In a world where information and ideas are constantly being shared, the act of reading has become more than just a way to pass time—it’s a form of liberation. 

Books have always been a window into other worlds, a bridge to new perspectives, and a safe space for our deepest thoughts. Yet, every day, somewhere in the world, books are being banned. Ideas are being silenced, and the freedom to read is being challenged. For me, the fight for the freedom to read is not just a matter of personal preference; it’s a matter of human rights, intellectual freedom, and the preservation of our very identity.

Reading is not just an act of entertainment. It’s an act of discovery. It’s a chance to see the world through different eyes, to walk in the shoes of people we may never meet, to challenge our own beliefs, and to grow. The magic of reading is that it allows us to travel without leaving our homes, to experience lives we've never lived, and to question the status quo.

Yet, throughout history, books have been banned for a variety of reasons—many of them based on fear. Fear of different ideas. Fear of questioning authority. Fear of challenging traditions. In some cases, it is fear of knowledge itself. Books have been banned for discussing race, gender, sexuality, politics, and religion. Even the mere presence of ideas that might challenge the norms has been enough to spark censorship.

The recent rise in book banning and the restriction of access to certain books has sparked a conversation about censorship and the limits of freedom. When we ban books, we not only silence those voices but we also erase a part of ourselves. Books are mirrors that reflect the diversity of humanity, our struggles, our triumphs, our flaws, and our potential. To ban a book is to erase a piece of that mirror, to say that some experiences, some ideas, and some people do not deserve to be seen.

One of the most powerful examples of the impact of banned books comes from a book that has sparked endless debate—Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. This novel, banned in some schools and libraries, touches on sensitive topics such as sexual assault, mental health, and the power of finding one's voice in the face of trauma. Its impact cannot be overstated. It speaks to the experiences of countless young people who have faced similar struggles and have felt isolated, voiceless, or invisible. Speak offers a chance for those readers to know they are not alone, to feel seen, and to begin the process of healing. Banning a book like Speak doesn’t protect anyone—it silences the very voices that need to be heard.

The act of reading, and especially the act of reading banned books, is an act of resistance. It's a stand against ignorance and oppression. It's a recognition that all ideas, even those that make us uncomfortable, are worth exploring. When we read, we assert our right to think for ourselves, to ask questions, and to seek the truth.

Books like 1984 by George Orwell, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger have been banned, not because they were written poorly, but because their content forced readers to think critically about society, about power, and about what it means to be human. To ban these books is to deny us the ability to question, to grow, and to challenge the world around us.

In the face of censorship, we must continue to champion the freedom to read. Every book we read is an act of empowerment. Every time we stand up against book bans, we fight for the right to free thought and expression. We fight for our future, where ideas—no matter how challenging or uncomfortable—are allowed to exist.

The freedom to read is the freedom to think, and the freedom to think is the foundation of a free and just society. As we face a world where censorship threatens to stifle creativity and diversity of thought, we must remain steadfast in our belief that books should be for all. The freedom to read is not just a right, but a responsibility—to ourselves, to others, and to the world we want to build.

So let us read, and let us read widely. Let us read the books that challenge us, that make us uncomfortable, that provoke us to think. Let us stand together and defend the freedom to read, for in that freedom lies the power to shape the world.

Elias Rose