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In this episode, I chat with Wendy, a passionate bibliophile and bookseller from Nairobi. We explore Wendy's journey into the world of books, the establishment of her bookstore Soma Nami, and the contrasting literary cultures of Nairobi and Lagos. The conversation delves into book recommendations, the importance of reading diverse authors, and the challenges of navigating the literary scene. Wendy shares her top book picks, critiques a disappointing read, and expresses her desires for the future of reading, including the need for more authentic local stories. The episode concludes with practical tips for overcoming reading slumps.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Wendy and Her Journey
05:27 Wendy's Early Memories with Books
08:20 Transitioning from Reader to Bookseller
11:27 The Impact of COVID on Bookstores
14:20 Literary Culture in Nairobi vs. Lagos
17:17 The Literary Season in Nairobi
20:11 Choosing What to Read Next
23:33 The Art of Recommending Books
26:28 Exploring Memoirs and Their Appeal
37:56 The Art of Book Recommendations
40:21 Top Five Book Recommendations
58:20 Navigating Disappointments in Reading
01:06:24 Desires for the Future of Reading
01:11:52 Introduction and Engagement with Listeners
01:12:22 Encouraging Community and Sharing the Podcast
In Case You Missed It
1. BROKEN by Fatima Bala (Book Chat)
2. An Easy Guide To NetGalley
3. The 2025 Something Bookish Reading Challenge Guide
If you love my content, kindly consider supporting me by buying me a digital cup of coffee.
CONTACT Questions? Comments? Email me at [email protected] Instagram | Twitter | Newsletter
In this episode, I talk about all the books I read in April 2025 and I'm shocked at how many books I was able to get through.
Drink Of The Pod: The Tea
Enjoy!
In Case You Missed It
1. BROKEN by Fatima Bala (Book Chat)
2. An Easy Guide To NetGalley
3. The 2025 Something Bookish Reading Challenge Guide
If you love my content, kindly consider supporting me by buying me a digital cup of coffee.
CONTACT Questions? Comments? Email me at [email protected] Instagram | Twitter | Newsletter
In this episode, I talk about all the books I read in February and March 2025 and because these were stressful months for me, I got through A LOT of books. This one is a bit chaotic (at least more than others)
Drink Of The Pod: Shots of Whiskey & Soju
Enjoy!
In Case You Missed It
1. BROKEN by Fatima Bala (Book Chat)
2. An Easy Guide To NetGalley
3. The 2025 Something Bookish Reading Challenge Guide
If you love my content, kindly consider supporting me by buying me a digital cup of coffee.
CONTACT Questions? Comments? Email me at [email protected] Instagram | Twitter | Newsletter
It’s the 100th episode! It’s also the season 12 premiere. I had a lovely book chat with my mother and her life as a reader before I was in the picture, she then shared 3 books that she loves and would recommend. Also, I answered questions from members of the audience. I want to do more live shows!
Drink Of The Pod: The Tea (my special blend)
Enjoy!
In Case You Missed It
1. An Easy Guide To NetGalley
2. The 2025 Something Bookish Reading Challenge Guide
If you love my content, kindly consider supporting me by buying me a digital cup of coffee.
CONTACT Questions? Comments? Email me at [email protected] Instagram | Twitter | Newsletter
If you love my content, kindly consider supporting me by buying me a digital cup of coffee.CONTACTQuestions? Comments? Email me at [email protected]Instagram | Twitter | Newsletter
In this no-spoiler episode, I chat with the author of the debut novel, These Letters End In Tears, Musih Tedji Xaviere. Set in a country where being gay is punishable by law, These Letters End in Tears is the heart-wrenching forbidden love story of a Christian girl with a rebellious heart and a Muslim girl leading a double life.
Enjoy!
In Case You Missed It
1. BROKEN by Fatima Bala (Book Chat)
2. An Easy Guide To NetGalley
3.The 2025 Something Bookish Reading Challenge Guide
If you love my content, kindly consider supporting me by buying me a digital cup of coffee.
CONTACT Questions? Comments? Email me at [email protected] Instagram | Twitter | Newsletter
In this episode, I talk about all the books I read in January 2025. All 18 of them! I also reflect on my experience as a guest moderator at the first ever Sharjah Festival of African Literature, held in the UAE
Drink Of The Pod: Rum & Coke
Enjoy!
In Case You Missed It
The Litty Review: Chain Gang All-Stars
Books, Publishing, And The Reader's Perspective ft Niki
The 2025 Something Bookish Reading Challenge Guide
Top Tips To Get Out Of A Reading Slump
Tips For Reading Multiple Books At A Time
CONTACT
Questions? Comments? Email me at [email protected] or Find me HERE
In this episode, I chat with Niki AKA @blackgirlrumble and what an enlightening chat this is. If you have aspirations to work in publishing, this episode is a must-listen or if you're interested in finding out the BTS of what goes on in the business of books. She also shares 5 books we all need to read and 1 book that didn't spark joy for her.
Drink Of The Pod: Port
Enjoy!
In Case You Missed It
1. Top Tips To Get Out Of A Reading Slump
2. Tips For Reading Multiple Books At A Time
3. My Ake Festival 2023 Diary
CONTACT
Questions? Comments? Email me at [email protected] or Find me HERE
What a year it has been! In this episode, I share books I read in December and I do a mini year in review.
Drink of the episode: Port
The Something Bookish Reading Challenge is like a passport for your bookshelf—24 exciting prompts designed to catapult you out of your reading comfort zone and whisk you around the globe, one page at a time. On this episode, I talk you through each prompt.
Drink Of The Pod: Gin&Tonic
Enjoy!
In Case You Missed It
1. Top Tips To Get Out Of A Reading Slump
2. Tips For Reading Multiple Books At A Time
3. My Ake Festival 2023 Diary
CONTACT
Questions? Comments? Email me at [email protected] or Find me HERE
From the publisher's feed