What if the book you're reading was considered illicit or banned somewhere in the world? Imagine a place where Alice in Wonderland and Captain Underpants are considered controversial. This episode of Spiritual Gumbo explores the power of reading and its role in our personal growth, literacy, and racial equity. We consider the intricate web of book banning, particularly in Georgia, touching upon titles like Lolita in Tehran and popular kids' literature - examining how such censorship affects us on both global and local scales.

How can reading promote literacy and racial equity? We reflect on this by invoking the wisdom of Martin E Mueller's famous quote about freedom of speech. Through the inspiring works of African American authors we discuss how books can serve as knowledge banks for our community.  Get ready for an episode that celebrates the power of reading and the freedom it embodies.