Banned Books Week

Have you ever wondered which classic SF books have been banned? Today I found a list that gathers all the science fiction and fantasy books that have been banned in the US, and I’m surprised at what made the list.

Worlds Without End compiled this list of 34 titles for Banned Book Week, which ended a few weeks ago. Yes, I did miss the best time to write this post, but the list is still worth a look. It includes titles that don’t surprise me, like Brave New World, Harry Potter, and Golden Compass.

But there are also several titles on the list that I’m not sure why anyone found them offensive. Hitchhiker’s Guide made the list, and while that novel is irreverent it is also fluff. It never really raises any issue that might offend someone. Also, Lord of the Rings was banned somewhere, which is worthy of a snicker. That book is a tedious read. There was no need to ban it; hardly anyone is going to finish it even if they can get it from the library.

Worlds Without End

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When Banned Books Week rolls around on September 24, readers, librarians, and other supporters will have the chance to join in a new protest. BBW wants videos showing you reading a banned book.

The video needs to be less than 2 minutes long, and it needs to be uploaded to Youtube. But it doesn’t matter who reads it or how good you are, just so long as the book was banned. You can submit a 3 minute video with  personal testimony of your experience in fighting book banning. BTW, this request is for everyone, not just readers. libraries and bookstores might want to organize a local even to record customers and patrons reading banned books.

Can’t think of a book to read? The ALA collected a list of banned literary classics here. Or you could select a title from the list of most banned books 2010, like The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.

via Banned Books Week