Banned Book Club
Banning books is one of the most common forms of censorship today. Books are most commonly "banned" for being considered "sexually explicit," containing "offensive language," or "unsuited to any age group."​
​
In an effort to combat censorship, we are starting a banned book club. Join us in reading these "controversial" books and discussing what we learn, think, and enjoy about them.​
We will have excerpts prepared in advance available to read at the event, so feel free to come and discuss with us even if you have not read/finished the book.
​
We would love to have you here with us!
​
Many of these books will have heavy and distressing themes, including but not limited to; sexual abuse, substance abuse, racism, domestic violence, and homophobia.
Please be aware of potential triggers and take care of yourself. Your mental health is important.
​
Current Read
Gay Berlin: Birthplace of a Modern Identity by Robert Beachy is a scholarly exploration of how Berlin became a pioneering center for the development of modern gay identity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Beachy examines the city's vibrant culture, medical advancements, and activist movements that collectively shaped contemporary understandings of sexual orientation and gender identity.​
Discussion on 5/22/25 @ 6pm
Past Reads
"To Kill a Mockingbird"
Harper Lee
Banned for explicit depictions of racism, discussions of sexuality and rape, and "making audiences uncomfortable." *
"The Bluest Eye"
Toni Morrison
Banned for depictions of racism, being sexually explicit, having "homosexual overtones", and being "unsuitable for any age group." *
"A Handmaid's Tale"
Margaret Thatcher
Banned for explicit depiction of sexual content, discussions about feminism and religious extremism, profanity, and "anti-Christian" themes. *
"Of Mice and Men"
John Steinbeck
Banned for racial language, vulgarity, "defamatory language of women and the disabled", and "dark and depressing themes." *
"The Catcher in the Rye"
J.D. Salinger
Banned for excess vulgar language, sexual scenes, things concerning moral issues, excessive violence, the occult and communism. *