Raise Your Awareness Before a Ban

Posted by Leslie Poston Sep 26, 2006

We have so many books and authors we should read, and so little time to do it in. I know my "books to be read" pile grows exponentially every day - I can hardly keep up. Even with our busy lives, we should make it a point to read as much as we can.

Freedom to read and learn is a privilege specific to a democratic society. When that privilege is reduced or abused only those who are knowledgable of the book in question can help fight for its merit.

You already visit my American Fiction page (and I thank you), but did you know that there are a host of other book pages on Suite that might help you expand your horizons?

Look to our African American Literature section if you know nothing about some of the books in Sunday's article. Not only will you find many of those titles being discusses and reviewd there, you may find an author you would never have heard of before this and read something new.

Try your hand at Folktales and Myths. You may have noticed that some of the banned and challenged books deal with folktales, myths and legends. Studying our culture and cultures around us is endlessly fascinating.

While you're looking for challenges to your usual reading style, why not stop in to the Poetry section, or try reading Women's Fiction or Science Fiction and Fantasy? All of these have books that have been challenged, banned, censored and burned over the years when a book is provocative enough.

Can't get enough? Check our umbrella section, Reading & Writing, and browse a while. You never know what you mind find that opens your mind.