Podcast Summary: The Stacks – Unabridged: A Mid-Year Check-In with Sara Hildreth and Cree Myles

Release Date: June 20, 2025
Host: Traci Thomas
Guests: Sarah Hildreth and Cree Miles

Introduction

In this special mid-year episode of The Stacks Unabridged, host Traci Thomas reconnects with her cherished guests, Sarah Hildreth of Fiction Matters and Cree Miles of Always Black. Aimed exclusively at Patreon and Substack subscribers, this episode delves into the literary landscape of 2025, reflecting on the books that have resonated so far and anticipating the upcoming releases from July to December.

Mid-Year Reading Overview

Traci Thomas opens the discussion by expressing her mixed feelings about the year's readings:

"I've been struggling a little bit... Trying to read more classics this year as my big goal... It's been less fulfilling because there's less stuff." ([06:18])

In contrast, both Cree Miles and Sarah Hildreth share their enthusiasm for the current year's literary offerings. Cree highlights the abundance of quality books:

"I have way more books that I've really, really enjoyed. So I think my reading's been good this year." ([04:24])

Sarah Hildreth echoes this sentiment, optimistic about the year's contributions to the literary canon:

"I do think that we are getting solid contributions to the literary canon this year." ([04:57])

Favorite Reads of 2025

Sarah Hildreth: "Disappoint Me" by Nicola Denon

Sarah praises Disappoint Me for its deep exploration of language commodification and the complexities of forgiveness:

"The themes around how we commodify language... and how much are you supposed to forgive someone... are the questions that keep me up at night." ([08:07])

She emphasizes the book's emotional resonance and intellectual stimulation, noting its profound impact on her daily thoughts.

Cree Miles: "Audition" by Katie Kamara

Cree names Audition as her standout read, applauding its provocative narrative and structural brilliance:

"It's so good... Clearly driven by the structure and themes. Some people hate it because it feels constructed, but I loved it." ([10:14])

She draws parallels to Trust Exercise, highlighting the book's ability to engage readers through its layered storytelling and thematic depth.

Traci Thomas: "One Day" by Omar El Akad

Traci singles out Omar El Akad's One Day as her top pick, commending its timely and thoughtful discourse on global issues:

"It's vulnerable, thoughtful... a book about a much bigger thing... something you could revisit in five or ten years and still be relevant." ([12:11])

She appreciates El Akad's ability to pose significant questions without offering definitive answers, making the book both challenging and enduring.

Upcoming Releases (July - December 2025)

While the transcript does not detail specific upcoming titles, the hosts express excitement about future releases, anticipating a mix of innovative narratives and compelling thematic explorations that will continue to shape the literary conversation.

Challenges and Reflections

Traci shares her personal struggles with finding books that leave a lasting impression compared to the previous year's standout titles:

"I'm having a tough time... Trying to read more classics this year... Less stuff to talk about." ([06:18])

This introspection highlights the challenges readers face in balancing timeless classics with contemporary works, especially when aiming to deepen their literary appreciation.

Community and Engagement

Beyond book discussions, the episode underscores the importance of community for subscribers, offering perks like virtual book clubs, access to Discord, and exclusive content. Traci encourages listeners to join Patreon or Substack to fully engage with the Stacks community and continue supporting the podcast.

Conclusion

The Stacks Unabridged mid-year check-in provides an insightful snapshot of the 2025 literary scene through the lenses of passionate readers Sarah Hildreth and Cree Miles. Despite varying personal experiences, the conversation celebrates the diverse and impactful books of the year, setting the stage for an exciting second half of 2025. Subscribers are left with thoughtful recommendations and a sense of anticipation for the literary journeys ahead.

For the full episode and more exclusive content, visit Patreon or Traci Thomas's Substack.