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 Adefope. This is a collection of courageous, thought-provoking and ultimately hopeful pieces set to educate and inspire young people. 

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 British entrepreneurship, exploring the struggles, success and unique circumstances that face Black British businessesReading List: A Quick Ting On: Black British Businesses - Tskenya FrazerGreat Gatsby - F Scott FitzgeraldRosewater - Liv LittleHunger - Roxane Gay

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 FamurewaThe Lonely Londoners - Same SelvonCross Roads - Jonathon FranzenWhite 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-discovery through the prism of extraordinary women to create a beautiful tapestry of Black joy.Reading List: This Thread Of Gold - Catherine Joy WhiteA Daughter Like Me - Jacqueline RoyJazz - Toni MorrisonComplicit - Winnie M Li

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 writing career.Reading List:Mike Gayle - A Song Of Me And YouUnreliable Memoirs - Clive JamesIn The Blink Of An Eye - Jo CallaghanGeneration X - Douglas Coupeland

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 belonging.Reading List: Rachel Eliza Griffiths - PromiseToni Morrison - Song Of SolomonToni Morrison - SulaSafiya Sinclair - How To Say BabylonZora Neale Hurston - Their Eyes Were Watching God

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 EnergyRhonda Byrne - The SecretMark Manson - How To Not Give A F***

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 to begin. Reading List: It's Not That Radical - Mikaela LoachThe Hunger Games - Suzanne CollinsWe Will Not Cancel Us - Adrienne Maree BrownCrooked Kingdom - Leigh BardugoWhat White People Can Do Next - Emma Dabiri

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 AdichieThe Sellout by Paul BeattyPoor - 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 - RootlessTaiye Selasi - Ghana must goMonica Heisey - Really Good ActuallyArundhati Roy - The God of Small Things

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 MayNearly All the Men in Lagos are Mad - Damilare KukuStation Eleven - Emily St. John Mandel

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 ThakurAll About Love - Bell HooksTeaching my Mother to Give Birth - Warsan ShireDeaf republic - Ilya KaminskyThe Forty Rules of Love - Elif ShafakScribble Boy - Philip Ridley 2pac - The Rose That Grew From Concrete

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 Appiah Queenie - Candice Carty Williams

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 OwusuMama Can't Raise No Man - Robyn TravisThe Double - Jose SaramagoThe Great Gatsby - F.Scott FitzgeraldThe Last White Man - Mohsin HamidInvisible Man Ralph Ellison

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, suicidal ideation. Reading List: David Harewood - Maybe I Don't Belong HereDavid Olusoga - Black & British: A Forgotten HistoryAfua Hirsch - EmpireJeffery Boakye - I Heard What You Said

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 ToneDear 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 Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, & Nicola YoonRoll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Mildred D TaylorThe Coldest Winter Ever - Sister Souljah

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 Leah on Twitter or Instagram @leahhdaviss and we'll chat again next week!Reading List: Just Sayin' - Malorie BlackmanNoughts + Crosses - Malorie BlackmanPig Heart Boy - Malorie BlackmanBoy's Don't Cry - Malorie BlackmanV For Vendetta - Alan MooreThe Secret Diaries of Chalres Ignatius Sancho - Patterson JosephThe Color Purple - Alice Walker

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. Kuang – Yellowface

A Christmas bonus episode! As we warm up for the second season of Book Club Leah helps you out with your last minute Christmas gifts. Don't forget, Season 2 of the book club launches on 9th January 2023! Reading list:Charmaine Wilkerson - Black CakeSheena Patel - I’m A FanCandice Brathwaite - Cuts Both WaysScarlette Brade - The HiveYewande Biala – Reclaiming

Lauren Rae's 'kind of memoir' Love, Wine and Other Highs' captures the highs and lows of being a young independent woman navigating through a modern world seemingly obsessed with image, perfection and success. Her words are honest and relatable and most importantly very entertaining!

Anne-Marie Imafidon's debut 'She's In CTRL' is all about dispelling myths and breaking down boundaries around women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). As a woman that has always been in STEM she's the perfect person to lead the charge in fixing the gender imbalance. A what a force she is!

