Summary of "Unabridged: Summer Reading Guide Companion Pod with Sara Hildreth"

Released on August 8, 2025, "The Stacks" podcast hosted by Traci Thomas presents a special bonus episode titled "Unabridged: Summer Reading Guide Companion Pod with Sara Hildreth." In this engaging episode, Traci teams up with Sarah Hildreth, the creator of the popular Substack newsletter "Fiction Matters," to delve into their respective summer reading guides. The conversation offers listeners a comprehensive look into their curated book selections, the rationale behind their choices, and exciting pairings that bridge fiction and non-fiction genres.

1. Introduction to the Episode

Traci Thomas begins the episode by introducing Sarah Hildreth and highlighting their collaboration on summer reading guides. She emphasizes the unique focus of each guide—Sarah’s being a paperback-centric collection and her own centered around non-fiction works.

"She is the best at these guides if I do say so myself."
— Traci Thomas [00:00]

2. Background on the Summer Reading Guides

Traci shares the genesis of their summer reading guides, noting that both she and Sarah released theirs simultaneously in May. They initially discussed their guides during a Substack live session, which sparked the idea for this in-depth companion episode.

"We just have to keep talking about ours."
— Sarah Hildreth [04:34]

3. Anticipating Barack’s Summer Reading List

The conversation shifts to predicting the content of Barack’s upcoming summer reading guide. While recognizing that their discussion is recorded in July, they speculate on potential inclusions based on past trends and Barack’s literary preferences.

"I think he's gonna have that book that Brian Goldstone. There is no place for us."
— Traci Thomas [06:02]

"I think Flashlight by Susan Choi."
— Sarah Hildreth [06:19]

4. Exploring Guide Superlatives

Traci and Sarah discuss the concept of "superlatives" within their guides, categorizing books based on unique attributes such as shortest and longest reads, best books for specific scenarios like airplane reading, and more. This segment underscores their thoughtful approach to catering to diverse reader preferences.

"I have shortest and longest."
— Sarah Hildreth [08:38]

5. Highlighting Specific Books

Traci’s Shortest Book:

"Against Techno Ableism" by Ashley Shu
A brief yet impactful exploration of a world reimagined to prioritize the needs and desires of disabled individuals. Traci praises the book for its revolutionary ideas and the author's snarky, resilient voice.

"It's a super short book, which I really loved."
— Traci Thomas [09:18]

Sarah’s Shortest Book:

"The Wickedest" by Caleb Femi
A poetry collection that vividly depicts a monthly house party in South London through a blend of poems and multimedia elements, creating an immersive reading experience.

"It makes you feel like you're at, right, this party for the hour that you're reading it, which is very fun."
— Sarah Hildreth [10:49]

6. Discussing the Longest Books

Sarah’s Longest Book:

"Penmaric" by Susan Howitz
An expansive family drama set in Cornwall, inspired by historical British royalty. Sarah describes it as a sprawling 700-page narrative filled with intricate relationships and dramatic twists.

"It's this huge book. A very cheesy, like, 1970s cover on it."
— Sarah Hildreth [11:00]

7. Book Pairings Between Guides

Traci and Sarah explore creative pairings between their fiction and non-fiction lists, aiming to provide readers with complementary reads that enhance their summer reading experience. These pairings are designed to cater to varying moods and interests, ensuring a balanced selection.

"But then I was like, I'm not going to check the page count."
— Traci Thomas [09:02]

8. Additional Recommendations and Reflections

The hosts share additional book suggestions that, while not included in their guides, they believe would have been valuable additions. This segment reflects their ongoing commitment to curating comprehensive and diverse reading lists.

9. Encouraging Community Engagement

Traci concludes the episode by inviting listeners to join their communities on Patreon or Substack to gain full access to the episode, additional bonus content, and to support the creation of future content.

"So go to one of those two places, join us, get to hear the rest of this episode, and support the work that I do by being a part of these wonderful communities."
— Traci Thomas [12:16]

Key Takeaways

• Diverse Curation: Both Traci and Sarah emphasize the importance of catering to different reading preferences, whether it’s selecting quick reads for short summer days or extensive novels for immersive vacations.

• Creative Categorization: The use of superlatives and thematic pairings showcases their innovative approach to book selection, making their guides both functional and engaging.

• Collaborative Spirit: The episode highlights the synergy between the hosts, blending fiction and non-fiction perspectives to offer a well-rounded summer reading plan.

• Community Focus: By encouraging listeners to join their Patreon or Substack communities, Traci and Sarah foster a sense of belonging and continuous engagement with their audience.

Notable Quotes

• "It's super short. And it's really fun and interesting. So it's about a house party in South London called the Wickedest that happens once a month."
  — Sarah Hildreth [09:53]

• "Against Techno Ableism by Ashley Shu is a super short book, which I really loved."
  — Traci Thomas [09:18]

• "She is gonna have some thriller, and he's not gonna have a romance novel, so just everyone pipe down, I think."
  — Sarah Hildreth [07:04]

This episode serves as a valuable resource for book enthusiasts looking to expand their summer reading horizons. Through thoughtful discussion and expert recommendations, Traci Thomas and Sarah Hildreth provide listeners with curated insights into selecting books that resonate with their individual tastes and summer lifestyles.