As a lover of literature, it frustrates me to think that certain books have been outlawed in so many libraries, businesses, schools, and communities. When a story is written, it is written to be read and shared. Authors go through long, tedious processes to draft, write, edit, and publish their work. I do not understand how people can completely disrespect an author’s creativity or vision by outlawing a story. Books are not harmful. They give us knowledge and fill us with worldliness and interesting information. The power of language and words is incredible. By banning books, we are saying we do not appreciate these writers or what they have to say. In honor of Banned Books Week, here are 5 of the most amazing works of literature that have been deemed “too much” for some institutions to handle.

The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is a phenomenally written classic by F. Scott Fitzgerald, one of the most renowned authors of the 20th century. A story about social class, the American dream, and obsession; The Great Gatsby has been appreciated and admired by readers and writers alike.

Of Mice and Men

John Steinbeck writes beautifully raw stories using tremendous amounts of description. His words evoke the emotion and pain that humans feel over the course of their lives. Of Mice and Men is also a story about the American Dream, and how it doesn’t always work out the way it should. Of Mice and Men follows the friendship of two men who seem to always get the short end of the stick. It is about the loneliness and isolation that they feel while trying to find happiness and success in their existence.

The Harry Potter Series

A story loved by individuals of all ages, the Harry Potter books are one of the most magical, exciting, enthralling series out there. It has turned children who never previously had the desire to read into avid readers. It has helped adults keep their childlike wonder curiosity for the unknown. As soon as I got my hands on the Harry Potter books, I could not put them down, I always had the desire and yearning to continue the series. Even when I finished the seven books, I had to read them again. The world J.K. Rowling creates in this series is a world that sticks with the reader throughout their entire life.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Another classic, To Kill a Mockingbird, follows a family and the unconditional amount of love they feel for each other. Taking place in the 1930s, readers are shown the problems of segregation, social standards, judgement, and even innocence as they become enraptured in the world of a small county called Macomb and a Tomboy named Scout.

A Clockwork Orange

Known as one of the most controversial books, and eventually movies, in history, A Clockwork Orange tells of a terrifying world set in the future, a world where crime and rape is commonly practiced and cults roam the streets at night, looking to kill and harass innocent people and animals. Written in mostly gibberish, A Clockwork Orange is a confusing but interesting novel that makes readers question everything they know about the world and humanity. A Clockwork Orange explores themes of free will, evil vs. good, and the significance of art and music in the world.

Books give so much to the world, and should not be banned, period. Read a banned booked this week, or next week, or the week after. Share your passion and love for literature by reading the stories that you want to, not the stories society tells you to.