The International Book Show

Author and actor Brenda Garrick talks about Jamakespeare , her collection of Shakespeare-inspired performance monologues. She shares the inspiration behind the book, how her acting shaped the work, why she chose Jamaican Patois, and the importance of seeing Patois represented in literature. 📚 A creative, entertaining conversation about language, culture, performance and Shakespeare.

Host Makonnen Sankofa speaks with author Kenneth Allen , creator of Africa ABC and Africa 123 — inspiring educational books helping young children learn while discovering Africa’s rich history, culture, wildlife and achievements. Kenneth shares his fascinating personal journey, including the life-changing trip to Egypt that inspired his mission to bring African history and representation into chil...

Psychotherapist and author Denise James joins the International Book Show for a powerful conversation about healing, identity and transformation. Through her personal journey and Back to Love trilogy, Denise explores finding your voice, reconnecting with yourself and turning pain into purpose.

Anthony Francis, author of Think it, Plan it, Do it Now! , shares practical advice on turning ideas into action. He explains how SMART goals, focus, accountability and understanding your “why” can help you stay committed and overcome distractions. His key message is simple: don’t wait for everything to be perfect—focus on your strengths, take action, learn as you go and keep moving forward.

Author Simone S. Smart discusses her memoir and workbook, Life Lessons Learned: The Journey from Girlhood to Womanhood . Simone speaks about personal experiences and challenges that shaped her journey , including her battle with endometriosis . Simone also highlights themes of self-love, relationships and marriage , her work as a “story selling strategist,” and her plans to preserve the life stori...

Author Larry Ukali Johnson-Redd discusses his book series, Black Self-Love Spoken Word and Reparations . He explores the need for Black unity, building a Strategic National Black Consensus , overcoming internal divisions, securing reparations, and challenging the continued exploitation of Africa and the African diaspora.

Author Tina Shelton shares practical guidance for navigating one of today's biggest parenting challenges—the impact of social media on young people. Discover how to recognise the warning signs of online harm, encourage healthier digital habits, strengthen family communication, and help children and teenagers build a positive relationship with technology.

Makonnen Sankofa welcomes Mama Adjua to discuss the Ghana Writers Experience (9–19 October) , a literary and cultural tour featuring the Pa Gya! Literary Festival, historic sites, and an unforgettable journey through Ghana. Perfect for writers, readers, and anyone seeking a meaningful connection with Africa. www.withlovefromghana.com

In this episode of The International Book Show , host Makonnen Sankofa speaks with Oluwatayo Jide Shoneye , author of Japa: The Great British Migration Lottery . Shoneye explores the realities of UK immigration, the challenges migrants face, and the resilience required to build a new life. A compelling conversation about migration, identity, opportunity, and hope.

Host Makonnen Sankofa welcomes political scientist and author Dr. Sharon Austin for a discussion of her books The Transformation of Plantation Politics and The Caribbeanization of Black Politics . Dr. Austin examines the lasting impact of Mississippi's plantation system, sharecropping, segregation, voter suppression, and economic inequality, while exploring the political relationships between Afri...

Synopsis : This is a book about an African American who marries a Nigerian Woman and, after being fired by three companies after 1 year of employment, decides to go to Africa and Nigeria in particular to teach Government in Nigeria's Benin City high school called Eghosa Grammar School on New Lagos Road. Larry was a successful teacher for 4 years and returned to California. LarryUkaliJohnsonred...

Children's book author Melissa Looby talks about her delightful picture books inspired by her son's real-life adventures. From train rides to London buses, Melissa shares how she brings everyday moments to life through fun, rhyming stories that inspire young readers and families.

What does it really mean to be a bold leader? On The International Book Show , host Makonnen Sankofa speaks with author Kemi Emmanuel about her inspiring book, The Woman in Red . Discover how purpose, resilience, confidence, and boldness can help every woman overcome fear, silence imposter syndrome, and lead with impact—regardless of her title or profession.

Makonnen Sankofa, host of The International Book Show and recipient of the Social Impact award by Nigeria Magazine, interviews chairman of Nigeria Magazine, Kede Aihie.

On The International Book Show , host Makonnen Sankofa speaks with Femi Ajayi, author of The Ghost Protocol . Drawing on his background in law enforcement and anti-corruption investigations, Ajayi discusses the inspiration behind his novel and its exploration of digital identity theft, surveillance, and institutional corruption. More than a thriller, The Ghost Protocol is a warning about the growi...

The International Book Show host Makonnen Sankofa welcomes guest Anthony Brogdon for a powerful discussion on Black history, business, and achievement. Discover Anthony Brogdon’s books, including Black Business Book , They Did It , and That’s My Land . From pioneering Black business owners to thriving historic Black towns across America, this discussion celebrates achievement, resilience, and “goo...

On  The International Book Show , host  Makonnen Sankofa  speaks with author and trauma coach Blaque Diamond about her powerful novel,  The  Ha"Bitch"ual Liar  — a gripping story of trauma, emotional scars, revenge, and survival.

On this episode of The International Book show, host Makonnen Sankofa interviews psychotherapist and author Sherrine Barrows about her book, Love Without Disappearing: Staying Connected Without Losing Yourself . The discussion focuses on maintaining healthy relationships without losing one’s identity, covering topics such as attachment patterns, self-abandonment, and boundary-setting. Sherrine exp...

In this episode of The International Book Show , host Makonnen speaks with author Leon Marshall about his book The Hidden Science of Melanin . Leon explores melanin as a vital component of human biology, describing it as a “chemical key to life” and explaining its presence in the brain, immune system, and overall bodily functions. He breaks down how melanin is produced, the different types, and it...

In this episode of The International Book Show , host Makonnen Sankofa speaks with early years educator and author Jamel Carly Campbell. They discuss his consultancy Bleu Carrot and his books Building Positive Relationships in the Early Years and Olu’s Teacher , focusing on relationships, representation, and early childhood development. Jamel shares insights from over 20 years in education, highli...

The International Book Show host Makonnen Sankofa speaks with author Arwinder Kaur to explore her book, Living While Human, a memoir shaped by Arwinder's journey from India to Canada, her career in social work and child protection, and her later transition into ecological advocacy. The book examines how modern life—defined by constant stimulation, information overload, and growing disconnectio...

This episode of The International Book Show spotlights Shadows and Deceit —a high-stakes thriller by author Kevin M Scott that puts covert operative Chuck Barnes at the centre of a deadly conspiracy. When the classified Black Rose file is compromised, Chuck is thrust into a world of betrayal, honey traps, poison, and assassins. From Las Vegas to the Mojave Desert and into global crime networks, th...

On The International Book Show , Makonnen Sankofa speaks with Danielle Hall about The Red of Blood and Roses , a dark fantasy series following two ordinary humans pulled into a forgotten world hidden from humanity, where they uncover the shocking truth that human history has been deliberately concealed. In The Red of Blood and Roses series, survival becomes destiny as they discover an ancient prop...

On The International Book Show, host Makonnen Sankofa interviews author Cashem "Cash" Holland to discuss the book, Boss Squad Money Adventures: The Concert Dilemma . Through storytelling, relatable characters, and real-life dilemmas, the book helps children explore saving, spending, peer pressure, and smart decision-making—all in a fun and accessible way. This episode highlights the powe...

Check out this latest episode of The International Book Show, where host Makonnen Sankofa speaks with author JC Amaechi. The discussion centres on her novel, Black Ink, White Paper , which follows Kambili, a Nigerian woman navigating London’s publishing world. The story explores themes of race, self-worth, and interracial relationships, while also digging deeper into the power dynamics and social...