#bookevangelist: Darkowaa, curator of African Book Addict! - Accra Ghana

 Blog: https://africanbookaddict.com Photo credit: MAK

Q1: What inspired you to start African Book Addict!? Are you in any way involved in the book industry?

A: African Book Addict! is a book blog that was conceived almost 5 years ago out of my intense love of reading and discussing books by writers of African descent (in Africa and the diaspora). As a Ghanaian-American, I gain a stronger sense of self when I read work by writers of African descent because I identify strongly with the stories and get to understand myself as well as the world through their work.

I simply wanted my own space where I could pen my thoughts on the books I was reading. So I created African Book Addict! as a space where I review and discuss books by black writers, more specifically – African-American, Caribbean and African writers; while showcasing books and writers that I feel don’t get the shine they deserve. An extension of the book blog (which is the main platform) is on Instagram (or #Bookstagram) as @africanbookaddict.

Q2: Ghana celebrated 62 years of independence on 6 March; tell us about the #ReadGhanaian buzz?

A: Two years ago, for Ghana's 60th year of independence, I highlighted over 80 Ghanaian writers and their work in a 3-part series on my book blog. While working on the project, I realized how underrated Ghanaian literature was and also how few work by Ghanaian writers I had read at the time. As a Ghanaian, it's important for me to read and celebrate the work of writers from my homeland. I try to read more than 1 book by a Ghanaian writer each year and this year I decided to create the #ReadGhanaian Book Challenge, where I read at least 5 books by writers of Ghanaian descent by the end of the year. The book challenge is open to all readers and the #ReadGhanaian hashtag (which is active on Instagram and Twitter) is a great way for those participating in the book challenge (and even those who aren't) to see the plethora of books out there by our people.

Q3: Which books by writers of Ghanaian descent would you recommend to someone who'd like to get a cultural and social feel for Ghana?

A: I'm not an expert on Ghanaian literature, as I haven't read enough! But I highly recommend Beyond the Horizon by Amma Darko, Harmattan Rain by Ayesha Harruna Attah, Our Sister Killjoy by Ama Ata Aidoo. There is also great work online (which is free to read) by Nana Karikari Prempeh, Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah, Marcelle Akita, Hakeem Adam, Zoë Gadegbeku, Akotowaa just to name a few.

Q4: What's the literary scene like in Ghana?

A: Writers Project Ghana has been spearheading the literary scene with a plethora of events they host, like Ghana Voices Series, where bookworms and literary friends gather for monthly public book readings featuring African writers. I’ve been to several of the Ghana Voices Series events where readers interact with various African writers like Binyavanga Wainaina, Kwei Quartey, Ama Ata Aidoo, Eghosa Imasuen, Ayesha H. Attah and more. Writers Project Ghana also hosts their annual book festival – Pa Gya! which is fun.

Q5: What are the things that stood out for you about South Africa that you picked up through reading South African books?

A: This is a great question! Hmmm, besides the amazing storytelling by South African writers, I'd have to say – violence. Violence always seems to be a main character in the few South Africa books I've read. From Disgrace by JM Coetzee, to Period Pain by Kopano Matlwa, What We Lose by Zinzi Clemmons and even in Trevor Noah's Born A Crime, violence is very prevalent in South African books.

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