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The World's Most Controversial Books, Past and Present (DK Secret Histories)
by DK
Immerse yourself in the stories behind the most shocking and infamous books ever published!
Censorship of one form or another has existed almost as long as the written word, while definitions of what is deemed "acceptable" in published works have shifted over the centuries, and from culture to culture.
Banned Books explores why some of the world's most important literary classics and seminal non-fiction titles were once deemed too controversial for the public to read – whether for challenging racial or sexual norms, satirizing public figures, or simply being deemed unfit for young readers. From the banning of All Quiet on the Western Front and the repeated suppression of On the Origin of the Species, to 1984, Fahrenheit 45, Catcher in the Rye and Huckleberry Fin, this must-have volume examines the astonishing role that some banned books have played in changing history.
Packed with eye-opening insights into the history of the written word, and the political and social climate during the period of suppression or censorship, this is a must-read for anyone interested in literature; creative writing; politics; history or the law.
BookBrowsers Ask Zayd Ayers Dohrn, author of Dangerous, Dirty, Violent, and Young
My musical came out of listening to the music of Rage Against the Machine back in 2020, during the BLM protests and the racial reckoning over racist police violence. Rage was one of my favorite bands back in high school, and there was something about that sense of anger and outrage that seemed to...
-Zayd_D
What place do you think controversial topics like abortion have in literature?
Well written Pat. Your message comes through loud and clear. I totally agree and could not have said it better. Woman need continue to stand up for their rights, I marched for Rose vs Wade and will continue to do so even at my age. Every American needs to educate themselves to controversial topic...
-Carol_N
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (5/21/2026)
In need of some light entertainment, I am reading Stevenson's Everyone in the Bank is a Thief this week. I also just treated myself and purchased the physical copy of Jose Andrés' new cookbook/book Spain My Way: Eat, Drink, and Cook Like a Spaniard. Can't wait to page through it with page markers...
-Gabi_J
To what audience would you recommend The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
It definitely was a beach read type for me. A book you could pick up and spend a few hours with while enjoying some leisure time. I so enjoyed the banter between Merritt and Olivia so I was drawn to their newly formed relationship.
-Carol_N
1000 Books: What shall we read in July 2026?
Hi there /groups/1000_books @1000_Books folks - I think everyone who wanted a chance to select books has had one, yes? If not, let me know, and I'll put you down for the following month. It looked like it was my turn, so here's what I came up with in no particular order. This is the book to read ...
-kim.kovacs
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (5/14/2026)
Maybe because her earlier works were often banned??? Delve in!
-NanK
Do you ever read books categorized as YA (“Young Adult”)? If so, what are some that you’ve really enjoyed?
Haven't read YA, except for banned books, in quite awhile but I still own complete sets of Happy Potter, Nicholas Flamel, and Chronicles of Narnia.
-Anne_Glasgow
International Thriller Writers awards honor genre giants
Persistence, defiance and humor were amply on display at the 21st annual International Thriller Writers (ITW) Awards Banquet, held May 9 at the New York Hilton Midtown. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/awards-and-prizes/article/100391-international-thriller-writers-award...
-Jerah
Report shows banned non-fiction books doubled over last school year in US
I found this report horrifying. How can facts be banned?
-Anne_Glasgow
How do literary awards influence which books you choose to read, if at all?
For me, this question is mostly answered in Anne's May 4 post about the Pulitzer winners as far as the influence the awards have in choosing a book to read in most cases. I agree that it is a way to consider a book you might not know about, especially a foreign release. In today's world I'd say t...
-Connie_K
Pulitzer Prize in books for 2026
@Anne_Glasgow Thanks, I love your detailed response. You really get into the research and can appreciate the vote as you are familiar with the judges. My guess is most readers aren't and like Techeditor, they are interested but never agreed. I would say that is usually my and most of those in our...
-Connie_K
Which scene in the book was your favorite? Were there any passages or quotes you highlighted, and if so, which ones?
I would say my favorite scene was when Mebel was at the Old Banks Hotel with her family and she insisted on Hannah being present for the family discussion.
-Marge_K
BookBrowsers ask Donna Everhart, author of Women of a Promiscuous Nature
What's really strange is if my company had not gone bankrupt in late 2008, I'd probably still be there (or retired) working in Information Tech. (I think I saw this is your background too - so I know you know how intense that environment can be) I worked in IT from 1977 until 2012. I'd made a dec...
-Donna_Everhart
Let's talk about book length
This is a fun question. I used to always go for big chunkster books that I could spend plenty of time with. Stories to get lost in. I do that less frequently now but I don't shy away from big books and have set myself a goal of reading at least one per quarter in 2026. Case in point: I'm currentl...
-Anne_Glasgow
Book industry unites to back authors
With a growing number of authors facing threats and harassment driven by book bans, three of the nation's largest publishers and a range of literary organizations have partnered with PEN America to create the U.S. Author Safety Program, which intends to offer trainings, consultations, resources, ...
