I hate the Classics but I want to Read them Challenge - hosted by jones_aybee

Read a Classic That Was Banned or Censored
Some classic novels have been controversial or even banned throughout history. Explore the boundaries of literature by reading a classic that was once considered too scandalous or subversive for public consumption.

  • "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger - This classic novel has been the subject of controversy due to its frank discussion of sexuality, profanity, and other adult themes.
  • "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee - This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel has been challenged and banned due to its themes of racial inequality, rape, and profanity.
  • "1984" by George Orwell - This dystopian classic has been banned for its portrayal of totalitarianism, sexual content, and profanity.
  • "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov - This controversial novel tells the story of a middle-aged man's obsession with a young girl and has been banned for its themes of pedophilia and sexual content.
  • "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald - This classic novel has been challenged and banned for its depiction of sexual promiscuity, alcohol consumption, and profanity.
All books added
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

A Clockwork Orange

Anthony Burgess

240 pages • first pub 1962 (editions)

fiction classics dystopian science fiction challenging dark tense medium-paced
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Oscar Wilde

272 pages • first pub 1890 (editions)

fiction classics horror lgbtqia+ literary dark mysterious reflective medium-paced
Animal Farm by George Orwell

Animal Farm

George Orwell

128 pages • first pub 1945 (editions)

fiction classics dystopian literary dark reflective fast-paced
Ulysses by James Joyce

Ulysses

James Joyce

42 hours, 19 minutes • first pub 1922 (editions)

fiction classics literary challenging reflective slow-paced
The Color Purple by Alice Walker

The Color Purple

The Color Purple Collection #1

Alice Walker

298 pages • first pub 1982 (editions)

fiction classics historical lgbtqia+ literary emotional reflective sad medium-paced
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Maya Angelou's Autobiography #1

Maya Angelou

10 hours, 12 minutes • first pub 1969 (editions)

nonfiction autobiography emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
1984 by George Orwell

1984

George Orwell

464 pages • first pub 1949 (editions)

fiction classics dystopian literary dark reflective tense medium-paced
Matar un ruiseñor by Baldomero Porta, Harper Lee

Matar un ruiseñor

To Kill a Mockingbird #1

Baldomero Porta, Harper Lee

410 pages • first pub 1960 (editions)

fiction classics historical literary young adult emotional reflective medium-paced
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Robert Louis Stevenson

144 pages • first pub 1886 (editions)

fiction classics horror literary science fiction dark mysterious medium-paced
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Lolita

Vladimir Nabokov

317 pages • first pub 1955 (editions)

fiction classics literary challenging dark slow-paced