Book: Never Date a Doctor Author: Melanie A. Smith Publication date: February 25th 2020 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Synopsis:
From best-selling author Melanie A. Smith comes the first book in a new series of steamy contemporary medical romance standalone novels about life lessons that break all the rules.
What’s the first rule of nurse’s club? That’s right: Never date a doctor. Which Sasha Suvorin has no intention of doing anyway, since she’s a nurse at Rutherford Hospital by day and working on her master’s degree by night. Who has time for dating, much less dating someone you work with? Bad idea much?
That is, until the sexy British Dr. Caleb Thompson starts at her hospital. It also doesn’t help that he’s exactly her type with his dark hair, blue eyes, and rockin’ bod. Or that he’s not your typical arrogant and bossy surgeon. But Sasha isn’t so easily convinced, and she soon discovers Dr. Hottie has a past that puts a stop to whatever she might have been feeling before anything ever starts between them.
Unfortunately, working together means facing temptation. Every. Single. Day. Is Sasha strong enough to resist what might just be the perfect man? And if she gives in, will Cal’s past stay in the past? Sasha may be used to playing it safe, but life has a way of teaching its lessons … one way or another.
Looking for a steamy, fast-paced, will have you gasping at the slightest provocation? Then Never Date A Doctor is for you. The heroine, Sasha is not the kind that believes in casual flings, she wants the whole connection and this, she gets in the whole meal Caleb Thompson is. What makes it more special was the last time she had such connection was when she was still a teenager.
Never Date A Doctor is one book with a guaranteed happy ending. After the tries of all antagonists to destroy what Sasha and Caleb had, they still came out so in love.
Lessons I learnt in this book are:
1. Don’t let what has happened in the past be the hindrance to your future or happiness.
2. Communication is key. This is one thing every relationship counsellor will say and this does not apply to romantic relationships alone but also our platonic relationships.
If you are looking for some medical hullabaloo, you may not find what you are looking for in Never Date A Doctor. It is plainly a beautiful “office” romance with lots of steam 😎😎😎
In the spirit of love, make sure you read this book. Don’t say I didn’t do anything for you.
BE MY VALENTINE, VOLUME TWO
A LOVE AFRICA PRESS COLLECTION
Life is beautiful especially when you’re in love.
Dive into these hand-picked contemporary romance novellas and fall in love this Valentine’s Day.
Featured stories:
The Curse of Valentine by Glory Abah
She will be loved by Zee Monodee
When Love Happens by Rosemary Okafor
Until Morning by Mukami Ngari
THE CURSE OF VALENTINE by Glory Abah
Jane fell in love in January, to a man she glimpses every evening after work on the way home. Not bold enough to talk to him, she’s content with just staring at her daily fix from afar.
Until one stupid February day when he approaches, starts a conversation and she bolts.
Because February is the worst month in the history of months. And she’s cursed. Cursed to be dumped and left broken-hearted on Valentine Day.
Can she break the curse of Valentine and keep the man she loves?
SHE WILL BE LOVED by Zee Monodee
This Valentine’s Day, the music scene’s hottest artist, DJ Den, is set to perform his worldwide smash hit in Mauritius. Jaeden Kang—the man from Shetland behind the stage name—is looking forward to a break and some inspiration before his tour gobbles him up again.
Tanzanian medical doctor Zenobia Hashemi is visiting her brother on the island when her path crosses that of Jaeden and they’re off to a rocky start.
Neither of them ‘does’ love … but life has other plans for them during this trip!
WHEN LOVE HAPPENS by Rosemary Okafor
Morgan is ruthless and plays dirty to protect his billion-dollar conglomerate. However, he holds a dark secret that could destroy him if exposed. His relationships with women are about pleasure alone until one weekend with the beautiful Eno leaves him ready to risk everything for her.
Eno was a young journalist when she witnessed Morgan murder his wife. Six years later, she’s ready to do anything to make him pay for his crime. Until she falls for his charms. Now she’s torn between destroying the proud billionaire and allowing herself to fall in-love with him.
UNTIL MORNING by Mukami Ngari
Following a devastating relationship breakup, Zawadi is out on a girls’ night out with friends when she meets a sexy stranger with a deep soulful voice created for baby-making music, the handsome face and hot body of a potential cult leader and who rides a motorbike like a speed demon. He becomes her first one-night stand.
Soon she discovers the sexy stranger is her new investor, Gerald. Things deteriorate when he pretends he’s never met her and then she discovers his unfathomable secret.
Glory Abah is a die-hard romantic whose head has always been in the clouds. She started reading books from a very young age and finally, decided to pen down the love stories she fantasizes about. She lives in Nigeria and loves to hear from her readers.
