So many of these groups like Parents Against Bad Books are completely disingenuous about their real agenda. If you have a look at the books they typically protest, it’s clear that it’s often not about “age appropriateness” and more about pushing a political agenda. They don’t have a problem with sex education, they have a problem if the book about sex education talks about trans people. If it has anything to do with the gays or critical race theory, it’s on their ‘bad’ list.

Didn’t think I’d ever come across an instance of science putting a stop to prurient interests! /s

It was a multidisciplinary course focused on the history of fascism, totalitarianism, ultra nationalism, etc. taught through a combination of history, literature, and philosophy. I should have clarified that the entire text was not mandatory, however we did read and study a significant amount of excerpts from it. I went to a ‘college prep’ school on a needs scholarship, if that helps provide any context.

Mentioned this in another thread but, The Circle by Dave Eggers. Wasn’t the worst thing ever (or even bad) but time probably better spent on something else.

Agree, but I read the prompt to be less of a literal value judgement and more of a playful exercise. Mein Kamf was required text in one of my classes in school and IMO should be read and studied, for obvious reasons. That being said, would you not be a little suspicious if someone cited it as their favourite? 😂

The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Milan Kundera — Read this in literature class junior year in high school and it inspired a deep dive into philosophical fiction, postmodernism, and ultimately compelled me to pursue a philosophy degree.

Between The World And Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates

Why: Tells me they are aware of and can critically think about things beyond their own self and background.

The Circle, Dave Eggers. Not that bad from a literary perspective necessarily, but half way through I just became disinterested in the theme and the world. Not because it was intrinsically bad world building or anything, I just wasn’t feeling the tech vibe anymore, if that makes any sense. Only finished it out of a sense of obligation at that point, and ultimately wished I had spent the time on something else.