1984 

This was a synopsis written by one of my journalism students about a banned book.

A book about a guy named Winston Smith who’s against the way of the government aka ‘the party.’ The party is an organization that basically watches over everyone in Oceania. They decide things for everyone and hold all the power. If someone does not agree with them, unimaginable things would happen to them, some including death. Winston doesn’t believe in this way of life; he doesn’t like the idea of being controlled and forced to stay silent. He proceeds to write about his ideas against the party in his diary. If his diary was to ever be found by one of the many spies around town, it would lead to severe consequences for him.  

This book was banned after people in Jackson County, Florida believed the book to be “pro-communist and mentions explicit sexual matters.” Pro-communist means being for the idea of a society where there is common control of all production, and everything is shared and belongs to all. Or in simpler terms; in favor of or supporting Communist policies and ideologies. Although, some people believed that this book spoke the truth and that it should not have been banned. That it was merely a book of fiction. 

After reading this book I don’t believe that this story is pro-communist. More so, that it’s a fictional book based on what if... what if society was truly like this?  Where you couldn't think for yourself; parties make all the decisions for you, leaving no room for you to think for yourself. A society where everyone is brainwashed into believing what the parties are telling you, and if you don’t agree you're punished. While in other parts of the world, some societies are described in the book. I don’t think this story is saying they are for a life like this. It’s a book based on things that do happen in real life, but with a twist to it.

For the most part, I thought the book was great, it’s a story that really gets you thinking. It also had an interesting plot and plot twist at the end.  

I thought the book was great. It's a story that really gets you thinking.

Isn't this what we are supposed to be teaching our children? To think?