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My Thoughts on Banned Book Week

In Honor of Banned Books Week, I feel like I should post my thoughts on banning books.  Few things bother me more than the idea that certain books are ‘inappropriate’ because they tackle difficult issues or bring up subjects that make people uncomfortable.  I feel like if you don’t want to read a book because of its content, that’s your choice but you don’t get to make that choice for me.  The Giver came out when I was in sixth grade and lived in small town Utah.  I remember that the school library wouldn’t allow this book to be put in circulation and that just made me want to read it even more.  My mom ended up buying it for me just to spite the school.  I didn’t even know what The Giver was about but I wanted to read it because someone told me that I couldn’t and I am glad I did because it is an amazing book.
I also tend to get annoyed with the people who say things like Harry Potter is Satanic and blah blah blah.  They obviously haven’t read the books and don’t know what they are talking about.  My aunt is one of those people.  She would not let my cousin read these books even though I know he would have LOVED them.  One year for Christmas, I bought him the first two books and there were all kinds of gasps and whispers.  I doubt he ever read them but it makes me sad that he will never be able to see how awesome Harry Potter is. 
Anyway, that’s enough anecdotes.  I feel very strongly that all books are special and that no one has the right to dictate what a person can or cannot read.  I just think of all the great stories I would have missed if I hadn’t been able to read certain books and it makes me sad for people in communities that allow this kind of censorship.
So, Happy Banned Books Week!  Go ahead, read something naughty!
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