The Book Page

By dave

October 5, 2007 7:23 AM | Link to this

Out of all those books….the only book missing that should be banned and all copies burned….is the bible. period.

By andy999

October 5, 2007 7:28 AM | Link to this

I did not enjoy reading very much in school, but Brave New World was almost the only book that I could read cover to cover in one sitting.

By V for Vendetta

October 5, 2007 7:28 AM | Link to this

LOL dave, the Bible …

My favorite from the list is To Kill a Mockingbird. Had a parent come up to my school one time berating another teacher about the n-word used in the book (she was black). After a 30 minute explanation about the book’s anti-racism message, she left feeling quite stupid.

My favorite book not on the list — it’s got to be Lord of the Flies. One of the absolute BEST books for high school students to read. Love it!

By Tina

October 5, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this

Yeah, lets burn a book that teaches to turn the other cheek and to treat others as you would want to be treated. Great idea, Dave.

By Koz

October 5, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this

The Koran comes to mind as a book that should be banned

By Katie

October 5, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

Tom Sawyer, Hucklebery Fynn—classics!!!

By Katie

October 5, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

Tom Sawyer, Hucklebery Fynn—classics!!!

By Jeff

October 5, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

I’m going top-down on the Top 100 from 1990-2000 list with comments here:

Huck Finn: I’ve never read it cover to cover, but what I have read I enjoyed. Why is it on this list? It appears to be, from my own limited knowledge of it, the tale of a somewhat adventurous Southern boy of the late 19th century.

Terabithia: Ummm… the 6th grade class where I worked teaching math/ reading was REQUIRED to read this book. I think they even went to see the movie, though I left before that, so I am unsure.

The Giver: Read this sometime around 5th grade and LOVED it.

Goosebumps: LOVED these books as a kid. Read them circa 4th grade-6th or so.

Outsiders: Required reading for me in middle school, and I LOVED it. STILL among my all-time favs.

Flowers for Algernon: Required reading in HS. Also among my favs from the era.

Light in the Attic: Isn’t this a classic poem book read to children across the nation? Similar to Where the Sidewalk Ends?

James and the Giant Peach: Younger bro had it for required reading as a youngster (ES level). The movie turned me off from it though, and I’ve personally never read it.

Face on the Milk Carton: Another book I read, though this one wasn’t required. Again, loved it. Movie, however - as usual - wasn’t as good.

Lord of the Flies: A great book. Examines the nature of evil and how it exists among us all.

Carrie: I simply love this book, though I would say that virtually anyone who had similar experiences to me in HS would say the same.

Dead Zone: Another great work by King. Loved it.

Tom Sawyer: See comments on Huck Finn.

Fried Worms: Another great work for kids, read it circa 3rd grade or so and enjoyed it. May have been required, unsure.

Now, about the various sex-oriented books:

Those I could understand not wanting in a SCHOOL library. But that goes back to my discussion from Monday regarding ratings/ labels.

I can personally atest to the fact that The What’s Happening to My Body Book for Boys stole the last remaining vestiges of innocence I had and introduced me to issues I still have not yet overcome - some 10 years or so later. HOWEVER, my parents gave that book to me, in lieu of the “birds and bees” talk. Again, I can see not wanting this book in school libraries, but it once again goes back to my ratings/ labels comments from Monday.

By Georgia Librarian

October 5, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

By far the greatest banned book ever written (partially because it is a great work, and partially because it is ABOUT book banning) is Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. It is the ultimate librarian’s manifesto. If you’re a librarian and you don’t like Fahrenheit 451, I recommend you get into another line of work.

By Phil Kloer

October 5, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

To the Koran and Bible banners: Free speech and all, but there’s also such a thing as sticking to the freakin topic. Maybe someday we can have a nice free for all: What revered religious work would you like to feed into a wood chipper and why? But today ain’t that day.

By Georgia Librarian

October 5, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

Jeff, we’ve had our differences in the past, but I can put a label on what you’re saying. In library circles, it’s called Collection Development. No library or media center should try to collect every book ever written (except maybe the Library of Congress, the world’s largest and greatest library) so they develop policies for what types of resources (not just books)to collect. A good collection development plan will not be exclusive (banning certain resources or certain types of literature) but inclusive (recommending the types of resources that most closely serve the needs of their constituencies). If libraries choose not to waste their money on certain resources that are not part of their collection development policy, that is ok. I can see where certain types of materials are not really central to the needs of a school media center or small public library that serves mostly children, but a book should never be “banned” because someone objects. I strongly believe that each individual library or media center’s collection development policies should be set locally.

