Banned Books discussion

I'd love to get to know the people in this group. Whether you're new here or have been around since the group's inception, tell us a little about yourself and what drew you here.

I'm a children librarian. My sub specialty is finding and reading the horror books for children so we have something else to offer horror fans besides Goosebumps. Goosebumps is okey especially for younger readers but I like having other options especially for older readers.

I joined the banned books because as a librarian I don't like to see books banned. There have been books that I love and others that I hate. However books are a personal thing and you need different books for different people. I don't believe anyone has the right prevent people from reading a book if they want to. It also burns how stupid some reasons can be for banning a book.

I'm also a member of the Dumas group and the Steinbeck group.

I love reading. My favourite genre is science fiction, for its ability to play with ideas and possible futures.

I oppose book banning because access to information and different viewpoints is never a bad thing. I believe strongly in free speech, and in teaching people to think critically rather than shielding them from "bad" information.

Also, as a queer person, I am aware that books with any LGBTQ content are frequently banned.

Hi, both of you. Thanks for sharing. Pandora, if I come across any children's horror, I'll let you know, though I'm sure you'll already know about them. I would love a job where I was *supposed* to read children's book!

Jacinda, have you checked out the Sci-fi and Fantasy book club? http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1...
Another good one is Beyond Reality. It's smaller but the people are just great: smart, interesting and cool. http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1...

Yes, unfortunately, LGBTQ books are often banned by ignorant bigots who think just knowing about gay people will turn their children gay.

Thanks for the suggestions; just joined both of them.

Hi,

I just joined. I joined for two reason. I don't like book banning. I feel that if you don't like, then you don't have to read it. You can tell me why you don't like it, but don't tell me not to read it. You can protest it, but let people make up their own minds without the fear of threats.

The second reason is that I teach composition at two community colleges and I usually assign an essay about censorship. I focus mostly on books because I like to read. It's fun watching students go "huh?" when telling them a book they liked has been banned.

If anyone wants a good list of banned/challenged books (for the U.S), you should try www.pabbis.com. It's run by a group that wants to pull books, but they have a rather complete list. They also have some interesting links, including one to a website that tries to get students to read books Pabbis wanted pulled. My students laugh when I show them that one.

I love it! Use the "enemy" to give us more fodder! :)

That site is a fabulous find! It has excerpts and discusses the reasons why books are challenged. It's hilarious that some of these are kids books and they have it as an adult-content site. Too funny! I wrote them and thanked them for giving me reading material. They need to know that all their page hits are not people agreeing with them. I also told them that they are only hurting their children by sheltering them. My mom was sheltered and had a nervous breakdown when she left home. I was allowed to read anything I wanted and I had no desire to do drugs, have early sex or break any laws. People are idiots.

Here's the link if you want to just click rather than copy and paste:
http://www.sibbap.org/

I also captured the website in a PDF file so if they take it down or ban me from it I'll still have it.

Kelly wrote: "That site is a fabulous find! It has excerpts and discusses the reasons why books are challenged. It's hilarious that some of these are kids books and they have it as an adult-content site. Too fun..."

I was allowed to read anything I wanted too. It was so fun. Still is. The List of List (on pabbis) is a rather complete list of banned books. I also use http://www.factsonfiction.org/index.aspx when I teach as well.

Intresting site. I love the warning at the begining. I guess these guys never heard of William Castle - film producer who knew the best way to get people to see a dud of a movie was to put a warning label on it.

That site is wonderful, Chris. I'm glad you recommended it.

Every bit of information that was kept from me as a child (I was born in the tightest part of the Bible Belt) I ended up discovering through books. When my Grandmother wasn't looking I'd sneak to the "restricted" sections of the library and read things I know would cause her to have a stroke. I am now a freed liberal living in Austin, Texas, but I still love to read things that were once "banned". The idea just excites me.

You conjured up a very vivid image, Laura. I'm glad you found those books to free you!

I've been meaning to post in this thread.

Since middle school age, I've been appalled by censorship, especially regarding books, but also freedom of speech.

