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To celebrate Nigeria's 60th anniversary on the 1st of October, I will be sharing books by 60 Nigerian writers. I will leave out the usual suspects like Soyinka, Achebe, Emecheta and others in that league/era because you already know them. #NigeriaAt60
I will post about 10/15 a day over the next few days so the thread doesn't become overwhelming. I am partial to #fiction so that will pop up a lot more but there's a mix of #poetry + #nonfiction. A testament to the fact that Nigerians are doing the work. They sabi the work too.
1.) SEFI ATTA
Give Ms Atta her flowers now and buy her books, because I genuinely feel like those of you who haven't read her don't know what you are doing. She has a new book out "The Bead Collector" but start with "Everything Good Will Come"
Give Ms Atta her flowers now and buy her books, because I genuinely feel like those of you who haven't read her don't know what you are doing. She has a new book out "The Bead Collector" but start with "Everything Good Will Come"
2.) CHIKA UNIGWE
Better Never than Late is Ms Unigwe's most recent work with two before this. It's a collection of delicate short stories with heart. Totally loved the compassion with which she wrote the characters. Many of the stories are sad but end on a hopeful note.
Better Never than Late is Ms Unigwe's most recent work with two before this. It's a collection of delicate short stories with heart. Totally loved the compassion with which she wrote the characters. Many of the stories are sad but end on a hopeful note.
3&4.) IGONI BARRETT and EGHOSA IMASUEN
It so happens that both of these books are on my shelf in Lagos and I was going to use a stock photo for each author but luckily I found this old photo I took in 2016 or so.
It so happens that both of these books are on my shelf in Lagos and I was going to use a stock photo for each author but luckily I found this old photo I took in 2016 or so.
5.) AYOBAMI ADEBAYO.
I admit my bias here as I know Ayobami, however, STAY WITH ME is a book and a half. Read it. No further commentary.
I admit my bias here as I know Ayobami, however, STAY WITH ME is a book and a half. Read it. No further commentary.
6.) MOLARA WOOD
I think we all know Ms Wood as a bad ass editor. I've read books she's edited and I wish she had more of her own. Unfortunately, her #shortstory collection "Indigo" is out of print and I was only able to get this on Kindle.
I think we all know Ms Wood as a bad ass editor. I've read books she's edited and I wish she had more of her own. Unfortunately, her #shortstory collection "Indigo" is out of print and I was only able to get this on Kindle.
7.) UWEM AKPAN
I can't say why Father Akpan never gave us another book after this but I remember watching him on Oprah - wearing his cassock, I believe - when this was chosen by Oprah for her book club. This collection of #shortstories is heavy with pain. Approach gently.
I can't say why Father Akpan never gave us another book after this but I remember watching him on Oprah - wearing his cassock, I believe - when this was chosen by Oprah for her book club. This collection of #shortstories is heavy with pain. Approach gently.
8. EMMNUEL IDUMA.
Doubt anyone has written a collection of photography #essays in the style that "A Stranger's Pose" is written in Nigeria before. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Doubt anyone has written a collection of photography #essays in the style that "A Stranger's Pose" is written in Nigeria before. Correct me if I'm wrong.
9. YEJIDE KILANKO
My copy of "Daughters who Walk this Path" is in my Lagos library. Glad I found this old photo. Is this book on the WAEC Literature syllabus yet? Because it should be.
My copy of "Daughters who Walk this Path" is in my Lagos library. Glad I found this old photo. Is this book on the WAEC Literature syllabus yet? Because it should be.
10&11.) LOLA SONEYIN & CHUMA NWOKOLO.
Sad I have to use stock photos for these two books but if you look at the previous post you will find my copy of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives&The Ghost of Sanni Abacha. Read/watch/listen to Baba Segi. There are way too many options
Sad I have to use stock photos for these two books but if you look at the previous post you will find my copy of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives&The Ghost of Sanni Abacha. Read/watch/listen to Baba Segi. There are way too many options
I believe here's where I tell you that I'm a #bookstagram junkie and I review books there weekly-ish so check it out http://instagram.com/eclectictope/
See you tomorrow.
See you tomorrow.
Welcome back, everyone. Gonna jump right back in but will quickly let you know that this morning I found my copy of "The Ghost of Sanni Abacha" by Chuma Nwokolo. Didn't need the stock photo after all.
12. BASSEY IKPI
Open and honest talk about mental health issues (specifically Bipolar disorder) and growing up in Nigeria is the heavy lunch served in this memoir/essay collection.
Open and honest talk about mental health issues (specifically Bipolar disorder) and growing up in Nigeria is the heavy lunch served in this memoir/essay collection.
