Christine and Jessica discuss Kindred by Octavia E. Butler. This seminal work explores the idea that we are always connected to our national and familial past--in this case, literally. As they discuss, many of the concepts in The Handmaid's Tale that are apocalyptic possibilities--oppressive treatment of women, forced pregnancies, restricting the right to read and write--are all things that actually happened to Black women in US history. This book (among many others) is a necessary addition to the conversation about preserving the freedom to read for everyone. Plus, this book is just so dang good!

"The Beautiful and Banned" is produced by Jessica Goudeau and Christine Renee Miller. Follow us on social media: @beautifulandbannedpod, @christinereneemiller, and @jessica_goudeau.

Read Jessica's latest book, We Were Illegal: Uncovering a Texas Family's Mythmaking and Migration.

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Our co-producer, Rob Heath, wrote and performed our theme music. Kalin Siegwalddesigned our logo. Steph Karpuek is our amazing podcast assistant. This is A Sisters By Different Misters Production.

Join us next week as Christine and Jessica recap the year in the season finale!

Episode 13 Links:

• Bio of Octavia Estelle Butler
• Buy Kindred by Octavia Butler
• "Octavia Butler's Science Fiction Predicted the World We Live In," New York Times
• Book banning in prisons, Equal Justice Initiative
• Jessica's last event of 2024 at BookWoman in Austin, Texas on December 15

We'd love to hear from you! Send us a text to suggest books, plays, films, or guests, or just share your thoughts!