Books With Abena

In this episode, I’m catching you up on life lately and sharing my first quarter reading wrap-up. From a calm start to the year and a quiet birthday to meaningful friendships and bookish moments, it’s been a gentle but fulfilling few months.I also break down my 2026 reading goals, how I’m tracking them, and all 21 books I read from January to March, plus my favourites, standout audiobooks, and the ones I can’t stop thinking about.

What does it take to build a career as an illustrator in Ghana?In this episode, I sit down with self-taught digital artist Tracy Arthur to talk about her journey into illustration, the realities of working in Ghana’s creative industry, and the challenges of turning art into a sustainable career. She walks us through her creative process, from manuscript to finished cover, and shares insights into her work on Kelewele Connections and her stunning cover art for Mari Loyal.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, I’m joined by upcoming Ghanaian contemporary romance author Gia Kise for a conversation about love stories and why they deserve respect.We talk about why she chose romance, why the genre is often dismissed as “not serious,” and what people miss when they underestimate happily-ever-afters.Gia also shares her self-publishing journey, the writing, editing, marketing, costs, and challenges of doing it all independently.Plus, we spotlight her novels, It’s Always Been You and Finding You , and she drops her top romance recommendations for anyone ready to fall in love with the genre.

In this episode, I’m joined by author Jessica Carmichael to discuss her debut novel, The Full Picture at the Bookmas Party. We talk about what inspired the story, her journey to publication, and why it was important for Ghana, especially Accra, to feel alive on the page.Jessica shares insights into Robyn’s journey of love and self-discovery, her complicated relationship with her father, her mother's lasting presence, and the tension between choosing the heart and the “safe” path. We also explore the symbolism of photography and what Jessica hopes readers will take away when they close the book.A thoughtful conversation about identity, choice, and learning to see the full picture

In this episode, I’m reflecting on my 2025 reading year. I read 74 books in 2025, and in this episode, I walk you through the year: the books that completely hooked me, the ones I still think about, my personal Book Awards, standout authors, and reading stats from StoryGraph. I also share my reading goals for 2026. Whether you’re looking for book recommendations, wrapping up your own reading year, or planning your next TBR, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Bene Reads, Bookstagrammer and co-founder of the Two Book Club, to unpack her 2025 in reading, the highs, the surprises, the laughs, and even the disappointments.Bene takes us through the books that shaped her year. She shares her top 10 reads, the one book that stayed with her long after the final page, and the genres she couldn’t get enough of—plus what she’s excited to read more of next at the Bookmas Party.

In this episode, we sit down with Mr. Poetivist to explore the making of his new album, kumbaya – the elegy of distant relatives, released under Jinn Records. This project blends poetry, sound design and music into an intimate reflection on grief and loss.We discuss how the album came to life, the imagery and storytelling woven through its tracks, and the personal experiences and cultural conversations that shaped its emotional core.This conversation is a deep dive into art as healing, sound as remembrance, and poetry as a compass for understanding grief and loss.

In this special edition recorded at Pa Gya! A Literary Festival in Accra, I sit down with acclaimed author Yejide Kilanko to discuss her latest book, In My Own Ways. We explore her writing journey, her bold approach to addressing complex and heavy themes, and how she skillfully weaves humour into difficult narratives to create connection and balance.This conversation offers a thoughtful look into how storytelling can confront pain, invite laughter, and ultimately, heal.About the author: Yejide Kilanko was born in Ibadan, Nigeria. She writes novels, short fiction, poetry and children's Picture books. Kilanko's 2012 debut novel Daughters Who Walk This Path was long-listed for the Nigeria Literature Prize. Her short fiction This Tangible Thing was shortlisted for Caine Prize. Her latest children's picture book The Other Side of Small, was published in 2024.

