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I have mentioned a few times this week that it is National Banned Book Week, in fact it is actually the 30th anniversary of National Banned Book Week. This week is an annual event that celebrates the freedom to read what we want without censorship.
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Honestly, although I have heard about banned books for years I never really looked to far into which books were on the list. In fact once I did, I was surprised by the list, including many Classics that I am sure that you have read.
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Here are just a few banned and censored books:
To Kill a Mocking Bird
The Color Purple
1984
Catch 22
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Animal Farm
A Farewell to Arms
Gone with the Wind
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The Lord of the Rings
The BIBLE
Green Eggs and Ham
The Diary of Anne Frank
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Little Women
The DaVinci code
Frankenstein
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The Metamorphosis
Doctor Zhivago
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Have you read any of these books? I have read almost all of these listed and several others on the list and frankly the reasons that some of these books were are laughable. The books on these lists have been banned because of violence, drugs, they are sexually explicit, racism, offensive language, nudity, the occult and more.
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Have you read any banned or censored books lately?
As I have said, “bookworms unite” get out there and read a banned book or any book for that matter and celebrate your freedom to read what and when you want.
While you are reading I hope you will consider these tasty Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies featured on my other blog, Once Upon A Chocolate Life. The recipe came from one of my favorite blogs, London Bakes, which I featured HERE. If you do not know of this fabulous blog follow the link and check it out.
Enjoy your day!

Hello Elizabeth:
Of course we are in one sense very surprised to see some of the titles you include here, and not in another. Many books have been banned in their time for none other than political reasons something of which, living in the country in which we do, we are very conscious and where the State continues to control much in everyday life.
Hi Elizabeth,
I don't understand the concept of banned books. Who has banned them, they are all freely and openly available?
How is your week?
Di
xxxx
Hello Di,
My week is great! How is yours? Are you having any Fall adventures?
The banned and censored books are books that have been banned by schools, the governments and states. All for various reasons, for religion, for racism, etc.
In fact there are many banned books in Communist countries to this day.
Funny, I have read all of them except Farewell To Arms and Frankenstein and enjoyed every single one. It took me three years to read the Bible all the way through 😉 Makes you think about the hoopla now over Shades of Grey…or whatever the heck that book is 😉
Danielle, A Farewell to Arms is a great book but then again I never met a Hemingway I did not like.
Shade of Grey…have not read. But frankly any book that gets people reading is fine by me.
I having a hard time commenting after seeing that cookie picture..shame on you Elizabeth.
Funny i have read a lot of those books and find the list laughable too…funny as well that my son in 10th grade last year had to read 3 of the 'banned books" I am sure his school would find it amusing that they were asking their students to read "banned books" How absurd!! Nothing more than you see in your average reality tv show these days……….cheers to banned books!
Tina,
You an I could share some cookies and a few conversations if we ever meet up.
I too was suprised to see the list of banned and censored books and some of the reasons why.
I think in fact that the reality TV is so much worse!
THIS IS A BRILLIANT THOUGHT! I never really gave much thought to what I already knew about censorship on certain books, but it is a great idea to revisit and review from a fresh perspective. It is always interesting as well to see WHO is banning them and why…..
Hello sweet friend! Enjoy this wonderful day. Anita
Hello dear friend!
How are you? I hope you are busy making magic!
Some of the banned books make me laugh as I've read almost all of those books. We really do live in such a free society and should learn to appreciate it more. I could go for one of those cookies right now with my cappuccino!
XXX
Debra~
great post!
yes
i think the bookworms will rule the world!!
xx
Elizabeth, I was so pleased to see a post on Banned Book week. I am horrified anytime I hear about a school library (in particular) removing a book from the shelves. It is most often from parental pressures. This is quite common in the south unfortunately. Again, thanks again for bringing this week to the forefront.
Bonnie,
Sadly time and time again libraries and schools must bow to the pressure from parents and groups who find some books offensive.
You are so right it is very common in the south as well as very religious parts of the country.
Incredible, isn't it? I'm so glad you posted about this topic.
Now, about those cookies. I want one to go with my cup of coffee that I am having now. Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. Even the name sounds yummy!
Beverly, these cookies are so fabulous! As I mentioned they are my new favorite. They would be a great addition to your coffee!
Have a great day!
Hello gorgeous,
What a brilliant post! I never ever knew that even half those books were banned! Some of them are just laughable!!
And those cookies have me drooling…I'm off to check your other blog before I dribble on the keyboard!
Sarahx
Hello Elizabeth
This is an interesting post and a sensitive subject. While books and films may enjoy freedom, there are still many voices controlled by governments of supposedly free countries today.
Meanwhile I return to my book
"Lady Gregory's Toothbrush" by Colm Toibin
Wishing you a day of joy
Helen xx
I read a banned book every morning…the Bible!