13. BOBO OMOTAYO
Ki lon sparkles? You may remember Omotayo from his "Friday Track" BellaNaija series way back in the day. In his two unconventional books, you'll find everyday stories from Lagos and his political career laced with satire and comedy.
Ki lon sparkles? You may remember Omotayo from his "Friday Track" BellaNaija series way back in the day. In his two unconventional books, you'll find everyday stories from Lagos and his political career laced with satire and comedy.
14. JOWHOR ILE
In this book, "And After Many Days" there lies the sadness and hope of what living as a Nigerian means. Set in Port Harcourt, in the oil boom period, a son leaves his father's house and never returns. Heavy.
In this book, "And After Many Days" there lies the sadness and hope of what living as a Nigerian means. Set in Port Harcourt, in the oil boom period, a son leaves his father's house and never returns. Heavy.
15. ADAOBI TRICIA NWAUBANI.
Internet fraud aka yahoo yahoo, aka 419 aka Nigerian Prince is what "I do Not Come to You by Chance" is about. I think this is the first time we see the back end of the business portrayed in fiction. Not just details from victims of it.
Internet fraud aka yahoo yahoo, aka 419 aka Nigerian Prince is what "I do Not Come to You by Chance" is about. I think this is the first time we see the back end of the business portrayed in fiction. Not just details from victims of it.
16. ELNATHAN JOHN
I feel like Elnathan doesn't get enough credit for this impressive book "Born on a Tuesday"
One of the best ways I've seen boyhood portrayed in fiction. It offers a small window into the early days of Boko Haram creeping up on Nigeria.
He has two other books.
I feel like Elnathan doesn't get enough credit for this impressive book "Born on a Tuesday"
One of the best ways I've seen boyhood portrayed in fiction. It offers a small window into the early days of Boko Haram creeping up on Nigeria.
He has two other books.
17. TOKE MAKINWA
Nothing to see here. You people shared PDFs of "On Becoming" all over WhatsApp and Twitter and discussed (read as gossiped about) it on Facebook, didn't you?
Will take this opportunity to let you all know that was all shades of wrong.
Nothing to see here. You people shared PDFs of "On Becoming" all over WhatsApp and Twitter and discussed (read as gossiped about) it on Facebook, didn't you?
Will take this opportunity to let you all know that was all shades of wrong.
18. TITILOPE SONUGA.
I would rather listen to Titilope because her voice is like butter but it's nice to have her #poetry on paper to paste on walls and desks and drawers. For shock and wonder, for finding beauty in chaos, for mothers and their daughters and their girls.
I would rather listen to Titilope because her voice is like butter but it's nice to have her #poetry on paper to paste on walls and desks and drawers. For shock and wonder, for finding beauty in chaos, for mothers and their daughters and their girls.
19. YEMISI ARIBISALA
I'm gonna need my good people at Cassava Republic to issue a new cover for reprints of this groundbreaking book. Aunty Yemisi finish work for this collection of essays/stories on Nigerian food.
Ahnahn. You'll be eating your egusi and tasting luxury&pride.
I'm gonna need my good people at Cassava Republic to issue a new cover for reprints of this groundbreaking book. Aunty Yemisi finish work for this collection of essays/stories on Nigerian food.
Ahnahn. You'll be eating your egusi and tasting luxury&pride.
20. TOLA ROTIMI ABRAHAM
Debut author of Black Sunday. The portrayal of the casual chaos of Lagos was the highlight of this book for me.
Debut author of Black Sunday. The portrayal of the casual chaos of Lagos was the highlight of this book for me.
21. TOYIN ONIGBANJO
Many Nigerian moms I know living in Nigeria swear by August Secrets recipes for baby and toddler meals and I'm here for it. #ccokbook #kidscookbook
Many Nigerian moms I know living in Nigeria swear by August Secrets recipes for baby and toddler meals and I'm here for it. #ccokbook #kidscookbook
22. AKWAEKE EMEZI
A beast of a writer if you asked me. Three books in three years. Don't know how they do it to be honest. Stories are haunting, jarring, sometimes disturbing too, when you think about things hate can make one do. You fit wake up de sweat anyhow.
A beast of a writer if you asked me. Three books in three years. Don't know how they do it to be honest. Stories are haunting, jarring, sometimes disturbing too, when you think about things hate can make one do. You fit wake up de sweat anyhow.
23. YEWANDE OMOTOSO
Only book by her I've read and I need more. Friendships are often written about in the prime of the parties involved. Not this one. Find two ladies over seventy angry and bickering but finding comfort across the fence that divides them.
