Book Talk, Etc. – Episode Summary: "Gateway to Nonfiction: A Chat with Traci Thomas from The Stacks"

Release Date: November 19, 2024

In this engaging episode of Book Talk, Etc., hosts Tina (@tbretc) and Hannah (@hanpickedbooks) delve deep into the world of nonfiction with their special guest, Traci Thomas, the creator and host of the critically acclaimed podcast The Stacks. Traci brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for nonfiction, making this episode a treasure trove for avid readers looking to expand their TBR (To Be Read) lists.

Introduction to Traci Thomas and The Stacks

Tina begins by welcoming Traci, highlighting her impressive credentials:

"Tracy is the creator and host of the critically acclaimed Literary podcast The Stacks. She's a passionate champion of books and a deeply curious interviewer. She is a monthly contributor on NPR's Here and Now, a columnist for Shereads.com, and the creator of the LAist live literary series One for the Book." [02:10]

Traci shares her journey, revealing that The Stacks started in 2018 as a response to her desire for meaningful conversations about nonfiction books:

"I decided to start it in early 2018... Blood in the Water by Heather Ann Thompson was the catalyst for everything." [16:03]

The Stacks Podcast Structure

Traci elaborates on the structure of her podcast, emphasizing a balanced mix of fiction and nonfiction:

"The Stacks is a weekly book podcast... I talk to a guest who comes back the last Wednesday of the month for book club." [12:22]

She explains how each month kicks off with conversations to understand guests' reading tastes, leading to in-depth book club discussions:

"We dive into the book, the spoilers, and explore how books serve as a lens to discuss broader cultural and societal issues." [12:22]

Embracing Nonfiction: Overcoming Intimidations

The conversation shifts to the common apprehensions readers face when approaching nonfiction. Traci passionately addresses these fears:

"I'm not scared of feeling stupid when I read a book. Sometimes I think 'I'm too stupid for this,' but 'Blood in the Water' proved otherwise." [27:11]

Hannah adds her perspective on the intimidation factor, likening it to tackling complex high fantasy:

"When you pick up a high fantasy book, you might feel lost at first, but give yourself time, and it becomes clearer. The same applies to nonfiction." [31:30]

Notable Book Recommendations

Traci enthusiastically shares a curated list of nonfiction books, categorized to help listeners navigate various interests:

1. "Challenger" by Adam Higginbotham

   • "It's about the Challenger disaster... 'Don't look up' reflects how such tragedies can dominate public consciousness." [21:06]
   • "It won the Kirkus Prize, but I'm mad it's not gaining more attention." [23:07]

2. "Blood in the Water" by Heather Ann Thompson

   • "One of my all-time favorites. It not only delves into the Attica prison uprising but also inspired me to start The Stacks podcast." [16:36]

3. "What If We Get It Right" by Ayanna Elizabeth Johnson

   • "A fantastic exploration of climate change through interviews across 20 different fields. The audiobook includes mini-podcasts within each chapter." [35:52]

4. "Under the Banner of Heaven" by Jon Krakauer

   • "A deep dive into a fundamentalist Mormon murder case, offering insightful perspectives on faith and extremism." [56:22]

5. "Rise of the Latino Far Right and What It Means for Democracy" by Paola Ramos

   • "An essential read to understand the nuanced political leanings within the Latino community and their historical contexts." [56:23]

Traci emphasizes the importance of these books in understanding current political climates and historical contexts, urging listeners to explore beyond surface-level narratives.

The Importance of Critical Book Reviews

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the role of criticism in book reviewing. Traci passionately argues for the necessity of honest, negative reviews:

"It's imperative that you know not only what gets me excited but also what I think sucks. This transparency helps my audience understand where they fit in." [37:52]

She challenges the stigma around criticizing authors, likening it to critiques in other creative fields like music and film:

"Books deserve the same cultural relationship as other forms of art. Being too passive in our critiques is detrimental to the literary community." [40:47]

Books Discussed by Hosts

Tina and Hannah share their own reviews, providing personal insights and highlighting the diversity of nonfiction:

• "The Demon of A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War" by Erik Larson

  • "An eye-opening exploration of the months leading up to the Civil War. The audiobook narrated by Will Patton made the dense details more digestible." [52:04]

• "Dinner for Vampires" by Bethany Joy Lentz

  • "A poignant memoir about escaping a manipulative religious cult. The audiobook, narrated by the author herself, adds a layer of authenticity to her harrowing tale." [65:05]

Concluding Insights and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Traci, Tina, and Hannah reflect on the transformative power of nonfiction. They encourage listeners to embrace the genre with an open mind, highlighting its ability to educate, provoke thought, and inspire change.

Traci leaves listeners with actionable resources, such as her monthly column on SheReads.com, which pairs political issues with book recommendations, further enriching the nonfiction landscape for her audience.

"Books like 'The Rise of the Latino Far Right' provide necessary nuance to our understanding of race and politics in America. They help dismantle simplistic narratives and foster a more informed readership." [72:55]

Traci's fervent advocacy for nonfiction not only enlightens but also empowers listeners to venture confidently into genres they might have previously found daunting.

Key Takeaways:

• Nonfiction is Accessible: With the right approach, nonfiction can be as engaging and rewarding as any other genre.
• Critical Reviews Matter: Honest critiques help shape a transparent and vibrant literary community.
• Diverse Recommendations: Exploring various nonfiction topics can broaden understanding and appreciation for complex issues.
• Personal Growth through Reading: Engaging with nonfiction fosters intellectual curiosity and personal development.

For more insights and book recommendations, listeners are encouraged to follow Traci Thomas on The Stacks Podcast, and connect with Book Talk, Etc. on Instagram and other social platforms.

Notable Quotes:

• Traci Thomas [27:11]: "I do not fear feeling stupid when reading nonfiction. Embracing the challenge leads to greater understanding and enjoyment."
• Hannah [31:30]: "Giving ourselves the space to feel lost initially can lead to profound knowledge and connection by the end of a nonfiction book."
• Tina [38:05]: "Negative reviews are as valuable as positive ones. They provide a complete picture and help readers make informed choices."

This episode serves as both an introduction and a deep dive into the realm of nonfiction, offering listeners practical advice, inspiring recommendations, and a passionate endorsement of the genre's significance in today's literary world.