Reasons to Read Banned Books Year Round.
Banned Books Week has officially wrapped up for the 2024 season, but at Old Town Books we believe in fighting censorship and reading banned books year round. Today’s blog post celebrating the power of reading “with the banned” is brought to you by our bookseller Pia, who shares some insight and inspiration on the topic.
— Ally
Banned books have always sparked my interest and ignited passionate discussions about freedom of expression and the role literature plays in our lives. The reasons behind these bans can vary widely—whether it’s concerns over explicit content or clashes with differing political views. Yet, each instance serves as a powerful reminder of just how influential literature can be. For me, reading banned books is essential for many reasons: it sharpens my critical thinking, preserves diverse perspectives, and protects intellectual freedom.
When I encounter ideas that challenge my beliefs or shake up the status quo, I feel pushed to think deeper.
Many banned books dive into complex themes like race, sexuality, and authority—issues that resonate profoundly with our shared human experience. Take Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” for instance. Its exploration of racial injustice has led to numerous bans, yet engaging with such literature invites me to confront uncomfortable truths and develop my own opinions rather than simply accepting the narratives around me. In an age overflowing with misinformation, honing my critical literacy skills feels more crucial than ever.
Moreover, banned books provide a vital platform for voices that often get silenced. Literature holds a mirror to society, reflecting a myriad of experiences. When books are banned, I worry about losing entire perspectives. Authors like Toni Morrison, whose works frequently face censorship, tackle themes of race and identity that deserve our attention. Reading novels like “Beloved” not only deepens my understanding of complex historical issues but also cultivates empathy, making our society more inclusive.
Additionally, I believe reading banned books is a powerful act of safeguarding intellectual freedom. Access to information is a cornerstone of any democratic society. When books are banned, it sets a troubling precedent that can undermine individual autonomy. This is particularly alarming in schools, where young minds are being shaped. When access to certain texts is restricted, students’ exposure to diverse ideas is limited, and their rights to choose what they read are stifled.
By actively seeking out banned books, I affirm my commitment to intellectual freedom and stand firmly against censorship.
Engaging with banned literature also feels like an act of resistance to me. History is filled with examples of how movements against censorship often emerge from the promotion of banned works. During the Nazi regime, many authors faced censorship, yet their stories managed to circulate in secret. Today, I see grassroots organizations challenging censorship and championing banned books, sparking vital conversations.
In conclusion, for me, reading banned books isn’t just an act of defiance; it’s a celebration of the values that underlie a free society.
By engaging with challenging ideas, I nurture my critical thinking, embrace diverse perspectives, and uphold intellectual freedom. The voices found in these books remind me of literature’s incredible power to inspire change, provoke thought, and unite us in our shared humanity. So let’s keep reading, questioning, and standing up for the stories that matter.
Here are some of my favorite banned books that have challenged me as a reader and helped me grow!
— Pia