I read banned and challenged books because:
- the only person who should choose what I can read is me.
- the concerns of a few people should not limit what other people’s children can read.*
- I read Fahrenheit 451 in school, and have never forgotten its impact. (Ironically, that book has been banned/challenged, too.)
- often the best response to something uncomfortable in a book (like racism) is to discuss it, not pretend it doesn’t exist. Silencing books silences discussion.
Why do you read banned books?
Bea @Bea's Book Nook
It is highly ironic that Fahrenheit 451 is frequently challenged or banned. It both saddens me and amuses me.
I read banned books because I decide what I will and won’t read. I’ll listen to other people’s opinions on a book but ultimately I decide. And yes, uncomfortable or objectionable topics should be discussed, dissected, considered, but not avoided or ignored.
Bea @Bea’s Book Nook recently posted…Bea Reviews Manhattan Mayhem, edited by Mary Higgins Clark
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
There is definitely some irony with trying to ban Fahrenheit 451! I used to volunteer at the book fair at my older kids’ elementary school and one morning this absolutely irate man came in absolutely furious that we had sold the first Harry Potter to his daughter. No one including the child was aware that he didn’t want her to read it and the more he ranted the more obvious it became that he had never actually read the book. I always remember that scene during banned book week as I suspect the majority of people who get so worked up over certain books have never actually read them. I love your reasons!
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library recently posted…The Liar – Review