Banned Book Week!!!

I am super excited to be a part of the Banned Book Week Hop hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer and I Read Banned Books!  Banned Book Week Banned Book Week runs from September 24 - October 1 and is a celebration of our right to read and write at our own discretion. Do I think this is important…absolutely. In the United States we are guaranteed certain rights…the freedom of press and the freedom of speech are two of these rights granted to us.

While I absolutely disagree with book banning, I do believe that we have to be aware of the books out there and make wise decisions to what we read and to what we allow our children to read. Know yourself and know your boundaries. These are the two things you can do to assure that you get the most from your reading experience.

I am going to approach this subject from a parent’s view point, since I am just that, a parent. I am an extremely liberal reader and encourage my children to read anything and everything they can, become well rounded, and understand the differences in the world around them. That being said…I am completely aware of what they read and we often have very open discussions about reading. Generally, I have read anything and everything they are reading, and if not, I am probably going to read it. Reading is one of the most discussed topics in our house.

I believe it is my responsibility as a parent to know what my children are reading. I do not believe that the schools, libraries, or government should be held responsible for these choices. We are always looking for someone else to blame and honestly…parents need to take these responsibilities. See, while some might complain that their children can get a hold of questionable literature at public libraries, what happens if that book is banned and I, an adult, would like to read it? Should it be banned from me also? What if I believe that it is okay for my children to read these books? Is it right that they are unable to check this book out?

I do understand the worries about children getting ahold of books that are too mature for them…let’s put them in the correct school libraries. I honestly do not have a problem with school libraries picking and choosing the books that are available to kids. But public libraries are a completely different story…because they are public for both adults and children. Also, when it comes to school reading lists, I have found that most of the questionable books are optional and there are other choices for the children to choose from. If not, then yes it is certainly your right to voice your opinion about these things.

I live my life with a pretty simple rule…if you believe something is immoral or inappropriate then just don’t do it. Nobody should have to tell you it’s immoral…you have to know your own beliefs, your own limits, and follow them.

*Remember, these are solely my opinions and you can disagree, respectfully.

Now the fun Part...Contest!!!

The contest I am running will allow one lucky winner to receive their choice of a banned or challenged book from the Book Depository. Before you enter...make sure that they deliver to your place of residence.

Your choices are...

• Any book from The Hunger Games Trilogy (Suzanne Collins)
• Any book from The House of Nights Series (PC and Kristen Cast)
• Water for Elephants (I know...banned???) (Sara Gruen)
• Speak (Laurie Halse Anderson)
• TTYL(Lauren Myracle)
• Any book from the Vampire Academy Series (Richelle Mead)
• Any book from the Twilight Series (Stephenie Meyer)

*You can find information on frequently challenged and banned books HERE.