Date: October 14th

Time: 8pm edt

Location: Virtual

Host: Courtney & Jennifer

Host Contact: Email Dylan (dylan.r@defenseofdemocracy.org) to be connected with the hosts!

Book we'll be discussing: "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez

Join Courtney & Jennifer from the MILF4Books podcast in conversation with award-winning author, Ashley Hope Pérez, about her award-winning book "Out of Darkness", a gripping and emotional story of forbidden love, heartbreak, and courage in 1930s Texas. Come discuss its powerful themes of love, loss, and the truths our country often ignores—you won’t forget it.

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The "Defense of Democracy READOUT" is an event series that happens during Banned Books Week (October 5-11 2025).

Volunteer "Hosts" choose a book to highlight, pick a date and location to discuss the book, and invite their friends to participate, with the goal of raising funds to support Defense of Democracy.

Readout Hosts can hold their discussions in person or virtually, and Defense of Democracy can even introduce hosts to specific authors or local librarians who can assist in moderating the conversation.

Ready to strike a blow against the forces of darkness banning books in America? Join our Readout campaign during Banned Books Week where Defense of Democracy volunteers across the country will be hosting book readings that feature their favorite banned books. Readout events last year raised awareness of the growing menace of book banning, and raised money to help us overturn these pernicious bans.

Want to host your own Readout event? You can register here!

READOUT 2025 | Team: Out of Darkness, Into the Light

Celebrate Banned Books 2025 | Week October 5-11