Restricted Reading

The most banned books of 2023. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( April 9, 2024 Good morning, and congrats to the NCAA Champions, UConn! We’ll start off with [the 10 most banned books of 2023]( — and the one thing a bunch of them have in common. Then, we’re sharing [a compelling case for switching your sleeping arrangement]( and [a rice recipe that supports longevity](. We’ve also got a look at yesterday’s awesome eclipse — and for even more environmental events, [sign up for Ripple Effect](, hitting inboxes later today. Here we go!   In the News [Books with caution tape over them]( Shutterstock/Getty Restricted Reading The nonprofit American Library Association just released its list of the most challenged books — and a majority of them have LGBTQ+ motifs or characters. Maia Kobabe’s memoir Gender Queer, which detailed her journey coming out as nonbinary, topped the ranking for the third year in a row, followed by four more queer-themed works. “It’s obvious that the pressure groups are targeting books about LGBTQIA+ people and people of color,” ALA President Emily Drabnski wrote in a statement. This comes as challenges to library books skyrocket. More than 4,240 distinct titles were subject to removal or restriction attempts in 2023, marking a dramatic uptick from the previous high of 2,571 in 2022. Here’s a breakdown of the [top 10 tomes that were targeted the most](. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fmost-banned-books-america-2023%2F   More Stories [UConn players celebrating on the court]( Getty images UConn defeated Purdue 75-60 to become the first Division I men’s college basketball team to win back-to-back NCAA basketball titles since 2007. “You can’t wrap your mind around it, because you just know how hard this tournament is,” Huskies coach Dan Hurley said. Special counsel Jack Smith has urged the Supreme Court to reject Donald Trump’s immunity claims over charges of trying to subvert the 2020 election. He said in Trump's view, unless a criminal statute "names the President, the statute does not apply." Alabama's Supreme Court is expected to decide today whether to maintain the state's current ban on almost all abortions after 15 weeks, or revert to a Civil War-era law banning termination entirely — unless “it is necessary to save” the pregnant person's life. Tesla has settled its lawsuit with the family of a man who died in a car crash while his Tesla Model X's Autopilot feature was engaged. The settlement terms aren't known, but it's good news for the company, which is months away from unveiling a self-driving taxi. Special prosecutors claim in a new filing that Alec {NAME} had "no control of his own emotions” on the Rust set, and that his behavior allowed for "safety compromises" that resulted in Halyna Hutchins' death.   Photo of the Day [Total solar ecliipse] Getty images Millions of Americans headed outside yesterday afternoon to catch the solar eclipse, the first time the moon passed in front of the sun in North America since 2017. For some 32 million people who lived in the path of totality, the sun was completely obscured — and an additional 150 million observers got to view a partial eclipse. The next one in the U.S. won’t come around until 2044, so you have plenty of time to stock up on the special glasses!   What We're Loving Lately "Wish there were more episodes of True Detective: Night Country? [The Gathering by C.J. Tudor](, out today, gives similar vibes in the best way. It starts with a murder in a small Alaska town where the influence of the supernatural hangs over the residents. The two detectives investigating the case must stop a killer as the days grow shorter and night threatens to envelop the city." – Sara Levine, Managing Editor of Newsletters   Essential Reading [President Biden, Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom]( Getty images Biden or bust? As the general election draws nearer, some Democratic voters are becoming disillusioned by President Biden. The question remains, [if not Biden, then who?]( We took a look at some of the names that have been floated. You heard it here first: Last November, Elizabeth Pearson opened up to us about [her controversial decision to sleep separately from her husband]( — and how it changed her life for the better. Now, her story is the subject of a [buzzy WSJ feature]( on the growing trend of sleep divorces. Give it a read! Eat your greens: The Mediterranean Diet is known for its many health benefits, and has even been linked to longer life spans. With that in mind, we're sharing a nutrient-packed Greek dish that's been dubbed "longevity greens rice." See why and [try it yourself right here](. Doing the work: As attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs continue across the country, we asked an expert to [dispel some common myths about DEI]( and what this practice is all about.   Massive Markdowns [Red light therapy mask, Supergoop! sunscreen, Charlotte Tilbury pillow talk kit]( KCM Sephora’s spring sale, where members can get [up to 20% off]( some of the retailer’s most coveted brands, is officially on! If you’re not a Beauty Insider yet, it’s free to join, so you can take advantage of deals like… - Fan-favorite [Supergoop! clear sunscreen](, which gives you all the sun protection and none of the chalky cast of other SPFs. - [Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk lip set]( is practically legendary, and this one contains all the products you need for an irresistible pout. - I’ve used [this red light therapy mask](, and it looks a little ridiculous, but it really does wonders to clear up redness and address fine lines in just a few minutes!   One More Thing Have you signed up for our environmentally focused newsletter Ripple Effect yet? Tomorrow, we’re covering the ongoing volcanic activity in Iceland, the surprising (and major) findings of a new study on heat waves, and some exciting news about the last active coal plant in New England. [Sign up for free right here]( so you don’t miss it!   [Good Taste by Katie Couric Media]( Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community. If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.