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Thrillers are filled with suspense and themes that make you want to continue reading to discover what happens next. Some of the best thrillers often contain taboo topics. As society evolves, sensitivity towards specific topics and themes grows, which has led some of the best thrillers to be considered unacceptable by many. These are 14 page-turning thrillers whose plots are deemed to be too sensitive for readers today:

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American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

 Bret Easton Ellis dives into the life of Patrick Bateman, a member of the Wall Street Elite, in his novel “American Psycho.” As the book journeys through the thoughts and situations that surround Bateman, readers get a view of consumerism and superficiality that are both celebrated. There are several settings in the book that are filled with violence, leaving readers to question the normalization of violence and how it may leave a negative impression on them. The book’s depiction of mental health and its celebration of negative characteristics and violence has led many to consider it too sensitive for readers.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

 Set against a Swedish Landscape, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” takes readers through plotting, murder, corruption, and secrets. This thriller presents readers with several scenes and portrayals of sexual violence that have led many modern readers to question its impact on female victims who go through similar situations. Although the book is a gripping detective story, its themes have led many to reconsider how sexual violence is portrayed in books, sparking many debates and causing it to be too sensitive for many readers who are unable to confront uncomfortable truths.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

 “Lord of the Flies” is a thrilling novel that follows a group of boys stranded on a deserted island. The boys descend into a stage of savagery and aggression as they attempt to stay alive. Its themes leave modern readers examining the roots of aggression, social constructs, and human behavior while depicting a pessimistic view of human instinct. Although it remains a staple in educational settings, many regard the brilliantly written novel as too sensitive for readers, and its portrayal of morality and society may negatively impact them.

The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

 “The Silence of the Lambs” is known for one of the most famous characters in the book, Hannibal Lecter, who is a cannibalistic serial killer. The book follows the complex dynamic between Lecter and an FBI trainee. It has themes that deal with mental health issues, gender, and power, and their implications are brilliantly woven into the narrative created by Harris. As more and more individuals from all over the world are becoming more aware of the implications of mental illness, power, and gender, its representation in the form of a novel may be highly sensitive for some readers.

Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

The characters in “Fight Club” depict the violent overthrow of societal norms surrounding male disenchantment and economic and social stagnation. The book portrays its characters fighting against these social norms through raw and violent fight clubs that foster physical violence and emotional suppression for everyone involved. It forces readers to examine toxic masculinity and its implications on mental health, which are incredibly sensitive issues for many modern readers who resonate with several themes and struggles depicted in this well-written thriller.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

 In her novel, Gillian Flynn presents the story of Nick and Amy, whose marriage is in turmoil. The characters’ complex emotions are explored as their realities and the lives they portray clash against each other. This thriller is filled with lies, manipulation, and deceit that engulf readers in a psychological maze. Its highly sensitive themes leave readers reflecting on gender stereotypes, the ethics and influence of media, truth, and human relationships. The book also contains graphic descriptions of violence, which may affect some readers. Although it reflects many human emotions and nature, the book has been deemed too sensitive for readers.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Filled with historical intrigue, symbols of religion, and conspiracy, “The Da Vinci Code” is a conspiracy thriller that uncovers historical truths and the power of religious institutions. Its central themes on truth and religion lead many to consider its contents too sensitive, yet it remains a bestseller and a favorite for many readers. Brown’s mastery of words takes readers on a journey into contentious and misrepresented religious facts that may upset many readers.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

 Aldous Huxley takes readers into a dystopian future that has led many readers to consider the plot too sensitive for readers. It portrays a future surrounded by consumerism, individuals seeking instant gratification, and a government controlling its people. The freedoms of the individuals in this world are exchanged for technological and pharmacological control, reflecting the fears of many modern individuals about losing their identity and individuality and conforming to societal standards. It raises questions about ethical governance and individual autonomy, which resonates with many individuals all over the world today.

The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy

 “The Hunt for Red October” presents a gripping story of the captain of a Soviet submarine who attempts to defect to the United States. The story surrounds the high stakes and implications of Cold War espionage with themes of geopolitical tensions and military tactics. It puts a sensitive lens on the current political scenario while guiding readers to question military conflicts and international diplomacy. The book’s depiction and glorification of military tactics and strategies shed light on many current political issues affecting the lives of thousands, or maybe millions, of people globally.

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

 “A Clockwork Orange” is a thrilling novel written by Anthony Burgess, who explores the dynamics of free and state control through the escapades of a protagonist named Alex. As the story follows the life of Alex, readers are confronted with an innovative use of language that depicts magnetic yet disturbing images of violence. The book’s central theme around behavioral conditioning and societal responses to crime leads readers to question modern practices and responses to criminal activities. It captures the sensitivity of individual rights, community safety, criminal justice, and the rehabilitation of offenders, shedding light on many modern issues.

The Spy Who Came In from the Cold by John Le Carre

 This classic and thrilling spy novel invites readers to reflect on the ethical issues surrounding espionage through its protagonist’s sacrifices and story. Le Carre presents a world of realism and moral ambiguity that strips away the usual depictions of the glamorous life of a spy by presenting a more reflective view of working in intelligence. The book touches on many sensitive issues that thrive in modern society, including transparency and accountability from world governments and realistic national security costs.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

 “The Handmaid’s Tale” depicts a dystopian world that mistreats and disrespects women and women’s rights. The book critiques patriarchal control over women and forces readers to reflect and introspect about the ongoing struggles of a woman in terms of equality, reproductive rights, etc. Its portrayal of women who are stripped of their rights is a powerful reflection of the modern and sensitive issues that women from all over the world face. The book’s plot and themes have led many to deem it too sensitive for readers.

I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes

 “I Am Pilgrim” is a book that explores the vulnerabilities that lie in public health systems and international security, eerily reflecting the global pandemic that broke out in 2020, even though the book was written before that. The book follows the life of a secret agent who races to prevent a pandemic that terrorists unleash. It sheds light on biosecurity and global preparedness questions while highlighting the fear of biological threats and their management. The nature in which the book covers themes that reflect the modern fears of people worldwide has deemed it too sensitive for readers.

Misery by Stephen King

 Stephen King is renowned for his horror and thriller novels that people worldwide read. In “Misery,” King explores the dark side of fans and fanatic behavior when a novelist is held captive by one of his biggest fans. The book explores the physical and psychological torture that unfolds while highlighting issues of obsession and lack of personal boundaries, which are prevalent in today’s society. The narrative provided by King forces readers to contemplate the impacts of extreme devotion on the human psyche while shedding light on the sensitive issues faced by modern celebrities.

16 Famous Comedians Whose Jokes Are Forbidden in Today’s World

Related: In the ever-evolving comedy landscape, societal norms and sensitivities play a significant role in shaping acceptable humor. Over the years, certain comedians who were once celebrated for their wit and sharp humor have found themselves in hot water for jokes now deemed offensive or inappropriate.
Here are 16 famous comedians whose jokes are forbidden in today’s world.