Holey, Wholly, Holy

Banned Book Club – Update!

The stars provided a bright backdrop as the ship raced through space. The crew was diverse in nature and worked well with one another as they navigated the stars. The planet Zor was coming into view and the crew couldn’t wait to explore the land and meet the people. It was said that they had the most incredible food to sample! As the ship came toward the docking station you could feel the excitement in the air. One of the greatest gifts was the moment the door opened and the crew was transported into another place and time.

There was a knock on the door, interrupting our play and abruptly returning us to planet Earth. Mom was calling us to come in and wash up for dinner. Our disappointment was palpable as our, “Aw, mom! Not yet!” whines were met with, “Tomorrow is another day to play.”

Reading other peoples’ memoirs offers a unique glimpse into someone’s life. The story above is a foundational part of my growing up years. As you read you can learn more about me by asking these questions: Who is important in the story? How do they relate to the world around them? What has impacted them in a way that shapes who they are today? How might I relate to a piece of their story?

We have been reading books that have been banned in certain areas and discussing their impact. Our next book is “Not All Boys are Blue” by George M. Johnson. This memoir explores budding personality, sexuality, hidden identity, being Black and queer, and growing in a space that accepts you for who you are while continuing to hold a piece of yourself back from the outside world – and maybe even yourself.

We invite you to read the book and join us on Tuesday, February 13 from 7:00-8:30 to share how George’s life may intersect with our own and explore why this memoir may be banned – and why it shouldn’t be.

If you’d like to join us, please contact me at revjodietz@gmail.com for the link to our Zoom gathering. We’d love to have you join in the conversation!