2015 Reading Challenge [Closed] discussion

You had finished Week 50! You read a banned book.

This discussion thread is solely for your progress. (Book discussions go in individual threads.)

Which book did you read?

Did you enjoy it?

What were the things leading to the ban, in your opinion?

Which book did you read? Revolting Rhymes

Did you enjoy it? Yes, it was short and Dahl really twisted the fairy tales.

What were the things leading to the ban, in your opinion? Dahl is usually an author for kids and I'm pretty sure this book is not really aimed at children (some langage and bittersweet stories), so I suppose it was very confusing for some people, leading to the ban.

Which book did you read? The Last Temptation of Christ by Nikos Kazantzakis

Did you enjoy it? Given the subject, enjoy is probably not the right word. It was certainly thought-provoking and made me think of Jesus in a way I had never thought of before.

What were the things leading to the ban, in your opinion? This is the story of Jesus of Nazareth but with an emphasis on the human side of him. This Jesus is unsure, afraid, sometimes angry and sometimes even resentful of the role he is destined to play. In his weakest moments he wonders why he won't have the pleasure of home hearth and family that everyone else gets to enjoy. So I can understand why the religious establishment was disturbed by this story. For me, these factors make his ultimate sacrifice even more significant, so I didn't have a problem with it.

Which book did you read? Alice in Wonderland

Did you enjoy it? Yes, but not as much as I'd hoped.

What were the things leading to the ban, in your opinion? Probably because of the drug use.

Which book did you read?
A Clockwork Orange

Did you enjoy it?
Yes I did, I found it very interesting. I was a bit let down by the ending though.

What were the things leading to the ban, in your opinion?
The violence and the portrayal of governments are the main things I think it would've been banned for.

Did you read the version with or without the last chapter, Francesca?

Jody wrote: "Did you read the version with or without the last chapter, Francesca?"

With. I think that's why I didn't like it. It seems to be people that haven't read it with that chapter like it more and people that have read it with that chapter like it less. Or at least, that's what I've generally picked up on.

Interesting! I'm planning on reading it sometime before the end of the year for the Popsugar Fall challenge - if I like how it ends without that chapter I might skip it.

Jody wrote: "Interesting! I'm planning on reading it sometime before the end of the year for the Popsugar Fall challenge - if I like how it ends without that chapter I might skip it."

Ooh, I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on it.

I'm just finishing off the Book Riot Read Harder challenge (I'm at 21/24) and then I'll be filling in the gaps of the Popsugar Fall challenge (I'm at 8/15 for that one) ... I think I have a challenge addiction.

Jody wrote: "I'm just finishing off the Book Riot Read Harder challenge (I'm at 21/24) and then I'll be filling in the gaps of the Popsugar Fall challenge (I'm at 8/15 for that one) ... I think I have a challen..."

Woah! I think you do too. Lol! But you're definitely not alone!

book did you read? In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

Did you enjoy it? Very much. The story itself was fascinating and the way Capote crafted the story - especially using the points of view of townspeople, law enforcement and others - was extremely engaging.

What were the things leading to the ban, in your opinion? It's a pretty brutal murder committed by two really messed up guys. There's a lot of violence, sex and ethics involved that could easily put this book on the banned list back in the day.

Good to have your feedback Christi, I'm planning to read it next year.

Which book did you read?
Animal Farm by George Orwell

Did you enjoy it? Yes, a lot!

What were the things leading to the ban, in your opinion? Political reasons, it can be easily translated to any place with dictatorial goverments, even when this could be disguised with any other kind of administration

Which book did you read? In Cold Blood

Did you enjoy it? Yes.

What were the things leading to the ban, in your opinion? There was a lot of violence, which is why it got banned. Probably if it was written today it would not be banned.