By Jeff

October 5, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

Librarian:

On that, you and I can most certainly agree!

By lovelyliz

October 5, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

1984 & Animal Farm - George Orwell

Harry Potter (Series) - J.K. Rowling

To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee

Lord of the Flies - William Golding

Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury

Civil Disobedience - Henry David Thoreau

The Age of Reason - Thomas Paine

The Manchurian Candidate - Richard Condon

By lovelyliz

October 5, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Can’t you tell I wanted to major in Political Science?

By Kat

October 5, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

Huck Finn is most often challenged because of the “n-word.” Several years ago I was a grad student in the library program at Clark Atlanta, and someone asked a lit professor what he thought of that particular criticism. He (a black man) said without hesitation that without that word, the entire book would lose credibility. He said there is no way that story, set in that time, could have ben told without it.

I am head of Collection Development for a metro library system, and I love my job, though it frequently means that I have to make tough choices, and sometimes have to defend my selection of books. I always tell people that a good library collection should reflect the needs and values of the community it serves. Everyone who walks in should be able to find something that supports their interests, hobbies, religious beliefs, political beliefs, etc. Howerever, the natural corollary of that policy is that everyone who walks in the door will be able to find something in the collection that offends them.

The issue of community values is a thorny one as well. People tend to assume that everyone in their geographic community thinks as they do. They think of their community as their neighbors, their friends, their church, etc., who probably do tend to think similarly. However, there are many subgroups in a given geographical area who also deserve consideration. While they may not constitute the majority, they also live there, work there, pay taxes, and deserve to have their ideas represented in the library.

Remember, if I withdraw a book because you find it offensive, tomorrow I may withdraw your favorite book because someone else finds it offensive!

By Jeff

October 5, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

liz:

I didn’t notice The Age of Reason on there! Kinda scares me thinking about which political stripe would want it banned. Based on what I know of it, either side could, though I wonder which side has more motivation!

By SA

October 5, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

KOZ, you are an idiot.

By Georgia Librarian

October 5, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Good lord, Jeff, you’re being uncharacteristically sensible today! :-) I agree- I often say that Thomas Paine is the only theologian that matters. Uh-oh… Somebody’s going to take offense at that…

By Jeff

October 5, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

Librarian:

“sensible” is NORMAL for me! My ranting and raving days are the abnormal ones!

Lately I’ve simply been experiencing amounts of stress/ emotion that I honestly don’t remember ever experiencing before, and y’all (unfortunately) are seeing me struggle to learn to handle it.

Just think of how bad I was as an adolsescent when I was having to learn to control EVERYTHING! :P (To this day, I honestly don’t see how my parents dealt with it!)

By motherof4

October 5, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

I am amazed that these books were so full of controversy. I came from a public school and was required to read some in the 90’s (early 90’s though). Also my oldest son, 11, has read all of the HP books and some others on the list. I should have him read Of Mice and Men. Maya Angelou’s book seems to “girlie” for me to have him read. I am just excited he likes to read.

By Amy

October 5, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

I went to see “To Kill a Mockingbird” at Theatrical Outfit last night because it was my favorite book in ninth grade (and ever since)! I’m really glad that my school and teacher didn’t choose to ban it, because it made a lasting impression on me, which is what a really great book should do. (I would recommend that everyone go see the play, too, except that it’s sold out. I guess there are a lot of people who don’t think it’s ban-worthy!)

It was hard to choose, though, because “Catcher in the Rye” had a similar effect when I read it (and loved it) in college. And I remember that I really loved “Wrinkle in Time” when I was in grade school, though I can’t remember much beyond the existence of Mrs. Who and Mrs. Whatsit. (Who was the third one? Mrs. Which? It’s been a looong time…)

“Lord of the Flies” was the scariest thing I’ve ever read or seen!

By Mimi

October 5, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

What about Uncle Remus?

