The Importance of Banned Books Week

Artwork courtesy of the American Library Association

Banned Books Week is next week Sunday and I’m still thinking of what book I should get. It’s a three way tie between Hunger Games, Bless Me Ultima and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (sorry Tropic of Cancer). I’m at a stalemate to get just book one of HG or all three series, which puts my book purchase to five instead of 3. I’m unsure if THWTDT was ever banned or challenged in the U.S. But apparently it was banned in India. Also, I just added it because it’s on my TBR list. And the urge to read it has been growing stronger. Plus, it can be my next read afterwards.

Either way I can’t wait. I’ve never been more at home, at peace with myself than when I have a book in my hands. The smell and feel of it.  It’s power to elevate my mind and open new worlds I’ve never knew or noticed before. Pulling me out of my bubble and taking me on adventures of endless possibilities. Possibilities that exist outside my street, my block, my neighborhood. Outside my county, my city and my religion (well lack of). And my background (social and economic), my race and gender, my culture and country.

This is why I’m a supporter of banned books. Because by the time I reach the end of a book, there’s always the chance I can become a better person.

Banning/challenging of books thwarts us from connecting. Not only with the soul of a writer, but the soul of the work and its characters. Though fictional, are representations of real people. Some if not most, we’d never have met. That we can empathize and form better relationships with, when and if we do one day meet.

It is also a form of censorship that goes against freedom of speech. And which takes away our freedom to read books. Books offering different viewpoints from people with differing lifestyles, opinions, environments, etc.

Banned Books Week draws national attention to those books that have been banned, challenged and removed from libraries. As well as the librarians, students, teachers, etc. who fight for them and the right to read.

And it is this bookworm’s national holiday.

You can read more about Banned Books Week by visiting the American Library Associate site. And don’t forget to read this great article I recently found, “10 Reasons for Banning Books, and 5 Much Better Reasons Not To.”

Are you a banned book reader? What are your opinions about banning books?

PS Want to support Banned Books Week on Facebook or Twitter? Then follow the link to add the “I Read Banned Books” twibbon to your picture profile!

PSS I got all five books after all and they’re expected in my mailbox, waiting and ready to be consumed by little ole me, this Tuesday! I can’t wait!

Credit image: tumblr_njmkyenpsu