George Orwell
Our #BannedBooksWeek Reading List: Part 1
September 25, 2017
Penguin Random House is proud to be a leading sponsor of the 35th annual Banned Books Week, September 24 – 30, which was founded in 1982 in response to a sudden increase in book challenges. This week, we’re highlighting frequently banned and challenged books to help raise awareness of the importance of defending our right to express ourselves and read without censorship or interference. Keep reading for Banned Books reading list inspiration, and stay tuned all week for more recommendations.
Click here to enter for your chance to win a personalized Banned Books Box filled with ten of your favorite books and a special banned books mug courtesy of Out of Print Clothing (No purchase necessary. US residents, 18+. Ends 9/30/17. See Official Rules.)
1984 by George Orwell
Challenge Reason: Pro-Communist
More relevant than ever before, 1984 exposes the worst crimes imaginable—the destruction of truth, freedom, and individuality. The story of one man’s nightmare odyssey as he pursues a forbidden love affair through a world ruled by warring states and a power structure that controls not only information but also individual thought and memory, 1984 is a prophetic, haunting tale. A masterpiece of rebellion and imprisonment, where war is peace, freedom is slavery, and Big Brother is watching.
THIRTEEN REASONS WHY by Jay Asher
Challenge Reason: Drugs/Alcohol/Smoking, Sexually Explicit, Suicide, Unsuited for Age Group
After Hannah Baker commits suicide, she leaves behind 13 tapes explaining the reasons she decided to end her life. An intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.
CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME by Mark Haddon
Challenge Reason: Offensive Language
Although gifted with a superbly logical brain, for fifteen-year-old Christopher everyday interactions and admonishments have little meaning. He lives on patterns, rules, and a diagram kept in his pocket. Then one day, a neighbor’s dog, Wellington, is killed and his carefully constructive universe is threatened.
Also during Banned Books Week, head over to Out of Print Clothing to find out how you can contribute to hurricane relief efforts through book donations from Penguin Random House. For each piece of Banned Books merchandise sold on the Out of Print website during Banned Books Week, September 24 - 30, Penguin Random House will donate one book in support of hurricane relief efforts through First Book up to 10,000 books. Click here to start browsing and give back.
1984 by George Orwell
Challenge Reason: Pro-Communist
More relevant than ever before, 1984 exposes the worst crimes imaginable—the destruction of truth, freedom, and individuality. The story of one man’s nightmare odyssey as he pursues a forbidden love affair through a world ruled by warring states and a power structure that controls not only information but also individual thought and memory, 1984 is a prophetic, haunting tale. A masterpiece of rebellion and imprisonment, where war is peace, freedom is slavery, and Big Brother is watching.
THIRTEEN REASONS WHY by Jay Asher
Challenge Reason: Drugs/Alcohol/Smoking, Sexually Explicit, Suicide, Unsuited for Age Group
After Hannah Baker commits suicide, she leaves behind 13 tapes explaining the reasons she decided to end her life. An intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.
CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME by Mark Haddon
Challenge Reason: Offensive Language
Although gifted with a superbly logical brain, for fifteen-year-old Christopher everyday interactions and admonishments have little meaning. He lives on patterns, rules, and a diagram kept in his pocket. Then one day, a neighbor’s dog, Wellington, is killed and his carefully constructive universe is threatened.
Also during Banned Books Week, head over to Out of Print Clothing to find out how you can contribute to hurricane relief efforts through book donations from Penguin Random House. For each piece of Banned Books merchandise sold on the Out of Print website during Banned Books Week, September 24 - 30, Penguin Random House will donate one book in support of hurricane relief efforts through First Book up to 10,000 books. Click here to start browsing and give back.