Reading banned books
Generally, one way to get me to pick up a book I might have missed during the year is if it makes the Top Banned Books List: http://www.ala.org/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks
Of course, some of the titles are ones I have already read, but I attempt to read as many on the Top Ten List each year as possible. Why, you might ask? In part, I am sure it is because I am perverse when it comes to someone trying to keep me from something. Tell me NOT to do something, and I am just as likely TO DO it. But the more important part of this reading is that a good defense is a strong offense.
Often when I am reading a book, problematic content gets past me. Much of the time it should get past EVERYONE. However, those who challenge books are on the lookout for the red flags: cursing, sexual content are among the top flags. Here is a chart showing the major reasons for challenging a book:
About the only time I will note problematic content is when it seems inauthentic. The characters do or say something that does not seem to fit their characters. I know this seems rather vague, and it is. Sometimes it is tough to pin down when something does not work within the story, when something pulls you out of the story.
So, on this Tuesday of Banned Books Week, let me note some of the most frequently challenged books of 2015 I have read. If you have not, buy a copy (because putting our money where our beliefs are is powerful). Better yet, buy several and share them with others.
All 3 of these appear on the Top Ten list for 2015.
Of course, some of the titles are ones I have already read, but I attempt to read as many on the Top Ten List each year as possible. Why, you might ask? In part, I am sure it is because I am perverse when it comes to someone trying to keep me from something. Tell me NOT to do something, and I am just as likely TO DO it. But the more important part of this reading is that a good defense is a strong offense.
Often when I am reading a book, problematic content gets past me. Much of the time it should get past EVERYONE. However, those who challenge books are on the lookout for the red flags: cursing, sexual content are among the top flags. Here is a chart showing the major reasons for challenging a book:
About the only time I will note problematic content is when it seems inauthentic. The characters do or say something that does not seem to fit their characters. I know this seems rather vague, and it is. Sometimes it is tough to pin down when something does not work within the story, when something pulls you out of the story.
So, on this Tuesday of Banned Books Week, let me note some of the most frequently challenged books of 2015 I have read. If you have not, buy a copy (because putting our money where our beliefs are is powerful). Better yet, buy several and share them with others.
All 3 of these appear on the Top Ten list for 2015.