In this episode, I sit with poet Nana Asaase to explore how language shapes the Ghanaian imagination and the stories we tell about ourselves. Through reflections on poetry, translation, and cultural memory, our conversation reveals how words become both a bridge to the past and a tool for reimagining the future. Recorded as part of the Ancestors, Answer Me exhibition organized by the Museum of African Poetry. This episode invites listeners to reflect on how identity, language, and creativity continue to evolve within the Ghanaian narrative.About my Guest: Nana Asaase is a Ghanaian poet, cultural practitioner, and storyteller whose work bridges language, tradition, and contemporary expression. His creative practice rooted in a blend of English and Twi draws deeply from Akan oratory and folklore, extending into performance, coaching, and cultural consultancy.For more than two decades, Nana has shared his art with audiences ranging from presidents and global dignitaries to poetry lovers around the world. His performances and cultural insights have been featured on prominent international platforms, including the BBC and CNN’s African Voices.He joins this episode, Narratives in Transition: Linguistics, Poetry, and the Reimagination of Ghanaian Expression, part of the Ancestors, Answer Me exhibition organised by Museum of African Poetry, to explore how language and art reimagine Ghanaian identity and creativity.

In this episode of Books with Abena, I sit down with Ghanaian romance author Nana Malone, the queen of “Sexy Feel-Good Romance.” Nana shares her journey from project manager to full-time writer and how she’s honed her craft to write fast, consistently, and with heart. We talk about the misconceptions surrounding the romance genre and the writers and experiences that shaped her view of love and storytelling.Nana also introduces us to her latest book, The Gold Coast Dilemma, a romcom that blends laughter and swoon-worthy romance with deeper themes of diaspora, tradition, and self-discovery. She opens up about writing for a global audience while staying true to Ghanaian culture and nuance. This is a conversation about joy, love, and the power of African stories to go beyond trauma.About the Guest: Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author, Nana Malone writes Sexy Feel-Good Romance and loves all things romance and adventure.

In this episode, we sit down with the mind behind Readers Truss, a thriving book community in Accra, to explore what it really takes to bring people together through a shared love of reading. We talk about the early days of building the community, the obstacles she has faced, and the strategies that keep members engaged and connected. Whether you are a community builder, a book lover, or someone dreaming of starting your own collective, this conversation is packed with insights, inspiration, and a reminder that reading is always better when it’s shared.

In this episode, I sit down with Ghanaian poet, writer, and curator Mr. Poetivist, whose work bridges the personal and political, the poetic and the performative. We talk about the beginnings of his writing journey, the meaning of poetry in a world on edge, and the poets who inspire his pen. He opens up about the challenges of building a creative career, confronting rejection, and using performance as protest.We also explore the deeply impactful Don’t Let This Become Public, a project that boldly used poetry as a tool for political change.Bio:Born in Ghana, Mr. Poetivist is a poet, writer and curator with a unique voice that unearths the visuals of unsaid narratives. He commissioned a series of poems for Isshaq Ismail’s exhibition, Beyond the Fence, Begins the Sky, at Efie Gallery, UAE.Additionally, he debuted his radio play, The Village We Are, on Berlin-based radio community, Refuge Worldwide. His poem Ode to Afrika was featured as the lead piece for TEDxAccra in 2021.Poetivist challenges social and political injustices through poetry and creates immersive experiences that explore the boundaries between poetic expression and theatrical performance, engaging audiences in a profound dialogue about contemporary issues.

Can you believe we’re already halfway through 2025? In this special solo episode, I’m reflecting on the first half of my reading year—the highs, the slumps, the unexpected favorites, and everything in between. Join me as I share:My 30 reads so farFiction & non-fiction favoritesThe books that truly surprised meThe two I had to DNFWhether you’re ahead of your reading goals or still stuck on your January book, this one’s for you. It's light, bookish, and cozy—just the way we like it.Books:Just for the Summer – Abby JimenezHello Beautiful – Ann NapolitanoHow to Kill Men and Get Away With It – Kitty CollinsNothing is Okay – Racheal WileySingle Dads Club – Therese BeharrieFlirting With Disaster – Naina KumarPlaying Flirty – Shameez PatelUntethered – Angela Jackson-BrownWe Had to Remove This Post – Hanna BervoetsTomorrow Died Yesterday – Chimeka GarricksThe Covenant of Water – Abraham VergheseThe Seven Year Slip – Ashley PostonRed Clay – Charles B. FancherWhat Napoleon Could Not Do – D.K. NnuroAll the Blues in the Sky – Renée WatsonI’m That Girl – Jordan ChilesHere After – Amy LinWater Moon – Samantha Sotto YamboaMainline Mama – Keeonna HarrisWhat My Mother and I Don’t Talk About – AnthologyPromise Boys – Nick BrooksNecessary Fiction – Eloghosa OsundeThe Re-Write – Lizzie Damilola BlackburnThe Float Test – Lynn Steger StrongLiquid – Mariam RahmaniWeyward – Emilia HartThe Love Lyric – Kristina ForestOnly Because It’s You – Rebecca FissehaThe Fortunes of Jaded Women – Carolyn HuynhHold My Girl – Charlene Carr

