After venturing to the library last week I discovered September is the month of Banned Books, and that various libraries, cities or organizations have official weeks in which we are encouraged to pick a banned book, and, well, read it. The American Library Association has officially declared September 26th-October 3rd Banned Book Week for 2009, during which you are invited to read a banned book, old or new. (Nice of them to give us two weeks to get the task done)
Lists of banned books contain anything and everything, from Harry Potter and Twilight, to The Diary of Anne Frank and 1984. While the merits book banning is one of those subjects that can and will be argued over endlessly, I think we can all celebrate the freedom and ability to censor for ourselves and read, or not read, what we choose.
As with many statements of opposition, banning books often brings far more attention to a piece of literature than the work would have received if simply ignored by nonsupporting groups, organizations, cities, states, etc. Certainly books on recent lists haven't currently been on my radar, but in researching this topic, there are a whole list of titles I can't help but be curious about. Why did they make the list?
If you are interested in participating, here are some sites to browse on the subject:
American Library Association on Banned Book week
Time Magazine- A Librarians Perspective
Wiki's thoughts
DetectCensorship.org
Wiki on Book Burning
I have selected my book:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky.
Now go read a book. Of your choice!