About the Book:
The year is 2032. Dorcas has her whole life ahead of her – university, career, escape from her suffocating small town. There’s only one problem: she has no idea who she wants to be.
Then something impossible happens. A being from another world brings a terrifying her entire life is a reality show broadcast across the galaxy… and she’s bombing. The audience is bored. Unless she does something extraordinary – anything – she’ll be cancelled. Permanently.
Now Dorcas has one chance to figure out what makes a life worth living. Before her time runs out.
Find on Goodreads. Find on Bookshop.org UK (affiliate link).
About the Author:
Kelechi Okafor is a Nigerian-born, London-based lover of words-whether that’s crafting works of fiction, articles, stageplays or screenplays; from directing others on stage to expressing her thoughts on society one episode at a time alongside esteemed interview guests on her award-winning former podcast Say Your Mind. In February 2024, Kelechi launched her new subscription-based channel on her website, Keleidoscope. No matter what form Kelechi’s creativity takes, her work remains rooted in globally relevant conversations and events, framed through a lens of understanding that is firmly anti-colonial, anti-white-supremacy and anti-heteropatriarchy. Keleidoscope serves both as a personal exploration, and as a way to build a community that is challenged to think critically. Known online as @Kelechnekoff, Kelechi also affectionately known as “just a Baby Girl” by her followers, listeners and community. Kelechi’s path has been forged in the flames left by writers like Flora Nwapa, Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, bell hooks, Audre Lorde and Chika Unigwe, deities like Oshun and Yemoja, and countless other voices from the past and present.
Interview:
Pitch your book in 10 words!
An alien visits Dorcas and tells her to make her life more interesting or their planet will cancel her show and remove her from existence.
What inspired Xelia and Ọ’rúnmìlà?
Ọ̀rúnmìlà Is the name of the entity within Yoruba spirituality that we recognise as the custodian of destiny. He was there when the universe was created and I have a deep affection for this aspect of Yoruba mythos. I thought it would be cool for the planet that Xelia is from to be named after him as she watches Dorcas’ life.
I’ve often wondered what I would do if someone showed up and said I had x amount of days to live and what I would do differently as a result of that.
How do you think you’d react if an alien showed up and told you the same?
I think I would say everything I’ve ever wanted to say to everyone (including my crush) and I would book a skydiving experience.
ARE YOU STILL WATCHING explores how AI and the copious amount of data we give to companies is used to reinforce inherently flawed and racist systems. What real life examples inspired you to tackle this topic?
Robert Dillon is a Black man living in Florida, USA. in 2024 AI singled him out for being responsible for a crime even though he lived 300 miles away from where the incident took place. I remember reading that story and in that moment being very clear on what my underlying discomfort had been about AI all along.
What would you say to a teen who sees the injustices around them but feels like their voice is too small to make a difference?
It’s so important to have community. It doesn’t have to be made up of loads of people. Just having people who also notice the world in the way you do, and are willing to talk about what changes could be made if any, does something for our hearts and minds. It helps to keep hope intact. If possible write emails to the people in your local area who have the power to simply ask if they’re aware of what is happening and if they plan to do anything about it. Just that letter alone helps those who are in roles of authority to know they’re accountable.
Dorcas has a crush on Toby – and then decides to speak to him to make her life more interesting. What was your favourite moment to write between them?
My absolute favourite moment for Toby and Dorcas is their chat by the water where they talk about their aspirations beyond the wall. I think crushes are all well and good but being able to share your hopes and dreams with someone, that is true romance to me.
What inspired your alternative UK and the walled off town Dorcas lives in?
Cowrie Hills in a way represents our collective mindset in Britain. There is a wall. Mainstream media want us to be preoccupied with the threat of ‘small boats’ and ‘immigrants’ but the real threat that we should be focused on, dictates to us daily what the parameters of our freedoms are and we rarely push back.
Please recommend a UKYA book you think readers will love.
THE DARK LADY* by Akala
Thank you, Kelechi!
*Affiliate link
#UKYASpotlight 
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