Banned Books That I’ve Read
I stand for the voices that deserve to be heard
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Trigger warnings: rape of a child, child sexual abuse, suicide, public executions, child sex trafficking.
The Kite Runner follows Amir, who enters a kite running competition, with his loyal friend Hassan pledging to assist him. Unfortunately, something transpires on that day that Amir refuses to acknowledge witnessing. Due to the Taliban, Amir’s family is compelled to escape Afghanistan, yet he acknowledges that one day he must return for redemption.
I recently revisited this book from my high school days, and I had forgotten how emotionally impactful it is, especially for the characters in the story. It tackles heavy topics that aren’t easy to digest, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be explored. These themes are so prevalent in today’s world that I can’t imagine not educating myself about them. I rarely come across books that delve into the Muslim culture, and if more people picked this one up, they would gain a tremendous amount of insight.
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Trigger warnings: slavery, death of a child.
Sethe was born into slavery, managing to escape to Ohio. However, eighteen years later, she remains far from free. She has endured unspeakable horrors without losing her sanity, yet she remains imprisoned by haunting memories of Sweet Home, the once-beautiful farm where unspeakable atrocities occurred. Sethe’s home has been tormented for years by the vengeful, destructive spirit of her nameless deceased child, whose grave marker bears a single haunting word: Beloved.
This is my first Morrison book, and while it didn’t become an instant favorite, it certainly won’t be the last I read from her. The story line is intricate and sometimes challenging to track, yet the brilliance emerges in the minute details — the subtle manner in which it unveils the narrative to the reader. It showcases how trauma can quietly consume one’s entire being without them even realizing it. This is a topic that deserves more discussion.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Trigger warnings: physical and sexual abuse, drug use/abuse, homophobia, mental illness, rape, racism, and suicide.
This is a tale that delves into the experience of coming of age in high school. Charlie’s letters offer a unique and intimate perspective, both humorous and heart-wrenching. We may not be privy to his exact whereabouts, nor the recipient of his letters, but we are immersed in the world he unfolds. As he navigates the delicate balance between living life and escaping it, he embarks on an unconventional journey into uncharted territory.
I read this in high school and also watched the movie adaptation. At the time, I never considered that this could be a banned book. If anything, it made me understand how challenging the coming of age process can be. Life can throw curve balls our way, and we must grapple with them before they overwhelm us. It’s not always a smooth journey; it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. I believe that parents often struggle to fully comprehend what their children are going through, whether intentionally or unintentionally. In many ways, this book likely offers more help to teenagers than harm.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Trigger warnings: ableism, misogyny, murder, animal death.
They make an unlikely duo: George is small and quick, while Lennie, enormous in size, possesses the mind of a young child. Despite their differences, they’ve forged a sense of family, seeking solace in each other’s company to combat the pervasive loneliness and isolation around them. As laborers in California’s vegetable fields, they toil for a meager living, surviving day to day. Yet, amidst the harsh reality, George and Lennie harbor a shared dream: to possess an acre of land and a humble dwelling they can proudly call their own.
Another high school read that moved me to tears with its profound sadness. The relationship between George and Lennie is intricate yet unparalleled. They genuinely make the most of their meager resources. This story portrays the harsh realities of the 1930s, and some readers may find it challenging to accept. While it might not be my all-time favorite book, I’m eager to revisit it and appreciate the narrative from an adult perspective, now that I’ve gained more life experience.
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Trigger warnings: dysphoria, misgendering, blood depiction.
Maia’s autobiography maps out their voyage of self-discovery, encompassing the embarrassment and bewilderment of adolescent infatuations, the struggle to come out to both family and society, forming close connections with friends through explicit gay fanfiction, and confronting the trauma of pap smears.
This graphic memoir is penned by Maia Kobabe, who identifies as e/em/eir. As far as I know, it’s available on Kindle Unlimited, so if you’re a subscriber, I recommend giving it a read. While I’ve come across reviews that question the necessity of certain scenes, it’s important to remember that those moments were integral parts of Maia’s life, shaping them in various ways. Personally, I found it quite enjoyable, and it’s a quick read. Sometimes, complexity and intricate details aren’t required to convey a powerful message.
While reading banned books is not obligatory, I strongly urge you to consider picking up one that aligns with your comfort level. It may not be a straightforward undertaking, but these books exist for a purpose. They provide a platform for the voices of marginalized teens, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and minority communities to express their identities and emotions, whether in fiction or non-fiction. These authors perform a valuable service by shedding light on topics that might otherwise remain unaddressed.
