Booked and Banned: The Podcast

Booked and Banned

Welcome to Booked and Banned, the podcast about the power of controversial fiction. Every episode, we dive into a work of fiction that has been banned or challenged in schools, libraries, or communities around the world. We examine the reasons behind attempts to silence these stories and have a candid discussion about the literature itself. If you are a curious reader who wants to engage with books that challenge and provoke, hit Follow and join the resistance.

  1. Oct 21

    Episode 29 - Brave New World

    Naomi opens this episode of Booked and Banned by introducing Aldous Huxley's 1932 classic dystopian novel, Brave New World. Joining the conversation is Kelly, a long-time friend met through a certificate program at Georgetown University. Kelly shares her background in HR and personal interest in reading, reflecting on how her initial teenage appreciation for anti-utopian fiction evolved upon revisitingthe text decades later with fresh eyes and a new perspective. The discussion outlines Huxley’s World State, a futuristic society built on rigid genetic caste systems, laboratorymass production, psychological conditioning, and government-rationed soma to maintain artificial happiness and stability. The narrative's central tension erupts when John, a man raised on a New Mexico reservation, enters hyper-medicated London and struggles against people’s state-mandated shallow hedonism. The novel faces persistent censorship over its depictions of drug culture, sexuality, and state control—frequently being misinterpreted as an endorsement rather than a dark warning. Naomi and Kelly analyze why readers occasionally mistake The World State for a genuine utopia, emphasizing howtotal social stability strips away art, truth, grit, and genuine human connection. The conversation turns to modern parallels of soma, pointing out how digital distractions, background noise, and constant engagement preventindividuals from sitting quietly with their own thoughts. The two also address the book's stark critique of forced consumerism—typified by slogans encouraging disposable usage—and contrast it with deliberate practices of conscious consumerism, such as choosing durable items and supporting secondhand sources. Addressing the text's jarring historical flaws, including colonial depictions and flat female characterizations, Naomi and Kelly examine the importance of holding space fornuance and historical context without invalidating the broader cautionary message. They contrast the divergent forms of resistance shown by Bernard Marx, who seeks external status, and Helmholtz Watson, who seeks internal creative fulfillment. Kelly emphasizes that the struggle for art, passion, and truth is worth the discomfort it brings, encouraging listeners who feel pressured by conformity to seek out meaningful communities. The next episode will feature a discussion of Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love.

  2. Oct 11

    Episode 28 - Number the Stars

    In this episode of Booked and Banned, host Naomi connects with guest Pearl Brady to discuss Lois Lowry's acclaimed historical novel, Number the Stars. Pearl shares her unique perspective as a lifelong enthusiast of the book who recently revisited the narrative while reading it aloud to her eight-year-old son. The conversation centers on how the story's emotional weight shifts when viewed through the lens of adulthood and parenting, highlighting the immense stakes faced by the families who risked everything to protect their neighbors. The Shift from Childhood Memories to Parental Realities Pearl reflects on discovering the novel in the fourth grade,noting that it served as her personal gateway to a lifelong passion for history. Re-reading it decades later as a mother completely reframed the experience, moving her focus from the child protagonist to the quiet, profound bravery of the adults managing unimaginable risks to do what is right. Modern Parallels and Micro-Level History The discussion highlights Lowry’s ability to ground massivehistorical tragedies in small, domestic disruptions that children can naturally perceive. Pearl draws powerful connections between the sudden, quiet disappearances of characters in occupied Copenhagen and the modern-dayanxieties felt in her own Queens community regarding the abrupt displacement of asylum-seeking families and school children. Redefining Patriotism and Confronting Comfort The conversation breaks down how the book shifts thedefinition of loyalty away from abstract nationalist symbols and toward the real, tangible protection of individual human beings. Addressing the book's history of challenges, Pearl challenges the notion of shielding children from historical realities, arguing that insulating young readers from difficulttruths promotes ignorance rather than protection, especially when compared to the lived experiences of marginalized families. Reclamation of Imagery and Final Takeaways Naomi and Pearl examine the central star imagery of thebook, discussing how it beautifully subverts a tool of wartime persecution into a symbol of individual human dignity, identity, and collective power. The episode concludes with a look at the enduring legacy of the Danish resistance, serving as a timeless reminder that ordinary people have the capacity to choose a righteous, extraordinary path in the face of passive complicity. Our next episode will feature a discussion of Aldous Huxley's classic novel, Brave New World.

  3. Oct 1

    Episode 27 - Forever...

