10:11 am
I blogged about this last year and marked all the ones that i had read. I should do it again this year! thanks for the reminder!
I love Harry Potter! at the core, it values loyalty, truth, individuality, and the power of good over evil. I just don’t understand who would disagree with that!
Peace!
LittleLatte Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 12:06 pm
http://www.slate.com/id/2150153…damn funny article!
aunttea Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 1:46 pm
i’m not for banning or burning books, am for age appropriateness, and i do think schools should have the freedom to “ban” books from their campuses.
i have found on the other side of book debates (which seem pretty darn passionate) once you say you object to something, people assume that you’re for banning and burning, AND that you have not read the book. it’s pretty hard to get them to hear, “i read the book” “i did NOT say ban/burn.” repetition doesn’t work.
Nora Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 1:50 pm
I do find it amazing that some poeple think by “banning” a book they will somehow make the world a better place. I don’t know maybe they are right,just last week I was running into the wall trying to get to Platform 9 3/4. That is one nasty bruise let me tell you!
In regards to your last several posts. Do you rent out your mom for cleaning? I could use some help, even if she comments. *in my best Homer voice* MMMM Tequila
InTheFastLane Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 2:52 pm
I have read so many banned books (not on purpose, although if you told me a book was banned I probably would me MORE likely to read it) that someone should just ban me
I do wonder how any girl could get through her teens years without “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume”.
Tom Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 3:43 pm
Kelly,
Your website is banned on my computer at work, because it has naughty language. No Lie.
dragon-mum Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 4:17 pm
Kelly
Thank you for yet another thought provoking post. I have never been aware of books being banned here. Though I have read more than my fair share of books that people have told me not to read. Yep just shake that red flag at the dragon people. YOU say NO…. I HEAR race out and get a copy RIGHT NOW.
I love books, I love to read. The only ones I am not too keen on are mysteries and war stories. I am an idiot in that even if the book sucks, I’ll read it to the end in the hope it gets better
I horrified my family last year by reading a fantasy trilogy bu Jacqueline Carey. The first book “Kushiel’s Dart” grabbed me by my lungs and would.not.let.go! It is filled with sex and bandage/s&m I admit. However, the story enthralled me. I found it to be about growth, strength, hope, loyalty, honour and most of all to love yourself for who and what you are.
I had to beat my Mum over the head with it and make her read it so she would stop hounding me about me reading “porn”. Now she see’s what I was getting at and owns all the books herself.
Re banning books. I can understand that some books are not appropriate for children of whatever age. Who decides what is appropriate? It’s a book, a STORY, why can we not give the power back to the kids? And let THEM decide, or are we ASSUMING they are too stupid to put the damn book down if it scares or upsets them?
Justin and I decided we will come and get rid of all the polititians in the world for you. We vote for you to be QUEEN OF THE WORLD. How much better would a Mocha Earth be?
Love Yvonne
Elizabeth Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 4:45 pm
A Light in the Attic?!?!?! You’ve got to be kidding me?!? That’s my daughter’s favorite book! Ok, that’s it. These people need to be STOPPED!!!!
kari Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 5:06 pm
reading that list of the 100 most challenged books gave me chills. in my 11th grade english classes (the ones in which i’m doing my student teaching), not only are we reading Catcher in the Rye, but their summer reading assignment was to choose a book to read from a list of 18 - the list included four books from that list as well as Fahrenheit 451. banned book week makes me sad, but it also makes me determined, and glad i’m an english teacher.
Dena Marie Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 5:10 pm
Just stopping by to say “hello.”
rock-chalk@hotmail.com Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 6:17 pm
LOL! I LOVE Harry Potter! Funny story, since you brought it up. My sister (very conservative Catholic who is the wrong kind of Conservative Catholic… judgemental!) Anyway, the sisters were at her house discussing reading and one sister said she read the Da Vinci Code which was excellent. Before anything else could be said, sister with something stuck you no where, interjects and says “My girls will never read that. The Holy Father has said not to, and my children will not read that”. Then, of course, we ask “When did you read it?” She replies, “I’m not reading that! We are not supposed to!” Enter her oldest daughter (at that time a sophomore at a Catholic school, and I might add I love this girl)who says “what are you talking about?” I say, “the book Da Vinci Code”. Niece says, “I’ve read that. It’s a great book! I couldn’t stop reading it!” We all look at sister snooty with raised eyebrows. Niece says, “It’s fiction! I’m smart enough to know that! Sheesh mom.” Let’s just say the “cool sisters” still have a good laugh. (that niece hides her books now so mommy doesn’t find out)
favorite banned book? Toss up between Light in the Attic and Harry Potter. Harry Potter I could not put down and anxiously awaiting the new one!
