All of It Podcast Summary: "The Books That Saved Gloria Edom"

Episode Release Date: December 2, 2024
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Gloria Edom, Founder of the Well-Read Black Girl Book Club and Author of "Gather Me, A Memoir in Praise of the Books that Save Me"

Introduction

In this compelling episode of All of It, host Alison Stewart welcomes Gloria Edom, the visionary founder of the Well-Read Black Girl Book Club and author of her deeply personal memoir, "Gather Me, A Memoir in Praise of the Books that Save Me." Gloria shares how literature has been a cornerstone in her journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment.

The Genesis of "Gather Me"

[00:18] Alison Stewart introduces Gloria Edom’s memoir, highlighting how Gloria's life milestones are intricately tied to the books she read during those periods. Gloria elaborates on the memoir’s purpose:

[01:37] Gloria Edom:
"My book helped me heal in a lot of ways... It was a journey of self-discovery... revisiting my younger self and giving her a sense of love and self-compassion."

Gloria emphasizes that her memoir is not just a personal narrative but also a celebration of the books that guided her through both joyous and challenging times.

Early Literary Influences

Gloria reflects on the books that shaped her childhood and adolescence:

[02:21] Gloria Edom:
"Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor, The Caged Bird and The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin... reading was not only a form of entertainment but a tool for self-discovery."

These seminal works provided Gloria with strength, confidence, and clarity about her identity and aspirations.

The Role of the Arlington Public Library

Growing up in Arlington, Gloria credits the local library as a pivotal environment for her literary growth:

[03:07] Gloria Edom:
"The library was a safe space... it allowed me to discover diverse stories and build bridges with different experiences."

She fondly remembers countless hours spent exploring books alongside her brother, highlighting the library’s role in fostering her love for reading and community.

Maya Angelou’s Enduring Impact

A significant portion of the conversation delves into Gloria’s admiration for Maya Angelou:

[04:59] Maya Angelou (Excerpt):
"Lift up your eyes upon this day breaking for you... Each new hour holds new chances for new beginnings."

Gloria recounts how Angelou’s powerful presence and literary voice resonated with her as a young girl, shaping her sense of self and her understanding of being part of a diverse American tapestry.

[05:29] Gloria Edom:
"Maya Angelou's voice holds your attention... her books have helped orient me in such magnificent ways."

Confronting Literary Criticism

Gloria shares a formative experience from her AP English class where a teacher dismissed Maya Angelou’s work:

[06:55] Gloria Edom:
"We had a very fierce debate... I had to speak up for Maya Angelou and for myself."

This encounter was pivotal, teaching Gloria the importance of defending beloved literature and asserting her own voice, reinforcing the role of books in personal and communal empowerment.

Interactive Segment: Listener Call-Ins

Throughout the episode, listeners share their own transformative literary experiences. Notably:

• John from Brooklyn praises Tom Robbins’ "Skinny Legs and All", highlighting its whimsical yet profound resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

• Diane from Roselle Park, New Jersey discusses Barbara Tuchman’s "A Distant Mirror", appreciating its expansive view of history and its impact on her perspective.

• Maggie from Greenwich recounts how Doris Lund’s "Eric" inspired her to pursue a career in opera, demonstrating the profound influence of literature on life choices.

Exploring Themes of Love

Gloria contrasts her youthful misconceptions of love, influenced by "Romeo and Juliet" and Toni Morrison’s "Jazz", with her mature understanding:

[15:38] Gloria Edom:
"Love requires self-reflection, patience, and boundaries... you have to be your own self."

She underscores that true love balances personal identity with the love for others, drawing inspiration from authors like Bell Hooks to define love as a multifaceted ethic encompassing family, romantic, and community bonds.

Navigating Cultural Identity

Gloria delves into her dual heritage, shaped by her Nigerian parents’ pride and her mother’s desire to assimilate into American culture:

[13:48] Gloria Edom:
"I’m very proud to be Nigerian American... I celebrate both sides of my identity."

This duality has been a central theme in her memoir, allowing her to explore and embrace her Nigerian roots while navigating her American upbringing.

Challenging and Empowering Through Literature

Gloria discusses the challenges posed by James Baldwin’s works and their role in shaping her political and social consciousness:

[19:53] Gloria Edom:
"Baldwin required me to be very rigorous... his work was an act of defiance and self-love."

She advocates for critical engagement with literature, encouraging readers to perform close readings and engage deeply with texts to uncover their profound truths and societal implications.

Closing Reflections

As the episode concludes, Gloria passionately reiterates the life-saving power of reading:

[21:34] Alison Stewart:
"Reading is a practice that saves my life every day... It's not just the level of reading, it's what you get from it."

Gloria expresses heartfelt gratitude for the platform to share her story and commends Alison Stewart’s role in fostering meaningful conversations around culture and literature.

Conclusion

This episode of All of It masterfully intertwines Gloria Edom’s personal narrative with the transformative power of literature. Through engaging discussions, poignant anecdotes, and interactive listener segments, Gloria illustrates how books can serve as anchors in our lives, guiding us through adversity, shaping our identities, and fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Tune in to All of It with Alison Stewart weekdays from 12:00 - 2:00 PM on WNYC to explore more stories that celebrate culture and its consumers.