Thursday 13: Thirteen Banned Books You Should Read
Ahh, I love Thursday Thirteen lists, I love talking about books, and I like blogging. Let’s get on with the Thursday 13 list o’ the day!
- Lady Chatterleys Lover by DH Lawrence: Whew. Have I read it? Mutiple times. Why I recommend it? Well, it’s racy. It’s a good time…er, I mean..read ;}
- Twelfth Night by Shakespeare. Ok, so it’s a play, but Twelfth Night has been banned in at least one school because one of the main characters disguided herself as a man. (Oh the carnage! geez) Have I read it? Yes, in college I studied it extensively. Would I recommend it? Yes, although if you’re not up to the challenge, you may prefer the movie with Helena Bonham Carter.
- Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya was banned in one school in Arkansas because of its depiction of paganism. I would especially recommend it to those interested in Latino literature.
- The Awkening by Kate Chopin. I haven’t read it, I’m sorry! But it is very much on my list. It is banned due to…you guessed it…sex. Oh my. <–Note sarcasm here.
- The Bluest Eye and
- Beloved both by Toni Morrison were two of the most alarming books I’ve ever read. More sex, and again being hcallenged in Arkansas. Who else is picking up on this pattern?
- Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. I can’t recall if this is a book or a short story, as I read it in an anthology and I recall devouring it all in one sitting. Best read with
- Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. I adored this book, too.
- The Satanic Verses. Ok, so I haven’t yet read this famous banned book, but it is most definitely on my list.
- How is this for irony? Read Farenheit 451, a baned book with themes about banning books! Oh, the hilarity.
- A couple to read with your kidlings: A Series of Unfortuante Events and
- Harry Potter series and
- The Lorax.
Happy Reading to you!


February 21st, 2008 at 8:55 am
isn’t the Lorax a Dr. Seuss book?
February 21st, 2008 at 4:20 pm
yeah, home mom it is!
It was banned in several school districts as “unfriendly” or “inflammatory” toward the forestry industry.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:13 am
Ugh typo. I know how to spell BANNED. GAH
February 26th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
A few years ago, I downloaded a list of the 100 most banned books in history. I’ve made it my personal goal to read each and every one (I’m not all that far yet). But I would definitely agree that Beloved is one of the most alarming books I have ever read.
February 26th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Then again, many of her books are alamrming. PS, Sorry for the typo up there.