Ep. #286: Curiosity, Book Bans & Bad-Ass Librarians, with Diane Kresh

Digging to America explores themes of family, identity, and cultural assimilation through two families connected by adoption. The Yazdans, an Iranian-American family, and the Donaldsons, a WASP family, both await the arrival of their adopted daughters from Korea. As the girls grow, the families navigate cultural differences, generational conflicts, and the complexities of what it means to belong. Tyler's novel gently examines the challenges and joys of creating a family across racial and cultural boundaries. Through humor and warmth, she shows how traditions evolve and new connections can be forged.

Published in 1987, 'Beloved' is a work of historical fiction that delves into the aftermath of the American Civil War. The novel centers around Sethe, a Black woman who escaped from slavery in Kentucky and now lives in Ohio. However, her life is haunted by the ghost of her two-year-old daughter, whom she killed to prevent her from being taken back into slavery. The story is deeply intertwined with themes of mother-daughter relationships, the power of family and community, and the lasting impact of slavery on individuals and society. The novel introduces a mysterious figure named Beloved, who is the physical manifestation of Sethe's murdered daughter, and explores how this presence disrupts and ultimately transforms the lives of Sethe and her surviving daughter, Denver. Through a complex narrative that includes flashbacks, stream-of-consciousness monologues, and multiple voices, Morrison examines the trauma and resilience of those affected by slavery.