the poll: Would you read a banned book? (Feel free to comment which banned books you have read, your thoughts, and/or what you'd be interested in reading) > Likes and Comments
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I read a few banned books. I only searched out Fahrenheit 451, because it was banned. I read it, and didn't get why it was banned.
I've read Tom Sawyer, I didn't realize it was banned.
Personally, I don't think books should be banned. There a lot of books that don't need read, because they are inappropriate. If you feel the need to sensor people, you are the problem. I think what we read or not read is a personal/moral choice, and it shouldn't be determined by the government.
Pretty sure the majority of the books I’ve read, from The Bible to Vonnegut, have been banned multiple times…
I would read books that have been banned at my old high school.
banning books makes no sense and would not be a deterrent at all for me as far as what i would choose to read.
Not sure what books are banned, but I know Morrison's The Bluest Eye is, and I definitely read it. My mom never censored my reading, so no one else should.
I grew up in the UK and I don't remember books being banned, other than the Anarchist's Cookbook. I got a digital copy of it years later because I wondered what all the fuss was about. The book, while interesting, was boring :)
I don't go out of my way to read banned books because they are/were banned, but because I want to know why it has this label.
I read Tropic of Cancer for Uni about two years back and I can see why it would've been banned at the time, but I didn't get anything out of it, really; just meh for me (but don't let that stop you from reading it).
Looking up banned books, I'm shocked by what books are banned in different countries and their reasons (but growing up in the UK might do that, idk). I read quite a few banned books in High School without knowing because the librarian was of the mindset that any book will broaden your horizon and I'm so glad I listened to her.
Sorry, I'm rambling on. This is something I've been interested in for a long while.
I'm currently reading them and the ebooks are stored in my phone's storage. Here are the list:
1. The Satanic Verses in Early Islam
2. Hitler's 2nd Book - The Sequel to Mein Kampf
3. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
4. Onward Muslim Soldiers - How Jihad Still Threaten America
5. Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State
6. Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse Tung
7. Sophie's Choice - William Styron
8. The 120 Days of Sodom
9. The Anarchist Cookbook
10. The Right of Nations to Self Determination - V.I. Lenin
11. The Satanic Verses A Novel - Rushdie Salman
12. The Story of Little Black Sambo
13. The World Is Full of Married Men - Jackie Collins
14. Value, Price and Profit - Karl Marx
15. Mein Kampf - Adolf Hitler
I believe one of the Tintin books was banned which I have read.
I recently told my son (who is 10) that no one was allowed to tell him what he could and could not read, including me.
Would I read banned books. Absolutely!!! Banning books is immoral and unconscionable. "Society" has no right to tell me what I may or may not read!!!
Heidi wrote: "I read a few banned books. I only searched out Fahrenheit 451, because it was banned. I read it, and didn't get why it was banned.
I've read Tom Sawyer, I didn't realize it was banned.
Personally, I don't think books should be banned. There a lot of books that don't need read, because they are inappropriate. If you feel the need to sensor people, you are the problem. I think what we read or not read is a personal/moral choice, and it shouldn't be determined by the government."
I've heard a lot about Fahrenheit 451, I'd like to catch it sometime as an interesting classic.
Tom Sawyer used "racist language" but I think that's kind of the point why we should read it these days, to realize that it was wrong and discuss why. Certainly not for elementary school kids, sure, but appropriate to discuss in high school and older.
I'm with you on the people determining what's best rather than governments.
A lot of Enid Blyton books were very questionable for example the use of Gollywogs. (Though I must admit that when I was little the golliwogs were my some of my favourite characters😂). I loved Enid Blyton and couldn't stop reading her even after reading about all the controversy.
Some weeks ago I visited a second hand bookshop where the owner told me of a some of the books he had seen that were shockingly racist. An Enid Blyton character who was not good until it was turned white for example.
Depends on who banned it and why. I'm not sure why Catcher in the Rye for example was banned, but I found the protagonist completely insufferable. Huckleberry Finn was supposedly banned for racist language despite it being profoundly anti-slavery to anyone who actually took the time to read it. Of course the Bible is banned in many countries for various reasons, but other than perhaps the genealogies, is a great book.
