Policing Women’s Bodies: Seema Yasmin, UNBECOMING + Jordan Elgrably, STORIES FROM THE CENTER OF THE WORLD

Writer's Voice with Francesca Rheannon

In this episode of Writer’s Voice, we sit down with Dr. Seema Yasmin to discuss her prescient YA novel, Unbecoming. Dr. Yasmin, a physician, journalist, and director of the Stanford Health Communication Initiative, brings her multifaceted expertise to the conversation. Her new book, set in a dystopian near-future America, explores the challenges faced by two teenage girls, Leila and Noor, as they navigate a society where abortion has been heavily restricted.

Listen to a clip from the interview on YouTube

Then, we talk with Jordan Elgrably, editor of a new collection of stories from the Middle East, Stories From The Center of The World. The stories originally appeared in the Markaz Review.

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Key words: abortion, reproductive rights, Seema Yasmin, Jordan Elgrably, Middle East, fiction, podcast, podcast, book recommendations, author interview, book podcast, book show, history, writer’s voice

Dr. Seema Yasmin

The Story Behind Unbecoming

• Inspiration for the novel, including real-world events and personal experiences.

• The setting of the novel in a dystopian Texas where abortion laws have become increasingly restrictive.

Themes and Real-World Connections

• The prescient nature of the novel given recent changes in abortion laws.

• The broader implications of controlling reproductive rights and bodily autonomy.

• The impact of these laws on various aspects of society, including IVF and fertility treatments

Personal Reflections and Broader Implications

• Dr. Yasmin’s thoughts on the current political climate and its impact on women’s rights.
• Reflections on the process of writing the novel over several years.

Book Bans and Censorship

• Discussion on the “soft bans” faced by “Unbecoming” and her children’s picture book, “The ABCs of Queer History.”
• Dr. Yasmin’s perspective on the power of literature to foster empathy and challenge the status quo.

Listen to an excerpt from UNBECOMING

Other Writer’s Voice Episodes About Abortion Rights

• Kerri Maher, All You Have To Do Is Call
• Celebrating Reproductive Choice
• Laura Kaplan, Jane
• Katha Pollitt, Pro
• Jennifer Haigh, Mercy Street

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Jordan Elgrably Explores the Rich Tapestry of Middle Eastern Literature

“If you look at maps of the U.S., you would think our American continents are the center of the world, but we are far away from the rest of the world… The moniker of center of the world probably applies better to the region we call the Middle East.” – Jordan ElGrably

Introduction

Host Francesca Rheannon sits down with Jordan Elgrably, editor of the new anthology, Stories from the Center of the World: New Middle East Fiction. The collection opens a window into the rich and diverse literary traditions of the Middle East, a region often misunderstood and underrepresented in Western literature. Jordan discusses the geopolitical implications of the term “Middle East,” the intricate cultural mosaic of the region, and the powerful narratives that give voice to its people.

Themes

• Elgrably explains the term “Middle East” and its political and historical connotations.
• Insight into the publisher’s decision to use the term despite its complexities.
• Exploration of the vast and diverse cultures within the Middle East.
• Discussion of the rich historical backdrop of the Middle East, including ancient civilizations and their contributions to global culture.
• Mention of historic events and agreements like the Sykes-Picot Agreement and their impact on the region.

Highlighted Stories from the collection

• Elgrably highlights several stories from the anthology, including “Asha and Haji” by Hanif Qureshi, which deals with themes of exile and immigration.
• Insights into Elgrably’s own story, “The Afghan and the Persian,” and its reflection on contemporary issues like illegal immigration and humanitarian efforts.

Personal and Professional Background

• Elgrably shares his journey as co-founder of the Markaz Review and his commitment to fostering Arab-Muslim-Christian and Jewish relations.
• Discussion of the mission of the Markaz Review and its role in promoting Middle Eastern literature.

Reflections on Current Events

• Elgrably offers his perspective on recent political events, including the ongoing Gaza conflict and its portrayal in Western media.
• Reflections on the challenges faced by Arab-Americans and the broader implications for international relations.