In this episode, I talk about getting Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) and where to get free books if you are a book influencer. ARCs as we call them in the book world, are copies of a book that the publishing companies send out for review, before the release date. ARCs can be physical, Digital and Audio. 

In this episode, Abena speaks to two Samira Bawumia Literature Prize winners about their writing journey, participating in the literature prize and dealing with rejection.About the Guests:Benjamin Cyril ArthurBenjamin Cyril Arthur is a Ghanaian writer that holds a degree in English and linguistics. His journey as a writer began in the vibrant literary landscape of Nigeria where storytelling is not just an art form but a vital thread in the fabric of culture. He has honed his craft through a combination of academic rigour and real-world experience, always seeking to push the boundaries of his creativity and explore new forms of expression. He is one of the few selected as a participant for the Canex Creative Writing Workshop 2024. He is a winner of the 2020 Samira Bawumia Literary Prize competition in poetry. His poems and short stories have also appeared in Brittle Paper, Tampered Press, Lunaris Review, Ghana Pride Anthology, lounloun, Flametress Press, Nenta literary journal, I see the Blue Zine, and Ama Ata Aidoo Centre for creative writing etc. Emmanuela Amparebea SekohEmmanuela Amparebea Sekoh is a corporate woman, blog writer and a budding young author. She is the brain behind a blog press dubbed 360secs with Ella. Some of her write-ups include Tailoring My Heart, Scarred and The Sixth Husband.Emmanuela holds a degree in Business Administration (Banking and Finance). Alongside writing, her hobbies are listening to gospel music, event planning and watching fashion trends. She aspires to address social issues through writing and public speaking.  

Here's an update to our series "Bookclubs in Ghana"In this episode, I speak with the founder of Read Along With Cally's Bookclub about creating a reading club.About the Bookclub:Read Along With Cally's Bookclub is a community of readers, catering to both avid readers and those seeking to reignite their love for reading. The book club provides a nurturing environment where members can bond, network and share their passion for Literature.

Abena speaks to Bene about what love means, her favourite romance books and authorsBene's Favourite Romance Authors:Beverly Jenkins⁠Abby JimenezKennedy RyanFarrah Rochon⁠Nisha Sharma⁠A.E ValdezNatasha BishopAdesuwa O’man NwokediMimi GraceKimberly BrownAlexandria HouseTalia HibbertAsia MoniqueGrey HuffingtonKasha Thompson⁠B.K BorisonK.C Mills Allysa ColeComfort Omorve Bolu BabalolaTia Williams Ebony Dalle Ben Philippe

