Comments on: Banned Books Week Spotlight – Native Son

By: 50 Banned Books I Should Read « HAXCESS

50 Banned Books I Should Read « HAXCESS — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:30:31 +0000

[...] Native Son by Richard Wright. Violence, sex, and profanity are the reasons this book is frequently banned. The hard depiction of life in the novel highlights the hopelessness and racism suffered by one man and illustrates what happens to a man caught in a society that marginalizes him. [...]

By: The Book’s The Thing » 50 Banned Books Everyone Should Read

The Book’s The Thing » 50 Banned Books Everyone Should Read — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 18:37:17 +0000

[...] Native Son by Richard Wright. Violence, sex, and profanity are the reasons this book is frequently banned. The hard depiction of [...]

By: Melody

Melody — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:48:17 +0000

ANOTHER one most people read in high school, but was not assigned at my school…i haven’t read most of those school classics (the scarlet letter, where the red fern grows, of mice and men, ETC), what the hell was up with my teachers/schools…

By: Rachel

Rachel — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:32:17 +0000

This one’s been on my TBR forever. I read Black Boy and was really impressed with Wright’s writing. I agree that it is very interesting that many of the books that got banned are powerful examinations of racism.

By: Tracy

Tracy — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:55:40 +0000

Like Lenore, I read this book in high school English class–but I HATED it. I think a large part of my reaction was due to the lack of class discussion and obvious discomfort of an inexperienced teacher. I had to read the book again in college to truly appreciate it.

By: lenore

lenore — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:25:54 +0000

I read this as part of my high school English class and it’s still very vivid in my mind. Excellent book.

By: lindymc

lindymc — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:35:19 +0000

I have not read the book; but I wanted to thank you for giving us the quote from Judith Krug. It’s one I’ve stored away in the back of my book journal where I keep “words of wisdom, and/or beauty,etc.” I think it’s great that you are highlighting Banned Books Week.

By: Meghan

Meghan — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:29:05 +0000

I’ve never heard of this book, but it sounds very valuable and like something I should read. I think reading about oppression is incredibly important for children because they need to understand what can happen in the world. I read quite a few books about Nazi Germany, slavery, and dystopias when I was a child and I wouldn’t exchange that knowledge for more fluff books about princesses and fairies.

By: Michele

Michele — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:52:38 +0000

This book has stuck with me all these years. And you’re right…people, as a general rule, don’t want to be reminded about race relations and the suffering of another race. At least not one here in our own country. It’s like a dirty secret that gets swept under the rug (much like Native American history). I’m not sure if it’s latent guilt — I don’t understand that — or fear. Whatever the reason, books like Native Son are an important part of our social conscious. I, for one, will absolutely insist my children read it.