Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 4 Ch 22-25 -Ari’s Adventures with Legs and Letters

Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship

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In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapters 22-25 of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari reflects on his reluctance to join his parents at a wedding dance, leading to a tense encounter with Charlie Escobedo. From awkward adolescent moments to a discussion about whether Ari’s dog Legs might secretly be a psychiatrist, this episode offers deeper reflections on family and identity.

Things To Listen For:

• Dan and Jennifer's banter about wedding cookies—do they really serve those at Mexican weddings?
• Ari’s uncomfortable yet telling encounter with Charlie Escobedo, including Dan’s funny attempt at a Spanish insult in an Italian accent.
• The significance of Ari finding an old envelope with his brother’s name on it and what it could mean for his family’s secrets.
• A deep dive into Ari’s complex feelings about family, identity, and his place in the world, punctuated by Jennifer’s joke that Ari’s dog might have a PhD.

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Disclaimer:
This podcast, Banned Camp, features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment in accordance with fair use guidelines. The material used from the book "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. We do not claim any ownership over the original work, and all copyrights remain with the original copyright holder. We strongly encourage listeners to purchase copies of the discussed works to appreciate them in their original context fully.

This podcast is not endorsed by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, his estate, or the publishers of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe." Any monetization of the podcast is separate and not derived directly from the copyrighted material discussed. Our intent is to engage in, promote, and support critical and educational discourse around these works within the framework of fair use.

Topics Covered:
wedding cookies, Mexican traditions, family secrets, cultural identity, adolescence, banned books, drug use, censorship