On this episode, I talk to author Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond about her book My Parents' Marriage, which was published by Amistad Books (an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers). The discussion focuses on marriage, the characters in the book, the setting of the book, and publishing. About the Guest:Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond children's picture book Blue: A History of Color as Deep as the Sea and Wide as the Sky, illustrated by Caldecott Honor Artist Daniel Minter, was named among the best of 2022 by NPR, New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, Kirkus Reviews, The Center for the Study of Multicultural Literature, Bank Street College of Education, and more. Brew-Hammond also wrote the young adult novel Powder Necklace, which Publishers Weekly called “a winning debut”, and she edited Relations: An Anthology of African and Diaspora Voices. Her newest novel for adult readers, My Parents' Marriage was featured in The New York Times. Brew-Hammond's short fiction for adult readers is included in the anthologies  Accra Noir edited by Nana-Ama Danquah, Africa 39 edited by Ellah Wakatama Allfrey, New Daughters of Africa edited by Margaret Busby, Everyday People edited by Jennifer Baker, and Woman's Work edited by Michelle Sewell, among others. Additionally, her writing has appeared in Now2, African Writing, Los Angeles Review of Books, and Sunday Salon.   From 2018-2023, Brew-Hammond was a Pa Gya! Literary Festival Guest Author, and she was a 2019 Edward Albee Foundation Fellow, a 2018 Aké Arts and Book Festival Guest Author, a 2018 Hobart Festival of Women Writers Guest Author, a 2017 Aspen Ideas Festival Scholar, a 2016 Hedgebrook Writer-in-Residence, a 2015 Rhode Island Writers Colony Writer-in-Residence, and in both 2015 and 2014, she was shortlisted for a Miles Morland Writing Scholarship.  

Happy New Year!Welcome to 2025!Maame Wirekoa and I discussed books we read last year (2024) and this year's reading goals (2025)

This episode features Bene Read and Ka_karang (Nasiba) discussing 2024 in reading. Books Mentioned by Bene ReadsAll My Rage by Sabaa TahirMornings in Jenin by Susan AbdulhawaSomeone Birthed Them Broken by Ama Asantewa DiakaDon't Cry For Me by Daniel BlackThe God of Good Looks by Breanne Mc IvorThe Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy LefteriSmall Joys by Elvin James MensahDifficult Women by Roxanne GayHello Beautiful by Ann NapolitanoHow to End a Love Story by Yulin KuangHold My Girl by Charlene CarrBooks Mentioned by NasibaBroken Not a Halal Love Story by Fatima BalaNew York My Village by Uwem AkpanSomeone Birthed Them Broken by Ama Asantewa DiakaDifficult Women by Roxanne GayWe Are All Birds of Uganda by Hafsa ZayyanAll My Rage by Sabaa TahirHouse of Shells by Efua TraoreThree Daughters of Eve by Elif SafakAll My Mothers Lovers by Iiana MasadBooks Mentioned by AbenaSmall Joys by Elvin James MensahMaps of Our Spectacular Bodies by Maddie MortimerAnd Then He Sung a Lullaby by Ani Kayode SomtochukwuSomeday Maybe by Onyi NwabileniSomeone Birthed Them Broken my Ama Asaantewa DiakaHow to Say Babylon by Safiya SinclairOpen Water by Caleb Azumah NelsonOnly for the Week by Natasha BishopBefore the Coffee Gets Cold Series by Toshikazu KawaguchiThe Bee Sting by Paul MurrayIf an Egyptian Cannot Speak English by Naga NoorGod's Children are Little Broken Things by Arinze Ifeakandu

Abena Maryan hosted a session at the just-ended Pa Gya Literary Arts Festival, which was organized by the Writers Project of Ghana (WPG).Guests:Kwame Brenya is an award-winning poet, a published writer, a Twi language teacher, and a traditional music artist with five (5) studio albums.Kwame’s music is mostly storytelling palm wine music through which he has documented his personal life story on the BRENYA NE BARIMA album as well as his experiences across West Africa on his EP, FOUR DAYS IN FASO. His art is Akɔm; the Akan philosophy of life and existence. Kwame Brenya is KWABRE NYAME.Kofi Dzogbewu is a Ghanaian storyteller. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology and English from the University of Ghana, where he read Creative Writing. He also has a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Central University in Ghana. He works with words in non-fiction, fiction, playwriting, and poetry. He is an alumnus of the Mo Issa Writing Workshops. His works have been featured in the Kalahari Review and other online literary journals. He is the author of the novel, Adze. When he is not writing, he spends most of his time performing, reading, or watching movies. He is a producer and director at Dzomoko Productions – a film and theatre organization. His writings explore African culture, ambition, Afro-futurism, and modernity.

This is a live recording from the just ended All African Book FairGuests:Leanne LecternTayTalesFlipping Chapters

This is a live recording from the just ended All African Book Fair.

