BookStack Directory: Part 5
"E" is for Enthusiasts who guide you deep into their niche
Hello. After a hiatus for a vacation and preparing for a major life transition, I’m back on my BS-as-in-BookStack Directory. You can find the previous installments at that link, and I’ll also link to each post the bottom of this one.
In this edition, you’ll find a list of delightful and well-researched BookStacks for when you want to dive deep into a particular niche. “E” is for Enthusiasts— these writers bring a lot of passion and expertise.
- by offers discussions on 20th Century women's narratives and contemporary culture, celebrating the wide variety and necessity of uncovering and discovering the stories of women, past and present. I enjoy her hot takes (Into the Wild the movie is definitely better than the book!) and how she illuminates particular periods of the last century through what women were writing at the time. Free on Sundays.
- by thrives on an intense passion for the opulent tapestry of Black culture, literature, and thought. Here, minds ignite and horizons expand; it's a sanctuary where the pages of Black History are not just read but resonated with and deeply experienced. Diamond-Micahel not only writes about books but also interviews writers with relevant new releases, such as this conversation with Sidney Morrison— and book giveaway for subscribers!
- is the place to get fantasy book recommendations and join in a community ambitiously reading the 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time.
Literary critic and essayist
of , writes about old and new books with a focus on the experiences of women at Cambridge. She includes evocative photos from the Cambridge University archives and her contemporary experiences there.- is ’s weekly guide to children's books, raising readers, and how to build a culture of reading in your home. Published twice a week, it leans toward recommendations of picture books for the youngest readers/listeners but I imagine it will grow as her youngsters do.
- by former book publicist and literary event manager offers succinct book reviews for busy parents, to help them enjoy their hard-earned reading time and make the most of different moods and attention spans.
- by DC-based lawyer with a history degree offers a unique invitation: “2024 isn’t going to get any less stressful. Who wants to talk about World War II novels?” I see no lie. I appreciate that one of her questions she considers when reviewing a book in the newsletter is that it has to teach Amelia something new about World War II. As a writer of historical fiction, she also at times uses craft as a lens to discuss the books.
- explores where Christian thought and world literature intersect. I appreciate the emphasis on poetry and the thoughtfulness of the essays.
Renee at
writes about cover designs and the people behind them. Take a second look at iconic designs and discover new connections between content and cover.- by is your go-to for romance recommendations. This is one genre I generally don’t read, so I’m not really qualified to annotate this one but I do relate to Natalie’s thoughts on the reading life in general. I’ve saved this post I’m linking below for when I get over my hang-up about romance novels and am ready to expand my comfort zone.
- writes writes a busy mom’s guide to raising readers while tackling your own TBR. If you’ve got school age kids and like to keep up with commercial new releases and feel good books you might have missed during years of juggling multiple toddlers, this one is for you!
- by will bring a weekly dose of queer romance recommendations to your inbox. Is your favorite activity repeatedly smashing your heart to pieces while reading about sad men falling in love? Then you’re basically already a member.
At
, writer shares her research into historical sister stories— real and fictional. Did you know we owe the choice to see a woman doctor to a pair of sisters? Neither did I, until I read Kate’s post linked below. She’s into the history, but not above an occasional Bridgerton analysis. If you are a sister or have one or wish you did, you might like this newsletter.
All right— that’s the limit for today but I know I’m missing some great genre-based BookStacks. Feel free to add links in the comments. Next up: “F”for Faculty. More experts, with even more letters after their name, coming soon.
I feel so honoured to be labeled as an enthusiasts and mentioned in you publication! thank you for the shoutout, so appreciated ✨
Hi Abra. Thanks for the shoutout! Much appreciated.