The Allusionist 218. Banned Books
Joining the discussion are Sam Helmick, President of the American Library Association, who's passionate about combating censorship, and Iris Mogul, a student and Youth Honorary Chair for Banned Books Week, who shares the youthful perspective on book challenges. They explore the significance of Banned Books Week, trends in book bans, and how these restrictions impact access to diverse narratives. The duo provides actionable steps listeners can take to oppose censorship, including starting book clubs and engaging in local activism.
39:49
Banned Books Week’s Purpose
- Banned Books Week highlights coordinated censorship and celebrates the freedom to read.
- The event exposes that libraries and librarians are frontline defenders of First Amendment rights.
Discovering Judy Blume Secretly
- Helen Zaltzman describes discovering Judy Blume at eight and reading her books secretly.
- She notes Judy Blume became one of the most-challenged authors in the U.S.
Concentrated Geography Of Challenges
- ALA data shows spikes in challenges with concentrated geography and venues.
- Three states (Florida, Texas, Tennessee) produced 80% of bans and most challenges happen in public and school libraries.
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Intro
00:00 • 1min
Helen's First Judy Blume Experience
01:05 • 3min
Who Are the Youth Chair and ALA President?
03:40 • 51sec
What Is Banned Books Week and Its Purpose?
04:31 • 53sec
Why Do Book Bans Matter Symbolically and Practically?
05:24 • 1min
What Are the Numerical Trends in Book Challenges?
06:31 • 2min
How Does the Reconsideration Process Work?
08:48 • 1min
How Do Young People React to Book Bans?
10:01 • 57sec
What Content Is Most Often Challenged Today?
10:58 • 2min
What Tactics Drive Modern Censorship Campaigns?
12:55 • 30sec
What Risks Do Library Workers Face When Reporting Challenges?
13:25 • 1min
What Consequences Do Individuals Face for Defending Banned Books?
14:36 • 55sec
How Are Books Actually Removed From Shelves?
15:31 • 5min
How Can People Act to Oppose Book Bans?
20:20 • 2min
What Happened When Iris Started a Banned Books Club?
22:46 • 2min
Should We Name Favorite Banned Titles or Defend the Right to Debate?
24:26 • 1min
Is There Any Book It Makes Sense to Exclude?
25:30 • 3min
Are Challenges Only Coming from Conservative Sources?
28:41 • 1min
Which Seemingly Innocent Books Have Been Challenged?
29:54 • 2min
Does Banning Sometimes Make Books More Popular?
31:31 • 50sec
Can Books Ever Get Unbanned?
32:21 • 2min
What Can Young Readers Do Now?
34:23 • 37sec
How Can a Library Card Be an Act of Civic Engagement?
35:00 • 2min
Outro
36:41 • 3min
#44509
Gender Queer, Memoir A
Memoir A
Maia Kobabe
"Gender Queer: A Memoir" is a graphic novel by Maia Kobabe, exploring eir journey of self-discovery and gender identity.
Through illustrations and personal anecdotes, Kobabe recounts eir experiences with gender dysphoria, pronouns, and sexual orientation.
The memoir delves into the complexities of navigating societal expectations and finding one's authentic self.
Kobabe's candid and vulnerable storytelling offers solace and understanding to readers grappling with similar questions.
The book is a powerful testament to the importance of self-acceptance and the freedom to express one's true identity.
#7020
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Stephen Chbosky
The novel follows Charlie, a 15-year-old freshman, as he navigates the challenges of high school, including first dates, family drama, and new friendships.
Through a series of letters to an anonymous 'friend', Charlie shares his observations and experiences, delving into themes of mental health, sexuality, abuse, and the struggles of growing up.
The book is known for its raw and realistic portrayal of teenage life, capturing the confusion, anxiety, and heartbreak that often accompany this stage of life.
#1605
• Mentioned in 20 episodes
Friday Night Lights
A Town, a Team, and a Dream
Buzz Bissinger
The book delves into the lives of the players, coaches, and the community of Odessa, highlighting the intense devotion to high school football and its effects on the town's social, economic, and racial dynamics.
It critiques the town's priorities, where football often overshadows education and other aspects of life.
The narrative also touches on issues of racism, economic struggles, and the pressures faced by the teenage athletes.
#4774
• Mentioned in 8 episodes
All Boys Aren't Blue
George M. Johnson
#1010
• Mentioned in 29 episodes
Song of Solomon
A. C. Crist
The Song of Solomon is a lyric poem that extols the virtues of love between a husband and his wife.
It presents marriage as God's design, emphasizing care, commitment, and delight within the marital relationship.
The book is divided into three main sections: courtship, the wedding, and the maturing marriage.
It also contains themes of physical and spiritual love, and some interpretations see it as an allegory for Christ's love for the Church.
#2111
• Mentioned in 16 episodes
Forever
Judy Blume
Forever. . .
is a groundbreaking novel by Judy Blume that delves into the complexities of teenage relationships, focusing on Katherine and Michael's journey through first love, sexual exploration, and eventual heartbreak.