This is a live recording from the just ended All African Book Fair. In this episode, we spoke with:Grace Dorcas Anan: Author, publisher and the founder of the All African Book FairThe Black Archives: A cultural center and archive on Black (Dutch) history, arts and culture in AmsterdamDr. Martin Egblewogbe: Author, Lecturer and one of the directors of the Writers Project of Ghana (WPG)Poetra Asantewa: Author, Spoken Word Artist and founder of the Black Girls GlowEmma Ofosua: Writer, Poet and founder of the All African Women Poetry Festival

This is a conversation with Bene and Nasiba inspired by @ka_karang's Unpopular Opinion.

A conversation between host Abena Maryan and guest Ama Asantewa Diaka, known as Poetra Ama Asantewa about her second book "Someone Bithed Them Broken. About the Book: In this startling collection of short fiction, Ama Asantewa Diaka creates a vibrant portrait of young Ghanaians' today, captured in the experiences of characters whose lives bump against one other in friendship, passion, hope, and heartache.About the Author: Ama Asantewa Diaka is a poet, a storyteller, and spoken word artist who performs as Poetra Asantewa. She is the author of the chapbook You Too Will Know Me, and the debut poetry collection Woman, Eat Me Whole, and her poems have appeared in print and online. She completed an MFA at the Art Institute of Chicago in 2019. She lives in Ghana.

In this episode, Bene, Nasiba and Amba discuss their reading journey thus far in 2024.Books Mentioned:Favourite book/books of the year so farAmba:Someone Birthed Them Broken by Ama Asantewa DiakaSmall Joys by Elvin James MensahThe Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke AmeziThe Principle of Moments by Esmie Jikiemi-PearsonHeartsong by T.J KluneBene: All My Rage by Sabaa TahirSomeone Birthed Them Broken by Ama Asantewa DiakaSmall Joys by Elvin James MensahGod's Children are Little Broken Things by Arinze IfeakanduDays Come and Go by Hemley BoumHow to End a Love Story by Yulin KuangHold my Girl by Charlene CarrThe Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy LefteriDon't Cry for Me by Daniel BlackNasiba:Someone Birthed Them Broken by Ama Asantewa DiakaDiary of a Dead African by Chuma NwokoloEfuru by Flora NwapaChildren of Quicksand by Efua TraoreFor You I'd Steal a Goat by Niq MnlongoDifficult Women by Roxanne GayAbena:Maps of our Spectacular Bodies by Maddie MortimerOn the Rooftops by Margaret Wilkerson SextonBehind the Mountains by Edwidge DanticatLucy by Jamaica KincaidSmall Joys by Elvin James MensahThe Colour Purple by Alice WalkerHeaven by Meiko KawakamiHullo, Bu-Bye, Koko, Come in by Koleka PutumaSomeday, Maybe by Onyi NwabineliAnd Then He Sang a Lullaby by Ani Kayode SomtochukwuSomeone Birthed Them Broken by Ama Asantewa DiakaHow to Say Babylon by Safiya SinclairOnly For the Week by Natasha BishopBits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother and Me by Whoopi GoldbergOpen Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

Author Ani Kayode Somtochukwu discusses his novel And Then He Sung a Lullaby with Abena Maryan. They discuss his work as a queer liberation activist, queerness, and homophobia in this conversation.About the AuthorAni Kayode Somtochukwu is a scientist, writer, digital creator and queer liberation activist. His work interrogates themes of queer identity, resistance and liberation, with focus on African narratives of queerness and its varied contestations in the literary and political sphere.He writes in both English and Igbo and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Biology and Biotechnology from Enugu State University of Science and Technology in 2019.Authors & Books Mentioned:Roxane GayThe Death of Vivek Oji by Akwake EmeziButter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca EkwuyasiVagabonds! Eloghosa Osunde

On this episode, Abena talks to author Elvin James Mensah on his book Small Joys. They speak about father-son relationship, chosen family and mental health in the book Small Joys. About the Book:An unexpected friendship saves a young man's life in this moving, utterly charming debut about chosen family, the winding road to happiness, and the grace of second chances.About the Author:Elvin James Mensah was born and raised in South East London. He graduated from Bournemouth University, where he began writing his first novel, Small JoysAuthors Mentioned:Andrea LevyBrian WashingtonPaul MendezSally RooneyCaleb Azumah NelsonDonna Tartt

