Read Freely: Why Banned Books Need to Be Read
- Odett Terrazas
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
Each year, discussions about challenged and banned books remind us of the impact of fiction, and for that very reason, are considered disruptive or even dangerous. These books may be restricted to certain age groups or subject to review, but what starts as one complaint in a single district ultimately snowballs into wider communities, until entire catalogues are taken off the shelves. Banned books are not just redirected; they are deliberately silenced, as are any conversations they may have provoked.
The following are five banned or challenged books that have left a lasting impact:
A coming-of-age story told from the first-person perspective of Holden Caulfield as he battles grief, alienation, and disillusionment in New York City. Salinger has drawn criticism for offensive material, including sexual references, foul language, and themes of rebellion.
Harper Lee's semi-autobiographical novel follows young Scout Finch as she witnesses racial injustice during the trial of a Black man who was wrongfully accused of assault. It has come under intense scrutiny for its depictions of racism.
In a society ruled by Big Brother, this dystopian novel addresses the erasure of truth, widespread surveillance, and totalitarian control. Its criticism of authoritarianism and communism has drawn criticism from censors in a number of countries.
In Steinbeck’s tragic novella, two migrant workers look for stability and a sense of belonging. It has been facing bans since the 50s for its derogatory language and depictions of violence.
Huxley considers the consequences of a futuristic society devoid of individuality and emotion, built on consumerism, genetic engineering, and technology. This piece has been frequently challenged due to sexual content and its critique on conventional family structures, religion, and morality.
When these books are banned, we lose more than just stories; we lose the opportunity to read perspectives that differ from our own. We run the risk of silencing marginalized voices, dampening curiosity, and narrowing the breadth of what future generations can discover.
At our store, we believe in maintaining these stories' accessibility. Our shelves advocate for every reader to have the option to explore these subjects and reach their own conclusions.
When you choose to buy or borrow banned books from independent bookstores like ours, we are standing together. You're not just reading – you're exercising your right to freedom of speech, keeping these voices alive, and engaging in an ongoing debate about the history and liberation of literature.
Comments