Only book by her I've read and I need more. Friendships are often written about in the prime of the parties involved. Not this one. Find two ladies over seventy angry and bickering but finding comfort across the fence that divides them.
24. UKAMAKA OLISAKWE
Debut author of Ogadinma (Everything Will be Alright) a familiar tale of a Nigerian woman, her woes and fights and struggles and eventual triumph, set in 1980s Nigeria. Out in Nigeria soon but already gaining so much grip as a modern feminist story.
Debut author of Ogadinma (Everything Will be Alright) a familiar tale of a Nigerian woman, her woes and fights and struggles and eventual triumph, set in 1980s Nigeria. Out in Nigeria soon but already gaining so much grip as a modern feminist story.
Shall we call it a day? See you all tomorrow. Here's Queen Adichie in the new "We should All be Feminist" Desk Diary.
25. CHUDE JIDEONWO
I think the generation Chude refers to with optimism in this book are currently in government corridors and spaces. And guess what? They too are doing nonsense.
I think the generation Chude refers to with optimism in this book are currently in government corridors and spaces. And guess what? They too are doing nonsense.
26. DAMI AJAYI
We know Dami on these Twitter streets as a music critic. But his #poetry is fearless. Love this collection. In here are poems of friendship, our Chibok girls, passion and bodies. Easy on the eyes too, not those scatter brain type poems.
We know Dami on these Twitter streets as a music critic. But his #poetry is fearless. Love this collection. In here are poems of friendship, our Chibok girls, passion and bodies. Easy on the eyes too, not those scatter brain type poems.
27. ADEWALE MAJA-PEARCE.
Many think this is fiction but it's actually a #memoir. The author's father surprisingly wills him a house but the drama to claim this house from the tenants living in it is a nightmare. It's so funny for lack of a better word. Lagosians do the most.
Many think this is fiction but it's actually a #memoir. The author's father surprisingly wills him a house but the drama to claim this house from the tenants living in it is a nightmare. It's so funny for lack of a better word. Lagosians do the most.
28. SEYE KUYINU
#Poetry collection. There's a sort of dejavu you get reading this. It floods you gently with nostalgic memories of random stuff, like memories you've deleted. Like remembering how a junior girl was eating in the dining hall on a specific day in boarding school.
#Poetry collection. There's a sort of dejavu you get reading this. It floods you gently with nostalgic memories of random stuff, like memories you've deleted. Like remembering how a junior girl was eating in the dining hall on a specific day in boarding school.
29. OYINKAN BRAITHWAITE
Bleach, robber gloves, nerves of steel and a strong stomach. That's all required to be the sister of one who kills her boyfriends like chicken. Easy peezy isn't?
You read this and want moreee Booker prize longlist and Women's Prize shortlist. Sweet book
Bleach, robber gloves, nerves of steel and a strong stomach. That's all required to be the sister of one who kills her boyfriends like chicken. Easy peezy isn't?
You read this and want moreee Booker prize longlist and Women's Prize shortlist. Sweet book
30. AMAKA BENSON
Baby and Toddler cook book. I swear to you, even adults will have the tastiest meals with this recipe book. The chicken wings and oxtail recipe are my favourite.
Baby and Toddler cook book. I swear to you, even adults will have the tastiest meals with this recipe book. The chicken wings and oxtail recipe are my favourite.
31. CHIBUNDU ONUZO
Quite a few characters you have to follow in this story but they individually project the intrigue of Lagos especially to a newcomer. The anyhowness of Nigerians too. LoL.
"The only time something is wrong in Nigeria is when you are caught."
Quite a few characters you have to follow in this story but they individually project the intrigue of Lagos especially to a newcomer. The anyhowness of Nigerians too. LoL.
"The only time something is wrong in Nigeria is when you are caught."
32. BOLAJI ABDULLAHI
#Memoir Heavy book full of inside gist and plenty tea. I remember reading this and just going wow wow wow like an ambulance. You'll find details about how President Jonathan won and lost Nigeria from the perspective of a minister serving in his cabinet.
#Memoir Heavy book full of inside gist and plenty tea. I remember reading this and just going wow wow wow like an ambulance. You'll find details about how President Jonathan won and lost Nigeria from the perspective of a minister serving in his cabinet.
33. FEYI FAWEHINMI & FOLA FAGBULE
Looking forward to this book, out tomorrow. It's so significant for me to be honest and generations unborn to have detailed info about Nigeria's creation. Can't think of a better time than tomorrow to launch.This is #Requiredreading
#formationng
Looking forward to this book, out tomorrow. It's so significant for me to be honest and generations unborn to have detailed info about Nigeria's creation. Can't think of a better time than tomorrow to launch.This is #Requiredreading
#formationng
34. ARESE AGWU
The best thing about this book is the stories being fictionalised. Financial self-help books can be tedious and boring. So breaking the whole subject down to the basics and explaining in easily digestible chunks/stories
Also now a TV series. How cool is that?
