The Stacks

In today's special bonus episode, we’re offering some counterprogramming to the inauguration with a discussion of Toni Morrison’s lecture, “Goodness: Altruism and the Literary Imagination.” Saeed Jones joins us to explore Morrison’s thoughts on how goodness sustains itself in the face of evil and what it means to lean into our own goodness as we move into 2025 and beyond.The Stacks Book Club pick for January is The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. We will discuss the book on January 29th with J Wortham returning as our guest.You can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:https://www.thestackspodcast.com/2025/1/20/bonus-saeed-jonesConnect with Saeed: Instagram | Twitter | Bluesky | Threads | Vibe Check | SubstackConnect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | SubscribeInclusive Action for the City Fundraiser | Ways to Help with Fire ReliefSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

*Patreon- and Substack-only bonus episode teaser*In this episode of The Stacks Unabridged, Cree Myles (All Ways Black) and Sara Hildreth (Fiction Matters) are back to reflect on 2024 as a year in books and share the titles they’re most excited to read in the first half of 2025. From last year’s standouts to exciting new releases, this conversation is a must-listen for book lovers updating their TBRs.You can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:https://www.thestackspodcast.com/unabridged/2025/1/17/tsu-42-2025-book-previewConnect with Cree: Instagram | Twitter | SubstackConnect with Sara: Instagram | Fiction Matters | Novel Pairings | SubstackConnect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | SubscribePurchasing books through Bookshop.org or Amazon earns The Stacks a small commission.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we're joined by debut author Kaliane Bradley to discuss her novel, The Ministry of Time, which is The Stacks Book Club pick for January. We talk about how her pandemic obsession inspired this book, how she feels about her novel being called "genre-breaking", and what it was like to land on Obama’s summer reading list.The Stacks Book Club pick for January is The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. We will discuss the book on January 29th with J Wortham returning as our guest.You can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:https://thestackspodcast.com/2025/1/15/ep-354-kaliane-bradleyConnect with Kaliane: WebsiteConnect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | SubscribeInclusive Action for the City Fundraiser | Ways to Help with Fire ReliefSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we're joined by author and educator Irvin Weathersby Jr. to discuss his new book, In Open Contempt: Confronting White Supremacy in Art and Public Space. We delve into the complicated legacy of monuments and art—what they represent, how they uphold systems of white supremacy, and what it takes to envision something new. Irvin also shares how his identity as a “teacher who writes” informs his work and perspective.The Stacks Book Club pick for January is The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. We will discuss the book on January 29th with J Wortham returning as our guest.You can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:https://thestackspodcast.com/2025/1/8/ep-353-irvin-weathersbyConnect with Irvin: Instagram | WebsiteConnect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | SubscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

J Wortham, a journalist and culture writer at The New York Times, dives into a lively discussion about reading and its evolution in the digital age. They explore the decline of reading comprehension due to social media and the vital role that fiction plays in building empathy. Wortham also shares personal anecdotes about their journey with reading and names, and discusses their work-in-progress memoir on dissociation. Additionally, they recommend compelling reads and reflect on how books can evoke emotions and foster joy in the literary community.

It’s The Stacks Book Club Day, and we’re diving into Tacky: Love Letters to the Worst Culture We Have to Offer by Rax King with returning guest Nora McInerny. This heartfelt and hilarious essay collection celebrates the pop culture often dismissed as “lowbrow” or “uncool,” exploring how guilty pleasures shape our identities and bring us joy. In this episode, we discuss the meaning of tackiness, share our favorite essays, and reflect on all the ways tackiness relates to criticism.Be sure to listen to the end of today’s episode to find out what our January book club pick will be.You can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:https://thestackspodcast.com/2024/12/25/ep-351-tackyConnect with Nora: Instagram | Website | SubstackConnect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | SubscribeSUPPORT THE STACKSJoin The Stacks Pack on PatreonTo support The Stacks and find out more from this week’s sponsors, click here.Purchasing books through Bookshop.org or Amazon earns The Stacks a small commission.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

*Patreon- and Substack-only bonus episode teaser*In this episode of The Stacks Unabridged, we’re closing out 2024 with a lively recap of the year in pop culture. Chelsea Devantez and Sam Sanders join the show to hand out superlatives for this year’s biggest moments—from breakout performances to the villain of the year, and the stories that defined 2024.You can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:https://www.thestackspodcast.com/unabridged/2024/12/20/tsu-41-chelsea-devantez-sam-sandersConnect with Sam: Instagram | Twitter | Into It | Vibe CheckConnect with Chelsea: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Glamorous TrashConnect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | SubscribePurchasing books through Bookshop.org or Amazon earns The Stacks a small commission.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s time to pick the best books of 2024! Joining me for this year-end celebration are two longtime friends of the show, podcast host Greta Johnsen and MJ Franklin, editor at The New York Times Book Review. In today’s episode, we share our top 10 books of 2024, reflect on the trends that defined this year in reading, and look ahead to the titles we’re most excited for in 2025.The Stacks Book Club pick for December is Tacky by Rax King. We will discuss the book on December 25th with Nora McInerny returning as our guest.You can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:https://thestackspodcast.com/2024/12/20/ep-350-best-books-of-2024Connect with MJ: Instagram | TwitterConnect with Greta: Instagram | Twitter Connect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | SubscribeSUPPORT THE STACKSJoin The Stacks Pack on PatreonTo support The Stacks and find out more from this week’s sponsors, click here.Purchasing books through Bookshop.org or Amazon earns The Stacks a small commission.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we’re joined by Mosab Abu Toha, Palestinian poet, activist, and author of the new collection Forest of Noise. In today’s episode, Mosab shares why he feels compelled to write during the ongoing genocide in Gaza and reflects on the urgent questions his work poses about Palestinian rights. He also discusses the meaning behind his book’s title and what he hopes readers will take away from this moving collection.The Stacks Book Club pick for December is Tacky by Rax King. We will discuss the book on December 25th with Nora McInerny returning as our guest.You can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:https://thestackspodcast.com/2024/12/11/ep-349-mosab-abu-tohaConnect with Mosab: Instagram | Website | TwitterConnect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | SubscribeSUPPORT THE STACKSJoin The Stacks Pack on PatreonTo support The Stacks and find out more from this week’s sponsors, click here.Purchasing books through Bookshop.org or Amazon earns The Stacks a small commission.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we’re joined by Nora McInerny—author, podcaster, and founder of the Hot Young Widows Club. In today’s episode, we discuss Nora’s approach to grief and why she rejects the label of “grief person.” She also shares the books about grief that have meant the most to her, as well as the genre that never fails to make her rage.The Stacks Book Club pick for December is Tacky by Rax King. We will discuss the book on December 25th with Nora McInerny returning as our guest.You can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:https://thestackspodcast.com/2024/12/04/ep-348-nora-mcinernyConnect with Nora: Instagram | Website | SubstackConnect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | SubscribeSUPPORT THE STACKSJoin The Stacks Pack on PatreonTo support The Stacks and find out more from this week’s sponsors, click here.Purchasing books through Bookshop.org or Amazon earns The Stacks a small commission.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.