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Boston Globe
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Under Trump, book bans have gone federal. Some readers are fighting back.
Write to us at . To subscribe, . TODAY'S STARTING POINT An MIT professor's study of lyric poetry in Elizabethan England, a children's book about a freckled 7-year-old girl, and Vice President JD Vance's best-selling memoir about his working-class roots would seem to have little in common. Yet they all appear to have gotten swept up in the Trump administration's efforts to restrict Americans' access to certain books. Book bans in the US predate the founding of the country. The first known instance was in 1637 in what is now Quincy, Mass. Most efforts to remove books from libraries and school curriculums are usually at the state and local level, hashed out in legislatures, town council meetings, and school board elections. But the Trump administration's various efforts to make them a priority of the federal government is novel. Advertisement 'It's a definite escalation,' Sabrina Baêta, who researches book bans and censorship at PEN America, a free-expression nonprofit. Today's newsletter explains the administration's efforts and how some are resisting them. Flying off the shelves Most directly, the Trump administration The administration says the culling reflects Advertisement The Defense Department has also allegedly removed or placed under review hundreds of books from the PreK-12 schools it runs for the children of service members in the US and abroad. According to '1984,' George Orwell's classic about a government that censors information and polices language. Why officials would have pulled some of those books for review, including Vance's, isn't clear. A spokeswoman for the Department of Defense Education Activity, which oversees Pentagon-run schools, said she couldn't comment 'as this matter is currently the subject of active litigation.' But for Baêta, of PEN America, the notion that a Trump order could end up removing a book by his own vice president 'speaks to the pernicious nature of censorship.' Trying to stifle certain topics, she said, inevitably sucks in ideas that even proponents might not find objectionable. Arguments in the ACLU's case are scheduled for early next month. The administration's actions could also make it harder for other Americans to access books. In March, President Trump signed an executive order that aimed to gut the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which provides federal grants to libraries around the country. A judge has Advertisement Trump The next chapter But the administration's efforts, and ongoing attempts in many states and localities to limit access to certain books, have triggered a response from free-speech advocates. Most Americans Advertisement Book bans can also turn reading itself into an act of resistance. Last fall, the ACLU's Massachusetts branch started Of course, some books do contain information that every kid may not be ready to read. 'The Kite Runner' depicts horrible violence and child abuse and those under 18 needed a parent's permission join the ACLU of Massachusetts' book club to read it. But Baêta argues that engaging with challenging subjects in a classroom, in a book club, or with a parent is better than encountering them for the first time in the real world. 'We don't want students to be coming across uncomfortable topics in their lives for the first time in real life,' she said. 'We want that to be in a book. What softer introduction is there?' 🧩 4 Down: POINTS OF INTEREST The MBTA has said it needs at least $25 billion for repairs, far more than it's budgeting. Lane Turner/Globe Staff Boston and Massachusetts Harvard connection: House Republicans accused the university of having 'hosted and trained' members of a Chinese paramilitary organization and demanded the school turn over information Scathing: The state auditor accused Governor Maura Healey's administration Nuts and bolts: The MBTA's board of directors approved a $9.8 billion budget for construction projects that Karen Read: Her defense attorney continued to cross-examine a digital forensics analyst over his credentials and School's in: The state education board voted to require trade schools to Trump administration Deportations: The administration appears to have begun deporting migrants to South Sudan, a war-torn African country, despite a court order. ( Another one? Shortly after ending a probe into New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the administration is investigating former NY governor Andrew Cuomo, the front-runner to replace Adams, over testimony Cuomo gave to Congress. ( Local resistance: Massachusetts residents RFK Jr.: Trump's health secretary Not quite: A Democratic senator asked Kristi Noem, Trump's homeland security secretary, to define habeas corpus, which protects against wrongful detention. Noem said it lets the president remove people from the US. ( No tax on tips: The Senate unexpectedly passed a bill that would create a tax deduction for workers who earn tips, a Trump campaign promise. It now