In this special Halloween episode Kat Trinidad and author Michele Tracy Berger discusses the short story collection "Doll Seed". The stories collected in "Doll Seed" span several genres of speculative fiction, including science fiction, fantasy, horror, and magical realism, and feature female characters of color. As an example of how to get into the spirit of the book, Berger suggests reflecting on one's ancestors while listening to early jazz and blues or music from the 1970s and 1980s. The host and Berger also do a dramatic reading of an excerpt from one of the stories, "Edda, Zora and the First Serpent".

You can find this episode’s transcript on the Books en Vogue website:

https://booksenvogue.com/2024/10/31/season-2-episode-6/

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In this podcast episode, the host introduces the book "No One Dies Yet" by Kobby Ben Ben. The book is set in Ghana during the "Year of Return" initiative, where a Black protagonist explores the queer underground scene while a serial killer is on the loose. The author discusses techniques for setting the reading mood, such as reading during the day and using calming sounds like whale sounds or local music. They also suggest having a comforting object nearby, like a lover's thigh or a dog, to grab onto during scary moments. The author advises against reading the book at night due to its disturbing scenes. They also mention that the book contains explicit content and is intended for adult readers.

You can find this episode’s transcript on the Books en Vogue website:

https://booksenvogue.com/2024/07/02/season-2-episode-5/

Connect with Kobby Ben Ben: Instagram

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In this podcast episode, the host introduces the book “All the Fighting Parts” by Hannah V. Sawyerr and discusses tips for setting a reading mood. The guest, Isatta @DearBLoveMe, provides a summary of the book, which follows a teenage girl named Amina who becomes withdrawn and scared to speak. The host and guest then discuss various sensory elements that can enhance the reading experience, such as music, nature sounds, aesthetics, flavors, and aromas. They also share personal preferences for creating a cozy reading environment. The episode concludes with a reimagined scene from the book. Isatta emphasizes the importance of survivors sharing their stories and encourages self-care. The episode ends with a reminder to support local libraries and bookstores.

You can find this episode’s transcript on the Books en Vogue website:

https://booksenvogue.com/2024/06/05/season-2-episode-4/

Connect with Isatta: Instagram

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