Every Wednesday, people from all over the bookish world gather ’round to share their top 5 lists concerning whatever theme that week. All under the watchful eye of the Mother of all Top5’s, Lainey.
In honour of Banned Books Week, this week’s top 5 features our favourite books that have (ever) been banned (or in my case: contested). I took the time to see which books have been banned in recent years and it’s ridiculous. It gets even crazier when you look at the reasons why. Despite it being 2015, people still seem to have a big issue with everything sexual, homosexual, magical, … Well, with anything fun, that is. The thing is, if you don’t like sex, don’t want to read about gay love and don’t agree with the magical lifestyle, that fine, that’s your choice. But restricting other people their right to read it, to educate themselves, to enjoy themselves, is plain crazy. Same goes for more political inspired writings, like George Orwell. These are must-reads people, not must-not-reads.
But, rant over and without further due, let’s get going!
5. Jonathan Stroud, The Amulet Of Samarkand
This book was banned or contested because it deals with the occult. Following this line of reasoning, we can perhaps ban every single Fantasy ever written?
If you haven’t read Jonathan Stroud, don’t let this ban scare you away, cause he writes damn fine middlegrade novels and this one in particular is really funny. If only Aladdin had a djinn like Bartimaeus..
4. Gregory Maguire, Wicked
This book – which is brilliant, by the way – has been contested because of the sexual content. Have you ever… It’s not enough that Elfie has an unfortunate green complexion, but apprently, she’s not allowed to have sex either. I’d start defying gravity for less..
A great alternative reading of the life of The Wicked Witch Of The West. Certainly no light read, with some psychology and thought-provoking issues, but well worth your time!
3. Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games
Banned because of its violent nature and because children got nightmares after reading it. I can see the point here, sure. But first of all, the message of this book just doesn’t come across if it were cute little ponies grazing in a meadow people could bet on. And second and perhaps most important, as a parent, it’s part of your job to consider whether or not certain stuff is suited for your kids. It’s like letting your pre-schooler watch Texas Chainsaw and then go complaining to the network..
2. Garth Stein, The Art Of Racing In The Rain
One of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read, and it’s been banned – temporarily – for one lousy sexy-ish scene. In fact, it’s astonishing to see how many books have been banned because there was some sexual content. It’s apparent that sexuality is still heavily shrouded in taboo. This makes that people anxiously try to control their children’s sexuality by limiting exposure, thus effectively denying proper education and a free experience of sexuality that can be openly discussed. Restart cycle.
1. J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter
Raise your hand if you guessed my number one. Probably one of the best series ever written and by far my favourite series of all time. And banned because the main characters likes to wave his wand.. Crazier things have happened.
Have you read any of these banned books? Which banned books do you love? Comment away down below!
For more info on Banned Books Week, check out the site.
Click here for a complete list of all the participants in T5W.
The Paper Dragon 