goes to the House. ( The Nation and the World SCOTUS vs. Maine: The US Supreme Court ordered the Maine House to restore a conservative lawmaker's right to speak and vote on the floor. The House had censured her for posting a transgender minor's name and photo online. ( George Wendt: The actor who earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for his performance as Norm Peterson on the NBC comedy 'Cheers' died at age 76. ( Diddy trial: The mother of Cassie Ventura, Sean Combs's former girlfriend, testified that she photographed bruises Combs allegedly left on her daughter. ( BESIDE THE POINT 🎓 Valedictory: Across New England, graduating high school athletes 💬 Talker: Nobody's spoken the Proto-Indo-European language in 4,000 years, but billions speak one descended from it. A new book explains how it spread around the world. ( Advertisement ☀️ Fun in the sun: From parades to the ice cream trail, consider these nine ways to 📱 Hear that? If Siri eavesdropped on you sometime over the last decade, Apple might owe you money. ( ⛳ Second wind: Burnt out, he decided to play every golf course in Massachusetts. 📸 Authorial dispute: Who really took the famous 'napalm girl' photograph during the Vietnam War? A new documentary upends the official story. ( 🎵 Fan guide: Here's what's new at this year's Thanks for reading Starting Point. This newsletter was edited by ❓ Have a question for the team? Email us at ✍🏼 If someone sent you this newsletter, you can 📬 Delivered Monday through Friday. Ian Prasad Philbrick can be reached at
Vogue
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Does Sarah Jessica Parker Really Read Two Books a Day?
A very chic, 2025-era update to those Get Caught Reading posters that used to adorn everyone's local library dropped on social media this week: And Just Like That… star (and book imprint-haver) Sarah Jessica Parker shared with Page Six that she's currently reading two books a day in preparation to judge the Booker Prize. 'It's intense to be reading (that number of books), the volume is kind of hard to convey, what it's like to have as many books we are given the opportunity to read in a month…it's quite something,' Parker said. (Appropriately, she disclosed this information at…the PEN America Literary Gala.) X content This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. While her claim has given rise to some skepticism on social media—God forbid a woman have hobbies! Or access to audiobooks on set!—I'm going to trot out one of my extremely few childhood talents and say that it is most definitely possible to get through a book (or more) in a day. I've been speed-reading since I was a weird, undiagnosed-ADHD only child, to the point that my parents used to quiz me after I raced through the latest Pretty Little Liars installment they'd just bought me at Barnes & Noble to see if I'd retained literally any of it. Although I regularly failed those quizzes and continue to struggle with attention to detail, I still read quickly, especially if I have plenty of time on my hands and genuine interest in the topic. (Parker, for her part, acknowledged to Page Six that, with Season 3 of AJLT in the can, she knew that she 'had a different kind of time available to me, to read morning till night.') That said: Is it the most pleasant way to read? Definitely not; the last time I actually set the challenge of reading four books in a matter of days (all Sally Rooney novels, to research a piece I was writing), I did manage it—but eventually my head hurt and my mind swam and by the time I was done, I wished desperately to be numbed out in front of reality television.
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sarah Jessica Parker sparks fierce debate after VERY awkward chat about Jenna Ortega on the red carpet
Sarah Jessica Parker awkwardly shut down a question about Jenna Ortega on the red carpet after being asked to talk about the young star's dress. The 60-year-old Sex and the City actress was stopped by Associated Press at the 2025 PEN America Literary Gala last week, where she was probed about the Wednesday star taking inspiration by wearing the Christian Dior dress made famous by her television character Carrie Bradshaw. Initially, however, Sarah was eager to shut down the question and instead focus on books and reading. The interviewer asked: 'Jenna Ortega wore the Sex and the City dress from season three...' But Sarah cut him off halfway through, asking: 'Why don't you want to talk about reading and books and PEN?' After some awkward back and forth, she then asked him to repeat the question: 'I didn't know that. Wait, so say that again.' 'She wore the season three dress,' the interviewer tried again. 'The Dior from Sex and the City... ' 'The season three dresses? There was like 100,000 dresses,' Sarah quipped. 'Well, it was one of the Dior dresses... she was very proud to wear that,' the journalist continued. 