Capital XTRA Book Club with Leah Davis

For this Black History Month bonus episode, Leah is joined by Stuart Lawrence, brother of Stephen Lawrence, a teenager murdered in a racially motivated attack in 1993. In Growing Up Black In Britain, Stuart talks to seven inspirational figures about their childhood experiences, as well as sharing insight into his own story. Contributors include, Alison Hammond, Kye Whyte and Lolly Adefop...

Leah is joined by rapper, author and broadcaster Guvna B to discuss his children's books 'Where Grandad Lives'. In 2017, Guvna B lost his dad unexpectedly and had to explain what had happened to his son Ezra. In response to this difficult time he decided with his wife Emma to write a story to help other parents and children discuss grief and loss together.

Leah is joined by change makers, sisters and founders of Everyday Racism Natalie & Naomi Evans. In this inspiring guide readers are delivered empowering advice for dealing with the issues we see, hear about and face every day, from racism and sexism to homophobia and ableism, providing you with achievable everyday actions to create change!

Leah is joined this week by podcaster, writer & actress Kelechi Okafor. Her debut story collection Edge Of Here combines the ancient and the ultramodern to explore tales of contemporary Black womanhood, asking questions about the way we live now and offering a glimpse into our near future. A thought provoking read for fans of TV series like Black Mirror. 

Leah is joined by Dawn Butler, the trailblazing Labour MP for Brent Central to speak about her book A Purposeful Life. She reveals a fascinating insight into both the personal and political sides of her journey and spills some tea along the way!

Leah is joined by Tskenya Frazer, an award-winning Forbes featured business leader and diversity, branding and sustainability specialist to speak about her new book. With the powerful rise of Black British culture, Black British entrepreneurship has rapidly become a point of great conversation.  A Quick Ting On: Black British Businesses   looks back on significant moments in Black Britis...

Leah is joined by food critic and writer Jimi Famurewa. His book Settlers journeys through the hidden yet vibrant world of African London, exploring what it is to be Black, African and British. Reading List: Settlers - Jimi Famurewa The Lonely Londoners - Same Selvon Cross Roads - Jonathon Franzen White Teeth - Zadie Smith

Leah is joined by entrepreneur, author, and social commentator Kenny Imafidon to speak about That Peckham Boy. Kenny was charged with a murder on joint enterprise aged just 18, he spent 6 long months in prison before being freed. His real-life manifesto That Peckham Boy details it all and calls for positive change for those on the fringes of society

Leah is joined by author Catherine Joy White for a conversation about her book 'This Thread Of Gold' .  She weaves together narratives that celebrate the triumph of Black female resistance, Catherine Joy White takes us on a unique journey through the eyes of positive and inspiring disruptors. From Alice Walker to Beyoncé, from Aretha Franklin to Zendaya, Catherine charts her own journey to self-d...

Leah is joined by legendary author Mike Gayle to discuss his brand new release A Song Of Me And You. Two heartbroken 18 year-olds part ways and meet again 20 years later, one a successful rockstar, the other a part time teacher in the lowest point of their life. Friendship, love, heartache and hope collide in this unforgettable emotional journey. Plus, Leah celebrates 25 years of Mike's incredible...

In this episode Leah is joined by artist, writer & poet Rachel Eliza Griffiths. Promise, her debut novel took 7 years to write and is a story of resistance and hope. A rich, evocative and universal celebration of sisterhood, family, mothers and daughters, music, food, joy and love; it is also an unflinching exploration of race, class, identity and power, and the search for freedom and belongin...

Season 3 has arrived and Leah kicks things off with a brilliant read from social media megastar and comedian Fats Timbo. Her debut 'Main Character Energy' is 10 commandments for living fearlessly as Fats shares how she came to love her body and face down challenges in her manifesto for all those who struggle with a fear of their own difference. Reading List: Fats Timbo - Main Character Energy Rhon...

The Capital XTRA Book Club Podcast with Leah Davis returns for the summer! If you're about to jet off and need a new holiday read or just an escape from your busy summer schedule then Leah has you covered with a whole list of exciting releases. New episodes every Monday starring both fresh and legendary black authors - starting Monday 7th August with Fats Timbo.

