I Read Banned Books! BBW 2010

Shocking, I know, but there it is. I read banned books. Scandalous!

Actually, I see nothing wrong with any of the books on the banned books list. To each their own, I guess. But when one person or organization starts to attack a book because it doesn't meet their requirement of what is proper for the masses in general, well that just starts to rub me the wrong way. If you don't agree with a book, then don't read it. Plain and simple. Don't make others suffer for your fear or ignorance over the subject.

I think in many cases, if a book is touching on a subject that someone may find objectionable because of the subject matter and what their children may get out of it, use it as a source of conversation between you and your child. Read the book first, then read it with your child and talk with them over any questions they may have. Don't deny them the opportunity to read the book because number one, that would make them want to read it all the more (nothing will pique a kid's interest more than something that they are not allowed) and number two, because it makes you uncomfortable. Maybe you'll learn something along with your kid.

Books are great! They open whole new worlds, every single day. It makes me mad that a small, select group of people want to deny others this joy simply because they don't agree with the subject matter. I often wonder if they've actually read the books that they want banned, or if they are simply suffering from a knee-jerk reaction to the subject matter. Again I say, if you don't like the book, don't read it. Simple as that. Or maybe, read it, and broaden your understanding.
I read banned books. And I'm proud of that fact!

For more information about Banned Books Week, visit www.ala.org/bbooks.