    Naomi welcomes Alli Tombros Korman, the founder andexecutive director of the Red Tent Fund, to discuss Judy Blume’s groundbreaking 1975 young adult novel, Forever.... The discussion centers on the book's honest, non-judgmental depiction of teenage sexuality and how it subverted thetraditional "punishment" tropes of its era by presenting teenaged sexual intimacy without attaching shame or tragedy to the characters. Alli shares her personal connection to the book as a public health professional, noting how Katherine’s visit to Planned Parenthood mirrored her own youth andhelped inspire her career in sexual and reproductive health. The conversation explores the persistent censorship Forever...has faced since its publication, with critics frequently labeling it as “pornographic” or “inappropriate” due to its explicit descriptions of intercourse, masturbation, and contraception. Naomi and Alli compare the historical backlash of the 1970s to the current landscape, noting that while the core argumentsagainst the book remain the same, modern efforts have evolved into highly organized efforts to restrict access. They also examine how the book handles reproductive choices through the subplot of Katherine’s friend, Sybil, who chooses to carry an unplanned pregnancy to term and place the baby for adoption. Alli reflects on how this narrative reads in a 2026 context, highlighting the evolution of reproductive autonomy and how modern conversations view adoption and parenting differently than decades ago. The dialogue further unpacks the central theme of the novel's title, analyzing how Blume challenges the traditional, tidy romance narratives typically marketed to young adults. By allowing Katherine’s intense feelings for Michael to shift realistically as she grows, the book offers an authentic portrayal of first love that grants young people permission toappreciate a relationship without expecting it to be permanent. Finally, they look at the contrast between the adults in the novel, prompting a broader discussion on the efficacy of comprehensive sex education versus abstinence-only models. Alli emphasizes that withholding accurate resources does not stop young people from seeking information, making realistic literature like Forever... an essential tool for healthy development. Our next episode will feature a discussion of another youngadult novel Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. Support and ResourcesTo learn more about Alli's work and the organization discussed in this episode, visit the Red Tent Fund at https://theredtentfund.org/.

  4. Sep 21

    Episode 26 - Frankenstein

    Naomi welcomes Roger to the podcast to analyze Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s timeless masterpiece, Frankenstein;or, The Modern Prometheus. The conversation centers on how Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, at nineteen years old, crafted a foundational narrative that explores ambition, neglect, and the consequences of unchecked human capability. The discussion traces the heavy atmospheric dread of the novel back to its origin during the 1816 "Year Without a Summer." Trapped indoors in Switzerland due to a volcaniceruption, Shelley conceived the story as part of a ghost story contest with Lord Byron and her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley. Roger and Naomi examine the themes of grief woven into the text, reflecting the absence of her mother and the loss of her daughter. They challenge the idea that Victor Frankenstein sought to conquer death, viewing his quest instead as an ego-driven pursuit of fame and recognition. The dialogue highlights Frankenstein as the first modern science fiction novel. Roger emphasizes how Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley integrated the contemporary scientific experiments of her era into the book, while expressing immense appreciation for her advanced grammatical structure and vocabulary at such a young age. The conversation addresses the core dynamic between the creator and the creature, shifting the focus from societal exclusion to the breakdown of nurture, where Victor'sabandonment of his creation and his promise-breaking result in a tragic cycle of rejection and vengeance. Finally, the episode confronts the history of censorship surrounding the novel. Roger shares his research into early religious objections to the text, noting how contemporary challenges stem from cultural anxieties. Roger draws a striking modern parallel between Frankenstein's uncontrollable creation and the current societal anxietiessurrounding artificial intelligence, concluding that removing books from libraries restricts vital cultural conversations. The next episode of Booked and Banned features a discussion on the frequently challenged novel Forever... by Judy Blume.

