BANNED

Yes, The Things They Carried Is Banned!

by Tim O'Brien · Mariner · 1990

ISBN: 9780618706419

8 documented challenges

📖 Why You Should Read This Book

A literary work about war that refuses to be neat or comfortable.

Tim O’Brien’s masterpiece blending fiction and truth about the Vietnam War.

Why This Book Was Banned

The reasons listed above reflect formal challenge attempts. The real reasons are more complicated.

Why You Should Read This

A literary work about war that refuses to be neat or comfortable.

Why Was It Banned?

Where Was It Banned?

Multiple Multiple districts 2024

Read It Anyway

The best response to a book ban is reading the book. Here's where to get it:

Buy from Capital Books

Support the bookstore that built this site. You won't get your book overnight, but we'll make 30%.

Buy on Bookshop.org

Support indie bookstores. Pick one or help them all. (We make 10%.)

Buy on Amazon

We know. They're huge, cheap, own a rocket ship, and you'll probably get it overnight. (We get 4%.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Things They Carried banned?

Yes, The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien has been banned or challenged in 8 documented instances across 1 states in the United States, including Multiple. It remains one of the most frequently challenged books in America.

Why was The Things They Carried banned?

The Things They Carried has been challenged and banned for the following reasons: War Violence, Profanity, Sexual Content. These challenges have come from school boards, libraries, and parent groups seeking to restrict access to the book.

Where is The Things They Carried banned?

As of 2025, The Things They Carried has been banned or challenged in Multiple. Notable bans include Multiple districts (2024).