Banned Books That Have Changed My Life

Today is Banned Books Day! I look forward to Banned Books Week every year, and I love posting about it. Yesterday I made a post that spotlighted some of the banned books on my TBR list, but today I thought I would spotlight some banned books that have impacted my life.

Here's the list of frequently challenged books for young adults that I got these books from.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margret Atwood

Review

This book is brilliant and is feared because of it's plausibility. Reading fiction is a great entry way to real-world issues like feminism. Whether you're interested in feminism, a huge supporter, or skeptical, you need to read this. I promise you it will impact you.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck 

This was one of the first classics that impacted me. I read it as a freshman in high school and it reaffirmed my decision to spend my life studying literature. This small book touches on so many facets of being human and will break your heart. It doesn't sugar coat what it means to love and be human. 

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton 

This is a must read for teens. Hinton captures the struggles teenagers face to accept those around them and themselves. I really loved and respected this book as a young reader. 

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 

This is one of my all-time favorite books. I have read it more times than any other book since my childhood. Every time I read this book I find it even more brilliant.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury 

Oh the irony of those trying to ban this book. This book illustrates the dangers of book banning just perfectly. I don't know about you, but I don't want to live in a world where knowledge and books are forbidden. 

Deenie by Judy Blume 

Another book (and author) I loved as a young reader. Young girls need Judy Blume. 

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson 

Review

Laurie Halse Anderson has been connecting with young readers for many years. This novel touches on the ever important and relevant topic of rape and consent. It was one of the first YA novels to touch on such an important topic and got a lot of slack for it. Let's make the choice to continue to educate young women about the right they have to make the decision regarding who has access to their body through fiction.