Podcast Title: The Stacks
Host: Traci Thomas
Episode: 378
Guest: Dana A. Williams
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Episode Title: “I’m Trying to Avoid Toni Morrison with Dana A. Williams”
Introduction
In Episode 378 of The Stacks, host Traci Thomas welcomes Dana A. Williams, a professor of African American Literature at Howard University and the author of the newly released book Tony at Random: The Iconic Writer's Legendary Editorship. The episode delves into Toni Morrison's profound impact both as a writer and as an editor, exploring how Morrison shaped the literary landscape through her editorial role at Random House.
Dana A. Williams: Background and Relationship with Books
Dana begins by sharing her personal journey, highlighting her upbringing in Tallulah, North Louisiana. She fondly recalls her early love for reading, supported by her parents and the local libraries. Dana humorously recounts her childhood desire for a window seat to immerse herself in books, a wish that remained unfulfilled by her father. Reflecting on her academic path, Dana explains her transition from a computer science major to English, driven by a passion for literature and writing.
Notable Quote:
"I've been a reader for as long as I can remember. I don't ever remember there not being an experience without books, which may be why I have far too many books in my house right now." [04:29]
Becoming a Professional Reader
Traci probes into how Dana's role as a professor has transformed her relationship with reading. Dana describes herself as a "professional reader," balancing academic responsibilities with personal reading interests. She discusses her method of reading both for work and pleasure, often blurring the lines between the two. Dana highlights her love for diverse genres, including the works of Stacy Abrams, James Patterson, Tayari Jones, and Jericho Brown.
Notable Quote:
"I'm a lot better about it now because sometimes I'll read on my iPad instead of the hard copy. But overwhelmingly, I still see myself both casually and professionally, as a professional reader." [07:10]
Toni Morrison: Writer and Editor
The conversation shifts to Toni Morrison's multifaceted career. Dana shares insights from her research, emphasizing Morrison's background in theater and elocution, which profoundly influenced her narrative style and editorial approach. They discuss Morrison's ability to engage audiences both through her writing and her performances, noting how her theatrical training enhanced her storytelling prowess.
Notable Quote:
"Her sound. And also, like how to use her body as a performer." [13:37]
Dana elaborates on Morrison's role at Random House, highlighting her distinctive editorial style. Morrison was not only an editor but also a visionary who sought to preserve the unique voices of African American writers, ensuring their works stood out without being overshadowed by white privilege.
Notable Quote:
"She wanted to ensure, especially for those black books, books by black writers, that she had that separation so everyone could get the kind of attention that they needed to get." [16:28]
Impact of Toni Morrison on Other Authors
Dana provides examples of how Morrison influenced the authors she worked with. She speaks of Leon Forrest, a male fiction writer whom Morrison praised for his sermon-like writing style, and how his work inspired elements in Morrison's own novels, such as Beloved. Dana also touches upon Morrison's editorial interactions, where she often facilitated dialogues between authors to refine their narratives and ensure their authenticity.
Notable Quote:
"The self-awareness can't come without a partner. Yeah, I just love that in a book." [53:55]
Book Recommendations and Reading Preferences
In the "Ask the Stacks" segment, Dana and Traci provide tailored book recommendations. Dana suggests contemporary and emerging authors like Aaliyah Bundles' Joy Goddess and Jericho Brown's How We Do It, emphasizing their significance in modern African American literature. Traci complements with suggestions such as The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clemantine Wamariya and Julia Shearin's A Thousand Lives, offering a mix of memoirs and true crime narratives.
Notable Quote:
"I can't go wrong with either of those." [40:39]
Dana A. Williams' Favorite and Least Favorite Books
Dana shares her literary preferences, expressing deep admiration for Ernest J. Gaines' A Lesson Before Dying and Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. She candidly mentions her disappointment with Sidney Poitier's biography, citing dissatisfaction with its writing and storytelling quality.
Notable Quote:
"I literally become like an anti death penalty advocate after reading this book... the brilliance and the genius of that book wizard, the way that he captures humanity, is so critical that I read it as often as I can." [44:15]
Upcoming Book Club Pick: God Help the Child
The episode concludes with anticipation for the upcoming book club discussion on Toni Morrison's God Help the Child. Dana explains her choice, noting that it serves as a contemporary counterpart to Morrison's earlier work, The Bluest Eye. She appreciates its accessibility and rich narrative, positioning it as a bridge between Morrison's literary legacy and modern readership.
Notable Quote:
"I picked God Help the Child because I think it's easier to talk about... I just think they're more accessible." [51:04]
Conclusion
Traci thanks Dana for her insightful contributions, emphasizing the significant role Morrison played in shaping African American literature through her editorial expertise. Listeners are encouraged to read Tony at Random and participate in the forthcoming book club discussion on God Help the Child.
Notable Quote:
"Thanks for those recommendations." [62:30]
Upcoming Episode:
Join us on July 30th for an in-depth discussion of Toni Morrison's God Help the Child with Dana A. Williams.
Listeners are reminded to subscribe to The Stacks on their preferred podcast platform and follow on social media for more updates and discussions.