Some Books EVERY Nigerian Lady has to read

Hey Ladies!
I know a lot of us would rather watch Jenifa, than read a book about her, but I think that there are some books that just cannot be translated into movies, and such books are the quality ones that will add value to whoever reads them. So here are a few books which I think all Nigerian ladies have to read, and why they have to read them. I must mention that i don’t necessarily include the plot of the book, and while most of them are by Nigerians a few are not, but they are as excellent as the ones by Nigerians.


Purple Hibiscus
1. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Adichie: This book explores the passing stages of life as a Nigerian girl and some things we have to deal with. I think that every lady should read this because it will speak to you, and teach you something; wether its how to stand up for yourself, or how to interact with certain people, the book will positively influence you.
2. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimanmanda Adichie: It recreates a seminal moment in Nigerian history: The Biafran war and the chilling conflict and test of allegiance it created among Nigerians. Half of a Yellow Sun is a remarkable novel about moral responsibility, about the end of colonialism, about ethnic allegiances, about class and race—and the ways in which love can complicate them all. You’re a Nigerian: you have to read this book. I look forward to the day it will be mandatory for all students to read it.
3. The Joys of Motherhood (1979) by Buchi Emecheta: an account of a woman’s experiences bringing up children in the face of changing values in traditional Ibo society. I think that this book discusses things which every Nigerian lady will be able to relate to. From playing ten-ten (even us ajebota’s did that!) to marriage and taking responsibilty in the family. The strength of the Nigerian woman and her resilience is really displayed in this book. The book will grab your attention and not relinquish it until the very end of the book, and even then you’ll be looking for more chapters.
4. Everything Good Will Come by Sefi Atta: This is my favorite book written by a contemporary Nigerian author. From its everyday language to the themes it deals with, you’ll love the heroines quest to find herself and assert her independence both as a woman and as a Nigerian. This is a heartfelt drama of family, friendship, and community, especially among women.

A Thousand Splendid Suns
5. A Thousand Splendid Suns: Far from Nigerian, this book takes a female point of view about what was like to be a woman living in Iraq during the Taliban controlled period. I think that this book relates to Nigerian women, because even under the restrictions and moves to suppress women, we still see the strength and independence that I usually associate with Nigerian ladies, in these Afghan women. This is an excellent book, and I think that it will strengthen you and show you what it means to be a woman, because far from being weaklings as the media often portrays women, this book shows a different kind of strength: the strength within. I highly recommend it.
6. How to be a Lady by Simpson Giles: This is a small hand book which contains information every lady will hopefully need in her life. From how to use cutlery to how to make conversation, and what kinds of clothes are appropriate at different times, this book is great. Not a novel, but you can turn to it when you need to know how to attack that pounded yam at your in-laws anniversary without looking like a klutz. (and how to tell your in-law what you really think about her aso ebi )
Most of these books can be found at any large bookstore, and possibly in some libraries. I urge you to look for them, and when next you’re fixing your hair at the salon, read through any of these books and try to let it entertain and instruct you