Books With Abena

*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.*

Books With Abena is a arts podcast hosted by Abena Maryann, with 70 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Abena Maryann hosts Books With Abena, a arts show with 70 episodes published.

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  Books With Abena

  68. First Quarter Reading Wrap-up & Life Lately

  Apr 7, 202624 minS0

  <p>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.</p><p>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.</p>

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  Books With Abena

  67. From imagination to illustration: Interview with Tracy Arthur

  Mar 4, 202635 minS0

  <p>What does it take to build a career as an illustrator in Ghana?</p><p>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.</p>

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  Books With Abena

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

  Feb 12, 202629 minS0

  <p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Gia also shares her self-publishing journey, the writing, editing, marketing, costs, and challenges of doing it all independently.</p><p>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...

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  Books With Abena

  65. The Bookmas Party: Interview with Jessica Carmichael

  Jan 26, 202617 minS0

  <p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p>We also explore the symbolism of photography and what Jessica hopes readers will take away when they...

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  Books With Abena

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

  Jan 16, 202621 minS0

  <p>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. </p><p>Whether you’re looking for book recommendations, wrapping up your own reading year, or planning your next TBR, this episode is for you.</p>

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