Shows
Books With Abena60. Interview with Nana Asaase: Narratives in TransitionIn 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 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 pra...
2025-10-111h 14Books With Abena59. Nana Malone: Love, Legacy & The Gold Coast DilemmaIn 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...
2025-09-0450 minBooks With Abena58. Interview with Readers Truss: Building and Sustaining a Reading CommunityIn 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.
2025-08-1254 minBooks With Abena57. Interview with Mr.Poetivist on Poetry,Protest and PurposeIn 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:Bo...
2025-07-1844 minBooks With Abena56. Mid Year Reading Review and Life LatelyCan 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...
2025-07-0318 minBooks With Abena55. How to get Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) and Free Books for Book InfluencersIn 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.
2025-05-0719 minBooks With Abena54. Interview with Samira Bawumia Literature Prize (SBLP) Winners: Cyril and EmmanuelaIn 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 s...
2025-03-1851 minBooks With Abena54. Interview with Samira Bawumia Literature Prize Winners: Cyril and EmmanuellaIn this episode, Abena talks to two Samira Bawumia Literature Prize Winners about their writing journey, being part of the competition, dealing with rejection and how to write and submit for Literature Competitions
2025-03-1751 minBooks With Abena53. Bookclubs in Ghana pt 4: Interview with Read Along With Cally's BookclubHere'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.
2025-02-2635 minBooks With Abena52. Curated Romance Reading List: Interview with BeneAbena 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
2025-02-1345 minBooks With Abena51. Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond on the book My Parents' MarriageOn 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 Revi...
2025-01-2441 minBooks With Abena50. Welcome to 2025: Interview with Maame WirekoaaHappy New Year!Welcome to 2025!Maame Wirekoa and I discussed books we read last year (2024) and this year's reading goals (2025)
2025-01-0832 minBooks With Abena49. 2024 Reading Wrap Up with Nasiba and BeneThis 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...
2024-12-1839 minBooks With Abena48. Events: Pa Gya - African Traditional/Oral Storytelling in Modern Times with Kofi Dzogbewu & Kwame BrenyaAbena 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...
2024-10-231h 17Books With Abena47. Events: All African Book Fair pt. 3This is a live recording from the just ended All African Book FairGuests:Leanne LecternTayTalesFlipping Chapters
2024-10-2222 minBooks With Abena46. Events: All African Book Fair pt 2This is a live recording from the just ended All African Book Fair.
2024-09-201h 11Books With Abena45. Events: All African Book Fair pt 1This 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
2024-08-281h 02Books With Abena44. Hot Take on Books and Authors pt. 1This is a conversation with Bene and Nasiba inspired by @ka_karang's Unpopular Opinion.
2024-08-1751 minBooks With Abena43. Poetra Asantewa on the book Someone Birthed Them BrokenA 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...
2024-07-2657 minBooks With Abena42. Mid Year Reading Check-in with Bene, Nasiba and Amba (2024)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...
2024-07-1246 minBooks With Abena41. Ani Kayode Somtochukwu on the book And Then He Sang A LullabyAuthor 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 En...
2024-06-1439 minBooks With Abena40. Elvin James Mensah on the book Small JoysOn 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 JoysA...
2024-05-3140 minBooks With Abena39. Tsiddi Can-Tamakloe on Voice Acting and AudiobooksThis 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: can.tamakloe@gmail.com
2024-05-1735 minBooks With Abena38. Booksclubs in Ghana Pt. 3 Interview with Two BookclubHere'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.
2024-04-2637 minBooks With Abena37. Life LatelyDiscover what made Abena Maryan take a break and catch up on her latest life updates!Email: bookswithabena@gmail.com
2024-04-1013 minBooks With Abena36. Author Spotlight - Jennifer Nansubuga MakumbiThis 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/
2024-02-2329 minBooks With Abena35. Kataru Yayha on the book Home is a SilhouetteIn 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 glitte...
2024-02-021h 04Books With Abena34. Welcome to 2024: Interview with Racheal KizzaHappy 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.
2024-01-1934 minBooks With Abena33. 2023 Reading Wrap UpThis episode features Bookstagrammers discussing their reading year.
2023-12-291h 34Books With Abena32. Booksclubs in Ghana Pt. 2 Interview with Bibliophiles and VibesSeveral 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.
2023-12-1553 minBooks With Abena31. How Book Influencers are shaping the Literary Space. Interview with Racheal KizzaIn 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.
2023-11-2933 minBooks With Abena30. How to Start a Bookstagram: Interview with Bene, Nasiba & AseyeIn this episode, my guests and I talk about starting a book account on social media.Guests:@bene.reads@ka_karang@booksxbrews
2023-11-1038 minBooks With Abena29. Curated Reading List: Uganda - Interview with Racheal KizzaRacheal 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 F...
2023-10-2532 minBooks With Abena28. Book Discussion: Small Worlds with Bene, Nasiba & AseyeIn 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...
2023-10-0646 minBooks With Abena27. Remembering Ama Ata AidooWe 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 HARDtalkht...
