Episode Summary: The Stacks Ep. 370 – Between Oprah and Obama with Kara Brown
Release Date: May 7, 2025
1. Welcome and Introduction
In Episode 370 of The Stacks, host Tracy Thomas welcomes Kara Brown, a renowned writer and producer known for her work on projects like She-Hulk, The Other Black Girl, and Grownish. Tracy expresses her excitement, mentioning that Kara is one of her dream guests, alongside iconic figures like Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey. The episode sets the stage for an in-depth conversation about Kara's journey as a reader and screenwriter, her approach to adapting books for television, and her diverse reading tastes.
2. Kara Brown’s Reading Journey and Early Motivation
Kara Brown shares a pivotal moment from her childhood that ignited her passion for reading. Growing up in Dallas, Texas, she recounts how being placed in a lower-tier reading group with flimsy paperback books at the age of six fueled her determination to prove herself. She humorously notes, “I am motivated by spite” (06:32). This early experience not only made her a voracious reader but also instilled a competitive edge that has influenced her professional endeavors.
3. Transition from PR to Writing for the Internet
After college, where Kara majored in English at Tufts University, she initially worked in Public Relations before transitioning to writing for the internet. Her tenure at Jezebel, where she spent three to four years, honed her ability to write quickly and develop a distinct voice. Kara explains, “I learned to do that very quickly,” referring to her fast-paced writing skills developed during her internet writing days (12:35). This period was instrumental in shaping her as a proficient screenwriter capable of producing scripts efficiently.
4. The Art of Adapting Books for Screen
A significant portion of the conversation delves into the complexities of adapting books into television shows. Kara emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinct mediums, stating, “Sometimes the medium in which someone chooses to create something is important” (18:23). She uses The Great Gatsby as an example, highlighting how the book's stunning prose doesn't necessarily translate into a compelling screenplay. Kara argues that adaptations often suffer when the source material's plot isn't strong enough, asserting, “the story is not that good” (18:24).
5. Challenges with Intellectual Property (IP) and Original Ideas
Kara expresses frustration with the industry's obsession with existing IP, noting her preference for adapting books where the source material has "room to move around." She believes that weaker books offer more flexibility for creative reinterpretation, whereas beloved classics set a high bar that's hard to meet. Kara states, “the worse the book is, the more interested I am in adapting it” (18:55), underscoring her inclination towards projects that allow for significant creative input.
6. Book Club Pick: Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley
Tracy announces the May book club pick, Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley, highlighting its significance as Mosley’s debut novel and the first in the Easy Rawlins series. Kara Brown will return on May 28th to discuss the book, inviting listeners to read along and participate in the upcoming discussion.
7. Exploring the Mystery Genre
Kara shares her recent foray into the mystery genre, a departure from her usual reading habits. Intrigued by her screenwriting work, she began exploring mysteries to better understand story structures and character development in this genre. She mentions reading Agatha Christie and modern mysteries to grasp the essentials of crafting satisfying narratives. Kara remarks, “how satisfying they are” (29:30), appreciating the genre's ability to deliver fulfilling conclusions.
8. Reading Preferences and Techniques
When discussing how she approaches reading mysteries, Kara admits that while she doesn't actively try to solve the plot beforehand, she inevitably anticipates outcomes. However, she prefers to "let the mysteries kind of roll along with the protagonist" (30:55), enjoying the storytelling without the pressure of predicting twists.
9. Book Recommendations for Diverse Perspectives
Responding to a listener's request for diverse and compelling narratives, Tracy and Kara offer several book recommendations:
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Non-Fiction:
- Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson: A poignant exploration of the legal struggles surrounding death row and racial injustice.
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Fiction:
- Passing by Nella Larsen (39:30): A short, impactful novel about racial identity and societal pressures.
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: A popular dystopian series that mirrors contemporary societal issues.
- The Death of the Author by Nakia (specific title inferred): Discusses literary theory and the autonomy of the reader versus the author's intent.
Tracy recommends Just Mercy, emphasizing its deep dive into social justice and true crime, which aligns well with Tess's book club interests.
10. Favorite and Least Favorite Books
Kara reveals her favorite book as 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, appreciating its magical realism and profound narrative structure. She also mentions Some 40 Tales from the Afterlives for its imaginative exploration of post-life scenarios.
Conversely, Kara expresses strong dislike for Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, criticizing its dense prose and lackluster storytelling. She additionally cites Queenie as a book she couldn’t connect with due to her disapproval of the protagonist's characterization.
11. Current Reads and Listening Materials
Kara discusses her current reading list, which includes:
- Wake Up and Open Your Eyes: A horror satire targeting Fox News.
- No More Tears: A non-fiction account of Johnson & Johnson’s corporate practices.
- Devil in a Blue Dress: Previously mentioned as the book club pick.
She acknowledges the challenges of reading non-fiction and dense novels, often requiring intense focus and dedicated time.
12. Bookstore Favorites and Reading Environments
Reflecting on her favorite bookstores, Kara reminisces about Barnes & Noble from her childhood and shares a memorable experience visiting Hodges Figgis in Dublin. She praises the store’s curated selection and cozy ambiance, emphasizing the importance of a well-loved bookstore environment.
13. Rapid-Fire Q&A: Books That Made Her Laugh, Cry, and Anger
- Last Book That Made Her Laugh: Show, Don't Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld – Enjoyed the humorous short stories.
- Last Book That Made Her Cry: Kara mentions that she doesn’t often cry while reading.
- Last Book That Made Her Angry: The Deluge – A climate-focused novel that left her feeling distressed about environmental issues.
14. Embarrassing Reads and Unfinished Books
Kara admits a fondness for light-hearted, easily digestible books like Anthony Bourdain’s memoirs but feels no embarrassment in her reading choices. She humorously acknowledges her reluctance to tackle massive Russian literary classics like War and Peace, despite recognizing their cultural significance.
15. Teaching Recommendations and Cultural Insights
If she were a high school teacher, Kara would assign 100 Years of Solitude to help students understand magical realism and its narrative techniques. She emphasizes the importance of books that offer deep cultural and historical insights, particularly within the African American experience, as exemplified by her recommended Warmth of Other Sons.
16. Concluding Remarks and Upcoming Discussions
Tracy wraps up the episode by reiterating the book club pick and thanking Kara Brown for her insightful contributions. She also invites listeners to join the Stacks Pack on Patreon for exclusive content and to subscribe to her newsletter for additional book recommendations and community engagement.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- “I am motivated by spite.” – Kara Brown at 06:32
- “Sometimes the medium in which someone chooses to create something is important.” – Kara Brown at 18:23
- “The worse the book is, the more interested I am in adapting it.” – Kara Brown at 18:55
- “How satisfying they are” – Kara Brown on mysteries at 29:30
Closing Information
Listeners are encouraged to read Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley and tune in on May 28th for the book discussion featuring Kara Brown. For more content, exclusive perks, and community interaction, listeners can join the Stacks Pack on Patreon and subscribe to the newsletter at TracyThomas.substack.com.
Edited by Christian Duenas with production assistance from Waikia Freelo. Graphic design by Robin McCrite. Theme music by Tagirijis.