-Jerah
1000 Books March 2026 Read: Liar's Poker by Michael Lewis
Not for me. I admit my opinion of the book was tainted by what I already knew about Salomon Brothers bond scandal, near bankruptcy, and the corporate culture that promoted unethical financial decisions. As a result, it was difficult for me to appreciate or find humor in the competitiveness, caval...
-Gabi_J
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (4/02/2026)
Thanks for the recommendation of The Finest Hotel in Kabul. I've got an Audible credit I didn't know what to do with; sounds like I've found my next book! BTW, just started The Green Mile . I didn't realize it's narrated by Frank Muller, one of my all time favorites (he did the earlier Dark Tower...
-kim.kovacs
Tennessee library director fired after refusing to move LGBTQ+-themed kids’ books to adult section
Yes, librarians ARE on the front lines and bear the responsibility of determining what age-appropriate materials should be cataloged for adults and separated for children. Book banning is wrong, but keeping explicit materials from young children is necessary.
-Tami_B
In 10 words or less, tell us what your favorite book is without using the title
Lost sparrow is found wearing a pink bandana.
-Connie_K
House committee advances national book ban bill
Totally agree! Saddened and disgusted that a certain political party in our Congress only embraces the 1st amendment when it applies to them. Another ploy to destroy public education in favor of private education paid for by the government through vouchers, but that only the privileged can access...
-Lana_Maskus
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (3/19/2026)
What did you think of Lady Tremaine , @Marijana_Bankovic ? I've heard good things about it, and it's high on my list.
-kim.kovacs
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (3/5/2026)
I started the week with Annelise Ryan's Working Stiff. She's the author of the Monster Hunter series (we discussed her https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/19780/beast-of-the-north-woods Beast of the North Woods not that long ago). Working Stiff is the first ...
-kim.kovacs
International Booker Prize 2026 longlist
If you are a fan of translated lit then this is your prize list to watch. Here's the longlist to begin this year's countdown. 13 books translated from 11 languages, by authors and translators representing 14 nationalities Three debuts, along with 13 previous nominees, including five returning aut...
-Anne_Glasgow
BookBrowsers Ask Maria Reva, author of Endling
Greetings Maria! Congratulations on all the success you have had with Endling. I have been trying to read some of the books on the Aspen Prize long list and I look forward to yours. I had never heard the word "endling" and did not know what it meant. It is a sad, but important word. And I never k...
-Holly_K
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (1/29/2026)
I finished Black Like Me for my Banned Book Club. We will discuss it in a few weeks. A must read book! Now I am reading The Violin Maker's Secret, a much easier book! I like Evie Woods books!
-Paula_Walters
2025 National Book Critics Circle Award Finalists
Here's the list of the 2025 National Book Critics Circle Award finalists. Which have you read and which are standouts? Are there any you'd like to add to your list that you haven't already? Autobiography/Memoir : Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks (Viking) Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy ...
-kim.kovacs
Fighting book bans, coast to coast
Across America, publishers, libraries, and literary organizations are building a formidable litigation slate to ensure the availability of books in public and school libraries. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/99479-fighting-book-bans-coast-to-coas...
-Jerah
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (1/15/2026)
I recently finished The Perfect Tuba by Sam Quinones. I loved learning more about orchestral tubists (e.g.,Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Boston symphony orchestras) as a classical music lover . . .and even more engaging is his inspirational testimonials about school music programs and the rema...
-Diane_Jones
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (12/18/2025)
I am an audio reader for a number of reasons and am thankful for the availability of the books. An eclectic week of reading. The Time of the Child by Niall Williams - wonderful Christmas time book complete with the narrator's brogue. I finished Stephen Puleo's book Voyage of Mercy about the Irish...
-Carole_B
SCOTUS denies petition to hear Texas book banning case
The U.S. Supreme Court has https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx denied requests to consider Leila Green Little et al. v. Llano County , a closely-watched Texas book removal case that jeopardizes First Amendment rights in public libraries. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-...
-Jerah
Annelise Ryan is a penname for Beth Amos. She’s also published under Allyson K. Abbott. Have you read any other books by this author, and if so, which ones? How did they compare to The Beast of the North Woods?
I do remember this time. It seems fickle now and then. Blume was an edgy writer. * Are You There God, It's Me Margaret" was popular among young girls as well as those of us who were beyond that stage. I know this book and some of her others faced the banning squads. I do wonder if Margaret is sti...
-NanK
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (12/04/2025)
I've checked off three of my four reading group picks. Spent by Alison Bechdel, The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer and The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett. Let's just say I will look forward to January picks and hope they are more to my liking. I did like The Serviceberry and found it well w...
-Barbara_B1
Overall, what did you think of The Forgotten Book Club? (no spoilers, please!)
