Back That Book Up

Second Chances, Cultural "Wahala" & Race: The Second Time We Met

Can you ever really go back? Sociologist Sylvie sits down with the author of The Second Time We Met to discuss navigating family drama, romance, and starting over.Yaggayoo! In the Season 1 finale, I am joined by Frances Mensah-Williams. We dive into her novel about second chances and the cultural "Wahala" that comes with family expectations.We explore the nuances of interracial relationships, the pressure of "keeping up appearances" within the community, and whether love can truly survive a checkered past.

The Dark Side of Influencers & Deep Fakes: Every Smile You Fake

Dorothy Koomson is a British jewel (and I’m not talking about the stolen ones). With a career spanning over two decades and 19 books, the "Queen of the Big Reveal" joins Sociologist Sylvie to dissect the terrifying world of Every Smile You Fake.Yaggayoo! We aren't just talking about a thriller; we are unpacking the ethics of "Mum-fluencers," the dangers of deep fakes, and the psychological toll of living our lives online.We discuss the reality of "Sharenting" (sharing your children’s lives for content) and why you might recognise a certain character in this book more than you think.

Dating, Faith & "Good Muslim" Stereotypes: Sex Bomb

Within the first minute, Sadia asks: "Have you had a threesome?" And the conversation is set from there.Yaggayoo! This month I am joined by the stand-up comedian and author of the memoir Sex Bomb, Sadia Azmat.Expect raw, random, and unfiltered giggles as we move past stiff British polite conversation to discuss the reality of dating while Muslim. We explore the pressure to conform to the "Good Muslim Woman" stereotype, the chaos of dating apps, and finding love (and yourself) when everyone else thinks they know who you should be.

Toxic Friendships, Marriage & The "Third Wheel": The Three of Us

Is your best friend a threat to your marriage? Sociologist Sylvie dissects the petty, hilarious, and toxic triangle in Ore Agbaje-Williams' 'The Three of Us'.Yaggayoo! On the second episode of Back That Book Up, I am joined by the author herself, Ore Agbaje-Williams.Ore’s debut novel is swift, it's a hurricane, and it’s set over the course of a single chaotic day. Getting the tea directly from the author makes it that much more enjoyable. All hail Ore: "The Queen Of Mess."Quick Story Plot:There are 3 people: A wife, her husband, and her bestie.P.S. The husband and bestie hate each other.

Palestine, Displacement & Theatre as Resistance: Enter Ghost

Can art truly be an act of resistance? Sociologist Sylvie sits down with Isabella Hammad to discuss identity, the Palestinian experience, and the power of the stage in 'Enter Ghost'.Yaggayoo! We are kickstarting this month’s Back That Book Up with the incredible British-Palestinian author, Isabella Hammad.Recorded in April, this conversation embodies the exact vibe of Isabella’s novel: political, powerful, and thought-provoking. The novel centres on the experiences of Palestinians living in both Palestine and Israel.