Books With Abena

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 th...

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...

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, market...

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 moth...

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 ye...

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...

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 c...

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 l...

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...

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...

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...

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 performa...

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: My 30 reads so far Fiction & non-fiction favorites The books that truly surprised me The two I had to DNF Whether you’re ahead of your reading goals or still stuck on...

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. 

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 Arthur Benjamin 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...

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 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 mem...

Abena speaks to Bene about what love means, her favourite romance books and authors Bene's Favourite Romance Authors: Beverly Jenkins ⁠Abby Jimenez Kennedy Ryan Farrah Rochon ⁠Nisha Sharma ⁠A.E Valdez Natasha Bishop Adesuwa O’man Nwokedi Mimi Grace Kimberly Brown Alexandria House Talia Hibbert Asia Monique Grey Huffington Kasha Thompson ⁠B.K Borison K.C Mills  Allysa Cole Comfort Omorve  Bolu...

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 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...

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2025! Maame Wirekoa and I discussed books we read last year (2024) and this year's reading goals (2025)

This episode features Bene Read and Ka_karang (Nasiba) discussing 2024 in reading. Books Mentioned by Bene Reads All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abdulhawa Someone Birthed Them Broken by Ama Asantewa Diaka Don't Cry For Me by Daniel Black The God of Good Looks by Breanne Mc Ivor The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri Small Joys by Elvin James Mensah Difficult Women by...

Abena 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...

This is a live recording from the just ended All African Book Fair Guests: Leanne Lectern TayTales Flipping Chapters

This is a live recording from the just ended All African Book Fair.

This 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 Fair The Black Archives : A cultural center and archive on Black (Dutch) history, arts and culture in Amsterdam Dr. Martin Egblewogbe : Author, Lecturer and one of the directors of the Writers Project of Ghana (WPG) Poetra...

This is a conversation with Bene and Nasiba inspired by @ka_karang's Unpopular Opinion.