Jody Picoult, a bestselling author, is working on a stage adaptation of "The Book Thief" and discusses the project. She highlights the collaborative effort and the powerful themes of the story set in Nazi Germany. Additionally, Picoult mentions that her books have been banned in multiple U.S. school districts due to objections from a small number of individuals, sparking concerns about censorship and the need for vigilance in protecting free expression.
Sure, here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The guest is a best-selling author who has sold over 40 million books worldwide.
2. The author's name is Jody Picoult.
3. Jody Picoult is heading on tour with a stage adaptation of "The Book Thief."
4. "The Book Thief" is not one of Jody Picoult's own books; it's an adaptation of someone else's work.
5. The writing team for the adaptation includes Jody Picoult, Cola Bredis, Tim McDonald, Elisa Samsel, and Kate Anderson.
6. They chose to adapt "The Book Thief" because they all love the story, which sold 14 million copies worldwide.
7. "The Book Thief" is about a young girl's journey in Nazi Germany, living with a foster family that is hiding a Jew in their basement.
8. The story emphasizes the power of words to harm, heal, and inspire.
9. The stage adaptation received positive feedback from the original author, Markus Zusak.
10. Jody Picoult spent five weeks in the UK for rehearsals of the musical adaptation.
11. The show is described as a callback to epic musicals of the 80s, with a social consciousness element.
12. The musical aims to convey the message of finding light in darkness through a child's perspective and the power of individuals to change the world.
13. Jody Picoult's books have been banned in approximately 41 different school districts in the United States.
14. The bans are attributed to objections raised by 11 individuals, leading to removals of books from school libraries.
15. The objections are primarily based on content considered mature, particularly in the book "19 Minutes," which addresses a school shooting.
16. Jody Picoult finds it perplexing that some controversial merchandise, like school shooter jerseys, is considered acceptable for children.
17. The author emphasizes the importance of vigilance in protecting intellectual freedom and using our voices for good.