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.

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

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West is a 1995 dark fantasy novel by Gregory Maguire that reimagines the Land of Oz from the perspective of the Wicked Witch, Elphaba, who is born with green skin and becomes a misunderstood outcast fighting against the Wizard's oppressive regime. It serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, exploring themes of good vs. evil, prejudice, and politics, and is the first book in The Wicked Years series, which inspired the hit Broadway musical and movies

Discussion on 1/15/26 @ 6pm

Next Read

The Testaments is Margaret Atwood's 2019 sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, set 15 years later in the theocratic Republic of Gilead, and is narrated by three women: the notorious Aunt Lydia, a young woman raised in Gilead (Agnes), and a young woman in Canada (Daisy/Nicole). The novel explores the inner workings of Gilead as it begins to decay, focusing on power, resistance, and survival through the intersecting stories of these women.

Discussion on 2/19/26 @ 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 Atwood

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. *

"1984"

George Orwell

Banned for violence, sexual themes, or anti-authoritarian nature, such as its themes of surveillance, censorship, and thought control.

"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"

Mark Twain

Banned for frequent racial slurs, racial stereotypes, and perceived racism and proslavery themes.

"A Wrinkle in Time"

Madeleine L'Engle

Banned for mixing science and religious themes and for promotion of occult (witches).

"City of Thieves"

David Benioff

Banned for profanity, sexually explicit content, and depictions of violence.

"The Hate You Give"

Angie Thomas

Banned for violence, profanity, sexual content, and a divisive content / social agenda.

"The Devil's Arithmetic"

Jane Yolen

Banned for graphic content and depiction of the Jewish Holocaust, the satanic inference in the title, and for concerns over "DEI content".

"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian"

Sherman Alexie

Banned for profanity, sexual content and mature themes like: poverty, alcoholism, bullying, and cultural insensitivity.

"Gay Berlin"

Robert Beachy

Banned as part of the removal of DEI content from government funded organizations.

"A Clockwork Orange"

Anthony Burgess

Banned for its graphic depictions of extreme violence, sexual assault, and controversial themes exploring free will, morality, and state control.

"Crank"

Ellen Hopkins

Banned for drug use, graphic language, and sexual themes.