I agree with several of the comments that the author's handling of ADHD was too much, she kind of hit the reader over the head with, over and over. I appreciate her bringing the issue to light in her book, but it was too much. Overall, though, I did enjoy the book - I liked the various characters...
-Julie_P
The Forgotten Book Club Reading list
Here are the books listed in The Forgotten Book Club : One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey The Collected Dorothy Parker by Dorothy Parker The Bee Sting by Paul Murray Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift The...
-kim.kovacs
What’s the last book you purchased? Why did you select it? Paperback, hardback or ebook?
I'll jump on Judith and Barbette's bandwagon for Irving's Owen Meany and am glad to hear of his new release of Queen Esther which takes place it sounds like at the orphanage where Cider House Rules was set. I'll be looking for it too, thanks for the heads up!
-Connie_K
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (11/6/2025)
I just finished Black Wolf and it is a banger! Now reading The Improbable Victoria Woodhull by Eden Collinsworth and listening to The Sinners All Bow by Kate Winkler Dawson.
-Anne_Glasgow
New report urges publishers to capitalize on hidden strengths
Book publishing has a long history of low single-digit annual growth, and a new analysis appearing in consulting firm Bain & Company's annual Media Consumption Survey found that only slightly more than 5% of U.S. consumers' media time is spent with books and audiobooks. Yet that same analysis arg...
-Jerah
Talk about irony
Oh my. The book banners (and others) across this country are becoming stronger and threatening the values of "We the People", "Justice for All", "Equal opportunity", etc. The Golden Rule is no longer Golden. Book banning attitudes are one step away from book burning beliefs and actions. This make...
-NanK
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (10/23/2025)
I'm reading "The Measure", "All the Broken Places", "Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books", "My Death" by Lisa Tuttle, and "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek", all for book groups. I'm enjoying each book for different reasons; of all 5, "All the Broken Places is my favorite. It delves mor...
-Marie_Webb
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (10/16/2025)
OK, with all the chatter above, I had to look up Forever Amber. Here's part of the description: "Frequently compared to Gone with the Wind , Forever Amber is the other great historical romance, outselling every other American novel of the 1940s—despite being banned in Boston for its sheer sexines...
-kim.kovacs
Nice banned book mural
Thanks for sharing. Just came home from my Banned Book club. We discussed Nineteen Eighty-Four. We had a great discussion!
-Paula_Walters
BookBrowsers ask Graham Watson
That's such an interesting question! My book is the first joint biography of Charlotte Brontë and Elizabeth Gaskell, and the first to examine in depth Gaskell's research into Brontë's life, and the media scandal her biography triggered in Britain and American when it was published. Those who'd kn...
-Graham_W
What's your favorite banned book?
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. This book is an absolute classic. People must learn to read books with appreciation of time, place & context. Rather than ban the book because of offensive language, teach it as Twain's commentary on race relations and the relationship developed b...
-Vivian_H
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (10-02-2025)
I just finished Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books, very appropriate for Banned Books Week, right? I'm starting The Cookbook Collector tonight.
-Susan_W1
What’s the first book you remember reading on your own as a child?
Sometime in the late '50s, my parents attended a regional fair where the Lennon Sisters were performing. They bought their book for my sisters and myself to enjoy. I do remember reading it but was more impressed with their autographs. Lawrence Welk had introduced them on his TV program, which gav...
-NanK
PEN America published their annual Banned Books report
Interesting reading: https://pen.org/report/the-normalization-of-book-banning/ PEN America https://pen.org/report/the-normalization-of-book-banning/ The Normalization of Book Banning This report offers a window into the complex and extensive climate of censorship between July 1, 2024 through June...
-kim.kovacs
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (09-25-2025)
I am still reading Lolita, almost done. For another bookclub I read The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schmitz. It was interesting. I liked reading about the Jewish customs. Last month's banned book was Normal People by Sally Rooney. And just for me, not for a bookclub, Apostle's Cove, I like Krueger's ...
-Paula_Walters
BookBrowsers ask Milo Todd, author of The Lilac People
Honestly, just about everything I learned surprised me. Another negative thing that I didn't know was the first documented book ban was the burning of (primarily) the Institute of Sexual Science's library. I'd seen photos of that night in history books and such, but it'd never been mentioned what...
-Milo_T
BookBrowsers ask Ellen Marie Wiseman
THE PLUM TREE took me around six years to write. I used to write as a hobby and had started a few other novels, but one day I just knew I had to write about my mother's experiences growing up in Germany during WWII because I've been inside the bomb shelter where she hid in as a child and I grew u...
-Ellen_W
Barak Obama's 2025 Summer Reading List
Agree! It's one of my favorites. Now I will read anything she writes. Do you know that she and her husband opened a bookstore in Gainesville, Florida called The Lynx? It sells all types of books, as would any bookstore, but it specializes in the books that are being banned and removed from the sh...
-Cathryn_Conroy
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in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
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