By Jane

October 5, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

If you chose not to read a specific book —don’t. I chose what I read and have read all the books listed here. Another set that I found were written by Ayn Rand (Atlas shrugged, The Fountainhead, etc) not that I would recommend them for elementary, middle school and depending on the student possibly high school. Reading should be about expanding your mind or for total enjoyment. Banning is NEVER a good idea as it generally has the opposite effect desired.

By will

October 5, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Best books that come to mind are Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and Peaceful Warrior.

By K

October 5, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Dave, what that a joke? If not you’re pretty much an idiot

By K

October 5, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Dave, was that a joke? If not you’re pretty much an idiot

By K

October 5, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Dave, was that a joke? If not you’re pretty much an idiot

By dino

October 5, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

no book should ever be banned. this is the window of the world and opens up your mind.

By tim

October 5, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

I don’t think any of these books should be banned but they should be required reading. Back to the subject. My 2 favorites are Brave New World and The Catcher in the Rye. Great for teenagers and adults alike

By dave

October 5, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Of course i’m kidding “K”…. I just think that the bible needs to be filed in the appropriate section…under “fiction”….it’s the one’s that think it’s anything more then a good story….that cause a hell of a lot of pain and suffering for others in this world…

Funny thing is….(and this is TOTALLY TRUE)….it’s actually the ones that believe the bible to be true and that the world is 6000 years old, etc…..THAT WANT TO BAN ALL THOSE BOOKS LISTED ABOVE! :P

By Jeff

October 5, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

dave,

a) Please stick to the topic.

b) If you want to debate the Bible on this forum, I’ll be more than happy to as soon as Phil puts up a blog with that as the topic.

By Burdell

October 5, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

I find interesting the comments that oppose banning books but have no problem requiring books.

Both fall under the same category of mandating thought.

Unfortunately, a lot of people take not requiring a book to equal banning a book.

Since these issues typically arise in public schools, the concern is that public funds are being spent on something that a supplier of those funds (a taxpayer) finds objectionable.

Now, if a school were to punish a student for reading one of the books mentioned here, that would be banning the book. But if the school simply chooses not to spend public funds supplying or requiring the book to be read, that seems like a legitimate action.

Another concern about banning or requiring certain books is the number of quality books out there. This discussion has been very effective at pointing out all the great books that Mr. Kloer failed to mention. Would he not require those books? Since students’ time is finite, is not Mr. Kloer’s requirement of some books effectively a ban of other books?

Perhaps the real purpose of a literary education is to introduce students to a wide variety of literature and let them choose what speaks to them. A student is not “less educated” if he reads “Candide” rather than “Beloved.” He is instead contributing to the diversity of ideas that makes literature so exciting.

By War Eagle

October 5, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

favorite banned book to read-Huck Finn Favorite book to ban-The Koran and Mein Kampf-Tie.

By dave

October 5, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Jeff….my point is a valid one….

It is those that believe in the bible that are the ones that want to ban the books listed above. What part of that do you not understand?

By Cammi

October 5, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Definitely To Kill a Mocking Bird with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings running a close second. I had no idea either were banned books…LOL.

By Noelle

October 5, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

I believe in the Bible and disagree with banning books. Please do not paint all Christians with the same brush, dave.

My favorite of the one listed in the original post is “A Wrinkle in Time.” I also loved “The Outsiders,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and the Harry Potter series. Overall, though, I prefer nonfiction to fiction, so there are a lot of books I haven’t read, including many of those on the banned books lists.

By FCM

October 5, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

I can vote for Frienheit 451! Fabulous book that has left an impression on me for years. It is definately what gets me to encourage reading in my children. It also helped me to understand what my Dad meant when he said “Read a book and no one can ever take it away from you”

Is Animal Farm on the list? Another fabulous book.

I know I will take a major hit but one I do not think we should force the kids to read is Old Man and the Sea. I read that and it turned me off Hemingway for eons. I finally read a short of his in college and decided to give him another go.

I would rather ban a certain Gwenttian from media coverage and court rooms than ban books.

lovelyliz your smart not to have gotten a degree in that….It doesn’t market well.

By Jane

October 5, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Dave: I believe in the bible and I DO NOT Believe in banning ANY book. Don’t make sweeping generalizations when you do not have a consensus of ALL Christians.

Ignorance is not bliss nor is it an excuse.

By Miss Pris

October 5, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

It’s not on the above list, but I know that Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret has been banned from many schools for its “taboo” subject matter (religion, menarche).

