Show & Tell: Did You Miss Me?
Unstacked Digest for the week of June 17-23
Welcome to another edition of Show & Tell where I tell you the nine things I loved from the week and the one thing I hated, plus round up everything else going on around these parts. The first half of Show & Tell is free to all. The adoration and hateration are for paid subscribers only.
I am back after a 10 day vacation and much needed break from bookish content and being available and online. I didn’t realize how much I needed that break, even though I knew I needed a break. If that makes sense? I am thinking a lot about how I can manage my work load and still be present in other parts of my life. I’m not sure what that will look like, yet. I am hopeful, though.
Mr. Stacks and I went to Ireland for a (dreamy) wedding of my dear friend Vella Lovell. Then we headed to Berlin and Munich to catch the opening match of the Euro Cup, Scotland vs. Germany. So much history. So much soccer. So many kilts. I also read, but not that much. I ate, very much. And I slept in most days. Again, a much needed break.
But, we’re back so let’s hop into this week’s Show & Tell, which will touch on a few things from my break as well as the news of the week, and something I hate, of course.
Let’s do it!
This Week on Unstacked
I let you know what books were coming out in June that I’m most excited about.
While I was gone I kept up with Read to Know Basis. First up was
, author of the brand new Housemates, and past guest of The Stacks.
Christina Cooke also made an appearance for her book Broughtopsy. She cheated a little with the crush question, but I’ll allow it.
Another friend of the pod, Joseph Earl Thomas, stopped by to talk about his debut novel God Bless You, Otis Spunkmeyer.
Books I Read This Week
You’re Only Old Once by Dr. Seuss
Did you know Dr. Seuss wrote one adult book? It is about being old and the ridiculousness of ailments and medicine. It is in his signature style, with made up words, colorful artwork, and poetic rhyme scheme. I read the book because it qualified for The Stacks Mega Reading Challenge’s prompt for an NYT bestseller from the year you were born. The book is fine or whatever, but like, it is no Green Eggs and Ham or Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
The Holocaust: An Unfinished History by Dan Stone
I read this book on my trip to Germany for obvious reasons. I have had a longtime fascination with the Holocaust and found this book to present some new and fresh perspectives on events that were set in motion close to 90 years ago. Stone is true historian and this book is dense and detailed, I would not suggest it as an intro to the Holocaust, nor would I say it is an easy read. I do recommend it, and I did leave the book having learned a lot and being able to reframe my own understanding of Naziism and the systemic extermination of Europe’s Jews.
One Day in September: The Full Story of the 1972 Munich Olympics Massacre and the Israeli Revenge Operation Wrath of God by Simon Reeve
In 1972, 11 Israeli athletes were taken hostage at the Munich Olympics buy members of a Palestinian terrorist group, Black September. This books tells the story of the hostage taking and rescue attempt along with the Israeli revenge operation that followed. I really enjoyed this book, it read a lot like a thriller and is super engaging. What I liked most about this book was how it made sense of a lot of what is going on now in Gaza just by shedding light on the reciprocal violence of the 70’s and 80’s.
Fave of the week!
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
I went on a vacation and read a romance just for fun, but because I am who I am it was a romance the was about grief, loss of a sibling, and suicide. Why am I like this? I liked the book, but holy cow it was a slow burn and I would’ve appreciated a little more of the sexy stuff a littler earlier on.
Lessons for Survival: Mothering Against "The Apocalypse" by Emily Raboteau
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book on parenting, racism, community, and climate. I don’t know if you can really be prepared for a book like this, because it is so personal for the author and the reader. Raboteau asks a lot of questions, which I really appreciated. She isn’t so interested in the the answers, which I also appreciated. Though, sometimes I found myself wanting more guidance from her. I loved reading what she was grappling with and how she grappled. To think about climate with a smart person, even if I’m just reading her words, is a worthy endeavor.
Housekeeping
We had an illustrious guest on the podcast this week. The Akwaeke Emezi. I got the tea for you on their next books, trigger warnings, and why they like to explore so many genres with their work.
I got to talk about Black Queer authors this week on NPR’s Here and Now.
This month my shereads.com column is all about book recs to better understand the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
I’ll be in conversation with
for her cookbook Big Night: Dinners, Parties, and Dinner Parties on Wednesday June 27th. Tickets here.Nine Things I Love…
Book News
If you’ve taken my advice and you’ve read the newest book from Percival Everett, James, you’ll be happy to know there is a movie in the works. It’s set to be produced by Steven Speilberg (ever heard of him?), written by Everette himself, and directed by Taika Waititi. I’m am cautiously optimistic.
Pop Culture
Kendrick did indeed Pop Out and show niggas. If you don’t know what this means, I can’t help you.