While often controversial, banned books are vital in promoting free expression and exposing readers to diverse perspectives. Titles similar to The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky have often faced censorship attempts nationwide, as their thought-provoking content has challenged the status quo. Banning these influential works not only stifles creativity but also denies readers the opportunity to grapple with complex social issues and form their own opinions. Ultimately, the freedom to read diverse texts is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, and efforts to limit access to books must be resisted.
Title: 1984
Author: George Orwell
Genre: Dystopian
Publication: 1949
Personal Rating: 7/10
George Orwell’s 1984 is a dystopian novel that explores a totalitarian society where individuality and free thought are suppressed. The story follows Winston Smith as he navigates the oppressive control of the Communist Party and its omniscient leader, Big Brother. The novel serves as a warning about the dangers of totalitarianism and the erosion of personal freedoms.
1984 faced challenges in the U.S. for its pro-communist society and sexual content as well as in the Soviet Union for its criticism of totalitarian society.
Orwell’s 1949 novel showed me how a repressive regime can manipulate language, information, and even thought itself to maintain absolute control over its citizens and emphasize this as a modern issue. Its exploration of mass surveillance, government propaganda, and the eradication of privacy serve as a chilling reminder of the fragility of human liberties when confronted by the overwhelming power of the state. 1984 underscores the vital importance of preserving the fundamental rights of individuals, including the freedom of expression, to think independently, and to live without the constant threat of Big Brother’s watchful eye.
Title: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Author: Maya Angelou
Genre: Autobiography
Publication: 1969
Personal Rating 8/10
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a poignant autobiographical account of Maya Angelou’s early life and the challenges she faced as a young black girl growing up in the American South during the Great Depression. The memoir powerfully depicts her resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative influence of education and literature in the face of racism and trauma.
Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings has faced challenges due to its depiction of childhood sexual assault, talk of racism, and sexuality.
Maya Angelou’s memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Although I don’t relate to many topics in the book, it depicts the struggles of growing up in Angleou’s circumstances, painting a vivid portrait of the racism, sexism, and personal trauma that Angelou endured. The work showcases the value of education and self-discovery as formidable tools for personal growth and empowerment. The influence of this work lies in its ability to remind us all of the indomitable power of the human will to rise above even the most daunting of circumstances.
Title: Slaughterhouse-Five
Author: Kurt Vonnegut
Publication: 1969
Genre: Science Fiction
Personal Rating: 7.5/10
Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five follows Billy Pilgrim, an American soldier being held as a prisoner of war in Germany during WWII. He experiences trauma from the bombing of Dresden. Subsequently, he remembers life in a non-linear fashion. Billy is kidnapped to the planet Tralfamadore where Pilgrim gains a new perspective on time and destiny. Slaughterhouse-Five explores the inevitability of death, the impacts of war, the nature of free will, and facing trauma, through science fiction and dark humor.
Vonnegut’s 1969 novel has faced challenges due to its lack of patriotism, language, depictions of sexual acts, and mentions of homosexuality.
Slaughterhouse-Five highlights the effects of PTSD and the morality of warfare. It allows the reader to further understand the inevitability of death changing their view from seeing it as an end. The novel brings perspective onto modern wars such as the Hamas-Israeli war. Reading Vonneugt’s novel in Israel last fall with a group of American Jews, and going to a bomb shelter mid-class is an experience I will never forget, shaping my understanding of modern violence.
Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Author: Stephen Chbosky
Genre: Y/A Literature
Publication: 1999
Personal Rating: 9/10
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is a coming-of-age story about an introverted high school student named Charlie. In it, he navigates the complexities of friendship, first love, and the often-turbulent transition into adulthood. The novel offers a compassionate and honest exploration of mental health, personal growth, and the universal experiences of adolescence.
Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower has faced challenges because it portrays LGBTQIA+ content, rape, drugs and profanity.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky offers a deeply relatable and poignant exploration of the challenges and complexities of adolescence. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Charlie, I was immersed in the highs and lows of high school life, from the power of enduring friendships to the struggle with mental health issues. By providing a captivating and empathetic narrative, Chbosky allows readers to connect with the universal experiences of youth, fostering a greater understanding of the emotional landscapes that define this pivotal stage of life.
Title: Maybe He Just Likes You
Author: Barbara Dee
Genre: Fiction
Publication: 2019
Personal Rating: 9.5/10
Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee explores the issue of sexual harassment and the challenges faced by young girls. The story follows Mila, an 11-year-old girl, as she navigates unwanted attention and inappropriate behavior from her male classmates. The novel sensitively addresses the importance of self-advocacy, consent, and the societal attitudes that contribute to the normalization of sexual harassment.
Dee’s young adult novel has faced challenges due to its storyline about sexual harassment in adolescents and young target age.
Maybe He Just Likes You brings attention to young readers about the MeToo movement. Reading the novel brought to light my personal experiences with sexual harassment. Similarly to in the book, I brushed off their actions. It wasn’t until after reading Dee’s young adult novel that I allowed myself to feel the effects of such harassment. This is the case for many young readers across the country. According to the National Sexual Violence Resources Center, 81% of women experience some kind of sexual harassment in their life, and 33% of female rape and attempted rape victims experienced their assault between the ages of 11 and 17. Understanding the effects of sexual assault and harassment early is crucial and Maybe He Just Likes You initiates such conversation.
Title: The Assignment
Author: Liza Wiemer
Genre: Y/A Literature
Publication: 2020
Personal Rating: 9/10
Liza Wiemer’s The Assignment is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of identity, empathy, and social justice. The story centers around a high school history project that requires students to defend The Final Solution, leading to unexpected and powerful revelations about their own beliefs and biases. The novel encourages readers to critically examine their assumptions and to consider the diverse experiences and perspectives of others.
Wiemer’s Young Adult novel has faced challenges due to divisive content and dialogue around anti-semitism.
Reading The Assignment as a young jew impacted me in a way that not many books can. I was able to relate to and understand discrimination differently. The previous year I read The Diary of Anne Frank, which like most other education I had surrounding anti-semitism, I felt numb. It had been the same thing over and over, but The Assignment is based on a true story in 2017. It is not just impactful for Jews, many readers understand the disgust felt by Cade and Logan, and the hardships following their protest. On top of that, it shows the sad truth of what happens when people stand up to authority.
Despite the persistent efforts to censor these impactful works, the lasting legacy of banned books remains a testament to the power of free expression. While censorship may temporarily restrict access, the enduring significance of these narratives continues to influence and inspire countless individuals, transcending the artificial barriers imposed upon them. As we reflect on the lessons learned from these censored stories, we must rededicate ourselves to preserve the fundamental right to read, explore, and engage with diverse perspectives. Only by upholding this freedom can we truly honor the transformative potential of literature and ensure that the voices of the past continue to shape the conversations of the present and future.