In short whether or not it was banned by someone isn't high in my criteria for whether or not to read a book.
Micah wrote: "Pretty sure the majority of the books I’ve read, from The Bible to Vonnegut, have been banned multiple times…"
I hadn't thought about The Bible on the list since around here I haven't heard any fuss. Did carry one in high school, but I think the only rule was you couldn't preach in the hallways or some such. Very fortunate to have met a Bible group there, we'd meet at someone's house on Thursday nights.
I am a repeat offender, but then I don't live in the US and am not an American.
Rebecca wrote: "I would read books that have been banned at my old high school."
There you have it.
My school library was old, I doubt they would've gotten the memo on anything banned like Tom Sawyer or To Kill A Mockingbird, though I'm sure they were selective in putting in books too. College likely didn't have anything banned removed, that's where I got a hold of some truly weird stuff.
I go out of my way to read banned books!!!
William wrote: "banning books makes no sense and would not be a deterrent at all for me as far as what i would choose to read."
Vive la liberté!
VJ wrote: "Not sure what books are banned, but I know Morrison's The Bluest Eye is, and I definitely read it. My mom never censored my reading, so no one else should."
Sounds like an important work. I'm sure my parents would've preferred me reading anything over watching TV/movies.
Simon wrote: "I grew up in the UK and I don't remember books being banned, other than the Anarchist's Cookbook. I got a digital copy of it years later because I wondered what all the fuss was about. The book, while interesting, was boring :)
No Anarchy in the UK? Reminds of a song, so the irony isn't lost on me. I'm working through the V is for Vendetta original comic series, plenty of violent anarchy in there I think. I recall hearing somewhere that the problem with the Cookbook was that the formulas and/or process was wrong, so people were blowing off limbs and such. Gotta wonder about the readers who thought practising home chemistry was a good idea.
I don't go out of my way to read banned books because they are/were banned, but because I want to know why it has this label.
I read Tropic of Cancer for Uni about two years back and I can see why it would've been banned at the time, but I didn't get anything out of it, really; just meh for me (but don't let that stop you from reading it).
Looking up banned books, I'm shocked by what books are banned in different countries and their reasons (but growing up in the UK might do that, idk). I read quite a few banned books in High School without knowing because the librarian was of the mindset that any book will broaden your horizon and I'm so glad I listened to her.
Sorry, I'm rambling on. This is something I've been interested in for a long while.
Excellent testimony, thank you. I was surprised to hear this was a passionate topic for a lot of people and sounds reasonable to know why a book was banned. A warning to give the reader a choice, I can see, but banning sounds a bit far for me. Going the opposite direction, I was surprised to see my local school board endorse a book clearly inappropriate for 9th graders because of its explicit and deviant sexual content. Would've been nice to give parents a heads up about that at the very least, an 'opt out' at the most.
Rai wrote: "I'm currently reading them and the ebooks are stored in my phone's storage. Here are the list:
1. The Satanic Verses in Early Islam
2. Hitler's 2nd Book - The Sequel to Mein Kampf
3. Lolita by Vla..."
I've wondered if the dictator works were truly influential or just a launchpad for their crew to spread a movement. I'd be interested in hearing your take on these if you're willing to share.
Aegelis wrote: "I've wondered if the dictator works were truly influential or just a launchpad for their crew to spread a movement. I'd be interested in hearing your take on these if you're willing to share."
Haven't read the books of Lenin, Hitler and Mao yet. Currently reading The Satanic Verses A Novel and Onward Muslim Soldiers. So many ebook titles to read/to listen, stored in my phone (they ate a lot of space) that are more priorities. I might share but it may take years as I have other things to do aside from reading.
Em's Adventures wrote: "I believe one of the Tintin books was banned which I have read."
I was surprised to learn a Tintin book was on the list, but after seeing it online, I can see why that one was offensive. I disagree with banning, but the ideologies shouldn't be taught to young children. Maybe a college discussion about colonial racism where appropriate?
Lara wrote: "I recently told my son (who is 10) that no one was allowed to tell him what he could and could not read, including me."
