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 The guest, Isatta @DearBLoveMe, provides a summary of the book, which follows a teenage girl named Amina who becomes withdrawn and scared to speak.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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In this podcast episode, the host introduces a book called "Lore of the Wilds" and discusses tips for setting a reading mood. The author of the book, Analeigh Sbrana, joins the discussion and shares that the book is a romantic fantasy with cozy elements and dark twists. The host and author discuss various ways to engage the senses while reading, such as having a hot beverage, listening to music, and dressing comfortably. They also suggest specific flavors, aromas, and visuals that can enhance the reading experience. The episode ends with a reimagined scene from the book. The host encourages listeners to read "Lore of the Wilds" and shares that it is available at local libraries and bookstores.

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

https://booksenvogue.com/2024/02/27/season-2-episode-3/.

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In this podcast episode, the host introduces the book "The Getaway" by Lamar Giles. The book is set in a near future where the world outside of a vacation resort called Karloff Country is in chaos. The rich people who built the resort flee to it as a luxury doomsday bunker, expecting the protagonist, Jay, and others to continue providing service even as society breaks down. The host and author discuss techniques for setting the reading mood, including engaging the senses with music, visuals, food, and aromas. They also reenact a scene from the book. The author also mentions two other books they have written.

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

https://booksenvogue.com/2024/02/06/season-2-episode-2/.

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Welcome to Season 2!

In this podcast episode, the host discusses the children's book "La Noche Before Three Kings Day" with author Sheila Colón-Bagley. The book follows a Puerto Rican family on the eve of the Epiphany, as they prepare for the arrival of the Three Kings. The host and author discuss tips for setting a reading mood, the celebratory vibe of the book, the illustrations, and the food and aromas associated with the holiday. The author also shares a re-imagined scene from the book. The episode ends with the author announcing upcoming events in her hometown of Philadelphia.

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

https://booksenvogue.com/2024/01/05/season-2-episode-1/

Connect with Sheila Colón-Bagley: Instagram | X | TikTok | Threads

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In this podcast episode, the host introduces the book "Black Buck" by Mateo Askaripour. The book follows a young Black man named Darren who works at a Starbucks in Brooklyn but is offered a position at a startup company by a white CEO. Darren becomes the only Black person in the company and faces challenges as he tries to succeed without being tokenized. The host and author discuss tips for setting the reading mood, including finding a comfortable place to read and engaging all the senses. They also share a deleted scene from the book where Darren is asked to interview a Black woman for a job at the company. The episode ends with the author mentioning that he has another book coming out next year.

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

https://booksenvogue.com/2023/10/17/season-1-episode-10/

Connect with Mateo Askaripour: Website | Instagram | Twitter

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In this podcast episode, the host and guest discuss the book "There's No Way I'll Die First" by Lisa Springer. The book is a young adult horror novel set in a creepy mansion on Halloween. The guest, Latesha Dejean, shares her thoughts on the book and how it kept her up all night. The host and special guest then discusses tips for setting the reading mood, including engaging the senses with visuals, sounds, flavors, aromas, and textures. They also reenact a scene from the book. The episode ends with a reminder to read the book. It’s the perfect book to start on Friday 13th and read all October long!

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

https://booksenvogue.com/2023/10/13/season-1-episode-9/

Connect with Latesha Dejean:  Instagram | X | Threads | Blog

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