'Aww, I'm sure she looked perfect,' Sarah responded. Social media users were divided over the viral moment with many arguing that Sarah was not being rude and hadn't been given sufficient context of the dress in question. They also pointed out that she had been attending a gala with a clear mission to defend free speech and celebrate writers. One said: 'She felt the question was undermining the credibility of the event and I agree. She's a very intelligent woman not just a clothes horse.' 'She is fighting for libraries to stay open,' another wrote. A third continued: 'She wasn't rude they gave her zero context.' 'He literally could've just said newspaper dress and she immediately would've known what he was talking about,' another commented. Jenna's vintage look was pulled from Christian Dior's Fall/Winter 2000 collection by John Galliano. It was made famous in part by Sarah, who wore in a season three episode of HBO's Sex and the City 'Why would she care?' asked a fifth. Another added: 'The newspaper dress! He could gave described it better. Carrie wore a lot of CD.' 'Sir it's called the newspaper dress,' a seventh remarked. An eighth asked: 'I mean what is she supposed to say? it's a dress he couldn't even describe right and she's there to support a public service.' 'She's a huge advocate for the libraries in NYC which aren't even open on weekends. Sad world. It looks like she's at a literature event so yeah I would be confused why she's getting asked about another celeb that's not even there.' On May 12, Jenna called back to the early aughts at the Hurry Up Tomorrow premiere in New York City. The 22-year-old sensation showed off her petite figure in a slinky, low-cut 'newspaper' mini dress covered in article clippings. Her vintage look was pulled from Christian Dior's Fall/Winter 2000 collection by John Galliano. It was made famous in part by Sarah Jessica Parker, who wore it in a season three episode of HBO's Sex and the City. Kim Kardashian and Emily Ratajkowski wore iterations of the piece in 2019 and 2022 respectively. Jenna accessorized with subtle, understated gold jewelry and flashed a nude pink manicure. Her chocolatey brunette locks, cut into a long bob, were parted down the middle with the ends curled slightly.
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sarah Jessica Parker mercilessly mocked after baffling fans with wild claim about reading
Sarah Jessica Parker has ignited suspicion after making a bold claim about how many books she reads a day. In the lead up to this year's Booker Prize in November, in which she is serving as a judge, the 60-year-old Sex in the City actress shared shocking insight into her preparation. Speaking to Page Six at the PEN America Literary Gala, Sarah revealed that she is currently reading up to two books a day. 'It's intense to be reading [that number of books], the volume is kind of hard to convey, what it's like to have as many books we are given the opportunity to read in a month… it's quite something,' she told the outlet. She continued to the publication: 'I didn't do it last year because I knew I was shooting and doing the series [ And Just Like That ], and I knew this year I had a different kind of time available to me, to read morning till night. 'Any opportunity that exists to read, I'm reading.' Sarah's admission has sparked suspicion amongst dubious social media users, who have questioned the size of the books she is reading. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one said: 'They must be audiobooks or really short books cause how do you even have that much time?' Another simply asked: 'Do they have pictures and large text?' 'How is this possible to do whilst living life?' asked a third. Another said: 'Must be really short books or audiobooks because who can read THAT MUCH?' Others were blown away by Sarah's dedication and applauded her for her efforts. 'Wow, a true bookworm - SJP's got the Booker on lock!' said one. 'That's dedication!' another swooned. 'A true book lover and the perfect choice for a Booker Prize judge.' 'Damn, I wish I could be a celebrity to have enough time on my hands to be able to read two books a day,' continued a third. 'That's impressively dedicated!' added another. 'Reading two books a day isn't just commitment — it's literary athleticism. Sarah Jessica Parker treating Booker Prize judging like an Olympic sport is iconic.' Sarah's love of reading has long been documented - and is clear to see from just a quick glance at her Instagram page where she frequently uploads pictures of her favorite reads. It was announced in December that Sarah would be judging the prestigious British literary award, the Booker Prize. She will join authors Ayòbámi Adébáyò, Kiley Reid and Chris Power on the panel. Speaking to the New York Times at the time, Sarah said that she would be dedicating all of her time to reading. 'It's good timing because I'm not on a set, but I will carve out every moment I can,' she shared. 'My mother is the reason that me and my siblings are all readers. 'When I was little she would drive car pool, and she always had a book open on her lap underneath the steering wheel, and at the red light, she would look down and read and wait for the car behind her to honk to tell her to go again. 'So that was how I grew up. Any opportunity to read, even if it's for two minutes, I'll take it.'
