Freedom of opinion is fundamental for democraty. Without the right to speak our opinion, even if it is not shared by many, is still crucial in a free society.

Books are an extremely important part of that processus, because onlike talk or
tv show, books stay. We can find books dating from the 19th century explaining the different opinions towards the foundation of our country. It is important that we still have those because it helps us to understand what we are now.

Books are a democratised way to inform people and get informed. That’s why alphabatisation is so important. To people who do not know how to read, every book is banned.

Books should never be banned.  It is a travesty that books such as Winnie the Pooh and Catcher in The Rye have been banned.  Everyone has the right to read and everyone should be given the chance to learn how to read.

I hope that this kind of censorship will be stopped and I would fight against those who try to stop others from reading what they want.

To me banned book week is all about promoting freedom of speech for all in written form. I believe that everyone should be able to write what they want, but I also think that if someone has a problem with what someone else has written then they should be able to speak up about it. Telling someone that they can’t say something bad about a book is just as bad as telling someone they can’t write a certain type of book.

I don’t know how I’d survive in a world without books. It doesn’t even seem possible to me that it could happen because books have become such a big part of my life and they are still very important in communicating with others. If it did I think I’d try to remember my favorite stories and tell them to others so that the stories, at least, would still be alive in some form. No matter what, I don’t think people will stop being creative.

Over banned book week I plan to read a few books, like Harry Potter, Bridge to Terabithia, and The Giver.

I don’t mind that some people have problems with some books, but I want to be able to choose the books I read.

Untill reading about this contest, I must admit that Ive never even heard of Banned Book Week. But I have in fact heard about how books have been banned from many school for beeing too.. well, different. I can only imagine what its like to be told “You cant read this!”. I think upon hearing such a thing I would instantly be drawn to the text as if a magic spell had been cast upon me.
I think that I have read a few contraversial books in the past. To me, the issues seemed okay to be written about. Its nice to get fresh new perspectives on different issues.
Over banned book week I plan to read ‘A Brave New World’ by Aldous Huxley. Ive already began to read it, and its pretty awsome so far.
If all books were banned, well.. I dont know what I would do. Unlike many, I am a heavy reader. I like to read at least 1 book per week. They are just so amazing. Also, reading really helps me remember my language. Not english, but Russian. Originally from Russia, my family came to Canada when I was 10, and if it wasnt for my passion for reading, I may have lost my ability to speak, read and write fluently in my language.

As far as it comes to people speaking out about books they object to, I think they should be alble to do it. But not in the same ways it was done many times ago. No books should be banned or even censored for that matter, just because they arent liked by some people. If you dont like a book, dont read it. Heck, dont read that authors! But dont take away other peoples right to make their own choises!

I hope that we have come a long way since the days of banning books.  The recent outcry that I can think of is the OJ Simpson book.  While I have no intention of ever reading it, I think that it is important to allow the choice.  And, the fact that the vicitim’s families will receive the proceeds make it an even better choice.

Thanks for celebrating our history.

For banned books week, I go out and read every banned book that I can (as a busy student, unfortunately I don’t have much spare reading time!) At the Harry Potter convention Prophecy 2007 this summer, we discussed whether Dumbledore was right to insist on the removal of the horcrux books from the library at Hogwarts - our conclusion was that he was not.  Once one (even one as wise as Dumbledore) begins removing books, or censoring ideas, it’s a slippery slope - where is the line justifiably drawn between books that are too harmful for anyone to read, and books that “do no harm”?  Also, could it be argued that some of the great works of literature and non-fiction writing *do* harm to some people/institutions (make people uncomfortable, prompt political action a la “No Logo” and the anti-globalization demos), and that is what makes them great?

I would just like to comment on banned books week. I think that this should be a proud moment for us Canadians. This shows us that there are places in this world were people are told what they cannot read. We should realize how lucky we are to live in Canada, a free society. Read on!

I’m glad I found this contest in time! It’s rare to find a contest open to Canadian residents only, usually it’s US only! I blog about books at the url provided and have a Banned Books Week Mini challenge going on where I’ve challenged people to read a banned book this week. Every day this week I’ve also been posting about banned books. You can find all these posts linked off the main one which is the second sticky post on my blog.

I am against banned books. First of all it doesn’t work anyways, it just makes people want to read them more. Adults have the write to decide what they will and won’t read and as for children, it is up to the parents to monitor what they are reading and decide if they don’t want their children to read said book.

As children we were taught the rule of equality of people and repect for their opinons.  As children we were often doubted and shunned when it came to our ideas.  Therefore, as children, we learned importance of stating our minds.  It is in writing that we are able to rebel against our fears of rejected opinions and give our thoughts to society. 

Books have always meant freedom of speech for they challenge us to see various viewpoints.  Stories have the power to trigger our consciences and/or provoke enchantment and wonder.  The beauty is that fact that it gives us chance to meander through the mind of another.  This is what I love most about reading.

I read a variety of books and I believe that no book should ever be banned because the vioce of silence is no mightier than a mouse in a hungry lion’s den.

I was just wondering if a winner was picked yet.

Hi Chelsea—That’s really weird… I did pick the winner, and it’s YOU! I actually tried to email you last week (at the Hotmail email address you registered your comment with), but didn’t get a response… Can you please email me? siobhan [at] raincoast [dotcom] so I can get your mailing address? Hopefully that will work!