This episode features a conversation between Abena Maryan and voice actor and narrator Tsiddi Can Tamakloe on his experiences narrating audiobooks and voice acting. About Tsiddi Can-TamakloeTsiddi Can-Tamakloe is Ghanaian voice actor/narrator. He has an avid interest in narrating documentaries, classic literature, and African writing especially. He lives in Accra and volunteers with the Nami Projects, an organisation that advocates for products and services built through the various disciplines of African art. Email: [email protected]

Here's an update to our series "Bookclubs in Ghana"In this episode, I speak with the founders of Two Bookclubs about creating a reading club.About the Bookclub:Two Bookclub is a bookclub created by bookstagrammers @Bene Reads and @Ka_karang to help readers connect with other readers and find a community.

Discover what made Abena Maryan take a break and catch up on her latest life updates!Email: [email protected]

This episode highlights Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi's life, writing, and achievements.Books:Kintu by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi read by Abena MaryanManchester Happened by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi read by Amba, Naa Atswei & Prince HenryThe First Woman by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi read by Abena MaryanRelated Articles: https://jennifermakumbi.net/https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/culture/we-interview-the-writer-jennifer-makumbihttps://granta.com/contributor/jennifer-nansubuga-makumbi/

In this episode, I talk to Kataru Yahya about her debut novel Home is a Silhouette. We discuss the writing and publishing of the book, themes and characters, and representation of Muslim women.  About the Book:  Asiya Abdullah has it all. But still, her heart is restless. She yearns for a closer relationship with her mother and friends who truly care about her. When a single mistake forces her into the grasp of a successful, powerful, and wanted man, Asiya’s life is thrust into a dark and violent world hidden behind the glittering walls of a mansion. Lila has long since given up the idea of escaping. Five years have been stolen from her, and with little to go back to, she obediently serves as a maid to the Master of the house. Lila knows she’s a shell of herself and surrounded by people she cannot trust, but with nowhere as a home for her heart, what else can she do? When the two girls’ paths converge, their worlds shatter. HOME IS A SILHOUETTE is a stunning debut by Kataru Yahya, spinning a multi-POV loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in Ghana, where not all fairy tales are magical. About the Author:Kataru Yahya is a Ghanaian writer, poet and diagnostic medical sonographer. Her interest in writing started when she was fourteen. Kataru’s poetry has been published in Ta Adesa and Writer’s Space Africa-Ghana. Outside of writing and ultrasound, she loves to read or binge reruns of her favorite shows.HOME IS A SILHOUETTE is her debut novel.

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2024! Racheal and I discussed our reading goals from last year (2023) and this year's reading goals, the bookish ins and outs, and anticipated reads.

This episode features Bookstagrammers discussing their reading year.

Several book clubs exist in and around Accra to foster a love of reading and create a reader community. In this episode, I talk to Amba, a co-founder of Bibliophiles and Vibes and some Book Club members.Bibliophiles and Vibes is a book club created by four Ghanaian girls who share a love for books.

In this episode, Racheal Kizza and I discuss "How Book Influencers are Shaping the Literary Space."The rise of book influencers on social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and TikTok has changed how readers connect and engage with literature. Recently, Book Influencers' increasing popularity and importance are clear as readers turn to Book Influencers for book recommendations, trusting their opinions on books.

