New Episode: Sister Outsider, #DisruptTexts, and the power of language
we've got some TED Talks for you today!
Hey, listeners!
Today we’re discussing Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde. This collection of essays, speeches, and other writings is highly discussable and totally re-readable. We loved diving into this seminal Black Feminist text, though our conversation today barely scratches the surface of all there is to learn from Lorde’s ideas, language, and poetry.
At the very end of our episode, we brought up a harmful Wall Street Journal article about #DisruptTexts. We didn’t want to share the link in show notes without any framing, but this feels like a good place to share it, along with a response from the #DisruptTexts team.
The article (which we want to be clear, we do NOT agree with): Even Homer Gets Mobbed. The response: January 2021 Statement. And then, the Wall Street Journal published ANOTHER condescending article: Woke Teachers Don’t Understand the Classics.
We share these links in support of #DisruptTexts and their mission and to keep our listeners tuned in to the conversations that educators and stakeholders are having around the classics. Maybe we’ll discuss this more in-depth in a Patreon bonus episode this spring.
In the meantime, more links to peruse this week:
Three TED Talks to watch after reading Sister Outsider: the urgency of intersectionality, how language shapes the way we think, and get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
And books to read: 21 books for budding Black feminists, 19 Black feminist books you need in your library, and 13 must-read books for Black feminists in training.
And more from #DistruptTexts: Recommended Reading (and Teaching)
Some of our links are Bookshop affiliate links. We earn a small commission when you make a purchase using these links (plus, you support independent bookstores).
Coming up:
Next week is another installment of Short Story Club. We’ll be discussing “The Hunter’s Wife” by Anthony Doerr, a wintry, atmospheric, and magical story that’s highly discussable. Feel free to read along and let us know what you think!
This month, we’re also discussing 84 Charing Cross Road and books about books. Behind the scenes, we’re working on Patreon content and looking ahead to our spring season (already!). We have exciting things in store, and we’re so grateful for your reviews, messages, and continued support.
Reading Updates:
Sara posted her December reading wrap-up, which included one of her most-anticipated 2021 releases, an ode to Mary Bennet, and a book for her inner “mythology girl.”
Chelsey picked up her library holds. Among them: a book she’s going to recommend to Sara, a sweeping family story, and a charming cookbook.
Where to find us:
Download episodes of Novel Pairings wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Check out our blog for bonus pairings, reading tips, and book recommendations. Find Chelsey at @chelseyreads or @hereadsheread. Find Sara at @fictionmatters and her newsletter. We love hearing what you’re reading, so tag us in your #bookstagram posts!
We declare after all, there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book!
Have a great week!
Chelsey & Sara
P.S. We’re excited to keep partnering with Libro.fm to offer you two audiobooks for the price of one. Just click this link to get two audiobooks for $15 all while supporting the pod and independent bookstores!