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Best Velshi Banned Book Club Episodes

ByMSNBC
23 episodes

MSNBC’s Ali Velshi brings you “Velshi Banned Book Club,” an act of resistance against the book banning and censorship epidemic sweeping the nation. In each episode, a different author joins Ali to discuss why their work is being targeted and what is so crucial about the literature itself. “Velshi Banned Book Club” is a series rooted in literary and cultural analysis, in the notion that reading is resistance. Read along with Ali. Velshi Banned Book Club Season Two Reading List: "Small Acts of Courage" by Ali Velshi “The Giver” by Lois Lowry “1984” by George Orwell “How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents” by Julia Alvarez “American Street” by Ibi Zoboi “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien “Hunger” by Roxane Gay “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare “All the Rivers” by Dorit Rabinyan “Bridge to Terabithia” by Katherine Paterson “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi “Maus” by Art Spiegelman Velshi Banned Book Club Season One Reading List: “Two Boys Kissing” by David Levithan “Boy Erased” by Garrard Conley “All American Boys” by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely “Dear Martin” by Nic Stone “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare “Nineteen Minutes” by Jodi Picoult “Give a Boy a Gun” by Todd Strasser “The 1619 Project” by Nikole Hannah-Jones “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Saenz “Out of Darkness” by Ashley Hope Perez “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson “Ready or Not” by Meg Cabot “Beloved” by Toni Morrison “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston

#1

The Power of Poetry

Explore the transformative power of poetry through Jacqueline Woodson's 'Brown Girl Dreaming', a poignant memoir that navigates her childhood experiences. This episode not only breaks down the barriers to understanding poetry but also emphasizes its crucial role in storytelling, making it a perfect starting point for new listeners.

2024-10-24•41m
#2

Reading Rites of Passage

Dive into the essential themes of growing up as Ali discusses 'Bridge to Terabithia' and 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'. This episode connects generations through the lens of literature, making it relatable and engaging for anyone interested in the complexities of adolescence.

2024-10-17•36m
#3

Star-Crossed Lovers

Examine the timeless themes of love and tragedy in literature with a discussion on Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' and Dorit Rabinyan's 'All The Rivers'. This episode highlights the universality of love stories, making it a captivating listen for those new to the podcast.

2024-10-10•42m

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#4

Memoir as a Medium

Discover the courage it takes to share personal stories through Roxane Gay's 'Hunger' and Jeannette Walls' 'The Glass Castle'. This episode beautifully illustrates how memoirs serve as powerful vehicles for empathy and understanding, appealing to listeners who appreciate personal narratives.

2024-10-03•32m
#5

War in Literature

Explore the profound impact of war on literature in this episode featuring Tim O'Brien's 'The Things They Carried'. This poignant discussion not only delves into the realities of war but also highlights the emotional connections forged through storytelling, making it a compelling listen.

2024-09-26•37m
#6

A Legacy of Advocacy

Kick off Season 2 with Ali Velshi's personal narrative in 'Small Acts of Courage'. This episode explores themes of resilience and the importance of advocacy, resonating with listeners who want to understand the intersection of personal stories and broader societal issues.

2024-09-12•38m
#7

The Power of Dystopian Literature

Engage with the crucial discussions around government and society through dystopian classics like 'The Giver' and '1984'. This episode challenges listeners to reflect on contemporary issues, making it a relevant and thought-provoking choice for newcomers.

2024-09-12•44m
#8

The Black Literary Canon

Dive deep into the influential works of Toni Morrison and Zora Neale Hurston in this episode that examines their lasting impact on American culture. The insights from esteemed scholars provide a rich context for understanding these literary giants, appealing to both new and seasoned readers.

2023-10-05•50m
#9

Coming to America

This episode sheds light on the immigrant experience in America through novels like 'How the García Girls Lost Their Accents' and 'American Street'. The exploration of identity and cultural challenges resonates with many, making it a vital listen for understanding contemporary America.

2024-09-19•38m
#10

The Constitution of the United States: A Complete Reading

In this special episode, gain a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. Constitution, a foundational text in American democracy. The crucial context provided makes this episode not just informative but essential for anyone interested in the intersection of literature and governance.

2023-10-12•1h 1m