Solid, and sounds fair as an absolute.
Louis wrote: "Would I read banned books. Absolutely!!! Banning books is immoral and unconscionable. "Society" has no right to tell me what I may or may not read!!!"
Hooray for freedom!
Em's Adventures wrote: "A lot of Enid Blyton books were very questionable for example the use of Gollywogs. (Though I must admit that when I was little the golliwogs were my some of my favourite characters😂). I loved Enid Blyton and couldn't stop reading her even after reading about all the controversy.
Some weeks ago I visited a second hand bookshop where the owner told me of a some of the books he had seen that were shockingly racist. An Enid Blyton character who was not good until it was turned white for example.
I couldn't get past a cover, especially with the contrast between a 'Gollywog' and other characters, but believe we should have the eyes to look at these sorts of things and know them for what they truly are. If we try to 'sterilize eyes', I think this will blind us to some very big problems.
John wrote: "Depends on who banned it and why. I'm not sure why Catcher in the Rye for example was banned, but I found the protagonist completely insufferable. Huckleberry Finn was supposedly banned for racist language despite it being profoundly anti-slavery to anyone who actually took the time to read it. Of course the Bible is banned in many countries for various reasons, but other than perhaps the genealogies, is a great book.
In short whether or not it was banned by someone isn't high in my criteria for whether or not to read a book."
Sounds like a reasonable approach, applying discernment.
Naama wrote: "I am a repeat offender, but then I don't live in the US and am not an American."
The U.S. overall I didn't think had many books banned, usually, it's specific like 'banned from schools' but usually because of politics more than morality. Could be just my skewed view, but many have fought and will fight for freedom.
jamie-ashton wrote: "I go out of my way to read banned books!!!"
There you have it :). I wondered if making something forbidden has the reverse effect.
Rai wrote: "So many ebook titles to read/to listen, stored in my phone (they ate a lot of space) that are more priorities. I might share but it may take years as I have other things to do aside from reading."
Same, but no rush :-)
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I read a few banned books. I only searched out Fahrenheit 451, because it was banned. I read it, and didn't get why it was banned. I've read Tom Sawyer, I didn't realize it was banned.
Personally, I don't think books should be banned. There a lot of books that don't need read, because they are inappropriate. If you feel the need to sensor people, you are the problem. I think what we read or not read is a personal/moral choice, and it shouldn't be determined by the government.
Pretty sure the majority of the books I’ve read, from The Bible to Vonnegut, have been banned multiple times…
I would read books that have been banned at my old high school.
banning books makes no sense and would not be a deterrent at all for me as far as what i would choose to read.
Not sure what books are banned, but I know Morrison's The Bluest Eye is, and I definitely read it. My mom never censored my reading, so no one else should.
I grew up in the UK and I don't remember books being banned, other than the Anarchist's Cookbook. I got a digital copy of it years later because I wondered what all the fuss was about. The book, while interesting, was boring :)
I don't go out of my way to read banned books because they are/were banned, but because I want to know why it has this label.I read Tropic of Cancer for Uni about two years back and I can see why it would've been banned at the time, but I didn't get anything out of it, really; just meh for me (but don't let that stop you from reading it).
Looking up banned books, I'm shocked by what books are banned in different countries and their reasons (but growing up in the UK might do that, idk). I read quite a few banned books in High School without knowing because the librarian was of the mindset that any book will broaden your horizon and I'm so glad I listened to her.
Sorry, I'm rambling on. This is something I've been interested in for a long while.
I'm currently reading them and the ebooks are stored in my phone's storage. Here are the list:1. The Satanic Verses in Early Islam
2. Hitler's 2nd Book - The Sequel to Mein Kampf
3. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
4. Onward Muslim Soldiers - How Jihad Still Threaten America
5. Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State
6. Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse Tung
7. Sophie's Choice - William Styron
8. The 120 Days of Sodom
9. The Anarchist Cookbook
10. The Right of Nations to Self Determination - V.I. Lenin
11. The Satanic Verses A Novel - Rushdie Salman
12. The Story of Little Black Sambo
13. The World Is Full of Married Men - Jackie Collins
14. Value, Price and Profit - Karl Marx
15. Mein Kampf - Adolf Hitler
I believe one of the Tintin books was banned which I have read.
