Welcome to the Velshi Band Book Club. I'm Ali Velshi. In the very first meeting of this season, we examine two books that most every single American reads, 1984 by George Orwell and The Giver by Lois Lowry. These are books that

punctuate the American school system, the giver in elementary school, and 1984 in high school.

I wanted to continue to explore the idea that there are some indelible books that unite us.

The idea that there are books that have a,

remember where you were, power? The idea that these books conjure up the same feelings from the

first read, every single read. The idea that some books come into your life at just the right

time. These works of literature are rites of passage.

We are looking at two important and enduring rites of passage today.

Bridge to Terabithia with Catherine Patterson,

and perks of being a wallflower by Stephen Chibosky.

Let's start chronologically with the story you read first.

Bridge to Terribithia.

Ten-year-old Jess Arons has a new neighbor.

Her name is Leslie Burke, and she's just moved to their rural Virginia town from Arlington.

She's imaginative, bullied for being shy, and the only person who can beat Jess in a running race.

Jess is able to confide in Leslie.

He tells her about his dream to become an artist, despite his father's disapproval, the

financial challenges his family faces, and his own insecurities.

They become best friends and build a magical, imaginary world in the woods behind their

homes that only they know about.

They call it Terabithia.

One day, Jess is invited to go to an art museum with his favorite teacher and can't play with Leslie after school.

...