Doesn’t hearing that a book has been banned make you want to read it more? Censorship shapes and hinders our ability to form our own opinions, but it also makes us question the motives behind such a ban. Restricting the freedom to read has been a practice throughout history, and it even affects contemporary literature. From confiscation in school libraries to actual book burnings, literary censorship inhibits the freedom to seek and express ideas, even if the ideas are controversial or unorthodox. More times than not though, banning books backfires and sales soar.

Background

Founded in 1982 by prominent First Amendment and library activist Judith Krug, Banned Books Week encourages readers to both examine challenged literary works and celebrate the freedom to read. Libraries, bookstores, and schools use this week to draw attention to the harm that censorship can cause and highlight the significance of open access to information. This promotion of intellectual freedom brings awareness to the risks that constraints on the availability of information can pose in society. Banned Books Weeks is sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and hosted the last week of September in the United States.

Banned Books

While you may know classic banned books like “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain and “Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury (ironic, right?), you may not be aware of modern literature deemed “controversial.” Here’s a list of frequently censored books in recent history:

1. “Harry Potter” Series by J.K. Rowling

A group of parents in Maine actually staged a book burning to torch the “Harry Potter” series for its promotion of witchcraft, violence, and devil worship through magic. Fortunately (for Harry Potter fans everywhere), the fire department intervened before the books were set afire. Unfortunately, the crazed parents took scissors to the books in retaliation. Yes, I am also surprised that this happened in the 21st century.

2. “The Hunger Games” Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

This best-selling series has been challenged for being anti-ethic, anti-family, insensitive, occult/satanic, violent (violence...where?), and for having offensive language. It was even named the third most-challenged work in U.S. libraries! Although these objections were raised, they didn’t seem to hinder the trilogy's rise in popularity.

3. “His Dark Materials” Trilogy by Philip Pullman

Most famous for the first book in the series, “The Golden Compass,” this trilogy has been banned by parents, schools, and libraries for promoting anti-Christian values. Philip Pullman, the author, is also an outspoken atheist. In my Catholic elementary school, I remember the librarian telling me the book wasn’t allowed in the school library. Naturally, being the 12-year-old I was, I immediately checked out the series from my local library, and I loved it.

4. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky

Banned from school curricula for depictions of alcohol and drug use, smoking, homosexuality, and offensive language, this coming-of-age novel made it onto the list of the top ten most frequently challenged books of 2014. If you haven’t read the book (or aren’t aware it was a book), I recommend watching the successful 2012 film adaptation starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller. It was excellent.

5. “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien

Tolkien’s best-selling trilogy (along with "The Hobbit") details the epic struggle between good and evil forces in pursuit of a magical ring. In objection to its supposed “anti-Christian” nature and promotion of witchcraft and satanic practices, the trilogy was burned in front of a New Mexican Christ Community Church in 2001. Ironically, Tolkien was a devout Catholic who declared his trilogy a “fundamentally Christian and religious work.”

Events

From free webinars about protecting the freedom to read in libraries to virtual read-outs on YouTube, multiple events are hosted throughout the week in celebration. There’s even an AMA on reddit about Banned Books Week! Events vary from state to state, so check out the Banned Books Week website or call your local library to find out about community events.

Celebrate your freedom to read, form your own opinions without the hindrance of literary censorship, and find your next favorite book. Check out this banned books list, and get started!