2023-09-1816 minBooks With Abena26. Should you DNF the book or Not? Interview with Afrah and BeneIn 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.
2023-09-0153 minBooks With Abena25. Good Story Openings Pt. 1Here'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...
2023-08-1818 minBooks With Abena24. Interview With Tryphena YeboahMy 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...
2023-08-0437 minBooks With Abena23. Mid Year Reading Check In with Bene and Afrah (2023)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
2023-07-211h 05Books With Abena22. Self Publishing Pt.2 with Ami TamakloeIn 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. Whe...
2023-07-0729 minBooks With Abena21. Discussion: The Reading Culture in Ghana with Martin EgblewogbeI 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...
2023-06-2350 minBooks With Abena20. Uwem Akpan on the book New York, My VillageIn 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...
2023-06-0934 minBooks With Abena19. Anniversary Episode: Ask Me AnythingThis 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
2023-05-2446 minBooks With Abena18. Publishing in Africa - Interview with Accord LiteraryOn this episode, I speak with Accord Literary about publishing in Africa, writing for young readers, and the 2023 Authors and Illustrators Creative Retreat in Accra, Ghana.In this interview, Sarah Odedina speaks of her experience as a publisher, mentor and nurturer, and the importance of publishing African voices.Accord Literary is a venture designed to develop, mentor and support writers based in Africa, writing books for young readers. Their mission is to find original and unique voices and get their book into the hands of readers around the world. Sarah Odedina has worked i...
2023-05-1934 minBooks With Abena17. Self Publishing Pt 1 with Yeayi Kobina, Grace Dorcas Annan and Emma OfosuaIn today’s episode, we will discuss self Publishing in Ghana with my guests Yeayi Kobina author of The Usurper’s Dream, Emma Ofosua author of I Wish You Courage and Grace Dorcas Annan author of Children’s Books and Indie Publisher. We talk about why they chose to self-publish, the cost of self-publishing in Ghana, and the publishing industry in Ghana.
2023-05-0558 minBooks With Abena16. Reading for Pleasure - World Book Day!The topic of today's show is Building a Reading Life - Reading for Pleasure in honour of World Book Day.Guests: @ka_karang, @bene.reads & @bookedwithambaWorld Book and Copyright Day is a celebration to promote the enjoyment of books and reading. Each year, on 23 April, celebrations take place worldwide to recognise the scope of books - a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures. According to research, reading improves brain activity, improves memory processing, slows down cognitive decline and helps reduce stress.
2023-04-2143 minBooks With Abena15. First Quarter Reading ReviewHey book people, welcome to Books With Abena! I'll discuss my first quarter reading schedule and some life updates on today's show.Enjoy!Books Mentioned:Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton and James PattersonQuiet by Victoria Adukwei BulleyI am Becoming the Woman I've Wanted by Sandra MartzOn the Rooftop by Margret Wilkerson SextonEven Though I Knew The End by C.L PolkMaame by Jessica GeorgeA Quick Ting on Afrobeats by Christian AdofoThe People of the Oshrich Mountain by Ndirangu GithiagaSeven Days in June by Tia WilliamsWe Deserve Monuments by Jas HammondsCounterfeit by Kristian ChenSmall...
2023-04-0718 minBooks With Abena14. Christian Adofo on the book A Quick Ting on AfrobeatsMy guest on this episode is Christian Adofo, author of A Quick Ting on Afrobeats published by Jacaranda Books. During our conversation, we discuss the writing and publishing of the book, the social and cultural development of Afrobeats and how it has provided new expressions of Black History and Pride.Christian Adofo is a writer, journalist and curator, with a passion for writing about the intersection of heritage and identity in music. His writing has appeared in The Guardian, OkayAfrica and Straight No Chaser. He has also appeared as a guest and host on BBC Radio, Worldwide...
2023-03-2429 minBooks With Abena13. Aiwanose Odafen on the book Tomorrow I Become a WomanMy guest on this episode is Aiwanose Odafen, the author of Tomorrow I Become A Woman. Our conversation covers the publishing deal, the writing process, the inspiration for the book and what it means to be a woman.Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Aiwanose Odafen is an MFA fiction student at the Iowa Writer's Workshop. She has contributed to published non-fiction works and participated in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus Trust Writing Workshop. She was longlisted for the 2020 Commonwealth Writers Short Story Prize. Tomorrow I Become a Woman, her first novel, was published by S...
2023-03-0828 minBooks With Abena12. Black History Month with Alexis MiltonA discussion about Black History Month, colourism and racism in books, the importance of reading Black authors, and book recommendations are featured in this episode.Guest: Alexis Milton is a bookstagrammer, a book tuber, a book blogger and a book toker that highlights black individuals, events and books she classifies as “Unsung Blacks”.Book RecommendationsThe Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G. WoodsonInfants of the Spring by Wallace ThurmanThe Streets by Ann PetryPraise Sing for the Butterflies by Bernice L. McFa...