Dorothy Koomson, is known as the queen of the big reveal for good reason. She returns with her brand new gripping thriller My Other Husband a story of power, love and murder. With a huge number of books already under her belt thankfully Dorothy Koomson has no plans on slowing down.

Today's guests are debut author and former member of Rizzle Kicks Jordan Stephens and illustrator Beth Suzanne. Their new picture book The Missing Piece tells the story of Sunny who's on the hunt for a missing piece to her Grandmother's jigsaw puzzle. We discuss, nostalgia, childhood and the joy of grandparents.

Book Club our guest this week is the supremely talented Candice Brathwaite. You know her as the writer that brought you 'I'm Not Your Baby Mother' and 'Sista Sister' but now she's stepping into fiction with her debut novel 'Cuts Both Ways'. An exploration of the aftershocks of violent crime.

Frances Mensah Williams' sixth novel 'The Second Time We Met' explores what happens when you get a second chance to fall in love at first sight. We meet Cara a young black woman from North West London and Henry a young white man who grew up in a mansion in Gloucestershire. Frances breaks down what inspired her to view a love story through the lens of both class and race and reminds us that there is ultimately more to connect us than divide us.

As one of our favourite former Love Islanders we were always going to be excited to read Yewande's word in her first book: Reclaiming. She certainly did not disappoint with chapters about colourism, social media, beauty and more Yewande offers advice through anecdotes and incredible honesty. As a self confessed introvert Yewande lets us into her world and what a fascinating world it is.

You may know her as the queen of the Love Island villa, but the wonderful Amber Rose Gill has given us a romantic novel that is a dreamy summer read. Amber introduces us to her loveable protagonist Samantha and we discuss the importance of diversity in romantic literature, how much Love Island influenced the novel and more.

Telling the story of afro hair is not a simple task but it is a necessary one. This week's guest Kandace Chimbiri wanted to create an engaging and exciting book for children (and adults alike) to learn the rich history of afro hair, from the enterprising work of Madame CJ Walker to the iconic Josephine Baker. Join the book club using the hashtag #CapitalXTRABookClub and let's chat on twitter @leahhdaviss.

A self-confessed ‘Romcomisseur’ and lover of all things love Bolu Babalola is one of the most exciting new voices in romantic literature. This week we discuss her new novel Honey and Spice a fun, sexy, exciting read that will have you obsessed with its witty protagonist Kiki Banjo. Continue the conversation using the hashtag #CapitalXTRABookClub and happy reading!

Imagine being 13 years old and the story you wrote anonymously on your family computer goes viral. That was the reality for Jade LB in the early 00s when her epic tale Keisha Da Sket had teenagers across the UK hooked. Cut to present day and Jade presents us with a reworked version of the novel as well as the original viral game changer. Join the book club using the hashtag #CapitalXTRABookClub and let's chat on twitter @leahhdaviss.

Meet Sheena Patel and her debut novel 'I'm A Fan' a read that she proudly exclaims might make you feel a bit sick. This captivating story centres a nameless protagonist as she battles her way through a complex relationship with a drastic power imbalance. Sheena is an exciting new voice in literature that I am absolutely fascinated by!

The queen of daytime TV Alison Hammond is gracing us with her presence on today's episode of the Capital XTRA Book Club! Having grown up seeing so few black faces in her history books Alison Hammond is on a mission to prove that Black history is British history. Her new book Black In Time tells the stories of some trail blazing Black people in language that is child friendly, totally accessible and quintessentially Alison.

Host Leah Davis catches up with ladies behind 'The Receipts' podcast to talk about their book 'Keep The Receipts'. Meet your new favourite authors that double as your very own agony aunts. Tolly, Milena and Audrey aka The Receipts Girls have been dishing out advice and spilling the tea on The Receipts podcast for years and now they've condensed years of experiences, anecdotes and life hacks into Keep The Receipts. Join the book club using the hashtag #CapitalXTRABookClub and let's chat on twitter @leahhdaviss.