Announcing The 2025 Read Banned Books Challenge

I haven't hosted a reading challenge in years but since we live in uncertain times I decided it was time. I have always wanted to do a banned books reading challenge. I fear that if I don't do it now things may happen that prevents us from reading whatever we want in the very near future. 

What has me believing this? Well besides decades of attempts at banning books, we see issues with our social media. Right now the platform of TikTok is at risk of getting banned. What does that have to do with books? Well booktok can make or break a book. It's a platform many readers use to find new books and see reviews. Do you want to use the hashtag #amreading on X? Oh well that's been deemed "unnecessary and ugly" by its owner even though countless communities use hashtags to connect with each other. 

I digress but all forms of free speech seem to be challenged right now. The very way we engage as a reading community is being challenged. Maybe that's why I decided to return to hosting a reading challenge. A reading challenge is about reading the books and using social media platforms to connect with other readers. It's my way of peaceful resistance.

What counts as a banned book? I'm going to be pretty lenient about this. Any book that has been banned or challenged by anyone will count. This can be by any group or individual. If someone told you not to read a book or author because of X, Y, or Z you can include it on your list. However if you would like some recommended books, here are a few lists to get you started. 

The 100 Most Banned Books of the Decade from PBS

The 50 Most Banned Books in America Right Now from Reader's Digest

Here Is Every Official Banned and Challenged Book of 2024 from Bookstr

I plan on spending the next year not just reading banned books and posting reviews but discussing who tries to ban them and why here on my blog. For example, I want to do a deep dive into why the specific book I am reading was banned. I will also share any current news about banned and challenged books so check back for that. 

Blog posts and reviews for this challenge can be found by clicking the label 2025 Read Banned Books Challenge or Banned Books or by clicking on my entire list of books I read. 

The Rules of the Reading Challenge:

•  This year long challenge begins January 1, 2025 and ends December 31, 2025. 

•  You may join anytime during the challenge. 

•  I won't be creating different participation levels.

• Read as little or as many books as you want. Even if you just read one book I want you to participate!

• You may include books of any format including traditional books, ebooks, or audiobooks.

• Books do not follow any specific banned book list because different books are challenged in different places. If anyone at all told you not to read a specific book or author because of (insert reason here) you may count it. However if you would like a list to get you started, here are the 100 Most Banned Books of the Decade from PBS. 

•  You may reread books. Books may count towards other reading challenges. 

•  Use the hashtag #2025ReadBannedBooks

•  If you could be so kind, please place The 2025 Read Banned Books Challenge banner on your blog or website to help spread the word. 

•  Please link back to this blog, post about it on Instagram, Facebook, tweet about it, and so on to help spread the word. To link back to me, you can use my Blogger url or juliecornewellblog.com

• Please talk about my challenge on Youtube and BookTok so on to help spread the word. Well, while TikTok is still available. 

• Please leave a comment sharing a link to where to find you if you plan on participating.