Books With Abena
Abena Maryann
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About This Podcast
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.
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Recent Episodes
68. First Quarter Reading Wrap-up & Life Lately
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,…
67. From imagination to illustration: Interview with Tracy Arthur
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…
66. Valentine's Day Special: Interview with Gia Kise
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…
65. The Bookmas Party: Interview with Jessica Carmichael
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…
64. Welcome to 2026: My 2025 Reading Year & 2026 Goals
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,…
63. The Bookmas Party: 2025 Reading Wrap Up with Bene
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…
62. Interview with Mr. Poetivist on the making of Kumbaya - the elegy of distant relatives
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…
61. Interview with Yejide Kilanko on the book In Our Own Ways
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,…
60. Interview with Nana Asaase: Narratives in Transition
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…
59. Nana Malone: Love, Legacy & The Gold Coast Dilemma
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…
58. Interview with Readers Truss: Building and Sustaining a Reading Community
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…
57. Interview with Mr.Poetivist on Poetry,Protest and Purpose
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…
56. Mid Year Reading Review and Life Lately
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…
55. How to get Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) and Free Books for Book Influencers
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…
54. Interview with Samira Bawumia Literature Prize (SBLP) Winners: Cyril and Emmanuela
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…
53. Bookclubs in Ghana pt 4: Interview with Read Along With Cally's Bookclub
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…
52. Curated Romance Reading List: Interview with Bene
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…
51. Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond on the book My Parents' Marriage
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…
50. Welcome to 2025: Interview with Maame Wirekoaa
Happy New Year!Welcome to 2025!Maame Wirekoa and I discussed books we read last year (2024) and this year's reading goals (2025)
49. 2024 Reading Wrap Up with Nasiba and Bene
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…
Frequently Asked Questions
Books With Abena has published 69 episodes since May 2022, covering topics in Arts, Books.
Books With Abena is currently moderate with new episodes monthly. Average episode length is 38m.
Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Books With Abena, including email and social media links.
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