Banned Books Week 2014!

Hello everyone!

Banned Books Week started off yesterday and runs through Saturday, September 27. A lot of libraries, bookstores and schools will be hosting events throughout the week in support. I’m super excited to share this event with you and would love your thoughts on this subject after reading my post!

So what exactly is Banned Books Week?

The ALA states that the week “reminds American about the importance of preventing censorship and ensuring everyone’s freedom to read any book they choose” (Cho, “Affirm…”).

Censorship is something I’m strongly against. As an avid reader and writer, it’s hard to imagine being denied creative works. Growing up in America, I’ve always heard the phrase “freedom of speech” being used constantly. But as the ALA shows, even America is at fault when it comes to censorship and it happens more than we think. From news articles to summer reading lists, creative and journalistic works pass through multiple gatekeepers before reaching their intended audiences. It’s during this process  that censorship happens.

Events like Banned Books Week allows us to bring awareness to the everyday censorship taking place in libraries, schools and towns. I definitely encourage you all to find an event close to you and attend or at least celebrate a favorite banned book of yours! I’m leaving some of mine below 🙂

Before I do share my list, I want to write a quick side note about my stance on censorship. I do understand that some books are not appropriate for all ages. That’s why books are marked with an age category on the back. I’m not supporting teachers letting 8-year-olds read books intended for 14+, but I am against teachers banning Captain Underpants or The Diary of Ann Frank because of their own biases or moral compass. Books are not only to be enjoyed, but also to educate and bring awareness to different cultures, time periods, and situations. That is why it is my sincerest hopes that libraries, book stores and schools continue and begin to allow all books to be available for every kid, student, and adult to read.

Now onto some of my favorite banned books!

1. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

3. The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

4. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

5. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

6. And of course the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. 😉

Let me know your thoughts on censorship below. I value everyone’s opinion and would love to hear your view points. Have a favorite Banned Book? Let me know below!

Thanks for stopping by!

Later BookNerds 😉

Xo,

NicoleLynn

Follow me on BlogLovin’

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, GoodReads