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In this intense episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapters 4-6 of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.

Ari’s rage boils over as he confronts one of Dante’s attackers, taking justice into his own hands. Emotions run high as Ari struggles to make sense of his violent actions and their consequences.

Things To Listen For:

• Ari's shocking confrontation with one of Dante’s attackers.
• Jennifer and Dan’s humorous debate on whether or not Ari’s actions were justified.
• Robot’s take on the correct pronunciation of “Julián.”
• Comparisons to past protagonists like Ponyboy from The Outsiders and Dill from To Kill a Mockingbird.
• A deep dive into Ari’s emotional conflict and his relationship with his family.

Banworthy to Bingeworthy:

• Velshi Banned Book Club: Dive into insightful conversations with authors of banned books as Ali Velshi explores the themes and controversies behind these powerful stories. Listen on Apple Podcasts.
• Nevermorphed: A hilarious journey through the Animorphs series as a millennial revisits the books that defined a generation. Listen on Apple Podcasts.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:
Enjoying our deep dives into banned books? Please rate, review, and follow Banned Camp on Apple Podcasts to stay updated on our latest episodes. Your support helps us reach more scary book people like you!

Featured Clips:
A special thanks to How to Pronounce Julian (Spanish) by Julien Miquel on YouTube for helping us get the pronunciation of “Julián” just right. Check out the video here.

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 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:
Ari’s anger, confronting bullies, Dante’s attackers, violence and consequences, family dynamics, loyalty, identity, masculinity, emotional conflict.

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In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan delve into the turbulent emotions that follow Ari and his father’s intense trip to Tucson. As they return to El Paso amidst stormy weather, Ari wrestles with unsettling thoughts and a haunting dream that blurs the line between good and bad. Meanwhile, something unexpected and heartbreaking is about to unfold for Dante, testing the strength of his friendship with Ari and the boundaries of courage and identity. Join Jennifer and Dan as they explore these powerful chapters, filled with emotional highs and lows, while hinting at a looming revelation that will change everything.

Things To Listen For:

• The contrasting calm and chaos as Ari and his father drive back home through a storm—symbolic of Ari’s inner turmoil.
• An unusual dream Ari has involving his father and brother, and what it reveals about his feelings.
• Ari’s struggle to understand his own emotions, from confusion to longing, and his complicated relationship with Dante.
• The tense and poignant conversation between Ari and Mr. Quintana—Dante’s father—foreshadowing a significant turning point.
• Jennifer and Dan’s take on how difficult topics like identity and self-acceptance play a crucial role in the book’s narrative.
• A lighthearted Robot segment that analyzes the prevalence of “babushkas” in literature and folklore.

Banworthy to Bingeworthy:
For a deeper dive into the rise of book bans and the authors behind banned books, check out the Velshi Banned Book Club podcast. This thought-provoking series tackles why certain books are targeted and what these stories reveal about societal issues. Find them on your favorite podcast app here.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:
Enjoying Banned Camp? Help us fight censorship and keep the conversation going! Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to show your support. Every review helps us reach more listeners and continue exploring these important banned books.

Featured Clips:
Featured clips include a brief segment from the song “Babooshka” by Kate Bush, produced by Jon Kelly and distributed by EMI Records. All rights and copyrights are the property of their respective owners and are used here for entertainment and educational purposes under fair use guidelines. No copyright infringement intended.

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:
Ari and Dante, friendship, family dynamics, identity, self-discovery, storm symbolism, emotional conflict, censorship, banned books, LGBTQ+ theme

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In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapters 14-18 of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari learns more about his family’s hidden secrets, including the revelation that his Aunt Ophelia lived with another woman, sparking a conversation about family acceptance and identity. As Ari navigates his grief, the desert storms reflect his internal emotional battles, and the mysteries of the universe feel ever more pressing. From talk of “lesbian lovers” to awkward family moments over fireworks and beer, this episode blends deep emotional moments with Jennifer and Dan's signature humor.

Things to Listen For:

• Ari discovers that his Aunt Ophelia lived with a woman, leading to speculation about her sexuality.
• Dan’s reaction to the phrase “lesbian lovers” and why it’s an awkward choice of words.
• How Ari’s parents finally open up about the family’s secrets, signaling a shift in their relationship.
• A comical breakdown of how small-minded relatives missed Ophelia’s funeral due to their judgmental attitudes.
• Jennifer and Dan’s thoughts on Ari’s first beer with his dad and their funny commentary on summer storms in the desert.

Banworthy to Bingeworthy:

• Velshi Banned Book Club: Join Ali Velshi as he interviews authors of banned books, exploring why these powerful stories face censorship. Listen on Apple Podcasts.
• Nevermorphed: A millennial's humorous journey to read the entire Animorphs series as an adult. Listen on Apple Podcasts.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:
If you’re enjoying Banned Camp, please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us reach more scary book people and continue uncovering the reasons behind banned books.

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 fully appreciate them in their original context.

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:
lesbian aunt, family secrets, summer storms, Aristotle’s emotions, Tucson house, desert rain, awkward family moments, book censorship, LGBTQ+ themes, grief, fireworks.