“Books are the world’s treasured wealth and the fit inheritance of generations and nations”– Mehmet Murat Lidan.
A few years ago, I never would have thought I would fall in love with E-books. Well, maybe “fall in love” is not the right phrase to use. I never would have thought I would get comfortable in the world of E-books. I grew up reading hard copies; books with strong and fancy covers. Back then, my mom’s library used to be filled with all sorts of books. Self-help books that never piqued my interest, health-related books, and then my favorite novels. I enjoyed reading physical books. I used to like the way my hands flipped through the pages and my eyes scanned each word, carefully. Also, I loved the smell of new and old books. I still love them. Call me weird, but I’m sticking to it. I never would have thought I would start reading E-books until it happened.
About six years ago, if you had told me that there would ever be a time when I would start reading E-books and even neglect physical books for a while, I would have scoffed and laughed at you. Well, it all started when I got into the university. My course is one where you have to read a lot of books, and unfortunately, the school’s library didn’t have more than 95% of the books. Instead of going around, looking for libraries to buy them, we decided to download them online. At first, it felt strange. But with time, I got used to reading e-books. In the past 4 to 5 years, I have read more E-books than physical books. I was going through my E-library today and I saw some interesting books and I think you’d have fun reading them.
MY SISTER THE SERIAL KILLER BY OYINKAN BRAITWAITE
My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite is one of the first books I read in my second year. The book won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Best Mystery/Thriller (2019), the Anthony Award for Best First Novel, and many other awards. It was also shortlisted for many awards. As a book lover, if you want to get a non-book lover to start reading books, I strongly believe this book should do the trick. The story revolves around Korede and her sister, Ayoola. Korede is a nurse in Lagos and her sister, Ayoola is a “friendly” psychopath who kills her boyfriends. She looks for victims and takes their lives. How does she never get caught? Well, that’s because her sister cleans up the mess. Ayoola crosses the line when she chooses a man her sister loves as her next victim. Will Korede protect her sister or save the man she loves?
GOD DIES BY THE NILE BY NAWAL EL SAADAWI
I have read several literary works by NAWAL El Saadawi. She is one of the African women authors who use their works as voices for women. The novel revolves around Zakeya, a strong woman who lives in a patriarchal society. She lives in a small village under the rule of a dictator who oppresses, silences, and exploits the weaker people around him, particularly women. When Zakeya couldn’t take it anymore, she pulled off a big move. What did Zakeya do to the Mayor? Read this book to find out.
AT NIGHT ALL BLOOD IS BLACK BY DAVID DIOP
If you’re interested in books that explore the theme of war, then this one is for you. Not so many books talk about the role of Africans during the World War. Did you know that Africans were forced to desert their homes and fight during the World Wars? I also didn’t know until I read this book. Alfa Ndiaye and his best friend, Mademba Diop are from a small village in Africa. They are forced to desert their homes to fight for France. After witnessing the death of his closest friend, Mademba, Alfa becomes a savage. He starts to brutally kill his enemies and keep their hands as trophies. At first, his comrades admire his bravery but soon they realize he has become a mad man.
It was really nice scrolling through my E-library today. The books brought back memories.
Images in this post are screenshots from my E-library. Thumbnail designed using Canva.
Thanks for reading.