Maine Residents Offered Commonly ‘Banned’ Books Thanks to This Online Bookstore

Are you someone that enjoys reading? We all had a plethora of books that we had to read when we were younger in school, some of the books we had to read were definitely questionable for younger readers.

One book that I had to read during my school days was "Slaughter House Five" by Kurt Vonnegut. At the time, I realized that that specific book did not seem appropriate for someone of my age due to sexual scenes, violence, and strong language. However, I did fully enjoy reading it, and helped me to become a huge fan of Vonnegut's work.

According to Politics and Prose, "Slaughter House Five" is banned in some states, and other states are still trying to ban this book.

Other books that you may have read in schools that are "banned" are "Lord of the Flies," "Animal Farm," "To Kill a Mockingbird," "The Great Gatsby," and "The Catcher in the Rye."

However, I bet you did not know that even some of your favorite children's books are also banned. "Where the Wild Things Are," "Hop on Pop," and "James and the Giant Peach," have also been considered "banned" books.

Granted you are still able to get most if not all of the "banned" books at a bookstore, one Maine woman, named Maddie Smith, is doing something pretty cool.

According to WGME, Smith started an online independent bookstore called The Banned Bookstore to allow individuals to access books that are commonly questioned and challenged in school libraries.

The Banned Bookstore gives individuals the opportunity to order one of these "banned" books and have it sent to them.

Currently, under the "Banned Books" section of the website, Smith offers "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, "Odyssey" by Homer, and "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte.

We grew up reading these books and granted some may be considered controversial, but they are still worth a read to those that would like to enjoy them.

There are many great authors that are from New England, below you will find some New England authors you should check out.