Read a Banned Book Today

Posted by Max on 28 September, 2007 in ALA, Social Software

September 29 - October 6 marks Banned Books Week. What is BBW? It’s all about celebrating the freedom to read and reminds Americans to not take this democratic freedom for granted. University of Pennsylvania has put together a nice online exhibit - it’s always fun to see the titles that have been banned or suppressed during the ages (even recently!)

Some examples:
As I Lay Dying, by William Faulkner
In 1986, Graves County, Kentucky, the school board banned this book about a poor white family in the midst of crisis, from its high school English reading list because of 7 passages which made reference to God or abortion and used curse words such as “bastard,” “goddam,” and “son of a bitch.” None of the board members had actually read the book.

The Catcher in the Rye, by J. D. Salinger
This is a perennial favorite of censors and has been banned in the U.S. and Australia. In 1960, a Tulsa, OK teacher was fired for putting the book on the 11th grade reading list. The teacher was reinstated, but the book was permanently removed from teaching programs. A Minnesota high school administration was attacked for allowing the book in the school library. (Also my favorite book of all time!)

Daddy’s Roommate, by Michael Willhoite
A favorite of censors, this children’s book about gay parenting was the subject of a challenge in the public library. In an all-too-familiar request, a parent complained about references to homosexuality in material for children. The library board voted to uphold basic library principles by retaining the book on its appropriate shelf in the children’s section.

Satanic Verses, by Salman Rushdie
The Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran put a price on the head of this author for writing this book which allegedly is critical of the Islam religion. Rushdie, as a result, went into hiding for an indefinite period of time, fearing for his life.

Also look at how Banned Books Week has been adding more tech as of late. Using social software like blogs, second life, social networks to reach out to more people - will it be successful? Have you had a banned book in your community? What was it and what happened? We would be interested in hearing your story. Click on the Comments to add yours…