In this episode, my guests and I talk about starting a book account on social media.Guests:@bene.reads@ka_karang@booksxbrews

Racheal Kizza will join me to discuss Ugandan books. The list is curated to help you add Ugandan authors and books to your reading list. About my Guest:Racheal Kizza is a cultural practitioner with the Ugandan German Cultural Society, Ibua Publishing and Lolwe. She is the founder and host of Meet Your Author, a podcast that spotlights and celebrates African authors through collaborative discussions and interviews.Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/meet-your-authorBooks and Authors Mentioned:+ A Recipe for Disaster by Lillian Tindyebwa+ The First Woman by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi+ Kintu by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi+ Whispers from Vera by Goretti Kyomuhendo+ Widows Wear Lipstick by Martha Kyoshaba Twinamatsiko+ A Killing in the Sun by Dilman Dila+ The World Is Ours by Lucie Chihandae+ Remembering the Future: Reflections on Ugandan Culture in Changing Times by Ibua Publishing (Non-fiction)+ The Rainmakers by Paul Kisakye+ Adavera and Kunda by Rachael A.Z. Mutabingwa Books Influencers to follow:IG: @abookician_here & @kabby_wanderingbookieX @i_zziwaOnline Magazine:The Weganda Review

In this episode, my guests and I talk about Caleb Azumah Nelson's book Small Worlds.Guests: @bene.reads, @ka_karang and @booksxbrewsSummary of the book: Set over the course of three summers, Small Worlds follows Stephen, a first-generation Londoner born to Ghanaian immigrant parents, brother to Ray, and best friend to Adeline. On the cusp of big life changes, Stephen feels pressured to follow a certain path—a university degree, a move out of home—but when he decides instead to follow his first love, music, his world and family fracture in ways he didn’t foresee. Now Stephen must find a path and peace for himself: a space he can feel beautiful, a space he can feel free. Moving from London, England to Accra, Ghana and back again, Small Worlds is an exquisite and intimate new novel about the people and places we hold close. About the author: Caleb Azumah Nelson is a British-Ghanaian writer and photographer living in South East London. His first novel, Open Water won the Costa First Novel Award and Debut of the Year at the British Book Awards and was number one Times bestseller. It was also shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize and The Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year.

We are celebrating the memory of Ama Ata Aidoo, Ghana's first prominent female author, with news articles written by some Ghanaian writers.Articles read were written by:Annis Haffar published in the Daily Graphic Nii Ayikwei Parkes online by The Republic https://republic.com.ng/august-september-2023/the-indelible-life-of-ama-ata-aidoo/Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah published online by The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/jul/05/our-feminist-ancestor-ama-ata-aidoo-author-activist-and-african-heroineVoices heard or Music:Ama Ata Aidoo on Feminism in Africa -BBC HARDtalkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_gJwy9yjrk&t=21s Brown bids farewell to Playwright Ama Ata Aidoohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW5V1GH7F6EPoetra Asantewa sings a song from Anowa, written by Ama Ata AidooMonsters You Made by Burna Boy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW5V1GH7F6E

In this episode, my guests and I discuss DNFing books. DNF simply stands for did not finish. In this episode, we discuss why we DNF books and how we rate them after we do so.

Here's a look at some books with my favourite opening lines.Books Mentioned:Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi DangarembaThe Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola ShoneyinKintu by Jennifer Nansubuga MakumbiThe Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke EmeziHalf of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieHis Only Wife by Peace Adzo MedieSilver Sparrow by Tayari JonesTheir Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale HurstonBreast and Eggs by Mieko KawakamiAgainst the Loveless World by Susan AbulhawaBrown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline WoodsonSmall Worlds by Caleb Azumah NelsonVagabonds by Eloghosa by OsundeYou Made A Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi

My guest Tryphena Yeboah talks about writing with vulnerability and heart.Books mentioned:Poetry Collection: A Mouthful of Home, selected by the New Generation African Poets SeriesShort Story: Lemon Dove https://www.birdfeastmagazine.com/sixteen/yeboah/Bio/Profile:Tryphena Yeboah is a Ghanaian writer and the author of the poetry chapbook, A Mouthful of Home, selected by the New Generation African Poets Series. Her fiction and essays have appeared in Narrative Magazine, Commonwealth Writers, and Lit Hub, among others. She is currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studying English with an emphasis in Creative Writing.

