In a surprising turn of events, actor and author Steve Martin took to social media to express his pride after discovering that his novella, Shopgirl, had been banned from school libraries in Collier County, Florida. The decision came as part of a broader move to remove over 300 books, including classics and contemporary works, in response to a Florida state law.

Martin, known for his wit and humor, conveyed his amusement at the situation through an Instagram post. "So proud to have my book Shopgirl banned in Collier County, Florida," he wrote. "Now people who want to read it will have to buy a copy!"

Shopgirl, published in 2000, tells the story of a despondent woman employed in a high-end department store who embarks on a passionate affair with an affluent businessman. The book was later adapted into a film in 2005, with Martin himself starring alongside Claire Danes.

The ban on Shopgirl is a result of HB 1069, a Florida state law that facilitates the challenge of school library books that are deemed to contain depictions or descriptions of sexual conduct. This legislation was signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis last year, and it requires school libraries to seek community input regarding the availability of their materials.

PEN America, an organization advocating for freedom of expression in literature, recently published a comprehensive list of titles affected by this law. Among the impacted books are beloved literary classics, popular young adult fiction, and titles that promote queer and people of color (POC) voices. Renowned authors such as Toni Morrison, Stephen Chbosky, Neil Gaiman, John Green, Angie Thomas, Stephen King, Joyce Carol Oates, and Judy Blume find their works banned or facing challenges in Florida's school libraries.

Judy Blume, a celebrated children's author and literacy advocate, has been vocal about her opposition to book banning and censorship. Earlier this year, as she promoted her work with the National Coalition Against Censorship, Blume questioned the practice and emphasized the importance of educating children and allowing them to explore diverse literature.

The banning of Shopgirl and the numerous other titles in Collier County's school libraries has sparked a contentious debate regarding the boundary between protecting students and limiting their access to information. Critics argue that such bans stifle intellectual growth and hinder the development of critical thinking skills, while proponents contend that it is the community's duty to safeguard children from explicit content.

As the controversy rages on, Steve Martin's jesting response highlights the unintended consequence of book bans. Rather than deterring readers, it often spurs an increased interest in the forbidden material. With Shopgirl now inaccessible in school libraries, the demand for Martin's novella may very well surge as readers seek to acquire their own copies.

While it remains uncertain how long the ban will persist and what impact it will have on young readers in Florida, the conversation surrounding book censorship and freedom of expression continues to be a topic of great importance in literary circles nationwide.