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. Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004. Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on X/Twitter@WritersVoice. 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...