For the final episode of season 2 I am joined by a force to be reckoned with, the incredibly inspiring Mikaela Loach. She is fighting for climate justice, providing a voice for the voiceless and inspiring change without spreading fear. Her new book 'It's Not That Radical' is out 6th April and it's perfect if you're scared of everything you hear about climate change but don't quite know where...

Leah is joined this week by Iggy London, an award winning British filmmaker, artist and writer to chat all about 'Mandem'. The book is a collection of essays from his creative friends exploring what it means to be a Black man in contemporary Britain, a fascinating read! Reading List: Americana - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie The Sellout by Paul Beatty Poor - Caleb Femi

This week we are joined by Krystle Zara Appiah whose debut novel Rootless is about to take the world by storm. This complex love story is full of bumps in the road and family shaped obstacles that our loveable protagonists have to navigate. We got to know Krystle the British Ghanaian first time author this week, what a lovely way to celebrate IWD!  Reading List: Krystle Appiah - Rootless Taiy...

This week we get to know Nikki May the author of Wahala. Inspired by wanting to see more stories like her own on the page she created Ronke, Simi and Boo and just as their lives were looking a little too boring the whirlwind that is Isobel is thrown into the mix. This is Nikki's first novel and it's already set to be adapted for TV, no surprises there!  Reading List: Wahala - Nikki May Nearly...

Sophia Thakur is one of the most important young voices in modern poetry and now she has gifted us with 'Wearing My Mother's Heart' a beautiful anthology dedicated to her Mother and the matriarchs in her life. Everything Sophia says feels like poetry and speaking to her was a joy, what a woman, what a mind. Reading List: Wearing My Mother’s Heart - Sophia Thakur All About Love - Bell Hooks Teachin...

This week we meet Jessica George, her novel Maame is one of the most exciting books out right now and rightly so. Maame tells the story of Maddie, an introverted young woman finding her way in the world one 'first' at a time. Fall in love with the author here first and then fall in love with Maame! Reading List: Maame - Jessica George An American Marriage - Tayari Jones Rootless - Krystle Zara App...

In Derek Owusu's second novel Losing The Plot he paints a picture of a complex relationship between a young British boy and his Ghanaian mother. From the physical toll life in the UK takes on a hard working woman to the unspoken psychological impact. In this episode Owusu sheds light on his incredible creation. Reading List: Losing The Plot - Derek Owusu Mama Can't Raise No Man - Robyn Travis The...

You may recognise this week's guest from your TV screen but you may not know that the incredibly accomplished David Harewood lived through a pyschotic break as young man and has been retracing what could have led to that moment in his book 'Maybe I don't Belong Here.' The book explores the links between psychosis and identity for a black man living in Britain. TW: Psychosis, Mental Health, suicida...

The wonderful Toni Tone's second book 'Take Note' is now, she's talking confidence, friendships and careers. You've read her words on Twitter, seen her face on Insta and now you can hear her wisdom on this weeks episode. What a woman! Reading List: Take Note - Toni Tone Dear Ijeawele: Feminist Manifesto - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This week we welcome two of the six fantastic authors of Whiteout: Angie Thomas and Tiffany D Jackson. Whiteout follows several young people navigating through a snowstorm in Atlanta. They have various challenges and obstacles to overcome and love is at the heart of every individual story. The perfect winter warmer! Reading List: Whiteout - Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie T...

Happy New Year and happy new season of Capital XTRA Book Club! Our first guest is the iconic Malorie Blackman. Thanks to her new autobiography 'Just Sayin' Leah gets to know the brilliant mind behind the Noughts and Crosses saga. With over 70 books under her belt already, telling her own story was a unique challenge for Blackman as we find out in this week's episode. Continue the conversation with...

Another bonus episode! As we round off the year, Leah is joined by some fellow book club friends to pick the best books to look out for in 2023 & to start your year right. Season 2 of the book club launches on 9th January 2023! Reading list: Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai – Dust Child Krystle Zara Appiah – Rootless Derek Owusu – Losing the Plot Caleb Azumah Nelson – Small World Jessica George – Maame R. F. K...