THIRTY-EIGHT BOOKS I WILL READ IN 2018
I am a voracious reader. I read a lot. I devour books.
One of my reading goals for the past 3–4 years was to read more books by African women authors. I edit book manuscripts by African women telling African stories, and it made sense to read books by these segment of the world as part of my grooming and education, and for enjoyment too. I also edit books for Christian women authors, and I do read a lot of books by them. Howeever, I needed to amp my reading for the latter, hence why I made it a goal. I have been making strides, but this is my first personal reading list in almost five years, and it includes quite a few books by African women. It is an ambitious list, but I’m not putting pressure on myself to get through it all. If I can read the first twelve this year, I’d be satisfied. #watchmeread
Dear Ijeawele | A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions
Chimamanda Adichie
Because why not? Chimamanda is a great storyteller, and Nigerian. Yes, I am biased, but regardless of our shared heritage, I have enjoyed all her work thus far. People have told me that the protagonist in Americanah reminds them of me. I take that as a compliment, and I wear it as a badge of honor. So please eh, when Hollywood comes calling, how about I either help write the script or actually play the role of Ifemelu in the movie? Allow me to dream! I also enjoy Chimamanda’s take on feminist issues, and I enjoy the texture her point of view brings to the discussion about feminism, intersectionality, ethnicity, nationality and race. She also has an authenticity and boldness that I can relate to. I’m excited to read this book, and I will share my thoughts on my Instagram when I’m done.
Accidental Wife
Abimbola Dare
I’m excited to read Abimbola Dare’s new book I purchased and read her first book The Small Print in 2011; I enjoyed it, and added it to the 2017 reading list I curated for my mom. Looking forward to reading this new book from her and to sharing my thoughts.
Fresh Water
Akwaeke Emezi
Released this year, and it is already being lauded all over my IG timeline. I’m triply intrigued by this book, and I have been stalking it since last year. I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
Home going
Yaa Gyasi
Yes, another African and Black author. Welcome to the world! I have heard great things and excited to read it.
Braving the Wilderness
Brene Brown
Duh! When Aunty Bre writes a book, you log into Amazon and purchase it with your last penny. A good friend read this and has told me to forget everything else I have read from her. I will read this before 2018 turns into 2019.
The Truth About Awiti
CP Patrick
I can’t remember how or when I came across CP Patrick and The Truth About Awiti. I just knew from the reviews that I had to get it. I started reading it last year and OMG, it punched me in the guts from the first sentence. I realized I couldn’t read this book alongside working through some personal emotional turmoil; I laid it down. I believe I’m ready now. CP Patrick writes with such intensity; she grabs your heart and dares it not to be affected. I was bullied ya’ll, but when you are writing about slavery, Africa, and the ancestors, your voice needs to both breathe and roar. I am excited to step back into this one and finish it. Cue the tissue.
The Circle Maker
Matt Batterson
I attend National Community Church, and Matt Batterson is the head pastor. This book was a gift on my first day there a little over two years ago now. I started reading and loved it, but I never did get around to finishing it. Sometime in the fall of 2017, this book appeared everywhere I turned, I thought why not? I actually just finished his newest book Whisper. His writing style reminds me of the style of the writer of Ego is the Enemy, or maybe it is the other way around. Their anecdotes are mostly American, military and science centered. He tells his story of faith through what he knows and reads. Reading his book and that of Ryan’s reminds me of the importance of telling our own stories.
Between the World + Me
Te-Nishi Coates
I am yet to read a book by Te-Nishi, and I decided 2018 should be the year I do. I hope it is not too heavy, and I don’t walk want to around in rage or depressed.
The Broken Way
Ann Voskamp
Ann Voskamp liked two or three of my Instagram images, and I stalked her thereafter. In stalking her, I came across her book and chose to read it, because life hurts us all. We experience pain, loss and brokenness, but I am always adamant about living joyfully, peacefully and abundantly through my pains and hurts. However, the way my heart is set up sometimes, I fall into the pit and I hate it. I’m excited to read her take on living abundantly even in brokenness.
Accidental Diva
Tia Williams
Uhhhh…have you read The Perfect Find also by Tia? That book made me a huge fan of this author. OMG! It was fast and intense. I needed to know the end. I read it after reading serious, academic, spiritual and intellectual books back to back. I needed a guilty pleasure, a novel, and The Perfect Find delivered. So I’m reading her very first book in 2018, and demanding that she writes something new. ASAP!
Prisoners of Geography
Tim Marshall
Another reading goal of mine is to read more books on world history and civilizations.I’m a lover and student of history. I was aware of this love in college, but if I knew how deep it would grow, I would have minored in History not Communication Studies. Some of my favorite classes in college were history classes. I have been researching and looking around for relatively unbiased [if that is even possible] history books and writings about the world. An Uber driver in New Orleans recommended this one. I started it last year, and will finish it this year.
We are going to need more wine
Gabrielle Union
Supporting another fabulous Black woman. I have loved Gabrielle Union since she first walked into my life in Bring it On, and I still love her.
OTHER BOOKS BY AFRICAN WOMAN AUTHOR FOR 2018
Changes: A Love Story — Ama Ata Aidoo
Our Sister Killjoy — Ama Ata Aidoo
Tropical Fish: Tales from Entebbe — Doreen Baingana
We Need New Names — Noviolet Bulaway
The Joys of Motherhood — Buchi Emechet
Not Yet beautiful — Grace Ibitamuno Obienu
Ghana Must Go — Taiye Selasi -
Daughters Who Walk This Path — Yejide Kilanko
Orphan Sisters — Lola Jaye
BOOKS I HOPE TO GET TO
The One and Only — Emily Giffin
The Rainbow Comes And Goes — Anderson Cooper + Gloria Vanderbilt
Love & Gelato — Jenn’s Welch
OTHER BOOKS I HOPE TO FINISH FROM LAST YEAR
In a Pit w/ a Lion — Matt Batterson
Gun, Germs & Steel — Jared Diamond
You and Me, Forever — Francis Chan
Chase the Lion –Mark Batterson
When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost — Joan Morgan
Questions for Ada — Ijeaoma Umebinyuo.
Noel Soul — Alex Elle
BOOKS I’ILL GET BACK TO IN 2018
Everything Good Will Come — Sefi Atta
The Translator — Leila Aboulela
So Long a Letter — Mariama Ba
Patchwork — Ellen Banda-Aaku
Woman at Point Zero — Nawal El Saadawi
Ripples in the Pool — Rebeka Njau