These Books Were Nearly BANNED! Find Out Why?
24th March 2022
Great books have been censored, banned or even burned for hundreds of years.
The magic of literature has always been in its ability to tell unique and varied stories. From diverse characters seeking racial justice to LGBTQ+ individuals providing an insight into their lives. Often the subject matter would be considered too taboo and authorities would fight to silence meaningful novels.
In this age of technology and free information it is important to make these books not only available but accessible as well. Browns Books celebrates the freedom of reading different perspectives emerging in other cultures and expressing opinions in literary work.
Here is our compelling round up of books recently considered to be controversial:
1. All boys aren't blue : a memoir-manifesto
Johnson, George M.
Paperback / softback
This incredible memoir-manifesto expresses Johnson’s life growing up Black and queer, navigating the often rigid confines of gender, masculinity and race. It has never been more important for young people to see themselves represented in books. Unfortunately, in more than 14 American states, it is deemed pornographic and criminal complaints have been filed against the title.
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2. Thirteen reasons why
Asher, Jay (Author)
Paperback / softback
Since its publication in 2007 ‘Thirteen Reasons Why’ has divided opinion. The young adult novel tells of a student’s suicide through 13 cassette tapes. Despite being hailed as a valuable tool to ignite conversations about bullying, consent and suicide it has become one of the most banned books in America.
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3. George
Gino, Alex
Paperback / softback
‘George’ is an inspiring tale that calls on younger readers to be who you are. Sadly some have found the content of the book offensive because the title’s young protagonist is transgender. Alex Gino wrote ‘George’ because it was a book they would have wanted to read growing up and has been very active in defending ‘George’ in the hope it would help transgender children feel less alone.
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4. The hate u give
Thomas, Angie
Paperback / softback
Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, ‘The Hate U Give’ addresses issues of racism and police violence as witnessed by the main character Starr. Despite winning several awards this novel has continuously been challenged for it’s use of vulgar and racially-insensitive language and it was thought to promote an anti-police message.
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5. China dream
Jian, Ma
Paperback / softback
Not only are all of Ma Jian’s novels banned in China, so is he. Set in real-world China, ‘China Dream’ follows a pompous and corrupt government official charged with replacing people’s dreams with government propaganda. Drawing parallels from his homeland Jian’s novels have seen him become a political exile and in his words “I have never allowed myself to not write something for fear of consequences, that would be the death of literature in my mind”.
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6. Beartown
Backman, Fredrik
Paperback / softback
‘Beartown’ looks at a small town’s reaction when the star of its beloved hockey team is accused of rape. A book, parents said, that was having a terrifying effect on their 16-year-old children. Having made its way onto a school’s curriculum without pre-approval Backman’s heart-rending novel saw an eruption of complaining parents. Deeming it “vulgar”, “graphic” and “just unnecessary”.
More DetailsMany remarkable books are considered classic literature yet are still battling for their freedom to be read. From Harry Potter, Animal Farm and A Clockwork Orange to Brave New World, The Color Purple and Black Beauty, take a look at our full collection of supressed titles.
