10/06/2026
It's Banned Book Week - which is absolutely nothing to celebrate but instead, bring awareness. And this may be a bit of a read but I'm often asked what 'that' is in the store, especially when I mention my all time favorite author, Jodi Picoult who takes many recent storylines and adds a twist to make you think out side of the box (her newest release; Hollow Bones, in store soon and also available on order since I only ordered one).
Throughout our country, books are banned for content that parents and/or certain school districts feel is 'too much' for kids. From elementary to high school and even in some public libraries but only because they cannot afford lawsuits.
Books about LGBTQ+ families or story lines often fall in this category. Some of my favorite authors, like Stephen King and Jodi Picoult also end up getting banned. Even Sarah J Maas has been on the list. All because of their content and story lines.
At one point, when I first started with books, one came through that I was iffy with for putting in a shelf. It doesn't matter the title or the cover art and I talked to a friend about it. Her comment "So, you're banning books now too, huh?" That stopped me cold and on to the shelf it went.
Book stores should always be the ONE place you can go with the possibility of finding something that fits you and your life experiences. No, not all book stores can carry everything and yes, book stores can and do absolutely niche down or omit certain categories and that's fine. As owners, we also have an obligation to be true to ourselves.
I'm also in a fun unique position that I get books through consignor's and dropped off that fit all the genre's, so on to the shelf they go - even if it's something I am a bit uncomfortable with. I may not go out of my way to buy certain authors or titles but if a drop off fits any of the multiple genre's that I carry - it's going on the shelf.
Buy a banned book or author this week, I'm sure you won't regret it.