I actually had books censored for me when I was young, but I didn't know it. The adult bookshelves were off limits to me, but those books didn't appeal to me as much as the kids' books I read, so I didn't mind. I assumed the books were forbidden, not because of any content, but because the writing/vocabulary/etc. would be "too old" for me.

When I was 11 and especially 12, I started reading adult books.

By the time I was 14-15, I was debating, writing papers, etc. about censorship in books, speech, television, etc. media. I was lucky to have progressive teachers in the middle school and high school years; we read everything and discussed everything. (It was the 60s in San Francisco!) My father also did not supervise any of my reading once I was about 12.

Now, there are books I'd never recommend to kids under 12 or under (insert age) but I'd never forbid a kid to read any book, although if they selected what I thought would be a highly disturbing book, I would warn them of that.

As far as the general population, I feel no book should be censored, although there are plenty that I have no interest in reading.

Hi all I am Wes the Moderator I am 29 going on 30 in less than 3 weeks now... geez scary stuff. I have been moderating this group for almost a year now and it has grown quite a bit. I also moderate the group Book-A-Holics which is another growing group. I have not always been an avid reader I actually got back into reading when life got slow. I got back into reading so much that now own and run a small used bookstore in my home town. It is a fun hobbie/business that has brought me alot of joy. I like to stay busy and so when I am not working I do other things to keep me busy. I am single in a relationship and looking forward to what may come of that. I am not a fast reader but I alway have at least 3 to 5 books that I am working on at the same time. I keep them in different parts of the house or at the bookstore so when I can I pick them up and read them. I probably average around 2 or 3 books read a month. I normally don't read small books that my be my problem.
I enjoy all forms of books but not so much on the mystery.
I tend to lose interest in mysteries for some reason. If you need or want some books I am a very inexpensive dealer you can contact me on here if you are looking for something that is at least a year old I may have it.
Happy reading all chat with you later
Wes

Hi. I am The Rev Brian Ticknor, a priest of the Old Catholic Church (as opposed to the Roman Catholic Church). I am 70 years old, retired, and live in Tucson, Arizona. Old Catholic priests can be married and my wife and I celebrated our 50th anniversary in February.
I joined this group because I abhor censorship, book burning, and banning books from public libraries. I am part of the public, and if I want to read a book, I expect the library to have it, or at least be able to get it by inter-library loan.
If I believed in Hell, I would want a special place there for those who want to ban books.

Hello! I am Tiffiny. I just joined this group, because I have been trying to get my hands on banned books for like a gazillion years! I think the idea of banning a book it slightly ridiculous and I can't wait to work my way down this list. Turns out I already own a few! I am an Art Teacher in California... without a job, so I have plenty of reading time these days...

Hello all!

The Goodreads August newsletter brought light to your group and I decided to check it out. I see your promoting work by a former professor of mine (one of my favorites), as well as a few other reads that I enjoyed...needless to say- I'm in!

Mostly, I'm excited to learn from this group. Insight is a wonderful thing; and hey, knowledge is power, right.

Looking forward,

Danielle

Hi everyone! I'm Sarah and I don't read as much as I should. I am working my way through a banned books list I found online and am very excited that I found this group! Happy reading everyone!!!

Hi I'm Christa. I'm addicted to books and the bookshelf is almost always the first place I go to when I'm at a thrift store or goodwill.
I usualy read 300 pages a week. In fact, I'll fall asleep reading if I'm really into the book! My to-read shelf online always has over a hundres books in it. Oh, and mystery books are my favorite!

Hello everyone, I'm Adam. My reading has fallen off recently as I have gotten into my teaching job and im hoping that being part of this website, and particularly this group, will help encourage me to find the time. I love banned books for the sheer joy of reading something that somebody somewhere feels should be destroyed.

