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Banned Books Week Write-Off Number 6, Celebrating the Freedom to Read, September 24-October 1, 2011Sep 11 '11 (Updated Oct 10 '11) Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Banning books restricts individual freedoms. Join my 6th Banned Books Write Off scheduled September 24 - October 7 by contributing a review of a challenged or banned book.
Since 1982 more than 11,000 books have been challenged in schools and libraries across the country. In response to this challenge to intellectual freedom Banned Books Week formed, thanks to the American Library Association (ALA). This has been observed since 1982 and continues as a reminder for Americans to not take this democratic freedom for granted. This year is my 6th year for the Banned Books Write Off at Epinions. This is not so much a call to action, but an opportunity to encourage reading a book that you might not. Each time I read one of these books I not only wonder why it was banned, but often gain some new perspective. Not all books interest me, but I find that they reflect the thoughts and feelings of some segment of our communities, that they help a child experience life vicariously and help them prepare for unusual life situations with more knowledge. Books are banned for a variety of reasons, not all books that are challenged are banned. Some challenges are overturned. This year the ALA is hosting a Virtual Read Out. Visit bannedbooksweek.org for details. At Epinions I'm hosting this event that has also become annual. These are the links to the past years where reviewers have read books often considered classics that have also been challenged or banned, as well as contemporary books that have been challenged or banned. It is my hope that you select a book from either list (resources are provided below), read it, review it as you would normally but also include details as to why it was challenged and what was the outcome. The new online banned books week site now includes a map with icons that indicates where the 348 challenges in 2010 occurred. They indicate the number is low and that 70 to 80 percent of the challenges. The map (Mapping Censorship) allows us to select a location and read why a book was challenged, where, and what happened as a result of the decision. Just as many of Epinions reviewers read books I would never read for a variety of reasons, I know that you truly enjoy them. Your life experiences, reading needs, and expectations differ from mine - often drastically, but I would never consider refusing providing you a link to the book because it offended or disturbed me. I very much appreciate living in a world where an author can write and we can read what we wish. Most challenges address children's books, books that teachers and librarians carefully select. I trust their ability to make these decisions and resent small segments of the populations attempting to determine what cannot be read. At the same time I don't advocate taking a parent's right away from deciding what their child can or cannot read. The top ten challenges in 2010 include: · And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson · The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie · Brave New World by Aldous Huxley · Crank by Ellen Hopkins · The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins · Lush by Natasha Friend · What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones (This book is not in the database - if you review it let me know and I'll add it. There are other books by this author in the database.) · Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich · Revolutionary Voices edited by Amy Sonnie (This book is not in the database - if you review it let me know and I'll add it. There are other books by this author in the database.) · Twilight by Stephenie Meyer The ALA reminds us that "when we speak up to protect the right to read, we not only defend our individual right to free expression, we demonstrate tolerance and respect for opposing points of view. And when we take action to preserve our precious freedoms, we become participants in the ongoing evolution of our democratic society." In the past five years there have been 85 reviews. If you want to know more about what other Epinions reviewers have had to say look at the contributions from the past five years. 2006 Banned Books W/O 2007 Banned Books W/O 2008 Banned Books W/O 2009 Banned Books W/O (In memory of Judith Krug) 2010 Banned Books W/O For more information: Frequently Challenged Books: http://tinyurl.com/mlgpqt (Look in the side bar for specific years, authors, and classics.) About Banned Books: http://tinyurl.com/luu5fm Deadline for Submission Entries to this write-off should be submitted by September 24 but no later than October 7 (I'm extending a little beyond the October 1 official end of Banned Books Week) How do I post my entry? When your entry is complete and you are ready to share it, return to this invitation and post a link in my comment section or email me your link (pestyside@gmail.com). I'll post your review links at the bottom of this invitation and I'll notify you when I've posted it. I always look forward to reading the entries. I will keep this link on my short bio until the last day of the write off. For the past five years I've read every review posted in this write off and have reflected upon your thoughts. It's valuable that we remember the importance of respecting another's opinion -- we all come together with diversity and an infinite mix of backgrounds. Look through the lists, wander back through previous reviews and find a book that might make you uncomfortable. Some books are obvious challenges and I can't imagine children reading them, but that's not my call nor is it my decision and it's my guess you wouldn't want me making that decision. Write - I look forward to reading your thoughts. Your thoughts Palace of Dreams by Ismail Kadare, submitted by Stephen Murray (the first contribution in 2011) Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, submitted by bilbopooh Lush by Natasha Friend, submitted by jankp Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, submitted by me. The "What's Happening to My Body?" Book for Boys by Lynda Madaras, submitted by me To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, submitted by msiduri The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline Cooney, submitted by scmrak The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, submitted by texas-swede Lush by Natasha Friend, submitted by millinocket Banned From the Bible: Books Banned, Rejected & Forbidden by Joseph B. Lumpkin, submitted by jankp The Goats by Brock Cole, submitted by driftless Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, submitted by befus Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, submitted by carstairs38 What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones, submitted by jankp Howl on Trial by Bill Morgan, also submitted by jankp Howl A Graphic Novel by Allen Ginsberg, thanks to jankp. Essay Confessions of a Book Banner submitted by carstairs38 Confessions of an Opium Smuggler submitted by texas-swede  |
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