This Conversation with Author Jason Reynolds is a Gift
Oct 20, 2024
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Jason Reynolds, a New York Times bestselling author and 2024 MacArthur Fellow, sheds light on his latest YA novel, *Twenty-Four Seconds From Now*. He discusses his motivations for exploring boyhood and masculinity, shares the rhythmic style of his writing, and reflects on the profound impact of a dedicated high school teacher. Reynolds emphasizes the importance of empowering young voices and recognizes the challenges in the education system post-pandemic, ultimately conveying hope for the next generation's narrative journeys.
Jason Reynolds emphasizes the significance of storytelling in shaping identities and empowering marginalized voices within society.
Reynolds reflects on the profound influence of family and educators in nurturing his creativity and passion for writing.
The podcast critiques book banning in schools, advocating for accessible literature to foster empathy and understanding among diverse communities.
Deep dives
The Power of Narrative
The discussion emphasizes the profound impact of storytelling on individuals and society. The speaker believes that narratives shape personal identities and cultural perceptions, arguing that everyone has a unique story worth telling. The podcast highlights how stories can empower marginalized voices, allowing them to share their experiences and perspectives. This exchange of narratives is seen as essential in fostering empathy and understanding within diverse communities.
Inspiration from Personal Roots
The speaker reflects on the influence of their upbringing and the role family played in nurturing their creativity and passion for storytelling. They share touching anecdotes about their relationship with their mother, who served as a source of encouragement and strength throughout their life. This personal connection to their roots is presented as a driving force behind their desire to inspire the next generation of writers and thinkers. By understanding their own past, they aim to propel others to embrace their narratives and share their truths.
Addressing Book Bans
The conversation touches on the contemporary issue of book banning in schools, primarily targeting titles that tackle themes of race, sexuality, and identity. The speaker argues against the rationale behind these bans, emphasizing that restricting access to diverse literature silences crucial conversations. They assert that literature should serve as a bridge to understanding rather than a barrier to knowledge. By promoting reading and open dialogue about challenging topics, the speaker advocates for a world where all voices, especially those of young people, can be heard.
The Role of Educators
The podcast underscores the transformative power of teachers in shaping young minds and fostering a love for storytelling. The speaker recounts experiences with educators who have profoundly influenced their approach to writing and storytelling. These mentors are credited with creating safe spaces for students to express themselves creatively and explore their identities. This support is viewed as crucial in encouraging students to engage with literature and share their own stories with the world.
Challenges in Modern Education
The discussion highlights the challenges faced by both students and educators in navigating the educational landscape, especially during and after the pandemic. The speaker points out that virtual learning and distractions from social media have affected students' engagement with literature. Despite these challenges, there remains hope and potential for students to connect with stories that resonate with their lived experiences. The speaker advocates for adaptable teaching methods that meet students where they are, encouraging their investment in literature and storytelling.
Empathy and Understanding in Society
The conversation delves into the importance of empathy in addressing societal issues, urging individuals to recognize and support each other. The speaker believes that fostering a culture of understanding among young people can lead to meaningful change in communities. They emphasize that the skills learned through storytelling, such as empathy, critical thinking, and self-expression, are vital for the next generation. By cultivating these skills, young people can become powerful agents of change in a complex and often divided world.
For the past decade, Jason Reynolds has become an inspiring voice in the literary world. He’s a New York Times bestselling author and as of this month, a 2024 MacArthur fellow.
Reynolds sits with us today to share his latest YA novel Twenty-Four Seconds from Now… (7:45), why he was interested in writing a story about boyhood and masculinity (12:05), and an early passage from the book (15:52) that captures the distinct rhythm of his writing (17:59). Then, we talk about the story structure of this new novel (19:00), how Queen Latifah’s Black Reign introduced him to poetry (21:45), and how his early memories of writing (27:45) and a singular high school teacher (35:17) saved his life.
On the back-half, Reynolds describes a meaningful post-college job at rag & bone (46:02), what he’s seen in the education system post-pandemic (59:30), his hope for the next generation (1:02:30), and his lifelong mission to embolden students to see the value in their own narratives (1:14:23).