The book has been both celebrated for its honest portrayal of teenage sexuality and challenged for its explicit content.
#1455
• Mentioned in 22 episodes
The Bluest Eye
Toni Morrison
Set in Lorain, Ohio, during the Great Depression, 'The Bluest Eye' tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, an eleven-year-old African American girl who desperately wants blue eyes, believing they will make her more beautiful and accepted according to white cultural standards.
The novel explores themes of race, class, and beauty standards, highlighting the destructive impact of internalized racism and societal pressures on Pecola and her family.
Through a non-linear narrative and shifting perspectives, Morrison critiques the systemic racism and social stratification that contribute to Pecola's tragic downfall.
#1
• Mentioned in 1,312 episodes
1984
George Orwell
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism.
The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother.
Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative.
He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination.
The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
#23418
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Where's Waldo?
Martin Handford
In 'Where's Waldo?
', readers are challenged to locate the character Waldo, who is hidden within intricate and detailed illustrations of various everyday and fantastical locations.
The book, originally published in the UK as 'Where's Wally?
' in 1987, has become a global phenomenon with over 55 million copies sold worldwide.
Each scene includes hundreds of characters, and additional hidden objects and characters are included to enhance the search-and-find experience.
The series has spawned numerous sequels, adaptations, and merchandise.
#9403
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
The round house
Louise Erdrich
The Round House by Louise Erdrich is a powerful novel that explores themes of identity, family, and justice.
Set on an Ojibwe reservation in North Dakota, it follows Joe Coutts, a 13-year-old boy, as he navigates the aftermath of his mother's brutal attack.
The novel delves into the complexities of tribal law and the challenges faced by Native American communities in seeking justice.
It is part of Erdrich's 'justice trilogy', which includes 'The Plague of Doves' and 'LaRose'.
#16008
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Tiger Eyes
Judy Blume
Tiger Eyes is a poignant coming-of-age story by Judy Blume, focusing on Davey Wexler's journey after her father's tragic death.
The novel explores themes of grief, family dynamics, and personal growth as Davey navigates her new life in Los Alamos, New Mexico.
Through her interactions with a mysterious boy named Wolf and her experiences as a candy striper, Davey learns to confront her emotions and find a path forward.
#38
• Mentioned in 219 episodes
Mein Kampf
Adolf Hitler
Mein Kampf, written by Adolf Hitler while he was imprisoned following the failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923, is a two-volume work that combines autobiography and political treatise.
The book details Hitler's early life, his experiences during World War I, and his increasing antisemitism and militarism.
It outlines his vision for Germany, including the need for Lebensraum (living space) in Eastern Europe, and his racist and anti-Semitic views.
The work became the central text of National Socialism and a blueprint for Hitler's policies, including aggressive foreign policy and the persecution of Jews and other minority groups.
#3349
• Mentioned in 11 episodes
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
Judy Blume
The book follows Margaret Simon, who moves from New York City to Farbrook, New Jersey, and struggles to fit in with her new friends.
Margaret is part of a secret club where the girls discuss boys, bras, and getting their periods.
Born to a Jewish father and a Christian mother, Margaret is trying to figure out her own religious identity and has a personal relationship with God, whom she talks to about her thoughts, fears, and desires.
The story addresses themes of puberty, peer pressure, social acceptance, and religious identity in a relatable and humorous way.
#21167
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Blubber
Judy Blume
Blubber, written by Judy Blume, is a powerful exploration of bullying and its consequences.
The story follows Jill Brenner, a fifth-grader who participates in the bullying of Linda, a classmate nicknamed 'Blubber' after a presentation on whales.
The novel delves into the dynamics of bullying and encourages readers to stand up against such behavior.
It is based on a real-life incident from Blume's daughter's classroom and serves as a warning about the devastating effects of bullying.
#19963
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Deenie
Judy Blume
Deenie, a 13-year-old girl, faces a significant change in her life when she is diagnosed with scoliosis and must wear a back brace.
The novel explores themes of identity, friendship, and acceptance as Deenie adjusts to her new reality and challenges her mother's expectations.
Through her journey, Deenie learns valuable lessons about empathy and understanding towards others with physical differences.
It's Banned Books Week. Honorary youth chair Iris Mogul and Sam Helmick, president of the American Library Association, talk about what it is, why it matters so much, and how you can get involved.
Visit theallusionist.org/bannedbooks for more information and many links about today's topics, plus a transcript of the episode.
Support the show at theallusionist.org/donate and as well as keeping this independent podcast going, you also get behind-the-scenes info about every episode; livestreams with me, Martin and my ever-growing collection of dictionaries, and the charming and nurturing Allusioverse Discord community, where we're watching the current season of Great British Bake Off - donors also get a weekly work of flanfic about the show.
This episode was produced by me, Helen Zaltzman. Thanks to Thanks to Charisse Barnachea, and to Liv for the Judy Blume books circa 1989. Martin Austwick sings and composed the music. Download his own songs at palebirdmusic.com and on Bandcamp, and listen to his podcasts Song By Song and Neutrino Watch.
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