Ep 103: On Creating Bookish Spaces And Community ft. Wend...

What this episode covers

In this episode, I chat with Wendy, a passionate bibliophile and bookseller from Nairobi. We explore Wendy's journey into the world of books, the establishment of her bookstore Soma Nami, and the contrasting literary cultures of Nairobi and Lagos. The conversation delves into book recommendations, the importance of reading diverse authors, and the challenges of navigating the literary scene. Wendy shares her top book picks, critiques a disappointing read, and expresses her desires for the future of reading, including the need for more authentic local stories. The episode concludes with practical tips for overcoming reading slumps.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Wendy and Her Journey05:27 Wendy's Early Memories with Books08:20 Transitioning from Reader to Bookseller11:27 The Impact of COVID on Bookstores14:20 Literary Culture in Nairobi vs. Lagos17:17 The Literary Season in Nairobi20:11 Choosing What to Read Next23:33 The Art of Recommending Books26:28 Exploring Memoirs and Their Appeal37:56 The Art of Book Recommendations40:21 Top Five Book Recommendations58:20 Navigating Disappointments in Reading01:06:24 Desires for the Future of Reading01:11:52 Introduction and Engagement with Listeners01:12:22 Encouraging Community and Sharing the PodcastIn Case You Missed It ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 1. ⁠BROKEN by Fatima Bala (Book Chat)⁠2. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠An Easy Guide To NetGalley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 3. The 2025 Something Bookish Reading Challenge GuideIf you love my content, kindly consider supporting me ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠by ⁠buying me a digital cup of coffee⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CONTACT Questions? Comments? Email me at [email protected] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Something Bookish?

This episode is 1 hour and 13 minutes long.

When was this Something Bookish episode published?

This episode was published on May 15, 2025.

What is this episode about?

In this episode, I chat with Wendy, a passionate bibliophile and bookseller from Nairobi. We explore Wendy's journey into the world of books, the establishment of her bookstore Soma Nami, and the contrasting literary cultures of Nairobi and Lagos....

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