I recently told my son (who is 10) that no one was allowed to tell him what he could and could not read, including me.
Would I read banned books. Absolutely!!! Banning books is immoral and unconscionable. "Society" has no right to tell me what I may or may not read!!!
Heidi wrote: "I read a few banned books. I only searched out Fahrenheit 451, because it was banned. I read it, and didn't get why it was banned.I've read Tom Sawyer, I didn't realize it was banned.
Personally, I don't think books should be banned. There a lot of books that don't need read, because they are inappropriate. If you feel the need to sensor people, you are the problem. I think what we read or not read is a personal/moral choice, and it shouldn't be determined by the government."
I've heard a lot about Fahrenheit 451, I'd like to catch it sometime as an interesting classic.
Tom Sawyer used "racist language" but I think that's kind of the point why we should read it these days, to realize that it was wrong and discuss why. Certainly not for elementary school kids, sure, but appropriate to discuss in high school and older.
I'm with you on the people determining what's best rather than governments.
A lot of Enid Blyton books were very questionable for example the use of Gollywogs. (Though I must admit that when I was little the golliwogs were my some of my favourite characters😂). I loved Enid Blyton and couldn't stop reading her even after reading about all the controversy. Some weeks ago I visited a second hand bookshop where the owner told me of a some of the books he had seen that were shockingly racist. An Enid Blyton character who was not good until it was turned white for example.
Depends on who banned it and why. I'm not sure why Catcher in the Rye for example was banned, but I found the protagonist completely insufferable. Huckleberry Finn was supposedly banned for racist language despite it being profoundly anti-slavery to anyone who actually took the time to read it. Of course the Bible is banned in many countries for various reasons, but other than perhaps the genealogies, is a great book. In short whether or not it was banned by someone isn't high in my criteria for whether or not to read a book.
Micah wrote: "Pretty sure the majority of the books I’ve read, from The Bible to Vonnegut, have been banned multiple times…"I hadn't thought about The Bible on the list since around here I haven't heard any fuss. Did carry one in high school, but I think the only rule was you couldn't preach in the hallways or some such. Very fortunate to have met a Bible group there, we'd meet at someone's house on Thursday nights.
I am a repeat offender, but then I don't live in the US and am not an American.
Rebecca wrote: "I would read books that have been banned at my old high school."There you have it.
My school library was old, I doubt they would've gotten the memo on anything banned like Tom Sawyer or To Kill A Mockingbird, though I'm sure they were selective in putting in books too. College likely didn't have anything banned removed, that's where I got a hold of some truly weird stuff.
I go out of my way to read banned books!!!
William wrote: "banning books makes no sense and would not be a deterrent at all for me as far as what i would choose to read."Vive la liberté!
VJ wrote: "Not sure what books are banned, but I know Morrison's The Bluest Eye is, and I definitely read it. My mom never censored my reading, so no one else should."Sounds like an important work. I'm sure my parents would've preferred me reading anything over watching TV/movies.
Simon wrote: "I grew up in the UK and I don't remember books being banned, other than the Anarchist's Cookbook. I got a digital copy of it years later because I wondered what all the fuss was about. The book, while interesting, was boring :)No Anarchy in the UK? Reminds of a song, so the irony isn't lost on me. I'm working through the V is for Vendetta original comic series, plenty of violent anarchy in there I think. I recall hearing somewhere that the problem with the Cookbook was that the formulas and/or process was wrong, so people were blowing off limbs and such. Gotta wonder about the readers who thought practising home chemistry was a good idea.
I don't go out of my way to read banned books because they are/were banned, but because I want to know why it has this label.I read Tropic of Cancer for Uni about two years back and I can see why it would've been banned at the time, but I didn't get anything out of it, really; just meh for me (but don't let that stop you from reading it).
