Selected Shorts: "Too Hot For Radio: Roxane Gay 'Requiem for a Glass Heart'"

Episode Release Date: August 4, 2025
Host: Aparna Nancherla
Guest: Amanda Jones, Librarian and Advocate Against Book Banning
Performed by: Jessica Hecht

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Selected Shorts, host Aparna Nancherla delves into the nuances of Roxane Gay's short story, "Requiem for a Glass Heart," exploring themes of sexuality, feminism, and cultural misogyny. Aparna sets the stage for a deep discussion on free speech and the challenges faced by librarians in combating book bans, featuring insights from Amanda Jones, a dedicated librarian battling censorship efforts in Louisiana.

Reading: "Requiem for a Glass Heart"

Performed by Jessica Hecht (06:00 - 24:13)

Jessica Hecht brings Roxane Gay's "Requiem for a Glass Heart" to life with a poignant narration. The story revolves around the Stone Thrower, a man living in a fragile, glass-encased home with his equally delicate glass wife and child. Their lives, though outwardly beautiful and harmonious, are fraught with underlying tensions and vulnerabilities.

Key Themes and Highlights:

• Fragility and Vulnerability: The glass symbolism underscores the delicate nature of relationships and human emotions. The Stone Thrower's constant fear of his glass wife's fragility reflects deeper anxieties about maintaining love and trust.

  Notable Quote:
  "The stone thrower lives in a glass house with his glass family. He is a flesh and blood man going about the business of living with his glass wife and glass child and their glass furniture and glass lives." (06:15)

• Unspoken Tensions: The narrative explores unspoken desires and the complexities of maintaining a facade of perfection. The Stone Thrower's infidelity introduces a conflict that threatens the integrity of their glass-enclosed existence.

  Notable Quote:
  "He worries that it is a matter of time before a diva with perfect pitch and iron lungs will fill the opera house with a note so flawless that it matches the natural frequency of his wife's body." (22:50)

• Isolation and Connection: The story portrays the balance between isolation and the yearning for genuine connection. The glass walls symbolize barriers that prevent true intimacy despite physical proximity.

  Notable Quote:
  "She crafts from these moments, secrets for herself that she has not shared and will not share with her husband, who sees too much and loves too carefully." (19:30)

Jessica Hecht's performance captures the emotional depth and fragility of the characters, emphasizing Roxane Gay's exploration of contemporary societal issues through a modern fable.

Discussion: The Fight Against Book Banning with Amanda Jones

Interview with Amanda Jones (24:13 - 39:47)

Following the reading, Aparna engages in a heartfelt conversation with Amanda Jones, a middle school librarian from Livingston Parish, Louisiana. Amanda shares her experiences and the formidable challenges she faces in defending access to literature amidst rising censorship.

Key Topics and Insights:

1. Personal Journey and Advocacy:

   Amanda recounts her path to librarianship, inspired by influential books like Judy Blume's Iggy's House, which opened her eyes to issues of racism and diversity at a young age.

   Notable Quote:
   "Reading about racism at such an early age. When I read Iggy's House, it was the first time I realized that not every family was like mine or had the same experiences." (24:52)

2. Confronting Censorship:

   In 2022, Amanda delivered a speech at a public library board meeting advocating against censorship, which unfortunately led to targeted harassment from far-right groups. She details the impact of false accusations and the relentless campaign to tarnish her reputation.

   Notable Quote:
   "Four days after I gave the speech, I woke up to an onslaught of just harassment by people who are from the far right. They were saying things that, like, I was teaching children how to perform sex acts and... they were completely fabricating lies." (29:07)

3. Community and Solidarity:

   Amanda emphasizes the importance of solidarity within the librarian community. Despite facing attacks, librarians nationwide are uniting to protect libraries and promote free access to information.

   Notable Quote:
   "The librarians are sticking together. We're very loyal to each other, and we have a pretty large network. When there's an attack on one of us, we feel like it's an attack on all of us." (32:39)

4. Strategies for Support:

   She outlines actionable steps for listeners to support libraries, including renewing library cards, participating in summer reading programs, attending local library meetings, and advocating against censorship by contacting local councils.

   Notable Quote:
   "The most important thing that people can do is go and renew their library cards, check out books, actually use the library. The next thing they're going to go after is ebooks and audiobooks." (35:14)

5. Resilience and Hope:

   Despite ongoing challenges, Amanda remains steadfast in her commitment to defending free speech and ensuring that libraries remain accessible havens for knowledge and community.

   Notable Quote:
   "We must advocate with empathy... We have to measure our success and progress and not victory. Every time we renew our library cards and we download, that's progress." (38:02)

Amanda's Closing Thoughts:

Amanda inspires listeners with her resilience and unwavering dedication. She encapsulates the essence of community advocacy, urging everyone to take proactive steps in supporting libraries against the tide of censorship.

Final Quote:
"I hang on the words of Stacey Abrams, who said we must advocate with empathy. And so I will always advocate with empathy and try not to be hateful like they are to me." (38:14)

Conclusion

This episode of Selected Shorts masterfully intertwines Roxane Gay's evocative storytelling with a powerful real-world discussion on the importance of protecting free speech and access to literature. Through Jessica Hecht's heartfelt reading and Amanda Jones's courageous advocacy, listeners are reminded of the profound impact that stories and dedicated individuals have in shaping and safeguarding our cultural landscape.

Notable Credits:

• Performed by: Jessica Hecht
• Produced by: Jennifer Brennan and Mary Shimpkin
• Producer/Editor: Kim Colleen Pelissier
• Recorded at: Symphony Space, New York City by Miles B. Smith
• Consulting Producer: Matthew Love
• Theme Song: Poddington Bear

For more enriching stories and discussions, tune in to Selected Shorts every Thursday, presented by Symphony Space.