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10 Books That Were Banned for No Good Reason
Although the practice of banning books dates back to Ancient Greece, in the modern day it's still very common for books to be banned and censored around the world. Find out why these books have been banned.
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by Vinicius Barbosa
Find out why these books were so controversial
There’s a long history of books that were banned for no good reason. In this post, we are looking at 10 examples that will make you shake your head in disbelief.
Whether it was because of sexual content, offensive language, or political beliefs, these books were all deemed unfit for society by some (usually misguided) people.
So take a look and see what you think – were they really that bad?
Freedom of speech or censorship? 10 ridiculous examples of books that were banned.
Banning books is a pretty controversial topic – on the one hand, you could argue that it’s a necessary measure to protect society from dangerous or offensive content.
But on the other hand, you could say that banning books is a form of censorship and it’s not right to deny people access to information or ideas just because someone doesn’t agree with them.
Here are ten examples of books that were banned for no good reason at all!
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10. Bridge To Terabithia
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson is not only one of the most beloved children’s books of all time, but also one of the most frequently challenged and outright banned books as well.
Why? Some say it’s because it promotes witchcraft and paganism (despite the fact that the main character’s main imaginary friend is named Jesse).
Others believe the book is just too dark and scary for young children, especially the scene where Jesse drowns (which is, admittedly, pretty upsetting).
9. Catch-22
Catch-22 is a novel by Joseph Heller that was published in 1961. This banned book is set during World War II and follows the experience of an American soldier, Yossarian.
The novel was banned in some schools and libraries due to its use of profanity and its anti-war message. However, it has since been recognized as a classic work of literature.
8. The Color Purple
The Color Purple is a novel by Alice Walker that was published in 1982. The book tells the story of Celie, a black woman living in the American South during the early twentieth century.
Despite its critical and commercial success, this book was banned in several schools and libraries due to its depiction of violence and sexual abuse.
However, the book has also been praised for its honest portrayal of the African-American experience, particularly for women.
7. Fahrenheit 451
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury was banned in several schools in the United States because it was thought to be too anti-establishment.
The book tells the story of a future society where books are outlawed and “firemen” are tasked with burning any that are found.
While the book is set in the future, it contains many references to real-world events, which likely contributed to its banning.
6. The Catcher in the Rye
The novel follows Holden Caulfield, a teenager who is kicked out of a prestigious boarding school and becomes a wanderer in New York City.
The book was criticized for its language and content, but it remains one of the most popular books of all time.
5. The Hate U Give
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas was one of the most popular books of 2017, and it also happened to be one of the most banned books.
According to the American Library Association, it was the seventh most challenged book of the year due to its “offensive language” and “drugs.”
It’s an eye-opening look at the realities of racism and police brutality, and it’s definitely not a comfortable read. However, it’s an important book that offers a vital perspective on these issues.
4. The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games books were some of the most popular books of the last decade, but they also caused quite a bit of controversy.
Some parents and educators felt that the books were too violent and dystopian for young readers, and they lobbied to have them banned from schools and libraries.
However, many people believe that books like The Hunger Games are important for helping kids to understand the world around them.
3. 1984
A lot of books have been banned over the years. Some for being too offensive, some for being too vulgar, and some for being too politically subversive.
But one of the most famous books to be banned is George Orwell’s 1984. The book was first published in 1949, and it quickly stirred up controversy.
Many people felt that the book was a direct attack on the Soviet Union, and it was soon banned in several countries behind the Iron Curtain.
In the years since, the book has continued to be a lightning rod for debate. But its popularity has only grown.
2. Slaughterhouse-Five
The novel tells the story of a World War II veteran who is sent to a German prison camp. It’s often criticized for its anti-war themes and graphic descriptions of violence.
However, it is also widely considered to be one of the greatest American novels of the 20th century.
1. Ulysses
One of the most controversial books of its time, Ulysses was banned soon after its publication in 1922.
Written by James Joyce, the book follows the stream-of-consciousness thoughts of Dubliner Leopold Bloom as he goes about his day.
Many readers found the book’s experimental style and explicit content to be offensive. It was quickly censured by the government.
The greatest books ever written
Books are important for a number of reasons. They offer us the chance to expand our knowledge.
Check out our next post on the greatest books ever written, have you read any of those?
The greatest books ever written
From time-tested classics to modern page-turners, these are considered by many the greatest books ever written. Read on to learn more!
Vinicius Barbosa
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