Episode 46: Interview with Aaliyah Bilal, author of National Book Award Finalist "Temple Folk"

In this episode of the Libro.fm podcast, hosts Craig and Karen interview Aaliyah Bilal, author of the 2023 National Book Award finalist "Temple Folk." Aaliyah discusses her creative process and journey to becoming a writer, why she prefers to write short stories and the inspiration behind her collection, and book recommendations for those interested in exploring Islam in Ghana and Sudan.

Read the full transcript:

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About Aaliyah: Aaliyah Bilal is an American writer acclaimed for her debut short story collection, Temple Folk, which explores the lives of Black Muslims in 1970s America. The collection was a finalist for the 2023 National Book Award for Fiction and the 2024 Aspen Words Literary Prize. Bilal received the 2024 Whiting Award and the Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence.

Get Aaliyah's books:

• Temple Folk

Books discussed on today's episode:

• The Prophet of Zongo Street by Mohammed Naseehu Ali
• Season of Migration to the North by Tayeb Salih