- How These Novels Redefined the American Dream - August 12, 2025
- 20 Songs Inspired by American Literature - August 12, 2025
- 20 Songs That Became Unofficial National Anthems - August 11, 2025
1. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” has been a magnet for controversy since its 1951 release. The novel’s candid language and themes of teenage angst led to its ban in several U.S. high schools, but the uproar didn’t stop there. Globally, the book was met with suspicion, especially in places like Australia and parts of Europe, where educators worried about its influence on young minds. According to the American Library Association, it remains one of the most frequently challenged books of all time. The novel’s association with criminal cases, such as Mark David Chapman’s assassination of John Lennon, only fueled its notoriety. Parents and politicians debated whether Salinger’s work encouraged rebellion or simply reflected adolescent reality. Today, it’s often cited in discussions about censorship and freedom of expression, with many readers still fiercely defending or condemning its presence in schools.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” has ignited debates worldwide since its 1960 publication. The novel’s unflinching look at racism in the American South made it both celebrated and banned, especially in countries struggling with their own histories of discrimination. In 2022, a school district in Ontario, Canada, temporarily pulled the book from classrooms, citing concerns about racial slurs and outdated portrayals. According to PEN America, this classic is still challenged in various U.S. states each year. Internationally, educators and activists argue over whether the book’s language and themes do more harm than good. Some praise its anti-racist message, while others criticize it for centering white perspectives. The controversy has kept “To Kill a Mockingbird” in the spotlight for over sixty years, with each new generation reexamining its impact.
3. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Since its release in 1884, Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” has been one of the world’s most banned books. The novel’s frequent use of racial slurs and portrayal of Black characters have sparked outrage, especially as social awareness grows. In 2021, schools in the United Kingdom faced public pressure to remove the book from reading lists. The National Coalition Against Censorship has documented its frequent challenges in the United States, particularly in the South. Critics argue that Twain’s language perpetuates harmful stereotypes, while defenders claim the book is a vital critique of racism. The debate extends to university campuses, where discussions about academic freedom and sensitivity continue. The book’s controversial status shows no sign of fading, proving that literature’s role in society is never static.
4. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Margaret Mitchell’s sweeping Civil War epic, “Gone with the Wind,” remains a lightning rod for controversy. The book’s romanticized depiction of the antebellum South and use of racist stereotypes have led to global calls for its removal from libraries and streaming services. In 2020, HBO temporarily pulled the film adaptation, reigniting debate about the book’s legacy. According to the New York Times, critics argue that the novel glosses over the brutal realities of slavery. Some historians, however, advocate for its educational value in teaching about American mythmaking. The conversation has spread beyond the U.S., with British and Australian academics also weighing in. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions around how history is remembered—and who gets to tell it.
5. Beloved by Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” has been targeted for its unflinching depiction of slavery’s horrors. Since its 1987 publication, the book has faced bans and challenges not just in the U.S. but in Canada and the U.K. as well. According to the American Library Association, parents often cite graphic violence and sexual content as reasons for removal. In 2021, the book was at the center of a heated debate in Virginia, where lawmakers proposed parental notification requirements for “sexually explicit” literature. Internationally, Morrison’s novel is praised for its artistry but criticized for its discomforting content. The controversy often centers on whether confronting painful history is necessary for education. Morrison herself argued that shielding students from “Beloved” is a disservice to truth and empathy.
6. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck’s 1939 classic “The Grapes of Wrath” has provoked ire from governments and corporate interests alike. Banned in the Soviet Union for its depiction of poverty in capitalist America, it also faced book burnings in California, where agricultural growers objected to their portrayal. The novel’s criticism of economic inequality resonated globally, inspiring labor protests from France to India. According to the Library of Congress, the book was even banned in Ireland due to its depiction of sexual situations and harsh language. In recent years, debates over its place in high school curriculums have resurfaced, with some arguing it’s too bleak for young readers. Steinbeck’s story continues to challenge readers to confront social injustice, making it a perennial source of controversy.
7. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
Although written by a Russian-American, “Lolita” is often placed squarely in the American literary canon. Since its 1955 publication, Nabokov’s novel about a man’s obsession with a young girl has been banned in England, France, Argentina, and New Zealand. In the U.S., it sparked outrage among parents and religious groups. The Guardian reported in 2023 that the book is still banned in some Middle Eastern countries. Critics argue that “Lolita” glamorizes abuse, while others see it as a satirical critique of obsession and power. The controversy has only increased with time, as social awareness of child exploitation grows. Despite—or because of—its notoriety, “Lolita” remains a frequent subject of academic debate worldwide.
8. Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
“Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” first published in 1852, is sometimes called the book that helped spark the American Civil War. Its graphic portrayal of slavery led to bans in the Southern United States and was met with hostility in pro-slavery Europe. According to Smithsonian Magazine, the book was banned in Russia in 1852 for “undermining religious faith and inciting civil unrest.” In the 20th century, some civil rights activists criticized the novel for reinforcing stereotypes. Today, educators in places like South Africa and India debate whether the book’s impact is ultimately positive or negative. The novel’s role in shaping attitudes toward slavery and race continues to provoke fierce discussion.
9. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
Bret Easton Ellis’s “American Psycho” has been one of the most controversial novels of the last thirty years. Its graphic violence and depiction of misogyny led to bans in Australia, Germany, and Canada. According to the Australian Office of Film and Literature Classification, the novel can only be sold to adults and must be shrink-wrapped in some states. In Germany, the book was restricted until 2001. Feminist groups have protested the novel’s portrayal of women, while others argue it is a satire of 1980s consumer culture. In 2023, renewed interest in the book—and its film adaptation—sparked debates about the limits of artistic freedom. The controversy lingers, with “American Psycho” frequently cited in discussions of censorship and art.
10. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Since its publication in 1982, Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple” has faced bans for its portrayal of sexual abuse, violence, and racism. The novel has been challenged in both the U.S. and U.K., often for its explicit scenes and themes. According to the American Library Association, it was among the top ten most frequently challenged books of the 1990s and 2000s. Some critics argue the book gives voice to marginalized women, while others worry about exposing young readers to trauma. In 2022, the novel was temporarily removed from a Texas school district’s library, sparking protests from students and parents. Internationally, the book’s film adaptations have reignited debates about censorship and representation. Its impact on literature and social discourse is undeniable.
11. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
Joseph Heller’s “Catch-22” turned military bureaucracy into a global punchline—but not everyone was laughing. The novel was banned in several U.S. states during the Vietnam War era for its profanity and anti-war sentiment. In Italy, the book was briefly removed from libraries due to concerns about national security and morale. According to the BBC, “Catch-22” became a protest symbol in Eastern Europe during the Cold War, angering Soviet authorities. Critics have argued the novel undermines patriotism, while supporters see it as a necessary critique of war. The phrase “Catch-22” has entered everyday language, but the book’s irreverence remains as divisive as ever.
12. Native Son by Richard Wright
Richard Wright’s “Native Son” shocked readers in 1940 with its depiction of systemic racism and violence in Chicago. The book was banned in the U.S. South upon release and later in apartheid-era South Africa due to fears of civil unrest. According to the National Book Foundation, the novel is still challenged in schools for its explicit language and violence. Critics argue that “Native Son” is essential for understanding American race relations, while others worry about its bleak portrayal of Black life. In 2023, renewed interest in Wright’s work has sparked debates about whether the novel’s rawness is appropriate for classrooms. The controversy underscores ongoing struggles over representation and truth-telling in literature.
13. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” may seem like a staple of American classrooms, but it’s no stranger to controversy. The novel has faced bans in the U.S. and abroad for its references to sex, drinking, and the so-called “moral decay” of the 1920s. In 2021, a school district in New York faced parental protests over the book’s inclusion in reading lists. According to the Guardian, international critics have targeted the novel for its glamorization of wealth and excess. Educators defend its literary merit, but some parents worry about its influence on young readers. The debate over “The Great Gatsby” reveals deep divisions over what literature should teach—and what it should omit.
14. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison’s debut novel “The Bluest Eye” has faced ongoing challenges for its exploration of child abuse and racial identity. According to the American Library Association, the book is among the most frequently banned works in U.S. schools. In 2022, the state of Texas included the novel on a list of books to be reviewed for possible removal. Critics argue that Morrison’s depiction of trauma is too graphic for students, while supporters insist the book is essential for understanding American racism. Internationally, the novel has sparked debates in Canada and the U.K. about the line between protecting children and confronting hard truths. The controversy shows no sign of ending, especially as conversations about race and representation evolve.
15. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” is itself a story about censorship—so it’s perhaps ironic that it has been banned and challenged around the world. In the 1960s, the book was removed from schools in the United States for its language and references to drugs. According to the American Library Association, the novel is still challenged for “questionable themes.” In 2023, protests erupted in Poland after educators suggested the book encouraged anti-government sentiment. Bradbury’s vision of a society where books are burned remains chillingly relevant, fueling debates about freedom of speech and the power of literature. The controversy only adds to the novel’s mystique.
16. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Sherman Alexie’s semi-autobiographical novel has faced bans and challenges since its 2007 release. The book has been removed from libraries in Idaho, Arizona, and Canada for its depictions of poverty, alcoholism, and sexuality. In 2021, the Ontario Library Association reported renewed challenges due to concerns over explicit language and mature themes. Critics argue that Alexie’s blunt portrayal of life on the Spokane Indian Reservation is essential for cultural understanding. However, some parents worry the book is inappropriate for young readers. The debate often centers on whose stories get told in schools and why. This ongoing controversy highlights tensions over diversity and representation in literature.
17. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five” has been targeted for its anti-war message and surreal style. The novel was banned in U.S. schools during the Vietnam War and faced removal from libraries in South Korea for “anti-national” sentiment. According to the American Library Association, the book remains one of the most challenged works in America. In 2022, Missouri lawmakers debated removing it from state-funded libraries. Critics argue that Vonnegut’s graphic depiction of war is too disturbing for students, while supporters believe it’s crucial for understanding the trauma of conflict. The book’s legacy is a testament to literature’s power to provoke—and unsettle.
18. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Though Margaret Atwood is Canadian, “The Handmaid’s Tale” is often considered an American story thanks to its dystopian setting. The novel has been banned in the U.S., Poland, and parts of the Middle East for its feminist themes and explicit content. In 2023, Texas and Florida school districts challenged the book’s presence in libraries, citing graphic sexual scenes and political overtones. Internationally, “The Handmaid’s Tale” has inspired both protest and imitation, especially as debates over women’s rights intensify. Critics argue that the novel is alarmist, while supporters see it as a prophetic warning. The controversy shows how fiction can influence real-world politics.
19. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” has faced bans for its use of profanity and depictions of violence. Since its 1937 publication, it’s been challenged in countries as diverse as Ireland, Australia, and Canada. According to the American Library Association, the novel was among the most frequently banned books in U.S. schools in the 2010s. Critics argue that Steinbeck’s portrayal of marginalized characters is both powerful and troubling. Some educators defend its use in classrooms as a way to discuss empathy and social justice, while others worry about reinforcing negative stereotypes. The debate is ongoing, with each new generation questioning the book’s value.
20. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Angie Thomas’s debut novel, “The Hate U Give,” has become a flashpoint in debates over race, police violence, and free speech. Since its 2017 release, the book has been banned in the U.S., U.K., and New Zealand for its portrayal of police brutality and use of explicit language. According to PEN America, the novel was one of the most challenged books in the U.S. in 2022. Supporters argue that it’s a vital tool for discussing social justice, while critics believe it encourages anti-police sentiment. The controversy has only heightened the novel’s popularity, with Thomas herself defending the right of young people to confront difficult truths. The debate over “The Hate U Give” reflects broader tensions in society about who gets to tell their story and how.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
