BOOKS…
I sometimes envy people who don't read. You know them right? The individuals who can't get past a manual let alone a memo. Human beings who find it exhausting to read, who are only excited by memes and shallow content. I am in awe of them because they miss out on a lot. They might never get the chance to get up in the middle of the night to read John Green's The Fault in our stars. Actually they prefer the movie instead. How sad.
Books are cathartic to me. They are a means to which an author lets in the audience. An open invite to masses. Books give an insight into an individual's mind. What are they thinking of and why? Through books, we get to know what Michael Gladwell entombs in his brilliant mind. We are able to apprehend, unpack and sometimes pick novelists to stand on different issues. Guys who do not imbibe on different forms of literature miss out on this beauty. I love reading, I enjoy getting lost in someone else’s story. I have my mother to thank for. When I talk about my reading journey, I ensure that I mention her because she is the pioneer. She instigated reading in me. Introducing me to Ben Carson at only 8 years old. Mama, I’m forever grateful.
I’d like to share a few books or authors who speak to me. Who have proliferated my love for books.
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Ben Carson tops my list with Think Big. It made me think big. It made me aware that beginnings really don’t matter and as Lupita Nyong’o said in her Oscar acceptance speech “….No matter where you are from, your dreams are valid” Dr. Carson spells out his philosophy of living: T-Talents/time: Recognize them as gifts. H -Hope for all good things and be honest. I -Insight from people and good books. N -Be nice to all people. K -Knowledge: Recognize it as the key to living. B -Books: Read them actively. I -In-depth learning skills: Develop them. G -God: Never get too big for Him. The acrostic means “Think Big” and that emphasizes how to evaluate and respond to problems in order to overcome them and make the most of your inner potential.
Trevor Noah. In his book Born A Crime, Trevor candidly talks about his childhood in South Africa as a mixed-race child in the apartheid days. The book opens about lessons learned in his life, from his grandmother to his dog Fufi who taught him that You love people you don’t own them. Trevor speaks about domestic violence, his relationship with his dad and the icon shove from a moving bus by his mom.”Regret is an eternal question you will never have the answer to. “What if…” “If only…” “I wonder what would have…” You will never, never know, and it will haunt you for the rest of your days.” Thie quote is in line with the fact that he did not ask out his crush at school who he later finds out that she also had a crush on him. So shoot your shot guys.
Drunk by Jackson Biko or should I say everything by this talented writer. Popularly known as Biko Zulu, because of his blog, he captures many with his intriguing interviews and captivating writing style. His blog Biko Zulu is a place for not only inspiration but also a chance to expound on my vocabulary. Biko speaks about fatherhood, marriage, sex, alcohol and other substance addiction and most importantly money. Stories on his blog which are very much relatable. Whenever I log on to his blog, I feel like Alice in wonderland. Such a small place yet it harbors alot of stories from different individuals because, for Biko, everything is a story.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has every right to be on this list. he woman is a literary powerhouse. Her book Americanah is a masterpiece. Ifemelus life in the States is something most black, immigrants correlate with. Struggles with the hairdresser, sexual harassment cases and financial distress are known only too well. The books also explains in detail the culture shock that is received when one relocates back home and the different ways one deals with. In the book, Ifemelu reconnects with her love Obinze after a whirlwind. From Half a Yellow Sun to We should all be feminists, Chimamanda is a gift that keeps giving.
