Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly meme originally created and hosted by Rukky @ Eternity Books starting in August 2019, and was then cohosted by Dani @ Literary Lion from May 2020 to March 2022. Since April 2022, the meme moved to another host, Aria @ Book Nook Bits.
Let’s Talk Bookish is a meme where participants discuss specific topics, share their opinions, and share their love by visiting each other’s posts.

Hello! here the new topic!

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Banned Books Week (September 22-28) is an important annual event that raises awareness about the ongoing threats to intellectual freedom, the right to read, and the growing issue of book challenges. The American Library Association (ALA) has been at the forefront of advocating for readers’ rights and fighting against censorship, providing resources to combat these challenges. The list of Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023 is always a reflection of broader societal conversations about freedom of expression, often touching on themes related to race, gender, and identity.

Have you read any of the books on the list?

I haven’t personally read the latest Top 10 Most Challenged Books list for 2023.

Have you experienced or noticed books being challenged or banned where you live?

In Italy, book challenges and bans are not as common or widespread as they are in places like the U.S., but censorship has still occurred in various forms. Historically, during the fascist regime under Mussolini, many books were banned for political reasons, especially those that were critical of the regime, promoted socialist or communist ideals, or discussed issues like freedom of speech and democracy.

In more recent times, Italy has generally had a more open approach to literature, but there have been occasional instances where books or authors have faced challenges, often on moral, religious, or political grounds. For example, some books dealing with LGBTQ+ themes or those that are considered to contradict Catholic values have faced scrutiny, particularly in more conservative regions of the country. In some cases, local schools or libraries may be pressured to remove books dealing with sensitive issues like sexuality, gender identity, or historical interpretations that clash with traditional narratives.

Have you experienced or noticed books being challenged or banned where you live?

One notable example occurred in 2015 when Venice’s mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, ordered the removal of books promoting gender diversity from the city’s schools, including children’s books like “Tango Makes Three”, which is about a same-sex penguin couple. This act sparked outrage among educators, writers, and LGBTQ+ advocates, leading to protests and pushback from various literary and human rights organizations.

Overall, while Italy is not a hotspot for book challenges in the same way as the U.S., there are still occasional efforts by political or religious groups to limit access to certain kinds of literature, particularly in conservative circles. The Italian literary community and public often respond strongly against such censorship, advocating for the protection of free speech and access to diverse narratives.

What about you? Have you noticed any particular titles being contested in your area?

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