  5. Sep 11

    Episode 25 - The Handmaid's Tale

    In this episode of Booked and Banned: The Podcast, Naomi is joined by Jessica to evaluate Margaret Atwood’s seminal 1985 dystopian novel, The Handmaid's Tale, analyzing its enduring relevance, its status as one of the most frequently censored books in modern literary history, and the profound ways its themes mirror contemporary societal shifts. Speculative Fiction vs. Modern Reality: Naomi and Jessica examine how the framework of speculative fiction has increasingly transformed into a realistic reflection of current politics. Jessica shares her personal connection to the text, noting that reading it has become emotionally heavier now that her daughter is a teenager. She emphasizes that the text explores the psychological and sociological realities of the political present rather than existing merely as a distant science fiction narrative. Naomi notes that the book is uniquely terrifying because its dystopian vision feels closer to contemporary reality now than it did when it was published four decades ago. The Dynamics of Power and Gender Apartheid: The conversation shifts to how the Republic of Gilead treats women's bodies as national resources to manage reproductive declines caused by environmental degradation. Jessica challenges the academic view that the novel is strictly about power rather than feminism or religion, arguing that power and gender are inextricably linked. She defines foundational power as the evolutionary drive to create life—an exclusively female biological domain—and posits that patriarchal systems utilize severe restrictions and legislation to forcibly control that generative power. Literacy, Language, and the Erasure of the Mind: A central pillar of Gilead's control is the absolute prohibition of reading andwriting for women. Naomi and Jessica connect this fictional suppression to historical systems of enslavement in the United States, where literacy among enslaved individuals was strictly criminalized because it represents the ultimate mediation of self-knowledge and independence. Jessica expresses deepconcern over a modern decline in literacy and critical thinking skills among current students, noting that losing the ability to communicate in one's own words makes a population highly vulnerable to authoritarian control. They celebrate Atwood's brilliant linguistic play, noting that her masterful use of puns—such as Offred's line "I compose myself" or the phrase "penis envy"—serves as meaningful generators of resistance that is completely lost without a literate society. Female Complicity and Structural Oppression: The conversation dissects the role of female complicity through characters like the Aunts and Serena Joy, who enforce patriarchal violence to secure their own relative privilege. Jessica addresses the deep sense of betrayal felt by readersregarding these characters, pointing out that regimes frequently use women to cultivate and care for oppressive structures. Naomi draws historical and modern parallels, comparing Serena Joy's character to conservative political figures like Phyllis Schlafly, who used scare tactics to defeat the Equal Rights Amendment, and the modern internet phenomenon of the "trad wife" trend. The Paternalism of the Historical Notes: The episode concludes with an analysis of the novel's metafictional postscript, whichfeatures male academics centuries later analyzing Offred's transcribed cassette tapes. Jessica admits that as a college student she initially bypassed this section, but now views it as a vital, irritatingly realistic framing device. Even in a future society that has progressed past racial and geographical inequalities, the male professors still dismiss Offred's lived trauma as merefeminine anecdote or gossip, proving that gender biases remain deeply entrenched. The next episode of Booked and Banned will be a discussion of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s classic masterpiece, Frankenstein;or, The Modern Prometheus.

  6. Sep 1

    Episode 24 - Maus

    In this episode of Booked and Banned, host Naomi welcomes Todd, a retired U.S. Army veteran, human rights philosopher, and lecturer at Indiana University, to discuss Art Spiegelman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel, Maus. Together, they explore the book's dual narrative, its unique use of visual metaphor, the reality of intergenerational trauma, and the ongoing censorship challenges the text faces globally. Narrative Structure and Imagery The Dual Narrative: The book shifts between a contemporary timeline of Art interviewing his father, Vladek (a Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor living in New York), and Vladek's experiences during World War II. Anthropomorphism: Spiegelman uses animals to represent different nationalities, depicting Jews as mice and Nazis as cats. This artistic choice flips Nazi propaganda—which viewed Jews as vermin—back against the oppressors. Weighing Emotional Distance: The panel-by-panel illustrations make the harrowing history highly accessible to many generations of readers, as well as visual learners, while providing a slight emotional buffer that allows readers to process systemic cruelty. Trauma, Survival, and the Human Condition Intergenerational Trauma: The dialogue reveals howVladek’s survival mechanisms (grit, resourcefulness, anxiety) persist into his old age, causing friction with his son, Artie. The Cost of Survival: The conversation addresses the. profound weight of survivor's guilt, moral injury, and grief. This is starkly highlighted by the suicide of Art’s mother, Anja, who survived the camps but succumbed to the enduring emotional wounds years later. Censorship and Irony Domestic and International Challenges: While a curriculum removal in Tennessee made global news, Maus faces challenges in Florida, Texas, and Missouri over alleged “age-appropriateness.” Additionally, Russian authorities previously pulled the book from shelves due to laws against displaying Nazi imagery, ignoring the text’s explicitly anti-authoritarian stance. The Role of Education: Todd and Naomi emphasize thatrestricting access to the book removes vital opportunities for critical thinking, historical honesty, and discussions about human rights. During the discussion of suicide and the psychologicalaftermath of trauma, Todd and Naomi highlighted the importance of mental health resources. In our next episode, where we will discuss Margaret Atwood’sdystopian classic, The Handmaid’s Tale. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You can call, text, orchat online with 988. This service is free, confidential, available 24/7, and includes closed captioning support for anyone in need.

