5 Books I Have on My TBR List

I am constantly on the lookout for captivating and thought-provoking books to add to my ever-growing to-be-read (TBR) list. In this blog post, I want to share with you five books that have piqued my interest and are currently sitting at the top of my bookshelf. From the deeply emotional tales of African authors to the timeless work of a literary legend, these books promise to take me on unforgettable literary journeys. Join me as we look at Odufa by Othuke Ominiabohs, Welcome to Lagos by Chibundu Onuzo, Stay with Me by Ayobami Adebayo, Sula by Toni Morrison, and Tomorrow I Become a Woman by Aiwanose Odafen.

Odufa by Othuke Ominiabohs:

Odufa, the debut novel by Nigerian author Othuke Ominiabohs, has been widely acclaimed for its powerful storytelling and unflinching exploration of societal issues. As Odufa navigates love, betrayal, and self-discovery, Ominiabohs weaves a captivating narrative that promises to shed light on cultural and social realities while captivating readers with its engaging plot.

Welcome to Lagos by Chibundu Onuzo:

Chibundu Onuzo's Welcome to Lagos presents a tale of diverse characters brought together by fate in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria (Eko o ni baje). The story follows Chike Ameobi, a soldier who deserts the army and escapes to Lagos, where he encounters a vibrant cast of characters including a runaway young girl, an activist, and a corrupt politician. This book explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the challenges of life in a rapidly changing urban environment.

Stay with Me by Ayobami Adebayo:

Stay with Me is a deeply moving and emotionally charged novel by Ayobami Adebayo. Set in Nigeria during the political and social upheavals of the 1980s, the book follows the lives of Yejide and Akin, a young couple struggling with infertility and the societal pressures that come with it. As their marriage is put to the test, secrets are revealed, and familial bonds are strained. Adebayo's exquisite prose and her exploration of themes such as love, loss, and sacrifice make Stay with Me a compelling and thought-provoking read that delves into the complexities of human relationships.

Stay with Me has a few similarities with Dear Alaere.

Sula by Toni Morrison:

Toni Morrison, the renowned Nobel laureate, has gifted the literary world with many masterpieces. This classic novel, Sula, explores the friendship between two African American women, Sula and Nel, from their childhood in a small Ohio town to their diverging paths in adulthood. Morrison skillfully examines the complexities of identity, race, and gender through her vibrant characters.

Random Fact: I was introduced to Toni Morrison last year when a friend sent me one of her books, Beloved. I'm eagerly anticipating the emotions from Sula.

Tomorrow I Become a Woman by Aiwanose Odafen:

Tomorrow I Become a Woman, a novel by Aiwanose Odafen, takes readers on a journey through the life of Ese, a young Nigerian girl living in a patriarchal society. The book explores the themes of tradition, gender roles, and the struggles faced by women in a society that often stifles their dreams and aspirations.

These five books, Odufa, Welcome to Lagos, Stay with Me, Sula, and Tomorrow I Become a Woman, offer a captivating range of narratives that explore various aspects of African culture (mostly Nigerian), identity, and human experience. From Ominiabohs' storytelling to the powerful insights of Morrison and the contemporary voices of Onuzo, Adebayo, and Odafen, each of these books promises to be an enriching and immersive reading experience. As I embark on this literary adventure, I anticipate the emotions, reflections, and new perspectives these books will undoubtedly bring to my life.

You can purchase these books on Amazon.ca or rhbooks.com.ng

Cheers!