You are about to listen to a BBC podcast and I'd like to tell you a bit about what goes into making one.

I'm Sadata Sese, an assistant commissioner of podcasts for BBC Sounds.

I pull a lot of levers to support a diverse range of podcasts on all sorts of subjects,

relationships, identity, comedy, even one that mixes poetry, music and inner city life.

So one day I'll be helping host develop their ideas, the next fact-checking, a feature,

and the next looking at how a podcast connects with its audience, and maybe that's you.

So if you like this podcast, check out some others on BBC Sounds.

BBC Sounds, music, radio podcasts.

Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats.

Today on the Open Book Express, we'll be setting off on a journey around the world in 80 bucks, passing through Nairobi to hear about their booksellers, where you'll also be able to pick up your literary postcard.

And travel is all well and good, but not without thinking about our carbon footprint.

So in the duty-free, you can explore how to go green this Christmas by buying second-hand books.

But first, the selfless act of breathing by JJ Bola is a novel whose protagonist, a young teacher called Michael,

is on his own literal and metaphorical journey to escape his disillusionment with life.

He embarks on a sort of vision quest to search for meaning,

travelling through the US, meeting up with distant cousins, strangers and lovers who offer

potential lifelines. However, his self-imposed rules make it a journey only viable until the money

runs out and he has to come to his own final difficult decision, life or death.

A meditation on modern masculinity, mental health and the subtle legacies of immigration,

it's a thoughtful and tender novel from a writer whose previous books include no place to

call home and mask off. And I'm pleased to say JJ Bowler joins me now in the studio.

Welcome to Open Book. Thank you for having you me now in the studio. Welcome to open book.

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