As June comes to a close, it looks like this month’s books include at least two more “banned” books … both about pigs.

Book 1: Animal Farm by George Orwell

Here’s another classic that is typically read in high school (unless it’s banned). But I must have been too busy reading Shakespeare (Carmel High had just released a massive amount of themed six-week English classes to choose from) or Works of War back then, as this is a first-time Animal Farm read for me.

Much of the controversy surrounding Animal Farm stemmed from its portrayal of “Animalism,” a clear allegory of Communism. In fact, George Orwell had a rough time finding a publisher, the concern being it would put England at odds with the Soviet Union during the final years of World War II.

Ultimately, the characters in this novella – although animals – are all too familiar. Especially the pigs.

Book 2: The Hole in the Wall by Arthur Morrison

This Dickensian novel traces the tale of young Stevie as his just-begun life is turned over to his grandfather, Captain Nat.

The gruff grandfather has a tender spot in his heart for the little fellow, and knows London’s seedy East End is no place for bringing up a child. Nat’s place of business, The Hole in the Wall, is both frightening and fascinating to the lad.

Some chapters are told in Stevie’s voice while in others, an unnamed narrator fills in the side stories as the tension gradually builds. Definitely a worthwhile read.

Book 3: The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

Grandson Cameron and I enjoyed reading this classic children’s book together.

Here’s what he has to say about it:

This rabbit is playful! He was a Christmas toy for the Boy and had a friend: the Skin Horse. The Boy used to play with other Christmas toys he got, but after a while, he was a friend to the toy rabbit. Following a contagious illness, the Boy was going on vacation, but with a new rabbit he liked very much. So the nursery toys decided the Velveteen Rabbit needed to be burnt. The Velveteen Rabbit escaped, but a flower from the rabbit’s single REAL tear grew and a flower fairy came out. But the Velveteen Rabbit wasn’t a toy anymore. He was a REAL rabbit! When the Boy saw some bunnies, he realized one of them looked very familiar, a rabbit he thought was REAL.

Book 4: A Talent for Murder: A Novel by Andrew Wilson

Farmer Gary surprised me with a copy of this book recently. It springs from the mysterious real-life disappearance of author Agatha Christie.

Little is known of those 11 days in 1926, as the famed mystery writer refused to talk about them. So novelist Andrew Wilson lets his imagination run wild as he spins a tale of blackmail and murder.

Think of this as a book to pack for a trip to the beach. Or simply a few afternoons on a porch swing.

Book 5: A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck

Boy, did I feel rotten when I finally cracked open this book and saw Mom inscribed it with birthday wishes to me back in 1973.

I remember starting to read it a few times back then, but quickly putting it down. Who, after all, cares about living on a farm?

Considering that I married a farmer not quite 40 years ago, it seemed high time to read A Day No Pigs Would Die. This semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story is heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. The title finally makes sense at the very end.

And yes, this book has been banned. Seems some city folk don’t like calling a female dog a bitch.

Book 6: A Part of the Sky by Robert Newton Peck

While reading more about the author of A Day No Pigs Would Die, I saw Peck wrote a sequel, and ordered a copy.

He is nothing if not consistent. Again, heartwarming and heartbreaking.

Book 7: The Red Mountain by Laura Nelson Baker

Another story about a little boy being forced to grow up too soon, this time with a father overseas during the second World War. This volume was included in Mom and Dad’s stack of books rescued in a library sale long ago. Sweet and sorrowful.

Book 8: St. Peter’s Umbrella by Kálmán Mikszáth

What a nice surprise! This 1895 folktale from Hungarian writer Kálmán Mikszáth traces the story of a tattered red umbrella believed to have been brought down to earth by the keeper of the pearly gates himself, Saint Peter.

This is not a religious book, but includes many characters who consider themselves to be religious. Mostly, though, this is the story of greed, self-importance, deception, and a raggedy old umbrella.

Please subscribe below to receive an email notice with each new story: