We live in a world where reading a physical book has become very difficult for many reasons. The first and foremost reason is the influence of the internet. Many people would prefer to read an ebook because all that needs to be done is to log in to the site or app where the book is stored up and not carry the book around.
Sometimes ago, I used to queue up in a newspaper vendor's shop to read the headlines every morning but not any longer. Today, the newspaper or news headlines are already on the internet even before the news is published.
Frankly speaking, I have a collection of books, about three hundred of them. Most of the books are academic texts but I have read them all. In my collection of books, I have a lot of history (having studied history at the University) and literature (as recommended by my wife who studied English and Literary Studies). There are also some books on politics, management and other motivational texts in my collection.
Recently, I came across a book with my daughter. She is currently in basic (9) nine but has read all my collection of literature. The book I found with her is titled: Against The Odd. She told me that one of her friends exchanged it with her for one of the books I kept in my library, The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born.
Without much ado, I requested that she lend me the book for seventy-two (72) hours. As soon as I opened the book and read the first page, I got glued to it and continued reading. The book is written by a lady named Odebiyi Adetanwa Ibironke.
The book Against The Odds is a novel for these times. A timely passionate intervention in climes where Nigerian women, black women, all women, continue to fight for change, for voice, and the right to actualize their unique identities and gifts. It would make for a powerful factional complement to women's studies and culture courses and perhaps, someday even become a movie script.
It is a vivid experience of a male chauvinistic society, ruled by male dominance, audacity, power and control which constantly subjugates the position of women and their values. The book is a must read for everyone seeking a better understanding of the toxic expression of masculinity in the African Region.
This book told a story of a woman who had to face a career where men held sway and women steer clear. You will recall that most careers like engineering, military, law, politics and a host of others are dominated by the male folks who do not welcome women. It is believed that the larger number of women who suffer this stereotyping are located in Africa, the essence of this book.
From the very beginning of the book, I loved it. It feels like I have missed a lot because of my fair share in reading books through the internet. Most books that I have heard about but couldn't read through my laziness or tight schedules makes it even worse.
As it stands, I cannot say when else I would be reading a physical book again. It may happen by accident just like this current book that I stumbled on through my daughter. There is no plan to read any book for now. One of those things that have occupied my mind is how to put food on the table. I think this would be the excuse of most Nigerians too.