Stephen King’s ‘Different Seasons’ Banned in US Schools
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American author Stephen King is among the world’s most popular writers. Yet his books are at the top of the list of banned books in US schools. Recently, the author’s novella collection Different Seasons has been banned in all schools in the state of Utah.
Different Seasons was published by Viking Press in 1982. The book contains four novellas. Three of them have been adapted into films: Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption was adapted into The Shawshank Redemption, The Body into Stand by Me, and Apt Pupil into a film of the same name.
The collection was banned under a Utah law that took effect in 2024. According to reports by US media outlets, if three of Utah’s more than 40 public school districts, or two districts and five charter schools, ban a book, it is automatically removed from all schools across the state.
Under the new law, schools have decided to remove materials considered ‘inappropriate.’ In particular, books dealing with homosexuality, different ethnic groups, or depicting violence and sexual abuse have been targeted for bans. Stephen King’s novels have been banned with labels describing them as intended for adults and containing violence and sexual abuse.
Earlier, King’s novel Bag of Bones was also banned in Utah schools. Less than five months after that incident, Different Seasons has been banned. In addition to these two books, Utah authorities have banned 13 other books, including Looking for Alaska by John Green, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, and Lucky by Alice Sebold.
Known as the ‘King of Horror,’ Stephen King is one of the best-selling authors in the United States. The 78-year-old writer has written more than 70 novels and 200 short stories. Numerous popular films have been made based on his books. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into many languages.
Source: Kirkus (Adapted)