Good morning! My name's Kim. I got a little chuckle at reading Adam's post. I started teaching four years ago and after college I got sick of reading (not too good for an English teacher!) I joined this group mostly because I am trying to get back into reading for FUN instead of having to read for work, and I enjoy more controversial books. Last year my seniors completed a unit on banned books, looking into why they are banned, choosing one that had been banned and writing an analytical essay on whether the book should have been banned. It was interesting to see their reading choices and their opinion on the books. The surprising thing was seeing them agree with the banning or at least challenging depending on the grade level that the book had been banned at. Happy reading!

Welcome Adam, Welcome Kim! I hope you have fun in this group!

Hello. I'm Aggie Villanueva. I'm interested in getting complete details on many of the banned books, to do a post about this group on my blog: wwww.visualartsjunction.com

Hi all! Like Danielle, I found out about this group from the Goodreads’ August newsletter and I couldn't be more excited!

I work at the American Library Association Public Information Office, right down the hall from the Office for Intellectual Freedom, the Banned Books Week gals (and guys). I owe a lot to banned books. If it hadn't been for my journalism professor promoting banned books/BBW in college I would have no idea about what librarians do to support intellectual freedom, I wouldn't work here and I more than likely wouldn't be starting library school on Monday.

I look forward to reading what you all have to say, and if anyone lives in or around Chicago you should check out the OIF's Banned Books Read Out going on in Washington Square Park on September 26.

Hello! I'm Heather and I just recently found this group when I was looking around on the site. I just recently joined Goodreads and am interested to find books to read that I can check out from a library as I'm trying to stop buying so many books.

Welcome everyone! I am so glad you are here. I was without a computer for a couple of weeks so could only check this group sporadically, but now I have a new computer and should be able to keep up again.

Welcome!

Hi. My name is Stefanie and I'm a full time student. I'm always looking for new books to read. The thought of them being banned sparks my interest even more! I'm slightly intrigued by this group.

Hi all. I'm a full time student, which unfortunately means I don't have much time to read right now. :( I'm always looking for new authors and books. Although I understand why some books get banned from schools and such, I think to myself..."kids are going to learn about this stuff eventually, right?" I'd also like to be a high school librarian, after I've taught for a few years (working on my teaching degree now), so this group caught my eye.

Hi everyone... My name is Briana and I'm a huge booklover. I'm always looking for new and wonderful books to read and this group is as good as any place to begin. I'm looking forward to reading some banned books with everyone and joining in some interesting discussions!

Greetings!

I am an 8th grade English teacher at an independent school. All the books I use in my class have been banned or challenged. And proud of it!

Hi, all, welcome! Good for you, James! Do you talk to the class about the fact the books have been challenged and why? I think that's just as important.

Kelly

James, Congratulations. Would that all teachers felt and acted as you do. Some years ago, when the movie "The Last Temptation of Christ" was in theaters, I hadn't planned on seeing it. I was busy and am pretty well read on the subject. Then I read in the newspaper that a some religious folk were picketing the theater where it was showing. That did it. I had to see the movie, if only to cross the picket line. I refuse to let people tell me I cannot read a book or see a movie because of their warped beliefs.
The Rev. Brian Ticknor

Hey, glad to see a group I can support. I work as a bookseller and love that people have to get hyped up on something because they may be offended by it, so therefor so should you. I mean really. My parents never told me what I was or wasn't allowed to read so why should some stranger. Doesn't mean I may like the book, but some of the books that get a large hype aren't good enough to read. So I say let me read what I want.

Oops. I forgot two things. Pandora I have a couple of horror suggestions. Have you tried the "Weenie" series by Lubar. They are short stories that are funny, scary all mixed in. And there is a teen book called Spirit by JP Hightman which is a great ghost story. I loved it.
I also forgot to give my info. My name is Elizabeth. I am in my mid 30's and have always loved reading. At 16 I had a membership to a Harlequin romance mail order club. Thankfully those days are done for me. I love to actually read young reader and young adult books. There is less filler and other stuff. I want my story to get to the point. I have recently been working at a book store for the last 3-4years. The library is still one of my true loves even if I can buy all the books in the world. I would still visit the library. There is such knowledge and love for books there that you don't get everywhere.
And Wes, your store sounds like an awesome place to go to.

