Banned Book Recommendation Thread

[Mezuka]

The fact its banned anywhere is just maddening.

wiki: "The novel has never been out of print in hardcover or paperback, and has become part of the standard literature curriculum. A 2008 survey of secondary books read by students between grades 9–12 in the U.S. indicates the novel is the most widely read book in these grades."

 

[payn]

wiki: "The novel has never been out of print in hardcover or paperback, and has become part of the standard literature curriculum. A 2008 survey of secondary books read by students between grades 9–12 in the U.S. indicates the novel is the most widely read book in these grades."

It's been removed from some school reading list recently for reasons I can get into here.

 

[Ryujin]

Another book that seems to get banned a lot, south of the border, is "The Handmaid's Tale."

 

[CleverNickName]

Most of my favorite books have been banned at least once in my lifetime, especially these:
"The Lord of the Flies" (banned for use of racial profanity),
"Slaughterhouse Five" (banned for explicit sex, violence, and obscene language),
"The Poisonwood Bible" (banned for 'inappropriate references'),
"Maus: A Survivor's Tale" (banned for nudity, violence, and references to suicide),
"The Color Purple" (banned for a whole host of reasons including 'religious objections,' homosexuality, violence, African history, rape, incest, drug abuse, explicit language, and sex),
"Catcher in the Rye" (banned for excessive vulgar language, sexual scenes, and 'things concerning moral issues').

I recommend all six of these books to anyone, anywhere, of any age. Read them, talk about them, share them with others. They are so good.

 

[Aeson]

Another book that seems to get banned a lot, south of the border, is "The Handmaid's Tale."

Why would Mexico ban the book?

 

[Ryujin]

Why would Mexico ban the book?

Ever seen the meme "Canada's Shorts"?

 

[reelo]

To Kill a Mockingbird, which has been banned in many places, is not only an excellent book but also a contender for best work of fiction penned in the 20th century.

It was required reading for me in English class here in Luxembourg, back in the late 90s.

It didn't strike me as a contender for "best work of fiction in the 20th century". That crown goes, imho, to "The Lord of the Rings". Moght just be me, though.

 

[Mad_Jack]

I've never read "The Handmaid's Tale", but most of the other choices here are books I'd also recommend. "Go Ask Alice" was a personal favorite.
I'm afraid I can't really add any other banned books to the list, since the only other banned book I've read is "The Anarchist's Cookbook", lol...

 

[MGibster]

This is not the place to discuss, debate, or even casually mention politics. Don't even think about it. We are here to talk about books and censorship, not politics. You know the rules, so follow them.

Censorship is an inherently political topic. Talking about the book and why we think it should be read is political. But, okay.

How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell first published in 1973. I read this in 4th grade, and it was the first book I can remember reader strictly for pleasure (thought I might have read a Choose Your Own Adventure book or two before this one). Billy bets Alan $50 ($333 in today's money) that he can eat a worm-a-day for 15 days straight. The story ends with Billy riding his brand new bike and that he's so accustomed to eating worms that he can't stop.

The book is often challenged/banned because allegedly encourages anti-social behavior (eating worms) and well as promoting gambling. When Billy's parents learn of the bet, they eventually relent and let him see it through to the end. It's not a great book, the only reason I have any memory of it is because of the title and the fact that it was one of the first books I chose to read, but it's amazing that something so bland an innocuous might be banned/challenged.

 

[CleverNickName]

Censorship is an inherently political topic. Talking about the book and why we think it should be read is political. But, okay.

As long as we follow the site rules, I think we'll stay out of trouble. I just didn't want anyone to interpret this thread topic as an invitation to go Turbo Political and end up getting excused from ENWorld because of it.