Freshwater was the first book I read by Akwaeke Emezi, and I thought it was masterfully crafted and haunting. It demonstrates the struggles of mental health, sexuality, and spirituality. The story was original, creative, and challenged me because of its complexity. Since I tend to gravitate to deep and intense reads, I felt future books by…
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Absorbing and interpreting Toni Morrison’s novels is no easy feat! At a young age, I was a voracious reader and spent countless hours browsing local libraries. My dad recommended The Bluest Eyes, her first novel, and to say it was a difficult read would be an understatement. On multiple occasions, I would read the first page,…
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At the beginning of the year, I chose to read novels on my bookshelves instead of purchasing new books; let’s see if I succumb to the new gripping releases. For now, the first thing that caught my eye was a Nigerian classic, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. I read the book previously but vaguely…
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Oh, the importance of siblings! Have a relationship with your siblings? What type? I have sisters, and I’m lucky to have a relationship with them. Of course, we have clashes from time to time, but we have developed a warm connection. Reading the debut novel The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma let me reflect on my…
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As you already know, I’m a romantic at heart. After reading so many intense books in the past few months, I realized it was a time for a cozy read—a book with humor and one that will pull me into the holiday spirit. So based on the synopsis, I thought the debut novel Ties that…
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Over 400 hundred years ago, black people were stolen from their homes in the continent of Africa and transported to the Americas. Their transportation conditions were heinous, inhumane, and revolting. Upon their arrival, black people were tormented, deprived of basic needs, and forced to live in fear and without true connection. Why continue to address…
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Have you ever wanted to desperately acquire something you fancy? The real question is, would you lie to obtain it? I suspect some people would reply yes, and others would base their response on the lie’s significance. Honestly, my answer would be no, period. Why? Once you establish dishonesty, the deception must continue. Before you…
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How would you feel if you were gingerly walking your path at the age of 11, and then your closest confidant suddenly vanishes? You knew that the end was near in the back of your head, you even prayed for it, but the loss is still startling. The only other person you can receive support…
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According to United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), “the prevalence of child marriage is the percentage of women 20-24 old who were married or in a union before 18 years of age”. Did you know Nigeria has the 11th highest child marriage prevalence rate internationally? Or that 44% of girls are married before their 18th birthday?…
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Envision the existence of yearning, internal conflict, and lack of camaraderie. A place where no one understands you, nor do you accept yourself. The only bond is with your family. This image of isolation, hopelessness, and anguish, I suspect, is not difficult to conceptualize in our current climate. What a dark reality? This is how…
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Bookish Naija Gal 