  7. Aug 21

    Episode 23 - The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

    Note: We experienced technical difficulties during this episode in which the guest's video and audio could not be synced during the editing process, so we felt it best to replace her videothroughout. Additionally, please note that some of the dialogue was not transcripted properly during recording and rushes by too quickly at 15:30, 19:30, 20:30, 20:50, and 24:30. This affects listeners using screen readers or closely following the captions. In this episode, Naomi is joined by Sue, a retired federal employee who dedicated 40 years to the Department of Defense Schools for Dependents in Germany and West Point.Sue brings a unique geographic and personal connection to the text, having grown up in Northern Idaho near the Spokane Indian Reservation, and coming from a family of educators who taught on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations. Together, they explore Sherman Alexie's seminal novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, analyzing how Junior’s journey navigating a 14-year-old's life on the reservation while attending an all-White high school in Reardan resonates with readers today. The discussion provides an analysis of the novel's distinctive format, focusing heavily on how Junior's comic illustrations fundamentally alter the audience's connection to his suffering. Sue shares how the cartoons successfully broaden the narrative's reach, allowing Junior to explicitly communicate complex systemic inequalities—such as the stark materialcontrast between his supermarket clothes and the specialty gear of his White classmates. Naomi highlights how these visualportraits enhance the realism Alexie intended to create. The conversation moves into the book's handling of historical displacement and the Catholic church, examining how traditional Indigenous structures that honored epilepsy and fluid gender identities were altered or suppressed by colonial religious structures. Naomi introduces the historical backdrop of forcedassimilation boarding schools, noting that while Alexie treats these traumas with a gentler touch in fiction, they loom like a ghost over the narrative. Sue connects this theme to contemporary news, sharing a localized update regarding a Salish language school project in Spokane funded in part by reparations from Catholic Charities due to historic boarding school harms. Naomi and Sue confront the systemic censorship that has trailed the novel since its 2007 publication, dissecting the motivations of those who attempt to pull the book from library shelves. Sue outlines the broader pedagogical danger of hiding these realities, arguing that exposure helps students process real-world variations of these problems, combat isolation, and see paths toward overcoming hardship. They also navigate the internal cultural friction within the text, explicitly addressing Junior's struggle with being branded a "traitor" by the reservation community for leaving his local school. Sue points to the late-novel breakthrough where his best friend Rowdy compares Junior's ambition to the nomadic traditions of theirancestors, providing a healthier framework for understanding growth and opportunity. Finally, they push back against the "socially offensive" label weaponized by censors, with Naomi emphasizing that teenagers use salty, crude language to test boundaries, and that fixating on profanity intentionally ignores thepsychological resilience and humor Junior uses to survive grief.Sue leaves the audience with a powerful call to search for commonalities, reminding listeners that beneath the book's heavy themes lies an enduring portrait of community love and structural support. Our upcoming episode will feature a discussion of the graphic novel Maus by Art Spiegelman.

  8. Aug 11

    Episode 22 - The Catcher in the Rye

    For this episode of Booked and Banned: The Podcast, hostNaomi welcomes Rabbi Dave Spinrad to explore J.D. Salinger's foundational 1951 novel, The Catcher in the Rye. The discussion centers on Holden Caulfield’s three-day journey through New York City following his expulsion from school, tracing his profound alienation from what he deems a phony adult world. Naomi and Rabbi Dave analyze the text's complicated narrative layers, examining how Holden functions as an unreliable narrator whose compulsivedishonesty paradoxically mirrors the real contradictions of the human experience. They look at the book's central metaphor of preservingchildhood innocence and recontextualize Holden's behavior through the lens of unexamined grief surrounding the death of his younger brother. The conversation highlights key textual details, including the symbolic weight of Holden's red hunting hat as a visual anchor to his red-headed siblings and a shield during moments of intense vulnerability. The two also evaluate the novel's famous epilogue, considering how the revelation of Holden speaking from a mental health facility shifts the narrative from a simple tale of teenage rebellion into a critical study of adolescent trauma. Beyond the literary analysis, this episode traces the extraordinary history of censorship that has followed the novel for over seventy years. Naomi charts the evolution of these challenges, starting with mid-century outrage over vulgarity and profanity, moving into the dark historical associations with real-world violence in the 1980s, and concluding with modern attempts by school boards to restrict the book over themes of depression and a lack of a traditional moral arc. Ultimately, Naomi and Rabbi David emphasize that the book's enduring value lies in its refusal to offer sanitized role models, serving instead as an authentic mirror for the human condition that continues to resonate with readers generations after its publication. Looking ahead to the next episode, the podcast will continueits examination of challenged literature with a discussion of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.

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About

Welcome to Booked and Banned, the podcast about the power of controversial fiction. Every episode, we dive into a work of fiction that has been banned or challenged in schools, libraries, or communities around the world. We examine the reasons behind attempts to silence these stories and have a candid discussion about the literature itself. If you are a curious reader who wants to engage with books that challenge and provoke, hit Follow and join the resistance.

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