Detailed Summary of "Bonus: Meg Wolitzer Talks with Judy Blume" – Selected Shorts Podcast

Release Date: January 16, 2025

In this illuminating bonus episode of Selected Shorts, host Meg Wolitzer engages in a profound conversation with the iconic author Judy Blume. Their dialogue, rich with personal anecdotes and critical insights, delves deep into the pressing issue of book banning, the joys and challenges of being an author and bookseller, and the enduring impact of literature on readers of all ages.

Introduction: A Meeting of Kindred Spirits [00:10]

The episode opens with Meg expressing her delight in conversing with Judy, highlighting their longstanding friendship and Judy's close bond with her mother.

Meg Wolitzer [00:10]: "Judy, so I am so happy to be talking to you. You are an old friend of mine and a very close friend of my mother's, and I'm always happy to have an excuse to have a conversation with you."

Judy reciprocates the sentiment warmly, setting a tone of mutual respect and affection.

The Surge of Book Banning: An Alarming Trend [00:45]

As the conversation unfolds on the eve of the 2024 election, Meg brings to the forefront the critical and distressing subject of book banning—a topic that is both painful and essential.

Meg Wolitzer [00:45]: "We're gonna be talking about something that's a painful, difficult, and really important topic, which is book banning."

Judy shares her anxiety over the current wave of book bans, expressing relief at having a platform to discuss the issue.

Judy Blume [00:32]: "I am high anxiety, Meg. High anxiety. But I'm so happy that I get to talk to you because maybe for a half an hour or so, I won't be thinking about it."

Government Involvement and Local Responses [01:06]

Judy elaborates on her surprise at the governmental roots of the recent surge in book banning, particularly pointing fingers at state legislators.

Judy Blume [01:06]: "I think what's surprising is that it's coming from government. You know, it's state legislators."

She shares a personal anecdote about living in Key West, Florida, and the local government's role in the proliferation of book bans.

Judy Blume [01:28]: "I live in Key West. But the reality is it is part of Florida, and we have the same government and we have the same governor, and we have had so much book banning in this state that Pan America opened an office in Miami. Pan America Florida."

Meg marvels at the extent of the issue, prompting Judy to discuss the ongoing legal battles and grassroots movements opposing censorship.

Judy Blume [02:42]: "They started a group because they wanted their kids to have the freedom to read."

Personal Encounters with Censorship [02:54]

Reflecting on her personal experiences, Judy recounts her appearance on the Phil Donahue Show, where she confronted a woman advocating for censorship.

Judy Blume [02:54]: "I remember many, many, many, many years ago on the Phil Donahue Show... she said, you are Judy Blume. Why would anybody be afraid of you?"

This encounter underscores the often unfounded fears that drive book banning efforts.

Impact on Contemporary Literature [04:27]

Meg discusses her own experiences with book banning, highlighting the frustration of having her middle-grade book, To Night Owl from Dogfish, targeted despite its innocent themes.

Meg Wolitzer [04:27]: "It made state lists. But then the book has gotten heavily banned simply for saying that these girls grow up in families with gay fathers."

Judy confirms the trend, noting that LGBTQ topics and sexual content are the most challenged areas in literature today.

Judy Blume [04:39]: "This is what I hear. Is that anything to do with race?"

Childhood Freedom and Reading [04:52]

Judy reminisces about her childhood, where reading was encouraged rather than restricted, contrasting sharply with the current climate of censorship.

Judy Blume [04:52]: "But not. That's the interesting thing about my family... reading was good."

She shares a poignant story about her determination to read Rage to Live by John O'Hara, despite parental restrictions, highlighting her early resilience against censorship.

Judy Blume [07:53]: "I stayed up all night reading it and didn't cause any harm that I know of."

Exploring New Creative Horizons [08:11]

Shifting to lighter topics, Meg discusses the success of the movie adaptation of Judy's beloved book, Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret, expressing a personal connection to the character Margaret.

Meg Wolitzer [08:11]: "I've had a wonderful couple of years with the movie... and I am myself a Margaret."

Judy humbly deflects the praise, maintaining her characteristic modesty.

Judy Blume [08:11]: "Oh, you are. Let me just be normal and regular like everybody else."

The Authenticity of Judy's Writing [08:37]

Meg probes into whether Judy's candid discussions of sexuality in her books were intentional or naturally evolved elements of her storytelling.

Judy Blume [08:37]: "Totally naturally... I just knew I wanted to write a book that told about the kind of kid I was."

Judy emphasizes the autobiographical elements of her characters, rooted in her real-life experiences and observations.

The Books and Books Endeavor [10:14]

Transitioning to Judy's role as a bookseller, she and her husband George discuss their bookstore, Books and Books in Key West, and the evolving landscape of reader preferences.

Judy Blume [10:54]: "I love being a bookseller and I love talking to them... romance novels have become so big that we have to change a part of our store and make more room for it."

She highlights the significant portion of vacationing tourists who frequent their store, seeking leisurely reads during their stays.

Judy Blume [12:01]: "Maybe 75 or 85% of the people who buy books at our store are on vacation. They're tourists."

Staying Connected with Literature [12:45]

When asked about her own reading habits, Judy candidly admits that she doesn't always keep up with every genre but remains passionate about fiction.

Judy Blume [12:45]: "So you know, I read a lot of fiction. I love fiction."

She shares her current reading list, including works by Elizabeth Strout and her friend Jami Attenberg, demonstrating her continued engagement with contemporary literature.

The Enduring Connection with Readers [14:00]

Judy reflects on the lasting impact of her work, noting that while she may not be writing new books, the letters from readers continue to affirm the significance of her stories.

Judy Blume [14:26]: "This is why we want kids to be able to choose books."

Meg echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the timeless influence of literature on individuals.

Conclusion: A Shared Commitment to Literature [14:44]

As the conversation draws to a close, both Meg and Judy express their mutual appreciation and reaffirm their dedication to fostering a vibrant and free literary culture.

Judy Blume [14:53]: "Thank you for everything you do, too, Mae."

Meg Wolitzer [14:56]: "I love your books. Thank you."

Key Takeaways:

• Judy Blume's Advocacy: Judy stands as a staunch opponent of book banning, drawing from her personal experiences and professional challenges to champion literary freedom.

• Governmental Influence: The conversation sheds light on the alarming role of state legislators in perpetuating book bans, particularly in regions like Florida.

• Literary Resilience: Both Judy and Meg emphasize the enduring power of books to shape lives, inspire readers, and foster connections across generations.

• Role of Independent Bookstores: Through Judy's insights into her bookstore, the discussion highlights the vital role of indie bookstores in promoting diverse literary tastes and supporting authors.

• Personal Connections: The heartfelt exchange underscores the deep bonds formed through literature, with both hosts and guests acknowledging the profound impact of books on their personal and professional lives.

This episode serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of safeguarding literary freedom and the collective responsibility to ensure that books remain a free and open medium for all voices.