The best thing about this book is the stories being fictionalised. Financial self-help books can be tedious and boring. So breaking the whole subject down to the basics and explaining in easily digestible chunks/stories
Also now a TV series. How cool is that?
35. OLUMIDE POPOOLA
It's the range for me
From London to Nigeria with characters that body the story and drive it. Big themes and reflections like the London riots, friendship, race, bullying and transgender identity.
It's the range for me
From London to Nigeria with characters that body the story and drive it. Big themes and reflections like the London riots, friendship, race, bullying and transgender identity.
36. SEGUN ADENIYI
Insights into how President Jonathan lost an election even though he was the incumbent.
Considering how very inaccessible the corridors of governance in Nigeria can be, love to see government officials write books about their time in office. More please.
Insights into how President Jonathan lost an election even though he was the incumbent.
Considering how very inaccessible the corridors of governance in Nigeria can be, love to see government officials write books about their time in office. More please.
37. CHOGOZIE OBIOMA
Haunting story. That's all I can say.
Shortlisted of the Booker Prize
Haunting story. That's all I can say.
Shortlisted of the Booker Prize
38. TONI KAN
They call Mr Kan the Mayor of Lagos, and it reflects in his books.
They call Mr Kan the Mayor of Lagos, and it reflects in his books.
39. LESLEY NNEKA ARIMAH
This was initially a slow read for me because I struggled with characters across the short story collection but I was eventually able to catch up.
This was initially a slow read for me because I struggled with characters across the short story collection but I was eventually able to catch up.
40. SOPE MARTINS.
Children's literature. Animal adventures and moral lessons.
Children's literature. Animal adventures and moral lessons.
41. OKECHUKWU OFILI
Children's literature. Perfect for kids of all ages. Simple enough vocabulary for early readers and perfect size chapter book for independent readers.
Children's literature. Perfect for kids of all ages. Simple enough vocabulary for early readers and perfect size chapter book for independent readers.
42. OKEY NDIBE
Found out today that Mr Ndibe was born in the same year that Nigeria got her independence.
Also only just heard about him about five years ago which was a shame because he's been moving and shaking things since the 90s.
Found out today that Mr Ndibe was born in the same year that Nigeria got her independence.
Also only just heard about him about five years ago which was a shame because he's been moving and shaking things since the 90s.
43. NGOZI OKONJO IWEALA.
The work of governance is not for the faint at heart. Nigeria is lucky to have had #NOI serve as both Minister of Finance & Foreign Minister. She talks about what actively fighting corruption entails and it's consequences, like the kidnap of her mother.
The work of governance is not for the faint at heart. Nigeria is lucky to have had #NOI serve as both Minister of Finance & Foreign Minister. She talks about what actively fighting corruption entails and it's consequences, like the kidnap of her mother.
44&45. AYISHA OSORI and CHIDI ODIKANLU
Read this book a while back and expected it to buzz a lot more than it currently is. It explores the person of President Obasanjo as a case study for politicians who display a kind of superior complex with regards to governance. #GoodRead.
Read this book a while back and expected it to buzz a lot more than it currently is. It explores the person of President Obasanjo as a case study for politicians who display a kind of superior complex with regards to governance. #GoodRead.
46. AMARA NICOLE OKOLO
Burning desire, sensuous passion, sparks flying, tension rising. All the recipe for a steaming Mills and Boon meal dished here, including the catastrophic crashing of your car into a new or shall I say potential lover's sleek Mercedes.
Burning desire, sensuous passion, sparks flying, tension rising. All the recipe for a steaming Mills and Boon meal dished here, including the catastrophic crashing of your car into a new or shall I say potential lover's sleek Mercedes.
47. TIYAN ALILE
Fun cook book with recipes born out of "small" details of friendship and romance from her personal life as a lawyer and chef. It's like browsing through a very fun lifestyle blog with recipes on the side.
Fun cook book with recipes born out of "small" details of friendship and romance from her personal life as a lawyer and chef. It's like browsing through a very fun lifestyle blog with recipes on the side.
48. IJEOMA UMEBINYUO.
#PoetryCollection of pain, passion, love, vulnerability and the experiences of womanhood. Comfort for heartbreak and forgiveness for tough days.
#PoetryCollection of pain, passion, love, vulnerability and the experiences of womanhood. Comfort for heartbreak and forgiveness for tough days.