Love You!!!!!
Sue
jeankfl Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 9:43 pm
Farenheit 451 is one of my favorite books and movies! Banning books makes me shudder and is one of the few things that makes me truly angry. I think if it’s really not good, it will fail on it’s own…but it’s not MY place to say YOU can’t read something…I can not read it, I can not let my child read it…I can even make sure no children read it, if it’s too adult…and I can tell everyone I see, or take out ads telling people why they shouldn’t read it..but I shouldn’t have the right to say YOU can’t read it…That’s just wrong any way you look at it. Too many have attempted to control an entire population by controlling what they can read. I disagree with many books, but I will defend to the death anyone’s right to write them or read them.. thanks for airing this subject.
hugs
Jean
MamaCaffinatedLibrarian Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 8:26 am
Thanks Mocha for your post. It is not always the words in a book that are challenged. As in the case of the first book challenge we dealt with at my middle school. A grandmother was horrified at the illustrations as well as the stories in “More Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark” by Alvin Schwartz. She wasn’t just interested in keeping her grandson from being exposed to the book but she didn’t think any child should be potentially frightened by them. After the media committee (made up of department chairpersons) read the book, we met to decide whether to “ban/remove” it. The committee agreed that the grandmother had every right to keep her grandson from reading the book, if that is possible, but we didn’t feel that it should be removed. Most committee members thought the situations in the book were similar to the rite of passage of telling ghost stories around a campfire. Everyone tries to tell one a little scarier than the last one and children soon catch on to what is happening. As with anything, parents need to be aware of what their children are listening to, viewing, and reading. That’s why children are given parents - to help them through life until they can make their way on their own, but we also need to be aware of how the world has changed since we were children.
Caffeinated Librarian Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 9:54 am
Ah, nice to see that The Lady herself has commented. Btw mom, you misspelled “caffeinated.”
(Although I suppose bloggers who live in glass homepages shouldn’t throw stones - I got the title of one of Shel Silverstein’s books wrong in my post last night, even though I was looking right at the title page while I typed it. *sigh*)
You keep this up Mocha, and we’re going to have to vote you an Honorary Librarian (’cause me and my mom are The Queen Librarians of the World, dotcha know, so we have that power). *grin*
Big Dog Mom Pam Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 1:34 pm
I agree . . . how can any teenage girl get through life without reading Judy Blume. I bought “Forever” in paperback and it was a book that my friends and I read until it literally fell apart. My mom wanted to know what was so wonderful about this book and I thought she was going to have a stroke when she read it, but she was very cool and let me keep the book. I’m stunned by some of the other books on the list. “Grapes of Wrath”, “Gone With The Wind” (I read it every other year!), “The Great Gatsby” . . . these things are American classics. I had to read the George Orwell stuff in high school. “A Separate Peace” is another one that we had to read in high school. But now they are BANNED?! WTF!? The latest banned book I read was the DaVinci Code. Bought it specifically because I’m a Catholic and the Church said that we SHOULDN’T read it. Had to see what all the fuss was about. Thanks for letting me know about Banned Books Week. I need to get involved because I think that banning books is a horrible crime to commit . . .
Shash Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 3:07 pm
LOVED this post. Added my .02 at my blog.
we’re a proud family of rebels…
I read The Satanic Verses too when it came out. (I worked in a bookstore) I found it to be very boring, but I was 18 when I read it. I might check it out again for a re-read.
Shash
EricAtRandom Said,
September 26, 2006 @ 8:16 pm
Wow… I’ve had a MAJOR illiteracy moment here. All these years, I’ve been pronouncing “banned” as “REH-CO-MENDED”. Have I been practicing offensive behaviors?
I loved “The Pigman”, “Catcher In The Rye”, anything by Kurt Vonnegut, and “451″ (abbreviated because I can’t spell Fahrenheit… or can I?). I was surprised at how many books on that list (to 100 for 1990’s) were assigned to me in my Catholic high school. Way to go, Archbishop Molloy!!
Anyway, I’m not the best read individual on my block (no matter where I live because my wife lives there, too, and I can’t keep up with her). But to some degree I honestly *do* read books *because* they’re banned. I’m too curious to find out just why they were in the first place.
My recommendation to students… find out what books were banned, and buy them for yourselves!