It's Not A Book Club Podcast

The book that changed Kehinde's life..?In this episode, the boys dive into Monkey King: Journey to the West, the iconic classic of Chinese literature by Wu Ch’eng-en.The book follows the shape-shifting, kung-fu-mastering trickster, Monkey King, on his epic quest for redemption and eternal life. With the ability to transform into anything and turn his 84,000 hairs into an army of clones, his mischievous antics often land him in hot water—especially when he raids Heaven’s Orchard of Immortal Peaches and gets pinned beneath a mountain for 500 years. But when the Buddha gives him a chance to redeem himself, Monkey King must protect the pious monk Tripitaka on a perilous journey to retrieve sacred Buddhist sutras. Along the way, he’s joined by Pigsy, the rice-loving flying pig, and Sandy, the melancholic river monster, as they face dragons, ogres, femme fatales, and tricky wizards.Join Reuben, Zach, and Kehinde as they explore the story’s rich themes of self-discovery, redemption, and the clash of philosophies. From mischievous gods to transformative journeys, the boys discuss how the tale shapes their views on morality, destiny, and the search for inner peace. They also debate how the fantasy genre reflects the personal struggles we all face.Tune in for an adventure that blends ancient wisdom with modern insights, and discover the deeper lessons hidden in one of the world’s most celebrated stories.Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTTikTok: @itsnotabookclubpodcast

Sex is overrated...or is it?Jared Diamond’s Why Is Sex Fun? unpacks the evolutionary quirks of human sexuality, exploring why our reproductive habits are so vastly different from other animals. From hidden ovulation to the mystery of monogamy, Diamond dissects the biological and cultural forces that shape our intimate lives.Written with wit and scientific insight, this book challenges our assumptions about sex, pleasure, and reproduction, revealing how evolution crafted a uniquely human experience of intimacy. It’s a deep dive into the strange, often humorous, and sometimes counterintuitive ways our species navigates attraction and reproduction.Come and listen to boys discuss the nuances of scientific communication, sexuality and whether the practise of anthropology is outdated.Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTTikTok: @itsnotabookclubpodcast

F̶l̶a̶w̶e̶d̶ Beauty is in the ruins!Yukio Mishima's The Temple of the Golden Pavilion unfolds in the enchanting city of Kyoto, capturing the story of a young Buddhist monk's obsession with the temple's beauty and his turbulent journey through jealousy, desire, and existential angst.Penned in 1956, Mishima's masterpiece explores the destructive power of beauty and the conflicts between ephemeral desires and spiritual ideals. It's a profound narrative on how an individual's fixation on perfection can lead to catastrophic outcomes, touching on themes of identity, obsession, and the clash between tradition and personal turmoil.Join Reuben, Zach, and Kehinde as they dive deep into Mishima's intricate storytelling, examining the protagonist's complex psyche and Mishima's genius in depicting the struggle between the sacred and the profane. Expect some personal revelations as the guys once again share a bit too much!Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTTikTok: @itsnotabookclubpodcast

T̶o̶x̶i̶c̶ Love is in the air!James Baldwin's Giovanni's Room  is centred in the 'suave' Parisian inner city,  and focuses on the events of an American man's complicated feelings and frustrations with his relationships with other women and men in his life, most notably an Italian bartender named Giovanni. Written in 1956,  Baldwin's literary (initially controversial) classic delves  into the complexities of love and sexuality, it's intersection with cultural norms and the impact of death, deceit and passion in the confines of both sexual and platonic relationships.  Tune in and listen to Reuben, Zach and Kehinde debate about the intricacies of love and Baldwin's  approach to character development and world building. Also, the guys oversharing...again!Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTTikTok: @itsnotabookclubpodcast

One political treatise to rule them all, One political treatise to find them, One political treatise to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them... The Prince, written by the great Niccolò Machiavelli is a 16th century instruction guide for new princes and royals.Often referred to as the principalis of modern political philosophy, the treatise is set just prior to the Italian renaissance and details  the use of 'fear' as a tactic of control,  and the desirable attributes of a great leader: 'virtue' and 'prudence'. Tune in and listen to the guys discuss Machiavelli's obsession with power, Kehinde's hate for the renaissance period, and who would have the coolest Italian name...?Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTTikTok: @itsnotabookclubpodcast

A Nigerian literary great.Chinua Achebe debut novel 'Things Fall Apart' follows the life of Okonkwo, an Igbo man and acclaimed wrestling champion of the fictional Nigerian clan of Umuofia. The book, first published in 1958, depicts pre-colonial life in the southeastern parts of Nigeria and the arrival of colonialism and its effects on the cultural and religious traditions of Umuofia. A thought provoking episode, Zach draws parallels with Okonkwo and the Japanese art of seppuku,  Reuben does a brief TED talk (yawn..) about cultural evolution and transmission and Kehinde unpacks  masculinity, religion and poses the question: Do we control who we become? Tune in, sit back and enjoy! Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTTikTok: @itsnotabookclubpodcast