2023-02-2424 minBooks With Abena11. Victoria Adukwei Bulley on the book QuietHost Abena interviews poet Victoria Adukwei Bulley about her book Quiet.Victoria Adukwei Bulley is a Poet, writer, and artist. An alumna of Barbican Young Poets and recipient of an Eric Gregory Award. She has held residencies in the US, Brazil, and the V&A Museum in London. Her debut collection Girl B was published by the African Poetry Book Fund in 2017. She is a filmmaker and the director of the film Mother Tongues. Her newest collection Quiet was published by Faber in 2022.
2023-02-1728 minBooks With Abena10. Bisi Adjapon on the book Daughter in ExileHost, Abena speaks with author, Bisi Adjapon about her new book Daughter in Exile in this episode.Bisi Adjapon is the author of The Teller of Secrets, titled initially Of Women and Frogs. Bisi has written for and been featured in many publications including McSweeney’s Quarterly Washington Times, Washington Post, Aljazeera, and New York Times.Her new novel is a gut-wrenching, yet heartwarming, story about a young Ghanaian woman’s struggle to make a life in the US, and the challenges she must overcome. Daughter in Exile is a hope-filled story about a mother's love...
2023-02-0331 minBooks With Abena9. Bookish In&Outs - Anticipated Books of 2023Happy New Year. In this episode, host Abena discusses her Bookish In&Outs along with anticipated books of 2023. Enjoy!
2023-01-2217 minBooks With Abena8. 2022 Wrap UpThis month's episode features Abena Maryann, Bene and Jeifa discussing 2022 in reading.In addition to discussing their reading goals, they also discussed some of their favorite books.
2022-12-2050 minBooks With Abena7. Pa Gya! A Literary Festival in Accra - ReviewIn this episode, host Abena Maryan and her guests share their experiences at the 6th edition of Pa Gya! A Literary Festival in Accra.Pa Gya! A Literary Festival in Accra is a three-day literary arts festival featuring activities such as readings, panel discussions, performances, book launches and sales, literary prize awards and many more. Over the years, the festival has grown to include art talks, art and literary exhibitions, film screenings and many more. The festival also offers booksellers, publishers, and independent authors to showcase and sell their books.Guests:Elizabeth Johnson – Fes...
2022-11-1547 minBooks With Abena6. Mamle Wolo on the book The Kaya GirlIn this episode, host Abena Maryan talks with guest Mamle Wolo about her book "The Kaya Girl" published by Little Brown and Company. She also talks about writing, publishing, and Pa Gya - a literary festival in Accra, Ghana. Mamle Wolo is an award-winning Ghanaian-German author who studied at the University of Cambridge and Lancaster University in the UK and is an Honorary Fellow in Writing of the University of Iowa. She is one of directors of the Writers Project of Ghana (WPG). She writes fiction, poetry, and screenplays.
2022-10-1226 minBooks With Abena5. Bookclubs in Ghana Pt.1 Interview with Aekua BobsonIn this episode, I talk to my guest Aekua about reading, why reading is important, life as a mother and a reader and book clubs in Ghana.Aekua Bobson is the co-founder of five book clubs catering to niche readers. The mom's book clubs Beautifully Booked and Eccentric and Sassy are open to all mothers, while The Book Addict and Black Lit are open to all women. She also manages Vine and Verse.
2022-09-2641 minBooks With Abena4. Poetra Asantewa on the book Woman Eat Me WholeA conversation between host Abena Maryan and guest Ama Asantewa Diaka, known as Poetra Asantewa, about her book "Woman Eat Me Whole" published by Ecco Books an Imprint of Harper Collins also available on Scribd. She talks about her challenges and how she overcame them by keeping a positive attitude in the face of rejection. Poetra Asantewa is the founder of Black Girls Glow, a non-profit organization fostering collaborations among women artists and exploring ways that art can build a community. She is the founder of Tampered Press, an online journal that seeks to create visibility for writers and...
2022-08-2238 minBooks With Abena3. Why African Book Influencers are importantFor so long, there have been white or western Book Influencers and Reviewers telling us which books are worth our attention. It is satisfying to see that bookstagram is increasingly becoming diverse with African Book Influencers creating content about books on the continent and in the diaspora. African Book Influencers are what I call the new voices in Africa's literary space creating and making a change for the millions of people using social media. Join my guests and I talk about our bookstagram experience.Guests: @ka_karang @bene.reads @readby_jeifa
2022-07-2628 minBooks With Abena2. Author Spotlight - Ama Ata AidooIn this episode, I discuss Ghana's prominent female author, Ama Ata Aidoo.First Reading: Two Sisters read by Abena MaryanSecond Reading: Images of Africa at a Century's End read by Sarpong Osei AsamoahThird Reading: Changes: A Love Story read by Abena Maryan
2022-06-2818 minBooks With Abena1. Get To Know Me Through BooksIn this episode, I share some not-so-fun facts about myself. I also talk about books I read in 2021 and what I will be reading this year (2022). Books mentioned are categorized into Favourite books, New Releases I enjoyed, Favourite Young Adult, Best Non-Fiction and Books Around The World.
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