Books with Abena is a light-hearted and engaging podcast celebrating African and Black literature and voices past and present. The podcast features in-depth discussions and interviews with authors, publishers, and book lovers on reading, writing, and publishing on the continent and in the diaspora. Host: Abena MaryanBooks With Abena - Exploring African and Black literature through stories, voices, and ideas.

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In this episode of Books with Abena, I’m catching you up on life and reading from April to September, from busy workdays, travels through the Ashanti Region, reading slumps, and finding my way back to books after the June floods destroyed my personal library.I share the stories that kept me company, my favourite audiobooks, and standout reads, including The Bright Years, The Correspondent, The Mercy Step, and Score. To everyone who has helped me rebuild, thank you. If you’d like to support my recovery and library rebuild, here is the link to my flood fund https://floodfunds.bookishabena.com/

70. Life Lately, 2nd & 3rd Quarter Reading Wrap-up

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In this episode of Bookclubs in Ghana, I sit down with the library head and founder of The Wildkhard Reading Club, a literary community founded in 2022 that is dedicated to celebrating African stories, voices, and ideas. We explore the inspiration behind the club, the importance of creating spaces for readers to connect, and how thoughtful conversations can deepen our appreciation of African literature.We also discuss the evolution of the Khard and Kulture Podcast, the role book clubs play in shaping reading culture, and the joys and challenges of building a community around books. Whether you&#39;re already part of a book club or you&#39;ve been thinking about joining one, this conversation offers insight into the power of reading together and why African literature deserves to be read, discussed, and celebrated.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about books, culture, community, and the stories that bring us together.

69. Bookclubs in Ghana: Interview with Wildkhard Reading Bookclub

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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.

68. First Quarter Reading Wrap-up & Life Lately

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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.

67. From imagination to illustration: Interview with Tracy Arthur

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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.

66. Valentine's Day Special: Interview with Gia Kise

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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&#39;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

65. The Bookmas Party: Interview with Jessica Carmichael

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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.

64. Welcome to 2026: My 2025 Reading Year & 2026 Goals

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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.

63. The Bookmas Party: 2025 Reading Wrap Up with Bene

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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.

62. Interview with Mr. Poetivist on the making of Kumbaya - the elegy of distant relatives

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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&#39;s Picture books. Kilanko&#39;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&#39;s picture book The Other Side of Small, was published in 2024.

61. Interview with Yejide Kilanko on the book In Our Own Ways

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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.

60. Interview with Nana Asaase: Narratives in Transition

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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 &amp; USA Today Bestselling author, Nana Malone writes Sexy Feel-Good Romance and loves all things romance and adventure.

59. Nana Malone: Love, Legacy & The Gold Coast Dilemma

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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.

58. Interview with Readers Truss: Building and Sustaining a Reading Community

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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.

57. Interview with Mr.Poetivist on Poetry,Protest and Purpose

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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:<ul><li>My 30 reads so far</li><li>Fiction &amp; non-fiction favorites</li><li>The books that truly surprised me</li><li>The two I had to DNF</li></ul>Whether you’re ahead of your reading goals or still stuck on your January book, this one’s for you. It&#39;s light, bookish, and cozy—just the way we like it.Books:<ol><li>Just for the Summer – Abby Jimenez</li><li>Hello Beautiful – Ann Napolitano</li><li>How to Kill Men and Get Away With It – Kitty Collins</li><li>Nothing is Okay – Racheal Wiley</li><li>Single Dads Club – Therese Beharrie</li><li>Flirting With Disaster – Naina Kumar</li><li>Playing Flirty – Shameez Patel</li><li>Untethered – Angela Jackson-Brown</li><li>We Had to Remove This Post – Hanna Bervoets</li><li>Tomorrow Died Yesterday – Chimeka Garricks</li><li>The Covenant of Water – Abraham Verghese</li><li>The Seven Year Slip – Ashley Poston</li><li>Red Clay – Charles B. Fancher</li><li>What Napoleon Could Not Do – D.K. Nnuro</li><li>All the Blues in the Sky – Renée Watson</li><li>I’m That Girl – Jordan Chiles</li><li>Here After – Amy Lin</li><li>Water Moon – Samantha Sotto Yamboa</li><li>Mainline Mama – Keeonna Harris</li><li>What My Mother and I Don’t Talk About – Anthology</li><li>Promise Boys – Nick Brooks</li><li>Necessary Fiction – Eloghosa Osunde</li><li>The Re-Write – Lizzie Damilola Blackburn</li><li>The Float Test – Lynn Steger Strong</li><li>Liquid – Mariam Rahmani</li><li>Weyward – Emilia Hart</li><li>The Love Lyric – Kristina Forest</li><li>Only Because It’s You – Rebecca Fisseha</li><li>The Fortunes of Jaded Women – Carolyn Huynh</li><li>Hold My Girl – Charlene Carr</li></ol>

56. Mid Year Reading Review and Life Lately

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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.

55. How to get Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) and Free Books for Book Influencers

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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.

54. Interview with Samira Bawumia Literature Prize (SBLP) Winners: Cyril and Emmanuela

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Here&#39;s an update to our series &#34;Bookclubs in Ghana&#34;In this episode, I speak with the founder of Read Along With Cally&#39;s Bookclub about creating a reading club.About the Bookclub:Read Along With Cally&#39;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.

53. Bookclubs in Ghana pt 4: Interview with Read Along With Cally's Bookclub

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Abena speaks to Bene about what love means, her favourite romance books and authorsBene&#39;s Favourite Romance Authors:<ul><li>Beverly Jenkins</li><li>⁠Abby Jimenez</li><li>Kennedy Ryan</li><li>Farrah Rochon</li><li>⁠Nisha Sharma</li><li>⁠A.E Valdez</li><li>Natasha Bishop</li><li>Adesuwa O’man Nwokedi</li><li>Mimi Grace</li><li>Kimberly Brown</li><li>Alexandria House</li><li>Talia Hibbert</li><li>Asia Monique</li><li>Grey Huffington</li><li>Kasha Thompson</li><li>⁠B.K Borison</li><li>K.C Mills </li><li>Allysa Cole</li><li>Comfort Omorve </li><li>Bolu Babalola</li><li>Tia Williams </li><li>Ebony Dalle </li><li>Ben Philippe</li></ul>

52. Curated Romance Reading List: Interview with Bene

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On this episode, I talk to author Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond about her book My Parents&#39; 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&#39;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&#39; Marriage was featured in The New York Times. Brew-Hammond&#39;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&#39;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.

51. Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond on the book My Parents' Marriage

*Books with Abena* is a light-hearted and engaging podcast celebrating African and Black literature and voices past and present. The podcast features in-depth discussions and interviews with authors, publishers, and book lovers on reading, writing, and publishing on the continent and in the diaspora.

Host: Abena Maryan

*Books With Abena - Exploring African and Black literature through stories, voices, and ideas.*