You’ve walked into countless bookstores and have seen the displays for banned books. My favorite is the “Don’t read me” section at Barnes & Noble. While book banning isn’t a new phenomenon, it seems to be just as popular nowadays. As someone who started reading at a very young age, I read everything from classics to young adult to children. I remember reading Judy Blume’s Forever when I was 11 or 12. In school, we read Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Birds Sing, Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Lois Lowry’s The Giver (this was hugely popular among 8th graders when I was that age), and countless others. When I got to college, I read Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger—and I LOVED it. Part of me wondered why we couldn’t have read that in high school or even junior high. The reason this book has been banned is because of the vulgar language. I will always appreciate my mom for letting me read anything (within reason—she wasn’t going to let me read those Harlequin Romance books thankfully) but she let me read books with important themes. One of my favorite books is Fahrenheit 451. Why is it banned? Graphic content. According to Study.com, “some people may take offense to the content due to conflicting moral, ethical, or religious beliefs.” It’s rather interesting that this book would be banned, given the plot.

Advocates of book banning argue that it is necessary to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from potentially harmful or inappropriate content. They contend that certain books may contain explicit violence, offensive language, or controversial ideas that could negatively influence young minds. Moreover, some argue that book banning can safeguard social values and prevent the dissemination of dangerous ideologies, such as hate speech or propaganda. Huckleberry Finn & To Kill a Mockingbird do include racial terms; however, they contain such racist words to paint an accurate picture of the period. Angie Thomas’ book, The Hate U Give has been banned because it apparently promotes police brutality. Several books that deal with suicide have been banned. Why are these books not allowed to be read? As a person who has suffered from depression, books are helpful because they not only give me another understanding, but it helps to know that I’m not alone. That depression or suicide isn’t sugarcoated—it’s written as realistic as possible. Two of my own books deal with mental illnesses and readers have praised the books as being realistic.

I don’t believe in censorship of books; however, I do believe that parents have the right to decide what material their children are exposed to and when—but shouldn’t have the right to restrict what books are available to other people. One of my friends, who is in her 30s, was unable to check out a book from a library because it was banned there. Many of these books are so vital to literature. Books give a better idea of the world and viewpoints of people who identify in these ways. Books are a gateway to different life experiences and reading encourages empathy and social-emotional development. Censorship limits the exploration of diverse perspectives and stifles critical thinking. Individuals should have the right to make their own choices regarding what they read.

Book banning carries significant implications for society. While the intention may be to protect certain groups, it can inadvertently restrict access to knowledge, stifle creativity, and impede progress. A society that embraces intellectual freedom fosters critical thinking, empathy, and tolerance. By exposing individuals to diverse ideas and perspectives, even controversial ones, societies can grow and evolve. Conversely, when certain voices are silenced, it undermines the principles of democracy and diversity.

What are your thoughts on book banning? Do you think some books should be banned? Why? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Happy writing!

Carrigan