Welcome Scarlet and Lindor!

Thanks Lindori I will look into your suggestions. At my library though we perfer novels to short stories. They seemed to work best. As for the teen book I have brought a few down such as Shusterman and Sleator. The trick is too find ones which don't have too much dating in them.

Pandora, the Spirit title I mention just came to paperback on the 25 of August. The couple in the story are young and married during another time period. It is based around the Salem witch trials and the ghost that still linger after the events. Hope some of those titles help. I will keep my eye out for more.

The suggestion of the Lubar series looks promising. I got one book on interlibrary loan. I will probably be ordering it for the library.

Howdy! I just stumbled upon this group because we're both currently reading The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian .

I'm a public librarian (readers' advisory, to be exact) in Houston, TX. As it happens, we're getting geared up for Banned Books Week (September 26 - October 3). We're planning a "read-out" with local authors, film screenings (adaptations of banned books), and an outreach event.

If anyone has any ideas for other ways to celebrate (or where to find them - outside of the ALA website), I'd be much obliged. :-)

Hello All!

A friend of mine recently joined the group which is how I found out about its existence but had I stumbled across it some other way I would have joined.

In fact, I have an odd love/hate relationship with book banning. I don't believe in the banning of books for the same reasons others have mentioned: its limiting, it discourages dialogue and understanding, etc... however, being a "rebellious" child, however you may define the term, some of the greatest books I ever read were undertaken solely because they were on the infamous banned list. I took great relish in reading that which some viewed as forbidden and im sure that that fueled a continued love for reading at an age where I might have lost interest (early teen years).

But yes, of course, banning does create problems. I especially find the banning of LGBTQIA related books to be problematic...its very hard to explore and come to terms with ones own sexuality when the voices of others that have gone through same/similar experiences are silenced. Very problematic.

Welcome, Sarah & Michele!

Hello everyone. I just joined this group yesterday; found it while tagging one of my books.

I'm Swedish, late 20's, and currently looking for a job, so I've got plenty of time to read.

I must say, I find banning of anything rather offensive. It's like they're saying: you don't think like me, or have the same values as me, so you shouldn't be allowed to make your voice heard.

Of course, everything isn't appropriate for children, but that's still not a good enough reason to ban something. Putting your kid in a plastic bubble isn't a solution. Besides, anything that's forbidden, is always more appealing.

Hello all. I'm doing a live interview with Angela Maycock, Assistant Director at the ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom about their annual Banned Books Week and year-round work.


The interview is next Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at 1:pm US Mountain Time. All questions/comments welcome live at this call-in number: (646) 595-4756. Or email them to me beforehand at: myaggie2@gmail.com


I would love it if you could attend by phone, or even email me a question/comment. Thankx so much for your time. Have the best day ever.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/grandmam...

Hi! My name is Heather, and I just recently joined this group. I love to read, and I love all kinds of books. I will, and do, read anything that comes across my path. I believe strongly in the First Amendment and in the marketplace of ideas. Like all of you, I do not believe books should be banned simply because someone finds the content objectionable in some way. I look forward to participating in group discussions. Do we have a book (or books) for October yet?

Hey, I've just joined this group, but I'm a relative new-comer to goodreads as well. This seems a good group. I like reading literature with a profound sense of social, philosophical, historical and comical virtues. To narrow it down to polemics would probably be correct.

Welcome everyone and nicely said.

I've got books for October and will explain in the Book Club Business discussion. Thanks for asking.

Hiya all, I'm Sam and I've just come across this group and all I can say is well done guys. Loving the fight back against book banning and censorship :-) looking forward to getting through some of the banned books of the world :-)

Hello everyone, im a 34 year old college student, that only reads when i can find a book that really interests me. So it sometimes difficult for me to pick up a book and just read. But im doing better that is why i joined goodreads. and this Group Banned Books..(seems intriquing)

Hey! Nicole here. I've found that most banned books are ones that are above par with those that haven't caused a ruckus.
I'm not new to goodreads, but I'm spanking-new to this group. I look forward to a plethora of great books to get through.