By FCM

October 5, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

GA Librarian—Did you read David Baldacci’s “The Collection”? It is out in paperback now. It was very interesting and I think you might like it…one of the settings is the Library of Congress.

By Lace

October 5, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Although there are a number of things about the way I was raised that I object to, I wish more parents would be like my mom was about me reading. She censored my tv watching and what movies I was allowed to see -quite strictly, but she would let me read almost anything. It would be impossible for me to identify and explain everything I’ve learned from reading and it remains my favorite pastime. I also just love books. In the end reading sexually explicit romance novels or Stephen King when I was 10 or 12 didn’t harm me at all -in fact, those books led me to more classic literature and a larger appreciation for writing in general. I love tv and film as well, but parents -push the books and don’t be so concerned with their content! I get the feeling when I go see “The Bourne Supremacy” or “Knocked Up” that the suburban soccer mom with her 8 and 10 year olds in tow would probably freak out if they were reading “The Stand” or “Carrie”, but at least in books there is more explanation and the reader forms the pictures and the scenes themselves therefore using their brains a bit more.

By DDD

October 5, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Dave you are just stupid! Do us a favor and just shut up.

By Phil Kloer

October 5, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

When I said wanted to make them required reading, I meant in the sense that all schools require certain books for certain grades.

I don’t exactly agree with FCM about “The Old Man and the Sea” turning kids off Hemingway (depends on the age), but I agree that some schools require books that are just over the kids’ heads and turn them off, like “A Tale of Two Cities” for 8th grader. Sure, there are 8th graders who can handle it, but mostly that breeds a generation of Dickens-haters.

To earlier questions: Yes, “Are You There God” and “Animal Farm” are both on the list. I just wanted to post a sample.

To people who call other people bad names on this blog: You are a bunch of doody heads. Stop it.

By Mimi

October 5, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Dave - I too believe in the Bible and I have read all 7 HP books and several others on the list. I don’t believe in banning books. I do believe in parental involvement (involvement - not control) in what are children are reading.

By Tricia S

October 5, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Where is Ayn Rand? All of her works are magnificent.

By dave

October 5, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Funny how a few have mentioned that they’d like the Quaran to be banned….yet I have not heard one single person here say there was something wrong with that….

Is it free Speech for all? Or just free speech for others that think like you (and those like you).

I have one….how about we ban ALL books written in Spanish in this country? I bet those same ones would support that idea….calm down folks…some of your “true Southern” racist bigotry is starting to show….

So how about some uf you stepping up to the plate and just as you’ve blasted me….why not condemn War Eagle and Koz??

By Lynn

October 5, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

“The Diary of Anne Frank” without a doubt.

By Stephanie

October 5, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Satanic Verses

By FCM

October 5, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Mr. Koler, believe me my Godfather is published authoritarian on Hemingway, he would probably be shocked to know that TOMATS turned me off the writer. Once I began to read more of Mr. Hemingways work I did revise my opinon of his work. While TOMATS will probably never make my top 10 list of favorite books I can see the why Mr. Hemingways work (including that story)endures.

By Liz Lemon

October 5, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

I read To Kill a Mockingbird as a kid, and it made me want to be a writer. It also showed me that novels could be about real life. A life-changing book for me.

By margaret

October 6, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

It’s a tie between Native Son and Catcher In The Rye for me… I read Catcher when I was about 19 and it was like oxygen to the brain… I have fond memories of it and think it was one of those rites of passages books that helped me into adulthood…

Native Son freaked me out! So much so that I was still talking about it 10 years later. The intensity of certain scenes amazed me as a reader… Ten years after I read it, I was talking about it with a friend… She said she read it at college with Helter Skelter playing in the background… I instantly knew what that did to her psyche. It’s an incredibly powerful book, a must read.

It’s funny because when I was 8, I found a book of my parents that was totally inappopriate for me… and I got a reader’s high trying to figure out all of the words, and knowing the book was “bad.” I had forgotten the experience and only remembered it a few years ago when I was reading a wild roller coaster of a book… only then did I realize why I am drawn to certain books.

By Morris Lewis

October 16, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

chylocaulous fetidity stampedable termer houghite syrianize pectosinase overteach http://www.twvdivas.com/kimfisher.html >TWV Divas: Kimberly Fisher http://www.geocities.com/christ1japan/