S2 Episode 07: *Yo Melo, queue the scary music* Thinnnnner Thinner, the podcasts first horror novel,  by the acclaimed  Stephen King centers on lawyer Billy Halleck, a stereotypical middle class suburban white man who kills a crossing Romani woman in a road accident and escapes legal punishment due to his connections. The twist? The woman's father places a curse on Halleck, which causes him to lose weight uncontrollably... Get the popcorn and relax as  the guy's create (well try to...) an eerie ambiance that attempts to unpack the 'King's' literary style, empathise with a historically disenfranchised racial group and describe their own sexual predicaments that have landed them in similar hot water?  Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTTikTok: @itsnotabookclubpodcast

S2 Episode 06: Chill. Yes they took their time, but they work and it's Jane Austen...The British literary classic, Pride and Prejudice, is an 1813 'novel of manners'. Set in the regency era, the novel follows the character development of Elizabeth Bennet via her relationship with her family, friends and the enticing/elusive Mr Darcy. Tune in to listen to Kehinde's perspective on  the books allegorical anchor, Reuben's attempts to determine who is the most Mr Darcy'esque  and Zach flexing his literary prowess to interpret Jane Austin's writing style. Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTTikTok: @itsnotabookclubpodcast

Season 2: Episode 5''BELOVED'' is Toni Morrison's fifth novel, and the podcast's second time diving into one of her literary classics. Winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1988,  'Beloved' is set after the American Civil War and tells the story of a family of formerly enslaved people whose Cincinnati home is haunted by a malevolent spirit. Not  immediately easy to read,  the guys were quickly won over by Toni Morrison's seamless skill with words.  Tune in  to a discussion deciphering the books periodic jumps from the past and present,  shared trauma and the impact positive and negative experiences have on ones' reality. Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTTikTok: @itsnotabookclubpodcast

Season 2: Episode 4Russia + Essex =  Russex... The guys welcome their second guest on the podcast, Lucia Dove; a writer and poet from Southend-on-Sea, Essex, UK. Lucia discusses her main inspirations, fragmented experiences and memories from Russia and Essex which  influenced her pamphlet of poems 'Say Cucumber', published in 2019. Tune in, as we  dissect and discuss: the structure of poems,  the demise of Skype, and our own amateur(Reuben's past trauma *yawn*) poetry.   Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCAST

Season 2: Episode 3Excuse us, we have been busy! We kickstart (restart?) Season 2 with Byung-Chul Han's 'The Disappearance of Rituals. Published in 2019, the book is a critical review of western society, taking aim at neoliberalism and the relentless force of capitalism in the erosion of community in the 21st century. Using examples of rituals from the past Byung-Chul juxtaposes a community without communication – where the intensity of togetherness in silent recognition provides structure and meaning – to today’s communication without community, which does away with collective feelings and leaves individuals exposed to exploitation and manipulation by neoliberal psycho-politics. Stay tuned, as we discuss: whether rituals do still exist, religion and it's  interwoven connection with ritualistic traditions via architecture, and...Masturbation? Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCAST

Season 2: Episode 2"You may desire more than one woman..."The  controversial book, 'The Way of the Superior Man'  written by David Deida (published 1997)   explores  masculinity, femininity and the interplay between them both,,  through the lens of the life of a man.  The book delves into the importance  of a career, family,  relationships and intimacy; offering a  guidebook for living a masculine life of integrity, authenticity, and freedom. Reuben get's *triggered* (again...), Zach seeks further clarification and Kehinde has taken a particular interest to a certain section of the book...Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCAST

SEASON 2! *horn noise*The boys are back! Kicking off season 2 with an explosive episode, after reading Luster the debut novel by Raven Leilani. The book follows a 23-year-old black female protagonist, Edie, as she gets involved in a polygamous relationship with a middle aged white man and his wife. Released in August 2020, the book has already received a mainly positive  critical reception, but do the guys agree...Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCAST

Season 1: Episode 12The last episode of the series, the last episode (first episode?) of the year! The guys finish Season 1 with Skinhead, a handbook of the potent 'cult' skinhead movement in England by the British fashion photographer Nick knight. Reuben, Zach and Kehinde  discuss the migrant influences of Skinhead culture, the characteristics and behaviour of  Skinheads, and  their attitudes towards school, the police, and the government. Happy Pandemic-New Year!Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCAST

Season 1: Episode 11Intelligence...the guys try to de-code what it means?From discussing Charlton supporters to whether Zach would date someone smarter than him, the INACP boys discuss the  science fiction short story  by American writer Daniel Keyes. The novel, published in 1966, is told by a series of progress reports written by Charlie Gordon, the first human subject for an experimental surgery. The story touches on ethical and moral themes such as the treatment of the mentally disabled.Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCAST

Season 1: Episode 10The first guest of the podcast, Derek Owusu, joins the boys in discussing his most recent book 'That Reminds Me'. A story of a young man named 'K' told in fragments of memory...Derek talks about his inspiration for the book, debates with Zach about how to correctly write a sentence and laughs about the shared nostalgia of growing up in London. A special thanks for Kwanda for sponsoring this episode and GUAP studios for hosting us. Helpline Numbers:Anxiety UK 03444 775 774Mind 0300 123 3393YoungMinds 0808 802 5544BAATN(The Black, African & Asian Therapy Network) 020 8521 5223

Season 1: Episode 9If you love cats you'll love this episode artwork. The boys discuss the first book 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' is a comedy science fiction series created by Douglas Adams. This episode is exactly 42 years from the original radio broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1978, what are the chances of that!The boys talk about the parameters of the book, does size matter? and the serendipity of the events of this year (and life in general). Tune in and lets us know your thoughts.Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCAST

Six months into 2020 and too much has happened.In light of the recent  #BlackLivesMatter movement transcending international borders. INABCP have decided to postpone Episode 09, to give you insight into their thoughts on the current protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. Th boys, examine and disagree on the projection of the movement. Asking themselves whether the COVID-19 pandemic had a part to play? and possible long term solutions to systemic racism. 

Season 1: Episode 8Your QUARANTINE CONTENT continues as the boys discuss the three act screenplay: An Inspector Calls by J.B.Priestly. *SPOILER ALERT* - A tense investigation by the omniscient Inspector Goole, crashes an engagement party to which the Burling family discover that they are all in fact responsible for Eva Smith's suicide. We discuss themes such as the responsibility of the governments, 'Social Climbing' and Juvenoia. Reuben also talks about the limitations of mankind, Zach gives a great MMA analogy and KP talks about his experience meeting the 'Hotep King'.

Season 1: Episode 7After months of anticipation, the guy's have finally finished reading the acclaimed dystopian novel: A Clockwork Orange  by English writer Anthony Burgess. Published in 1962, it is set in a near-future society that has a youth subculture of extreme violence. The boy's look into themes of empathy, try to determine what deduces free will and discuss the nuances of London slang? Tune in...Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCAST

Season 1: Episode 6The boy’s are back! Kicking off the New Year with a descriptive analysis of the childhood favourite; Biff and Chip: Rainbow Machine. Inspired by the book,  Zach goes on a monologue about the ‘woke’ reading habits of his youth , Reuben dictates some facts about rainbows(..?) and Kehinde offers theories on which books children should read from the INABCP catalogue.Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCAST

Season 1: Episode 5In this episode the boys review the highly acclaimed autobiographical comedy book written by American comedian Tina Fey. The five week New York Times topping book, selling in excess of 2.5 million copies worldwide seems to deconstruct Reuben's toxic masculinity, finally make Zach laugh and prompt a disclosure in femininity within architecture from Kehinde... Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCAST

Season 1: Episode 4In this episode the lads dive into Toni Morrison's second novel Sula. Published in 1973, the book touches on friendship between women when unmediated by men and the choices available to black women outside of the their own societies approval. They touch on conversations such as nature VS nurture and the complexities of life and the concept of 'Sonder'.Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCAST

Season 1: Episode 03In this fiery episode the guy's take a look at the multi-award winning book, Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine. A book of poems comprising of seven chapters and 'criticisms', which delve into what it means to be black, in today's climate.The guy's also open up about their present and past experiences dealing with being black in the U.K.Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCAST

Season 1: Episode 02In this episode the guys give their opinion on Reuben's 1st book-pick, the cult classic 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' by Phillip K. Dick. First published in 1968, the science fiction novel is set in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco, where Earth's life has been greatly damaged by nuclear global war.They also look into the philosophical aspects centred around the book and try to decipher what modern day empathy actually is...Twitter: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCASTInstagram: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBPODCAST

INABP is a monthly podcast from 3 South Londoners, Reuben, Zach and Kehinde. As a self-professed book club (…not), throughout the coming episodes the three will explore new texts chosen each month, offering candid and insightful points of view with honest discussion, covering a wide spectrum of topics. Come on the journey and read with us. insta: @itsnotabookclubpodcasttwit: @ITSNOTABOOKCLUBsc: itsnotabookclubpodcastyoutube: Its Not a Book Club Podcast