Episode 54: Do YOU Think These Controversial Books Should Have Been Published?

Episode 54: Do YOU Think These Controversial Books Should Have Been Published?

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Which major publisher recently offered a contract to a hateful, outspoken anti-Semite?

Why did a specific author and friend of ours refuse to be interviewed for this episode?

Which book – written by a 19-year-old activist – is blamed for actions taken by domestic terrorists, which led to many deaths?

Which book appeared to be written by a man, but was not? And, how did it lead to the deaths of three people?

OJ Simpson wrote a book about the murders he “allegedly” committed, but who ended up owning the rights to that manuscript? And who is getting the royalties?

In America, we have the 1st Amendment. This allows people to speak and write about anything they want, with very few restrictions. But just because, as publishers, we can put almost anything out there in print, does that mean we should? And where should the limits be? Who gets to draw those lines? Who should publishers listen to when it comes to what they publish? The loudest and most obnoxious voices? The latest “victim” classes? Those who purchase the books? Their own consciences?

How much should common decency and potential consequences play a role in the decision to publish a book? And, again, who gets to draw those lines?

In this episode, we discuss published books that have become “controversial.” We explore the fuzzy line between what is “edgy” and what crosses into the no-man’s land of books that perhaps never should have seen the light of day.

Different people have different opinions. For some, it’s the subject matter itself. Or it’s the motive behind the writing. Occasionally it becomes WHO wrote the book that causes issues with certain groups.

Can you be honest with yourself when it comes to differentiating between what can be published and what should  or should not be published? Where exactly does that line exist in your mind?

Find out for yourself in this episode.


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Do you think you might be the victim of a publishing scam? CONTACT ANGELA AND BRIAN.


LINKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:

SOURCES

History of Palestine

Hadrian’s Ambition: The Renaming of Judea to Palestine and the Suppression of Jewish Identity

Amazon pulls pedophile e-book following outcry

Row over Amazon sales of paedophile advice guide

What The Controversy Over ‘American Dirt’ Tells Us About Publishing And Authorship

Migrant Border Crossing Movie ‘American Dirt’ in the Works From ‘Blood Diamond’ Writer

“American Dirt” publisher steps in it, and admits mistakes

“IF I Did It”: The Quasi-Confession of O. J. Simpson

Books as Contraband: The Strange Case of ‘The Anarchist Cookbook’

Hit Man Manual – Free Speech Center

The Florida DivorcĂ©e’s Guide to Murder – Hit Man: A Technical Manual for Independent Contractors

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5 Responses to "Episode 54: Do YOU Think These Controversial Books Should Have Been Published?"

  1. Philip Fletcher  September 8, 2026 at 8:32 am

    Religous topics are such a scary aea these days, thanks to religious intolerance from certain quarters.

    Reply
  2. Jane Rita  September 7, 2026 at 3:37 pm

    Dear Angela and Brian – Just heard your weekly podcast – Learned so much from you again by always listening to you all. The reason I’m late is because we had a horrific storm here in Johnstown, Pa. Our power was out for 48 hours, but luckily Al had four flashlights so we managed somehow. Really tough for an 83 year-old and my husband who is 79.

    Just had tree branches ripped off by the straight-lined winds, but, at least two tornadoes touched several streets close to us. We’ve heard no one was seriously hurt.

    One of our next door neighbor’s trees came down – must have been 75+ ft tall and came down inches away from a second story bedroom window. Al was standing by our French door window in our living room when he heard an enormous crash of thunder and saw a flash of light so brilliant that it completely erased for a split second the image of the apartment house. When the image came back into view he saw that the apartment house itself had not been “carried off to Kansas.”

    Just wanted to stay in touch with you and to thank you so much for all the help you give to OBS! Give my love and say “Hi” to Clayton for me. – Always, Jane

    Reply
    • Brian Whiddon - Managing Editor  September 8, 2026 at 11:50 am

      Wow Jane! Sounds like a scary storm! Florida hurricane scary!

      I hope the cleanup is going well and isn’t straining anyone’s backs. Stay safe!

      Reply
  3. John Zachary  September 5, 2026 at 9:24 am

    I contracted with a company to market, The Science Behind the Story of Jesus by John Zachary. However, Muslims working at that company called it a polemic against Islam. In truth, it’s fact based evidence. They returned my funds.

    I created a Revised Version, reduced the price, and made it more potent.

    Truth always wins.

    I would like to discuss how writersweekly could market this cutting edge research. Please contact me.

    I am working on updating the website and creating an audiobook.

    Reply
    • By Angela Hoy - Publisher of WritersWeekly.com  September 5, 2026 at 10:58 am

      We HIGHLY recommend Clayton Jones for book promotion. Our authors LOVE him! And, he’s a Christian. 🙂

      You can read about his services here:
      https://marketplace.writersweekly.com/publicists

      Angela

      Reply

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