Why a Banned Book Club?

by Kathy Czarnecki Smith

"Why would anyone tell you what you can read"?

"If someone tells me not to read something I would ask why."

Both of these statements were made by our 7-year-old daughter when we were explaining that we joined a banned book club. She understood the book part, they have been a part of her life from the start. It was the word 'banned' that peaked her curiosity. She didn’t understand and I must admit, neither did I.

A college professor once told our class that, "if a book offends or upsets you, ask yourself why, don’t just stay offended."

When the opportunity came to meet with other community members and discuss a list of banned books we were excited. We were curious to learn why they were considered not appropriate and wanted to know if we felt that way too. So far, none of them have. If they are upsetting at all, it is because they depict real life situations that no one should have to deal with, but we do. If we ban books that tell those stories, we are telling people that their reality doesn’t exist, or that it isn’t a story important enough to share. The silence that has existed surrounding events and life stories such as these remains deafening. How can the next generation of adults examine and continue to repair their communities if the adults in their world today encourage their silence? We open the doors to the banned book club so we can have a discussion worthy of everyone’s time. So we can talk about these books when they eventually make their way into the hands of friends, family, coworkers and community members.

ALL BOYS AREN’T BLUE is a great example. The author shares his experience of what it was like to grow up as a black and gay child and young man. It starts out with a description of his being beaten by neighborhood boys. More of these experiences are included and it ends in a thoughtful and inviting way. The author shares that he didn’t have any books to read or role models to emulate, so he hopes his story is that for someone else. That is why we should not ban this book, but we invite you to decide this for yourself.

Journey: Healing Together holds a monthly Banned Book Club at 201 W.11th St. Erie, PA 16501 with an option to attend virtually. Sunday, July 16th, August 20th, and September 17th from 2-4. Email info@journeyht.org for more information or join our FB Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/262294086388586