50. NKIRU OLUMIDE OJO
Lessons from a high level working-class Nigerian woman attempting to answer questions about women having it all.
Lessons from a high level working-class Nigerian woman attempting to answer questions about women having it all.
51. SUYI DAVIES OKUNGBOWA
Fantasy and Science fiction buffs, get in here, the deities have landed in Lagos for this one.
Fantasy and Science fiction buffs, get in here, the deities have landed in Lagos for this one.
52. NIMI AKINKUGBE
With a background in banking and wealth management spanning close to thirty years, Ms Akinkugbe gives practical tips concerning your money. She used to have a money column on Genevieve magazine. Also created the city of Lagos edition of the Monopoly game.
With a background in banking and wealth management spanning close to thirty years, Ms Akinkugbe gives practical tips concerning your money. She used to have a money column on Genevieve magazine. Also created the city of Lagos edition of the Monopoly game.
53. CHINELO OKPARANTA
It is not only Achebe and Adichie who have written about the Biafran war in fiction. You can know a little more about the unravelling of the war in this book as a young girl comes to the consciousness of her sexuality.
It is not only Achebe and Adichie who have written about the Biafran war in fiction. You can know a little more about the unravelling of the war in this book as a young girl comes to the consciousness of her sexuality.
54. TUNMISE USIKALU
#Memoir off the detailed diary entry of a 2004 Batch B corper.
Sooner or later, we have to restructure the #NYSC but what this book does is help you decide what you make of it if you plan to take part or reassess your perspective of it if you've done it.
#Memoir off the detailed diary entry of a 2004 Batch B corper.
Sooner or later, we have to restructure the #NYSC but what this book does is help you decide what you make of it if you plan to take part or reassess your perspective of it if you've done it.
55. BERNADINE EVARISTO
Allow me to plug a whole ass Booker Prize winner in here because well, her dad is #Nigerian. So get on your knees or prostrate flat with your nose touching the floor because that's Mummy London to you. Or Aunty Bernie at the very least.
Allow me to plug a whole ass Booker Prize winner in here because well, her dad is #Nigerian. So get on your knees or prostrate flat with your nose touching the floor because that's Mummy London to you. Or Aunty Bernie at the very least.
56&57. YOMI ADEGOKE and ELIZABETH UVIEBINENE
Creators of inspirational guide to living as black women - podcast, book+journal; Slay in your Lane.
Also editors of Loud Black Girls (out yesterday) inviting the next generation of black women what it means to exist in these times.
Creators of inspirational guide to living as black women - podcast, book+journal; Slay in your Lane.
Also editors of Loud Black Girls (out yesterday) inviting the next generation of black women what it means to exist in these times.
58. MARVE MICHAEL
Support self published authors. Also, if you are a film person, this is one of those books whose film rights you should buy. Birthmarked works superbly as a web series. Dark, funny, fast paced.
Support self published authors. Also, if you are a film person, this is one of those books whose film rights you should buy. Birthmarked works superbly as a web series. Dark, funny, fast paced.
59. IRENOSEN OKOJIE.
Haven't read this collection yet but read her short story - Grace Jones.
Irenosen's writing incorporates magical realism. She's the recent winner of the Caine prize for African writing.
Thanks to @reads_reveries for letting me use this photo she took.
Haven't read this collection yet but read her short story - Grace Jones.
Irenosen's writing incorporates magical realism. She's the recent winner of the Caine prize for African writing.
Thanks to @reads_reveries for letting me use this photo she took.
60. CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE.
Hold it!!! I know what I said about not including all the usual suspects in this list of #60NaijaWriters But you sef reason am, please. Just think am. It's Adichie we are talking about here o. Haha. Plis dear, she's the list.
Hold it!!! I know what I said about not including all the usual suspects in this list of #60NaijaWriters But you sef reason am, please. Just think am. It's Adichie we are talking about here o. Haha. Plis dear, she's the list.
Ok. There are many many many more Nigerian writers, I could probably double this list of 60. So look out, support them, buy their books, don't share PDfs, don't buy pirated copies, share, introduce friends to the books, etc etc.
And now, it's #giveaway time. Giving away three books from this list. I will post details in a bit.
Thanks for all the retweets.
Thanks for all the retweets.
Giving away one each of these three beautiful works of fiction, thanks to @CassavaRepublic @OuidaBooks
@farafinabooks
See link for all the details you need.
Good luck.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CF12anrgyTh/?igshid=1tvg3tudibp92
@farafinabooks
See link for all the details you need.
Good luck.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CF12anrgyTh/?igshid=1tvg3tudibp92
