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-tacky

Connect with Nora: Instagram | Website | Substack

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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-sanders

Connect with Sam: Instagram | Twitter | Into It | Vibe Check

Connect with Chelsea: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Glamorous Trash

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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.

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-2024

Connect with MJ: Instagram | Twitter

Connect with Greta: Instagram | Twitter 

Connect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | Subscribe

SUPPORT THE STACKS

Join The Stacks Pack on Patreon

To 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-Toha

Connect with Mosab: Instagram | Website | Twitter

Connect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | Subscribe

SUPPORT THE STACKS

Join The Stacks Pack on Patreon

To 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-mcinerny

Connect with Nora: Instagram | Website | Substack

Connect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | Subscribe

SUPPORT THE STACKS

Join The Stacks Pack on Patreon

To 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, Traci wraps up Nonfiction November by pairing audience-submitted books, moods, snacks, TV shows, and songs with 15 nonfiction book recommendations. This episode is packed with fresh titles to add to your TBR and inspire your next great read.

You can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:

https://www.thestackspodcast.com/unabridged/2024/11/29/tsu-40-nonfiction-book-generator

Connect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | Subscribe

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.

It’s The Stacks Book Club Day, and we’re diving into Luster by Raven Leilani with returning guest Justine Kay of 2 Black Girls, 1 Rose. This darkly funny and provocative novel explores race, desire, and messy human connections through the story of Edie, a young Black woman who becomes entangled with a white family. In today’s episode, we dive into the shifting power dynamics in the story, the relationship between Edie and Akilah, and share our favorite scenes from this critically acclaimed debut.

There are spoilers on today's episode.

Be sure to listen to the end of today’s episode to find out what our October book club pick will be.

You can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:

https://thestackspodcast.com/2024/11/27/ep-347-luster

Connect with Justine: Instagram | Twitter | Website

Connect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | Subscribe

SUPPORT THE STACKS

Join The Stacks Pack on Patreon

To 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 marine biologist and author Ayana Elizabeth Johnson to discuss her new book, What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futurism. Ayana shares her approach to curating a wide range of ideas and solutions for climate action, including her climate action Venn diagram. We also explore why profit hasn’t been enough to drive progress and how American culture creates unique obstacles to tackling the climate crisis.

The Stacks Book Club pick for November is Luster by Raven Leilani. We will discuss the book on November 27th with Justine Kay returning as our guest.

You can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:

https://thestackspodcast.com/2024/11/20/ep-346-ayana-elizabeth-johnson

Connect with Ayana: Twitter | Instagram | Website | Substack

Connect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | Subscribe

SUPPORT THE STACKS

Join The Stacks Pack on Patreon

To 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, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds joins us to discuss his latest book, Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . .: A Love Story. Jason shares why he chose to tell the story of a young Black boy on the brink of a life-changing moment and reflects on vulnerability, intimacy, and the power of connecting with audiences. We also explore Jason’s unique approach to storytelling and what it means to see yourself within the literary canon.

The Stacks Book Club pick for November is Luster by Raven Leilani. We will discuss the book on November 27th with Justine Kay returning as our guest.

You can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:

https://thestackspodcast.com/2024/11/13/ep-345-Jason-Reynolds

Connect with Jason: Twitter | Instagram | Website

Connect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | Subscribe

SUPPORT THE STACKS

Join The Stacks Pack on Patreon

To 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 Justine Kay, one of the hosts of the reality TV show podcast, 2 Black Girls, 1 Rose. We talk about our thoughts and feelings around optimism in the face of political anxieties and how reading has shaped our thinking about what is possible. We also dive into Justine’s newfound love of romance novels and revisit some of our favorite reality TV memories.

The Stacks Book Club pick for November is Luster by Raven Leilani. We will discuss the book on November 27th with Justine Kay returning as our guest.

You can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:

https://www.thestackspodcast.com/2024/11/06/ep-344-justine-kay

Connect with Justine: Instagram | Twitter | Website

Connect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | Subscribe

SUPPORT THE STACKS

Join The Stacks Pack on Patreon

To 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.

It’s The Stacks Book Club Day, and we’re diving into The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead. Franklin Leonard returns as our guest to examine this powerful novel set in a brutal Jim Crow-era reform school. In today’s conversation, we discuss the ways Nickel Academy serves as a metaphor for America, exploring themes of good versus evil and the resilience required to confront systemic injustice.

There are spoilers on today's episode.

Be sure to listen to the end of today’s episode to find out what our November book club pick will be.

You can find everything we discuss on today's show on The Stacks' website:

https://thestacks-staging.squarespace.com/2024/10/30/ep-343-the-nickel-boys

Connect with Franklin: Instagram | Twitter | Website

Connect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Shop | Patreon | Goodreads | Substack | Subscribe

SUPPORT THE STACKS

Join The Stacks Pack on Patreon

To 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.