This week we are delighted to spend some time with the author, playwright, screenwriter, performer and all-around inspiration Alex Wheatle MBE! Alex's first book was 1995's award-winning Brixton Rock and he has followed that with numerous critically acclaimed works for adults, young adults and children with the latest being Cane Warriors. We talked to Alex about the importance of music in his work, being inspired by the Beano, learning to love reading while in prison and the experience of having your life story turned into a film by the Oscar-winning Steve McQueen. You can find the Dialogue Books Black History Month reading list HERE.BOOKSDaisy Buchanan - InsatiableAlex Wheatle - Cane WarriorsCLR James - Black JacobinsMalcolm X - AutobiographyAlex Haley - RootsLangston Hughes - Collected PoemsChester Himes - Rage in HarlemJames Baldwin - Fire Next TimeMark Twain - Adventures of Huckleberry FinnLinton Kwesi Johnson - Selected PoemsMarcia Williams - Baby MotherNaomi King - OPPKarline Smith - Moss Side MassiveCourttia Newland - The ScholarStephen Thompson - Toy SoldiersPeter Kalu - Lick ShotAlex Wheatle - Brixton RockDaniel Defoe - Robinson CrusoeEA Ritter - Shaka ZuluAlex Wheatle - Liccle Bit Alex Wheatle - Crongton KnightsDanielle Jawando - And The Stars Were Burning BrightlyRaymond Chandler - Big SleepColleen McCullough - Thorn BirdsVivien M Goldman - Book of ExodusMarlon James - Brief History of 7 KillingsTimothy White - Catch a FireSteve McQueen - Small AxePatrice Lawrence - Eight Pieces of Silva See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.