In this episode, Bene and Afrah discuss their reading journey thus far in 2023.Categories:Favourite book/books of the year so farBest New Release of the Year so farBiggest Disappointment of the Year so farFavourite Author or Authors of the Year so farFavourite Fictional Character of the Year so farA book that made you cry and a book that made you laughFavourite AudiobookAnticipated releases for the second half of the year

In today’s episode, we will discuss Self Publishing with my guest Ami Tamakloe author of Charcoal. We talk about why they chose to self-publish, the cost of self-publishing, and the publishing industry. About the author:Ami Tamakloe is human unravelling and reconstructing. Originally from Ghana, they are currently a PhD student in the Department of Anthropology at Cornell University. Through artistry, activism and intellect, Ami resists by creating work that foregrounds accessibility around themes of Blackness, gender, sexuality and culture. Artistically, Ami is a unicorn who creates through writing, oration, performance, filmmaking and textiles. When working, Ami focuses on the story and the story reciprocates by shaping itself. They recently co-curated a textile exhibition titled Material Resistance, independently produced three short films and self-published their debut book titled 'Charcoal: Book of Thoughts and Short Stories'. Ami is currently a Graduate Fellow with the Ufahamu Africa Podcast, has been featured on Adventures Reads for the popular blog Adventures from the Bedroom of African Women and they are currently a Fellow with the Adventures Creator Program. 

I speak with Martin Egblewogbe about the types of readers in Ghana, the reading culture in Ghana, publishing, the Writers Project of Ghana, and writing the novel "The Waiting."About my guest: Martin is a senior lecturer at the Department of Physics, University of Ghana. He is the author of the collection of short stories, The Waiting published by Lubin & Kleyner in 2020 and Mr Happy and The Hammer of God and Other Stories published by Ayebia in 2012. Professor Martin was the commissioning editor for the anthology Resilience published in 2021 and also co-edited the anthology of short stories, The Sea Has Drowned the Fish in 2018 as well as the anthologies of poetry Look where you have gone to Sit published in 2010 and According to Sources published in 2015. He is a co-founder and a director of the Writers Project of Ghana, and was the director of Pa Gya! A Literary Festival in Accra. He also hosts the radio show, Writers Project on Citi FM.

In this interview, I speak to Uwem Akpan, author of the books New York My Village and Say You Are One Of Them, about the importance of war stories in our world today.About New York, My Village by Uwem AkpanEkong Udousoro is the winner of the Toni Morrison Publishing Fellowship, he travels to New York to learn the in and outs of the publishing industry and curate a short story collection about the Biafran War. In New York, Ekong encounters callous agents, greedy landlords and hostile neighbours.About the Author:Uwem Akpan was born in Ikot Akpan Eda in Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria. Uwem's short stories and autobiographical pieces have appeared in the special editions of The New Yorker, the Oprah magazine,Hekima Review, the Nigerian Guardian, America, etc.His first book, Say You're One of Them, was published in 2008 by Little, Brown, after a protracted auction. It made the "Best of the Year" list at People magazine, Wall Street Journal, and other places. The New York Times made it the Editor's Choice, and Entertainment Weekly listed it at # 27 in their Best of the Decade. Say You're One of Them won the Commonwealth Prize (Africa Region), the Open Book Prize, and the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award. The collection of short stories was the 2009 Oprah Book Club selection. A New York Times and Wall Street Journal #1 bestseller, it has been translated into 12 languages.His second book and first novel, New York, My Village, was published on November 2, 2021, by WW Norton. In this immigrant story, Uwem writes about NYC with the same promise and pain we saw in his African cities of Say You're One of Them. "New York City has always mystified me since I first spent two weeks in the Bronx in 1993," he says. "It was only when I lived in Manhattan in 2013 that I began to understand the metro system, to visit the different neighbourhoods, to enjoy the endless ethnic dishes. It didn't also take long before I discovered the city's crazy underbelly."Uwem has been a Fellow at the Black Mountain Institute (University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2010), Institute for the Humanities (University of Michigan, 2011), Yaddo Foundation (Saratoga Springs, New York, 2012), the Cullman Center (the New York Public Library, 2013) and the Hang Center for Catholic Intellectual Heritage (Loyola University Chicago, 2017).Uwem teaches in the University of Florida's MFA Program.

This is an unhinged episode with the other team members. Abena takes the Hot Seat in a Q&A section. Thank you for listening to our Book Conversations.Enjoy