Velshi Banned Book Club - Episode: Reading Rites of Passage
Release Date: October 17, 2024
Host: Ali Velshi | Produced by: Hannah Holland

Introduction

In this poignant episode of MSNBC’s Velshi Banned Book Club, host Ali Velshi delves deep into the transformative power of literature as a rite of passage. The episode focuses on two seminal works: Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson and The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. Through in-depth conversations with these acclaimed authors, Velshi explores themes of friendship, loss, and the profound impact of banned books on young minds.

“Bridge to Terabithia” with Katherine Paterson

Overview of the Book

Bridge to Terabithia, a Newbery Award-winning novel, encapsulates the innocence and turmoil of childhood. The story follows 10-year-old Jess Aarons and his new friend Leslie Burke as they create an imaginary kingdom called Terabithia. Their bond is abruptly shattered when Leslie tragically drowns, forcing Jess to navigate his grief and the complexities of growing up.

Key Themes:

• Friendship and Imagination: The creation of Terabithia symbolizes the sanctuary that friendship provides against the harsh realities of life.
• Confronting Death: The sudden loss of Leslie introduces young readers to the inevitability of death in a sensitive manner.
• Personal Growth: Jess’s journey post-tragedy underscores resilience and the enduring impact of meaningful relationships.

Author Interview: Katherine Paterson

Katherine Paterson shares her heartfelt motivations behind writing Bridge to Terabithia. She emphasizes the importance of literature as a rehearsal for life’s inevitable challenges, particularly death.

• On Addressing Death in Children's Literature:

  “Books are a wonderful rehearsal for what you're going to have to meet in life, and we're all going to have to meet death.” (07:22)

Paterson recounts a moving story of a reader who found solace in her book after losing a best friend, highlighting the book’s profound emotional resonance.

• Impact of Personal Loss:

  “Bridge to Terabithia was written in reaction to the senseless death of Patterson's own son's best friend.” (01:10)

She defends her portrayal of faith and death against accusations of anti-Christian sentiments, asserting that authentic faith involves grappling with doubts and questions.

• On Faith and Conflict:

  “If we have real faith, then you're going to argue with God.” (09:03)

Paterson also delves into the centrality of friendship in the novel, illustrating how genuine connections provide strength and understanding.

• On Friendship:

  “Bridge to Terabithia is really actually as much about friendship and the power of friendship as it is about death.” (09:45)

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” with Stephen Chbosky

Overview of the Book

Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a seminal work capturing the essence of adolescent angst, mental health struggles, and the search for identity. Through letters written by the protagonist, Charlie, the novel navigates themes of friendship, love, loss, and the challenges of growing up.

Key Themes:

• Adolescent Anguish: The novel delves into the complexities of teenage emotions, societal pressures, and personal traumas.
• Mental Health: Addressing topics like suicide, rape, and sexual abuse, the book serves as a crucial dialogue starter on mental well-being.
• The Power of Friendship: Charlie’s relationships with Sam and Patrick provide a foundation for his personal growth and self-acceptance.

Author Interview: Stephen Chbosky

Chbosky discusses the profound impact his novel has had on readers, emphasizing the life-saving potential of relatable literature.

• On Receiving Life-Saving Letters:

  “I've received letters from young people that said that they were gonna commit suicide. And they read the book or in some cases, the movie, and they found it. And then they decided to choose life.” (21:34)

He reflects on the importance of cultural touchstones like music and literature in shaping young identities and providing comfort during turbulent times.

• On the Role of Music and Literature:

  “Music…when you're piecing together this mosaic that ultimately becomes your adult identity, these cultural touchstones are everything.” (19:19)

Chbosky also addresses the escalating trend of book banning, particularly of young adult novels, and its detrimental effects on vulnerable readers.

• On Book Banning:

  “Book banning and some of the stuff you were talking about earlier in the show about the democracy is this is a canary in the coal mine and we all know it.” (26:02)

He underscores the urgency of keeping such narratives accessible to provide solace and guidance to those in need.

• On the Life-Saving Nature of Literature:

  “This is the most banned books list. Yes. And… it is a matter of life and death.” (25:03)

Emotional Resonance

Chbosky shares a poignant letter from a young woman saved by his book, illustrating the tangible impact literature can have on individuals facing despair.

“...The Perks of Being a Wallflower gave me a reason to not kill myself. It made me think about everything... Thank you for giving me a chance to do so.” (22:06)

The Perils of Book Banning

Discussion with Literary Editor: Hannah Holland

Hannah Holland, the literary editor and producer of the Velshi Banned Book Club, joins the conversation to highlight the insidious effects of book banning.

• On the Importance of Unrestricted Access:

  “When you ban books, you are actively stifling discussions that help young people process complex emotions and experiences.” (29:24)

Ali Velshi on Reading as Resistance

Velshi articulates the concept of "reading as resistance," emphasizing that purchasing and reading banned books undermines censorship efforts.

• On Fighting Censorship Through Reading:

  “By reading these books and taking them out from the library or buying them from your local bookshop, you are actively stabbing off censorship.” (37:56)

Holland reinforces this notion, stating that continued support for authors and their works ensures that vital stories remain accessible.

• On Supporting Authors:

  “When you buy their books, it encourages them to write another book... They know they've got supporters.” (38:30)

Conclusion and Future Episodes

As the episode wraps up, Velshi and Paterson discuss the enduring relevance of these banned books and the collective responsibility to preserve literary freedoms. They highlight upcoming features, including an interview with Jacqueline Woodson about her acclaimed work Brown Girl Dreaming.

• Preview of Next Episode:

  “In the next episode of the Velshi Banned Book Club, we will feature just one critically important novel and an all-new interview. I'll be speaking with the former Young People's Poet Laureate Jacqueline Woodson on her magnum opus, Brown Girl Dreaming.” (38:56)

Key Takeaways

• Literature as a Lifeline: Both Bridge to Terabithia and The Perks of Being a Wallflower demonstrate how books can provide comfort, understanding, and a means to process difficult emotions.
• The Dangers of Censorship: Banning books removes essential tools for young people to navigate their personal struggles and diminishes their ability to engage in meaningful conversations.
• Collective Responsibility: Supporting banned books through reading and purchasing is a form of resistance against censorship, ensuring that vital stories remain available for future generations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Katherine Paterson on the Purpose of Books:

  “Books are a wonderful rehearsal for what you're going to have to meet in life, and we're all going to have to meet death.” (07:22)

• Paterson on Friendship:

  “Bridge to Terabithia is really actually as much about friendship and the power of friendship as it is about death.” (09:45)

• Stephen Chbosky on Letters Saving Lives:

  “I've received letters from young people that said that they were gonna commit suicide. And they read the book or in some cases, the movie, and they found it. And then they decided to choose life.” (21:34)

• Chbosky on Book Banning:

  “Book banning and some of the stuff you were talking about earlier in the show about the democracy is this is a canary in the coal mine and we all know it.” (26:02)

• Ali Velshi on Reading as Resistance:

  “By reading these books and taking them out from the library or buying them from your local bookshop, you are actively stabbing off censorship.” (37:56)

Final Thoughts

Reading Rites of Passage is a compelling episode that not only celebrates the enduring power of literature but also serves as a clarion call against the rising tide of censorship. Through heartfelt discussions with Katherine Paterson and Stephen Chbosky, along with insightful commentary from Hannah Holland, Velshi underscores the indispensable role books play in shaping resilient and empathetic individuals. As the Velshi Banned Book Club continues to spotlight critical works, it champions the notion that reading is indeed an act of resistance—preserving voices that inspire, heal, and transform.