Books With Abena

Abena Maryann
  • 5.0 (4)
  • BOOKS
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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.

  1. 5D AGO

    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 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.

    29 min

  2. JAN 26

    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 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

    17 min

  3. JAN 17

    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, 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.

    21 min

  4. JAN 2

    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 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.

    23 min

  5. 11/05/2025

    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 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.

    43 min

  6. 10/22/2025

    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, 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.

    45 min

  7. 10/11/2025

    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 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.

    1h 14m

  8. 09/04/2025

    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 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.

    51 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Abena Maryann
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Books With Abena