It’s Banned Books Week!
It’s Banned Books Week. Had I not been reading Babbledog today, the week might have slipped past me unnoticed because I had forgotten to try to find out when it is. Sadly, my schedule this week won’t allow me to borrow any challenged books from the library. The one I’m presently reading, Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, probably counts more than enough. A great read that deals with tough issues in a very (what’s the word?) reachable way, it addresses gender identity issues, sexual organ development, incest, genocide, and many other topics at least controversial, if not actually taboo, in American culture. I imagine many people would object to its presence in libraries and certainly teenagers having access to the book. I’m glad JW agreed to loan it to me. After learning about it on a talk show, I added it to my reading list. Usually, it takes me longer than a few weeks to getting around to reading something.
LISNews points to a National Public Radio piece about the week. The American Library Association has lots of Banned Books Week information, too, including lists of challenged books.
Banned Books Week is one of my favorite holiweeks, as some of you who have been following the scratchpad for the five years it’s been around know. I encourage everyone to celebrate the freedom to read by picking out at least one threatened work, especially if it challenges you, and doing what you can to enjoy it.
