being banned

Sept. 26 begins Banned Books Week, so I thought I’d share a story of my own brush with censorship:

Shortly after my first novel, Souvenir, came out, I was contacted by a person who was interested in having me come speak at a large public high school. This person, who worked for the school system, thought the book and my experiences as a new author would be compelling material for both students and faculty, and we spoke of also tying in a separate event for the adult reading community. I was excited about the opportunity, and waited to hear back about possible dates and other arrangements.

When I did hear back, the news was bad: some faculty members had read the book, and while they themselves found it worthy of reading and discussing, they felt that the sexuality and controversial subject matter might not be considered appropriate for high school students. I suppose they didn’t want to invite trouble from parents, didn’t want to have to fight that particular fight. Therefore, the invitation was withdrawn.

And yet, around that same time (in July ‘08), the popular review site Teens Read Too! reviewed the book and awarded it its highest rating, along with placement in their Hall of Fame. These folks, whose business it is to know all about books for teens, recommended it for grades 9 and up.

Although the book is considered adult fiction, I’d been receiving heartfelt letters from teenaged readers in the UK for a year already (the book came out there first), and was getting them from American teens, and have since gotten them from teens world-wide. I’ve heard from parents and grandparents who gave copies to their teens deliberately. So you can see why the de facto banning of Souvenir in this particular school system was discouraging and disappointing.  The story is a realistic cautionary tale, and teens live in the real world; in my view, reading the book would do them more good than harm.

My consolation, however, was knowing that I’m in good company.

The American Library Association, ALA, shares this list of banned and/or challenged classics. When I view the titles there, I see nothing threatening. I see adventure, exploration, and many topics worth thinking more about. I want to tell all those who have reacted to these (and other) books so negatively that fear and misinformation are a cage, but knowledge will set you free. Sounds lofty, I suppose. Still, I believe it wholeheartedly, maybe because I myself am a good example of someone whose experience of life was expanded dramatically, thanks to books.

So celebrate the freedom to read anything and everything by championing a book that at one time or another has been challenged or banned. Recommend Souvenir, if you like (I won’t mind!), or maybe choose one from this list. I’m going to read The Perks of being a Wallflower, which my 16-yr. old son read recently, and found amazing.

Read on!