The Stack launches with inspiration and choice for readers through curated book lists

With 200,000 books published a year in the UK, it can feel impossible to know which books are worth your time - and to resist the lure of the shiny and new. The Stack podcast is launching on 28th October to tackle these challenges, with fortnightly episodes featuring curated book lists and answering reading dilemmas from listeners.

The Stack is hosted by writer and podcast producer Jake Williams and publishing insider Ella Horne, and combines their expertise with their passion for books in all genres. Their mission is simple: help readers cut through the noise to discover more books they love. Episodes will be released fortnightly, each suggesting six books on a theme. Season one, which runs from October to April, will include ‘Haunted Books’ , ‘Y2K nostalgia’ and ‘Weird Little Books’ as well as seasonal episodes on Christmas gifting and Valentine’s reading.

Ella Horne says: ‘I hope The Stack acts as an antidote to the endless pressure to keep up with all the new books published, going beyond single-book reviews or author interviews to offer readers inspiration and choice. Everyone is welcome here, whether you eagerly await the prize shortlists (Jake) or once read 21 romance novels in a row about alpha male billionaires (me… it was lockdown). ’

Jake Williams says: ‘So many people tell me they want to read more or re-connect with reading but are overwhelmed with choice. We want to shout about the books we know are worth people’s limited time, virtually thrusting them into the hands of our listeners: Read this, you’ll love it! We’re not just listing books, we’re creating mini libraries for readers to visit when the mood takes them. ’

As the podcast grows, Williams and Horne will invite authors into the studio to share the stack of books that made them as a person and writer, providing a much-needed author platform in the light entertainment podcast space.

The Stack launches on 28th October and will be available to listen wherever you get your podcasts, and to watch in full on YouTube. You can find them on Instagram and TikTok @thestackpodcast.