Looking up banned books, I'm shocked by what books are banned in different countries and their reasons (but growing up in the UK might do that, idk). I read quite a few banned books in High School without knowing because the librarian was of the mindset that any book will broaden your horizon and I'm so glad I listened to her.
Sorry, I'm rambling on. This is something I've been interested in for a long while.
Excellent testimony, thank you. I was surprised to hear this was a passionate topic for a lot of people and sounds reasonable to know why a book was banned. A warning to give the reader a choice, I can see, but banning sounds a bit far for me. Going the opposite direction, I was surprised to see my local school board endorse a book clearly inappropriate for 9th graders because of its explicit and deviant sexual content. Would've been nice to give parents a heads up about that at the very least, an 'opt out' at the most.
Rai wrote: "I'm currently reading them and the ebooks are stored in my phone's storage. Here are the list:1. The Satanic Verses in Early Islam
2. Hitler's 2nd Book - The Sequel to Mein Kampf
3. Lolita by Vla..."
I've wondered if the dictator works were truly influential or just a launchpad for their crew to spread a movement. I'd be interested in hearing your take on these if you're willing to share.
Aegelis wrote: "I've wondered if the dictator works were truly influential or just a launchpad for their crew to spread a movement. I'd be interested in hearing your take on these if you're willing to share."Haven't read the books of Lenin, Hitler and Mao yet. Currently reading The Satanic Verses A Novel and Onward Muslim Soldiers. So many ebook titles to read/to listen, stored in my phone (they ate a lot of space) that are more priorities. I might share but it may take years as I have other things to do aside from reading.
Em's Adventures wrote: "I believe one of the Tintin books was banned which I have read."I was surprised to learn a Tintin book was on the list, but after seeing it online, I can see why that one was offensive. I disagree with banning, but the ideologies shouldn't be taught to young children. Maybe a college discussion about colonial racism where appropriate?
Lara wrote: "I recently told my son (who is 10) that no one was allowed to tell him what he could and could not read, including me."Solid, and sounds fair as an absolute.
Louis wrote: "Would I read banned books. Absolutely!!! Banning books is immoral and unconscionable. "Society" has no right to tell me what I may or may not read!!!"Hooray for freedom!
Em's Adventures wrote: "A lot of Enid Blyton books were very questionable for example the use of Gollywogs. (Though I must admit that when I was little the golliwogs were my some of my favourite characters😂). I loved Enid Blyton and couldn't stop reading her even after reading about all the controversy.Some weeks ago I visited a second hand bookshop where the owner told me of a some of the books he had seen that were shockingly racist. An Enid Blyton character who was not good until it was turned white for example.
I couldn't get past a cover, especially with the contrast between a 'Gollywog' and other characters, but believe we should have the eyes to look at these sorts of things and know them for what they truly are. If we try to 'sterilize eyes', I think this will blind us to some very big problems.
John wrote: "Depends on who banned it and why. I'm not sure why Catcher in the Rye for example was banned, but I found the protagonist completely insufferable. Huckleberry Finn was supposedly banned for racist language despite it being profoundly anti-slavery to anyone who actually took the time to read it. Of course the Bible is banned in many countries for various reasons, but other than perhaps the genealogies, is a great book.In short whether or not it was banned by someone isn't high in my criteria for whether or not to read a book."
Sounds like a reasonable approach, applying discernment.
Naama wrote: "I am a repeat offender, but then I don't live in the US and am not an American."The U.S. overall I didn't think had many books banned, usually, it's specific like 'banned from schools' but usually because of politics more than morality. Could be just my skewed view, but many have fought and will fight for freedom.
jamie-ashton wrote: "I go out of my way to read banned books!!!"There you have it :). I wondered if making something forbidden has the reverse effect.
Rai wrote: "So many ebook titles to read/to listen, stored in my phone (they ate a lot of space) that are more priorities. I might share but it may take years as I have other things to do aside from reading."Same, but no rush :-)
My opinion is a wrong book in the wrong hands could surely be dangerous, but same could be said about any other information source, especially for young and/or cruel intentioned audiences. Freedom of speech is very important to me, even if the speech causes offense, so if that right is infringed, there should be a VERY good reason.