Freedom To Read Challenge For 2009

So, I have read 35 books (or at least recall reading 35) that have been challenged or banned. So what? The over-achiever in me wants to raise that number. Plus, reading those lists, it reminded me of some books I want to read. Therefore, I have issued a challenge to myself. I will read 5 banned or challenged books over the next year. (Why a year?–because my ‘to be read’ stack is already toppling at 30+ books and silly me, now belong to 3 book clubs. (I do encourage them to choose books that I have in my ‘to be read’ stack, but you can only do that so much before you become the annoying, pushy gal in the group. Or at least, become the annoying, pushy gal for other reasons….)

Without further ado, here are the 5 banned/challenged books I will read over the next year, with a check-in during Freedom to Read Week (Canadian version of Banned Book Week) in February:

The Giver (Lois Lowry) Reason for choosing: Was a ratty, popular book in the library I used to work in. I’m curious.

The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck) Reason for choosing: I already have a head start with all the background research I did on the film for a film studies project years ago. I like knowing the social and political history of a book’s time period. And I also like Steinbeck.

Lolita (Vladimir Nabokov) Reason for choosing: I have actually been waiting to read a book called Reading Lolita in Tehran because I haven’t read Lolita yet.

Lord of the Flies (William Golding) Reason for choosing: It is surprising nobody made me read it in school, and since I don’t want to be the only person on the planet who hasn’t read this classic, I’d better get moving.

A Wrinkle in Time (Madeleine L’Engle) Reason for choosing: I’ve heard lots about it, and have even had it recommended, but have never picked it up. Yet.

Want to read a few challenged/banned books too? Join me! Your mind will never be the same. Mwa-ha-ha.