Jack Reacher creator Lee Child has condemned the growing wave of book bans in schools and libraries across the United Kingdom and the United States, calling the practice 'vile' and urging the public to resist censorship 'with every fibre of our being'.
The British author, 71, whose real name is James Dover Grant, spoke out at an event held on June 8 in partnership with The Royal Society of the Arts and The Reading Agency. He revealed that several of his own novels have been targeted by censorship laws in various US states, including Florida and Missouri.
'A Vile, Vile Thing'
'It is a vile, vile thing. It's an expression of toxicity. People don't care what's in the book – they just want to attack someone. It is something we need to resist with every fibre of our being if we can,' Child said. 'Books and ideas – there should be a completely free market. Every idea should be available for examination and consumption.'
The bestselling author described book banning in the UK as 'grotesque', noting that novels have historically not faced such restrictions in the country. He expressed concern that trends in the US often reach the UK a decade later, adding: 'We are headed in that direction, and it has got to be resisted. Censorship is the worst possible thing, and we should do everything in our power to ridicule and denounce and oppose that in every way we can.'
Personal Experience with Book Bans
Speaking to the Press Association after the event, Child explained that he receives reports on how many of his books are banned and where, but rarely gets a reason. 'Sometimes it's really hard to tell what somebody could be objecting to,' he said. He cited examples: in one book, innocent victims who happen to be immigrants are helped by Reacher, which he suspects might be controversial. In another, Reacher, who is white, has a black love interest, which also drew pushback.
'I think it's a terrible thing, and if Reacher was real, he would sort it out, but I am going to try and sort it out on his behalf,' Child declared.
Prison Reading Laureate
Child has recently been appointed the UK's first Prison Reading Laureate, partnering with The Reading Agency's prison reading initiative. The programme will distribute 480,000 Quick Read books throughout UK prisons. 'Every week hundreds of people are released from prison, and many of them get on with their lives, but some go back. So how do we stop that?' Child asked. He argued that reading is 'hugely fundamental' for navigating life and could reduce reoffending rates.
'We thought if we promoted literacy in prisons, then maybe one out of 10 of those people won't go back – and that would be a success,' he said. Child revealed anecdotal reports that reading periods in prisons have created a 'much better, stress free and relaxed environment' behind bars.
Quick Reads Programme
Founded in 2006, Quick Reads publishes short books by bestselling and up-and-coming authors, tailored for adults who find reading difficult or have trouble concentrating. Over the last two decades, the programme has released 147 titles, sold or gifted more than 5.6 million copies, and clocked up nearly 6.4 million library loans.
Child has written 31 Jack Reacher novels, starting with 'Killing Floor' in 1997. The franchise has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. He continues to advocate for free access to books and literacy as tools for personal and societal transformation.
