Nov 9

Nov 9 Episode #131: Chop Suey: Blind Juries, Bad Art Friend, and Self Censorship

Welcome to another Chop Suey episode! Grace and Alvina have an odds and ends episode where they discuss a Northampton art gallery controversy involving a blind jury, the New York Times Magazine article "Who is the Bad Art Friend", and when self censorship is a good thing. Also, Alison Morris stops by with some holiday gift shopping book recommendations.

THNAK YOU! We have new patrons: Marie and Jill! We appreciate your support! Please check out the Book Friends Forever Patreon page.

“How have you been?”

Alvina had a lovely visit in Northampton to see Grace and their friends Libby and Anna. She invited her friend and author, Katrina Goldsaito to meet the crew and introduce everyone. Katrina is the author of “Sound of Silence”, illustrated by Julia Kuo.

Alvina is also preparing for the focus meeting at work for Fall 2022!

Grace had a great time with her visitors but also realized she’s not used to being so social and busy again! She is adjusting to her daughter’s new school schedule.

TOPIC #1: A Northampton story of interest!

The Northampton Arts Council decided to cancel their visual art and poetry Biennial this year due to some controversy. To get into the exhibit, you have to submit your work to a blind jury. This year, a piece of art was accepted that depicted Native Americans as ghosts. Several local Indigenous artists raised their concerns over the piece and this sparked a huge debate over blind juries and entrance into art shows. Grace and Alvina discuss the pros and cons of blind juries. Grace mentions that Maya Lin thinks she may not have been chosen for the Vietnam Memorial had it not been a blind entry. It is a complicated topic! (Grace has been working on her Maya Lin biography for the She Persisted Chapter Book Series.)

TOPIC #2: “Who is the Bad Art Friend?”

The Book Friends discuss the viral New York Times Magazine article, “Who is the Bad Art Friend?”. It is a nearly ten-thousand-word feature about the ethics of artistic appropriation. Who has the right to who’s story? Read all about Dorland vs. Larson here.

TOPIC #3: Revisiting self censorship:

Grace and Alvina talk about sensitivity vs. authenticity. Grace mentions her book, Starry River of the Sky.

Book Recommendations with Alison Morris!

Getting into the holiday spirit with early shopping in mind, Alison Morris recommends some wonderful books for various ages.

For babies and toddlers:

For Pre-K and Lower Elementary:

6942f949-dbaa-4c00-a3ab-65751f6638a2.ab30dfa53860a4673139659ef03f51e2.jpeg

Chapter books and young graphic novels:

For animal and science lovers:

3rd/4th graders and bridging into Middle Grade novels:

Middle Grade novels:

For teens:

GRATEFULS!

Grace is grateful that she didn’t have any sushi leftovers from hosting her friends and that the cheese class has worked out for her husband’s 50th birthday celebration!

Alvina is grateful for her Northampton friendships!

*If you’re a patron, don’t forget to check out this week’s Random Questions feed! Authors Susan Tan and Grace Lin answer the random question What Is The One Food That You Would Never Give Up? Click here to listen! If you’re not a patron already, join today!

Thank you for tuning in! Thank you to Hachette Audio, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, and Alex at Pacyworks Studio for producing and editing this podcast. Be sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and tell a friend about us. (Use the hashtag #bookfriendsforever.)