Book Riot - The Podcast: "AUDITION by Katie Kitamura & the Documentary BANNED TOGETHER"

Release Date: April 9, 2025
Hosts: Jeff O’Neill and Rebecca Schinsky

Introduction

In this compelling two-part episode of Book Riot - The Podcast, hosts Jeff O’Neill and Rebecca Schinsky delve into a thought-provoking discussion centered around Katie Kitamura's third novel, "Audition", and the newly released documentary "Banned Together". This episode offers listeners an in-depth exploration of contemporary literary themes and the pressing issue of book banning in the United States.

Part A: Exploring "Audition" by Katie Kitamura

Overview of "Audition":

"Audition" presents a nuanced narrative that intertwines themes of performance, intimacy, and identity. The novel follows a nameless, middle-aged actress navigating complex relationships and personal introspections. The story unfolds with her attending a lunch meeting with a much younger man, leading to unexpected encounters that challenge her understanding of herself and her relationships.

Key Themes and Discussions:

• Performance and Authenticity: Jeff and Rebecca discuss how "Audition" blurs the lines between genuine emotions and performed behaviors. Rebecca notes, "Katie Kitamura is a good drug and I want it right in my face." ([02:55]) highlighting the book's intense engagement with the reader.

• Intimacy and Relationships: The hosts delve into the protagonist's struggles with intimacy, questioning the authenticity of her connections. Rebecca remarks, "What was a family if not a shared delusion, a mutual construction?" ([07:03])

• Narrative Structure and Suspense: The novel's unconventional structure, with a significant plot twist midway, is analyzed for its impact on the reader's perception. Jeff explains, "It's exciting to see that there's something that is bad. But the only thing worse than that is knowing more about what happens in the middle." ([05:12])

Notable Quotes:

• "Katie Kitamura is not afraid to let us feel like a little bit groundless." — Rebecca Schinsky ([05:25])

• "The suspense is not about who done it or how they done it, but about how we understand ourselves." — Rebecca Schinsky ([04:24])

• "The book is pretty Buddhist in its sensibility. Like, your identity is a prison." — Jeff O’Neill ([35:46])

Critical Reception:

Jeff and Rebecca commend Kitamura's masterful restraint and the novel's ability to provoke deep self-reflection without providing clear answers. They emphasize the book's suitability for readers who appreciate layered narratives and philosophical inquiries.

Part B: Unveiling "Banned Together" Documentary

Overview of "Banned Together":

"Banned Together" is an incisive documentary produced by Alison Rice and Tom Wiggins, which examines the surge in book banning across the United States since 2021. The film focuses on Beaufort County, South Carolina, highlighting the efforts of student activists and the influence of organizations like Moms for Liberty in spearheading these bans.

Key Themes and Discussions:

• Origins and Evolution of Book Banning: Alison Rice explains how the documentary traces the roots of the current book banning movement, linking it to historical efforts by groups like the Daughters of the Confederacy. "They have started labeling anything that deals with race as CRT, which is not taught in K through 12 schools." ([57:34])

• Impact on Educators and Librarians: The documentary sheds light on the harassment and intimidation faced by teachers and librarians, leading to a decline in these vital professions. Rebecca notes, "Teachers and librarians are at times leaving their professions because they're being doxed online." ([55:30])

• National Implications and Wider Influence: The film expands its scope to show how book banning is not isolated but part of a nationwide strategy to control information and instill fear. Jeff points out, "Their politics now are about identity politics, right? It's about identity, it's about the fear of the other." ([63:14])

Interviews and Insights:

Alison Rice and Tom Wiggins provide firsthand accounts of their experiences producing the documentary, detailing the challenges of accessing information and the resistance from national organizations like Moms for Liberty. They emphasize the importance of featuring marginalized voices to underscore the broader consequences of censorship.

Notable Quotes:

• "She thought she was very cool and polished, but when you really listen to what she says, it's like there's this distortion that comes in." — Tom Wiggins ([48:25])

• "This is about how to control people by creating fear within them." — Alison Rice ([64:03])

• "Moms for Liberty and other so-called parental rights groups use fear to push their political agenda." — Alison Rice ([64:03])

Critical Reception:

Jeff and Rebecca laud "Banned Together" for its timely and thorough examination of the book banning crisis. They highlight the documentary's role in raising awareness and encouraging viewers to take informed action against censorship.

Conclusion

This episode of Book Riot - The Podcast masterfully intertwines literary analysis with socio-political commentary, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Katie Kitamura's "Audition" and the critical issue of book banning explored in "Banned Together". Through insightful discussions and poignant quotes, Jeff O’Neill and Rebecca Schinsky not only celebrate contemporary literary works but also advocate for the preservation of diverse and uncensored education.

Takeaways:

• "Audition" serves as a profound exploration of self-identity and the performative aspects of human relationships.

• "Banned Together" exposes the systemic efforts to suppress diverse voices and the detrimental effects of such censorship on education and societal progress.

• The episode underscores the importance of staying informed and actively resisting attempts to limit access to knowledge and literary expression.

For those interested in delving deeper into the themes discussed, "Audition" by Katie Kitamura is available in bookstores and online, while "Banned Together" can be streamed starting April 10th on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.