USA Today
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Sarah Jessica Parker, Taye Diggs warn against threats to free speech, libraries
Sarah Jessica Parker, Taye Diggs warn against threats to free speech, libraries NEW YORK – The book world's most creative minds gathered under a giant whale. It sounds like the start of a joke, but the evening's tone was anything but. At a PEN America's star-studded literary gala, hosted by comedian Amber Ruffin in the Natural History Museum's ocean room, the evening's unofficial theme was freedom of expression, or rather, the threatened state of it. The night's biggest speeches came from actors Sarah Jessica Parker and Taye Diggs, Wesleyan University President Michael S. Roth, author Jodi Picoult and PEN America President and author Jennifer Finney Boylan. All spoke about the Trump administration's recent actions targeting free speech, diversity, equity and inclusion and public libraries. 'As writers, we also know that the most important part of our work is not the first draft, but the revisions. So I can tell you plainly, Donald Trump will not be the author of the final draft of this country,' Boylan said. Sarah Jessica Parker 'enraged' about threat to public libraries Parker was honored with a PEN/Audible Literary Service Honoree for her work as a lifelong reader, stewardess of literature and now publisher with her SJP imprint. She's also an executive producer of the 2025 documentary 'The Librarians,' which follows librarians across the country fighting back against targeted efforts to ban and challenge library books. In her acceptance speech, Parker said she was 'enraged' at rising book bans but 'incredibly moved by the librarians and advocates pushing back, like the freedom fighters who are standing up to the right to read, often at great personal risk." She continued, 'To censor books is to limit imagination, curiosity, connection, empathy and inspiration. Libraries aren't just buildings with shelves, they are a beacon. They are warm in the winter and cool in summer, and they are sanctuaries of possibility. They are the heartbeat of a neighborhood.' Jodi Picoult, Taye Diggs speak about their banned books Broadway and film actor Diggs, in introducing honoree and Macmillan CEO Jon Yaged, talked about his own experience with censorship as a children's book author. Diggs is the author of five picture books, including 'Chocolate Me!', 'Mixed Me!' and 'Why? A Conversation about Race,' which focus on 'being proud of your identity, what it means to be a true friend and having empathy for others," he said. 'Not too controversial right? Unfortunately, that's not the case. Several of my books have been banned or challenged in districts around the country for the crime of being too multicultural,' Diggs said. Picoult, the evening's gala cochair, is the author of dozens of bestselling novels, including 'Nineteen Minutes.' The novel follows the aftermath of a school shooting and currently stands as the most frequently banned book in the country, according to PEN America's 2023-2024 report. 'Margaret Atwood notwithstanding, I don't think many writers could dream up an America as dystopian and dysfunctional as it is right now,' Picoult said. 'I also know that many of us in this room who are authors, stand at a crossroads, where we understand that in a climate such as this, it is the artists who will lead the opposition, powerful stories and films and plays and translations that will spark readers to resist authoritarianism and to prevent history from repeating itself. We need our publishers and our booksellers to stand with us, and most of all, we need an organization like PEN to unify and protect us on the front lines of this ideological battle.' Picoult praised the nonprofit organization for standing behind marginalized authors. PEN America has a history of legal action against attempted censorship, including a 2018 case against Trump to prevent censorship of the press and the more recent federal lawsuit challenging book restrictions and removals in Florida. More recently, PEN America compiled a list of more than 350 words that have been limited or removed from government websites and documents, including 'abortion,' 'women,' 'disability,' 'climate' and 'race.' PEN also honored imprisoned poet Galal El-Behairy with the PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write award. The Egyptian poet and activist was detained in 2018 on charges of terrorism, 'spreading false news' and 'insulting the Egyptian army' with his song 'Balaha' and poetry book 'The Finest Women on Earth.' 'In a time when many progressive organizations are buckling under the bullying of administration that uses threats and funding cuts to ensure obedience, PEN has done the opposite,' Picoult said. 'It's gotten louder, stronger, fiercer.' New books to read this summer: Most anticipated releases for 2025's hottest months Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY's Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you're reading at cmulroy@
