‘Kite Runner’ requested to be removed from schools and libraries

Apr 18 2009

You would think that in this day and age, banned books would be a thing of the past. Sadly, there are still people among us who think certain books should be banished from libraries and bookstores.

One of the best novels I have read in the last year was Khalid Hosseni’s The Kite Runner (aff link). The book kept me captivated from page one and also gave me a lot to ponder. I love that book. And if someone is looking for a good read, I have no problems pointing them to The Kite Runner.

Not everyone agrees, though. According to this article from readingeagle.com Hosseni’s book was among those most challenged last year by parents and educators alike.

Khaled Hosseini’s million-selling novel about friendship and betrayal between two Afghan boys, a book club favorite that became a feature film, was among the releases mostly likely to inspire complaints last year from parents, educators and others, the American Library Association has reported.

What exactly does it mean when a book is challenged?

The ALA defines a challenge as a "formal, written complaint filed with a library or school requesting that materials be removed because of content or appropriateness."

While this article deals with schools and library (cases of parents trying to protect their young?), there are also instances of books being challenged in bookstores. Either way, I have always taken a pretty firm stance against banning books. I believe that the reading public is smart enough to know what books are good, and what is trash. But a few people offended by a novel shouldn’t be able to take it away from everyone else.

One question I’d like to ask those who wanted Hosseni’s book removed last year is: Did you actually read the book? Unfortunately, I think I already know what the answer is.

One Response

Hard to believe …. and you are so right about the book.
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Kaili 5/17/2010 12:55 pm