Dear Everyone,
This is a letter for those who read, for those who don't read, for the elderly, for the kids, but most importantly this is a letter to all the teenagers. This is not a passive letter. This is a letter demanding better. This letter of empowerment is telling you to take what is yours. I'm talking about books.
Books should make you happy, laugh and act silly until your smile is etched on your face for what feels like forever. Books should make you cry because something happened to a character that you felt a connection with on a deep level. Books should make you angry because you don't know who the author thinks he/she is for writing this work you do not agree with. Books are meant to be talked about. Books are meant to discuss things you cannot talk about with your parents or friends. Books should NEVER be banned.
Books are meant to spark a change. I'm calling for YOU- the middle schooler's and high school students to read banned books. Talk about them. Question them. You can decide for yourself if it is a book you want to read again. These banned books are often the ones that are the most relatable that the adults are trying to hide, the "offensive" and "vulgar" "obscenities." I am a twenty year old woman, and I am urging you to explore these books as your teacher, as your friend, but most importantly as someone who knows that growing up is hard and books make it a little easier. You will find that book that makes you think, "if I was a character I would be him or her or it." And it will make what you are going through easier. I know because I feel that way about Charlie from The Perks of Being a Wallflower. When I met Charlie when I was sixteen, we bonded over our awkward adolescence and he helped me realize that it will get better. I am here to tell you that it will get better.
I am here to urge you to explore and ask questions. Do not accept things the way they are, demand better. You do not have to be the loudest person to make your ideas heard. Write, talk to people, most importantly, question why things are and ask yourself if you are ok with that. If you are not, make changes! You deserve to be happy.
You are a fully capable person who can make the choice of reading a book for yourself. NO MORE BANNED BOOKS! Read these controversial books and see if they mean something to you. Books will not cause you to be sexually promiscuous or do drugs. That is one hundred percent your own will power and decisions. Books help transport you into a different world to meet different people and live a life a little different from your own.
Please read. Please read anything that you want. Please choose books that you like and please read banned books. Because books are already banned and it is OUR job to stop this. We deserve to read, and learn and know what other people went through. Because through these books, you may even find out who you are and who you want to be. Books should not be censored.
Sincerely,
Your friend
P.S this letter is inspired by Fahrenheit 451 and dedicated to Mr. Ray Bradbury
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