Bibliofreakblog

Banned Book Challenge Wrap-Up

O.K., so I’m a couple weeks late in finishing this challenge.  I thought it was important enough to finish though, not just because I really wanted to read the last book on my list (after finishing the second to last one after the challenge deadline had passed!), but because I think it is important to actively read banned books.

Here is what I read, and my thoughts about why they are banned/challenged:

1. A Clockwork Orange: This is an extremely violent book.  However, aside from talking about blood, it’s not really all that graphic.  I think that that is part of the depraved nature of the main character, that he doesn’t even bother to give a lot of graphic details.  So I can see why some people might think this is not for high school students, but considering many adults can’t get used to the nadsat speak it’s written in, I don’t think your average teenager is going to pick it up.  And if it is read in a classroom, then this should encourage discussions on human nature, violence, government, and brainwashing, which I think it’s good to talk about.  Besides, after reading this, you won’t want to have anything to do with violence–you’ll be all violenced out.

2. The Great Gatsby: I think that this was banned because of…I have no idea really.  Infidelity?  Drinking?  There’s not much talk about the act of sex itself, but it’s made clear there are affairs going on.  There’s a bit of racism, but not all of the characters agree with the really racist guy.  Mild language?  IDK, this is definitely no more than a PG-13 type of book, if that.  Besides, it’s a classic.  And not just a classic, it’s something that you’re pretty much expected to have read.

3. All the King’s Men: Let’s see, there’s racism, swearing, infidelity, and political corruption.  The racism is one of those “of the time” things, and more of an undercurrent than anything else–though *that* word is often used.  The infidelity is talked about but no scenes illustrate it.  The swearing, besides *that* word, is usually along the lines of bastard and damn and Goddamn.  As for the political corruption–I don’t think that this glamorizes it or will lead our youth to grow up to be corrupt politicians.

4. The Clan of the Cave Bear: This one was banned/challenged for sex.  Of the 495 pages, probably less than 5 talk about sex.  And when your characters are having babies, it makes sense to talk about sex beforehand.  Of course, the sex is sometimes violent.  But not graphic.  However, I can see that if you didn’t want evolution taught in schools, you might not want this in your library.  But if you are of that inclination, I can’t see how I can talk you out of it.

If J.C. decides to host this again next year, I would definitely participate again, though I might choose shorter/easier reads!

Thanks J.C. for hosting this wonderful challenge!