Essential Books by Iranians Available in English: A Reading List
This reading list celebrates the works of Iranian writers amid the obstacles facing the dissemination and promotion of Iranian voices, particularly those that are subversive. More
Form, Fact, and Fiction: A PEN Out Loud Reading List
Curated by PEN America’s Literary Programs Department, this reading list highlights books and complementary titles from our signature PEN Out Loud event series. More
DARE TO SPEAK Confronts Tensions Roiling Debate Over Free Speech
Now more than ever we need a clear, concise guide to cut through the noise and explain what it will take to defend free speech in a diverse, digitized,… More
The PEN Pod: On The Importance of Centering Marginalized Narratives with Jaquira Díaz
“I would hope that they would find in my story that my story was not unique, that so many of us go through this suffering in silence.” More
The PEN Pod: Writing as Witness with Wayétu Moore
“Representation is important—not just what’s on the page, but who’s holding the pen.” More
The PEN Pod: Looking Through Time with Rebecca Makkai
“Look at the ways that the American healthcare system, in times of crisis, exacerbates the fissures that are already there, the inequalities that are already there.” More
The PEN Pod: Letting Go of Our Illusions with Charles Yu
“This moment and what I think will be the aftermath of it for a long time, is to actually make very real what has felt real for a long… More
The PEN Pod: Creating Inner Worlds with Deborah Feldman
“Use this opportunity to learn to create this rich inner self and this inner world, because later. . . those skills will remain very valuable.” More
The PEN Pod: Singing About Dark Times with Carolyn Forché
“People have always turned to poetry in moments of extremity, because poetry arises—it’s deeply sourced, it’s memorable, it’s musical, and it offers us awareness.” More
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As we approach #BannedBooksWeek, PEN America is dedicated to fighting against censorship. Make your gift and support the #FreedomToWrite today. https://bit.ly/3i1gy6F
Political rhetoric from Trump & the US AG is trickling down, bolstering federal prosecutorial efforts to build a national police power and to impose extreme penalties on protesters. Penalties for First Amendment activity have risen since Trump took office. https://www.npr.org/2020/09/27/917424823/critics-say-federal-prosecutors-are-pushing-the-envelope-with-protest-charges