You can reach her at (cue social media handles and email address)
Join her mail list to have first access to free stories, book releases, discounts and many more exciting offers, including a FREE book. Click the link ( http://eepurl.com/dnpV-r)
ZEE MONODEE
Of Indian heritage & a 2x breast cancer survivor, Zee lives in paradise (aka Mauritius!) with her long-suffering husband, their smart-mouth teenage son, and their tabby cat who thinks herself a fearsome feline from the nearby African Serengeti plains. When she isn’t in her kitchen rolling out chapattis or baking cakes while singing along to the latest pop hit topping the charts, she can be found reading or catching up on her numerous TV show addictions. In her day job, she is an editor who helps other authors like her hone their works and craft.
Born in Nigeria in 1987, Rosemary Okafor graduated from Rivers State University and has since been employed as a broadcaster, news writer, radio script writer, stage play writer and a shop keeper. She writes short romance and other genres on social media for her followers. This would be her first official published prose. When she is not writing, she is busy as an online marketer, a wife and a mother.
Hello, readers of StoryStoryOh. I bring yet another amazing author to you. It is the month of love and who else would I interview, if not someone who “grew up on love”. Read through and enjoy the beautiful person Andrea Hare is.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Hello, I am Oreoluwa from StoryStoryOh. It’s pleasing to have you on Author’sDelight today. Please introduce yourself. Andrea Hare: Hi. My name is Andrea Daphne Hare and I’m a romance author. My pen name is Andy Hare as my readers know me. Oreoluwa Eunice: It’s very good to have you here. You said you are a romance author… Is there a reason you are specific about the kind of books you write? Andrea Hare: Yes, actually. Since I was little, I’ve always been caught up in the idea of fairy tales and happily ever after. I spent all my lunch money on romance novels throughout high school. I preferred them to food. So I grew up on love, so to speak. I write my genre because I believe in love wholeheartedly and I believe that it’s possible for everyone. Oreoluwa Eunice: Wow. It’s rare to find someone in this age and time to totally believe in love and believe it for everyone. So can I conclude that your book reading interests do not surpass romance? Do you read other genres? Andrea Hare: Oh no. I mean, primarily romance novels are my go to. All the time. But I enjoy a little fantasy and sci-fi as well. Both genres are intriguing. Oreoluwa Eunice: Good to know. So, Andrea, are you currently reading any book? Andrea Hare: Yes I am. It’s a little slow because I have a lot to write but I’m making my way through it steadily. I’m reading Like Dejavu by Paul Ezeodili. It’s truly an amazing book. Oreoluwa Eunice: This is my first time hearing about it. I hope I get to read it soon. Among all your books, which one do you think is your best and why?
Andrea Hare: This is a tough one. Okayy. If I absolutely had to choose, I would say Syrtis. I wrote Syrtis after being taught in the Fresh Writers Community. I got better as a writer in my time there. So the plot is more rounded and my writing is way better.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Are there any specific lessons you learned while writing Syrtis? Please share them. Andrea Hare: Oh. Okay. Well? My paragraphing is way better and I learned to better place my punctuations. In my other works, I got reviews that my dialogues were confusing and readers couldn’t tell who was speaking at what time . So, I fixed that as well.
For the plot, I learned a lot of things. The book is based off of a real happening in my country.
In summary, a Lebanese establishment banned Liberian women from entering without a male escort.
The idea of Syrtis came to me and I decided to run with it. I had to study our constitution to get the women’s rights and do a ton of research also on women’s rights. Oreoluwa Eunice: Wow. That’s a lot of development on your side. I’m glad you listened to your readers’ reviews and decided to get better. This shows how amazing you are as an author.
Have you then been able to educate people on women’s rights in your country? Did you get any feedback in that aspect? Andrea Hare: Yes, I did. The few that have read my book, the readers of the book in my country, especially the women, are thrilled that I wrote it with them in mind.
Another of Andrea Hare’s books
Oreoluwa Eunice: Great. Who are your favorite authors? Andrea Hare: Okay, let’s see. I really, really love Colleen Hoover. Her books really speak to my soul; she keeps me believing in love.
I absolutely adore Nicholas Sparks. He’s an amazing author.
Danielle Steele is also a favorite; J. K Rowling; R. L Stine and a few others. Oreoluwa Eunice: Alright. I want to ask a few fun questions. Are you ready? Andrea Hare: Yayyy yeah! Oreoluwa Eunice: What book do you think is very underappreciated? Andrea Hare: Hmm. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. It’s a really good book; the right amount of intensity and love. Oreoluwa Eunice: If there is one thing you can change about the world, what would it be? Andrea Hare: I would change the distinction between rich and poor. People should just be people, what you have shouldn’t affect your attitude towards another human being. Oreoluwa Eunice: What is your favorite color? Andrea Hare: Yellow. Definitely yellow.
Beautiful Andy
Oreoluwa Eunice: Which animal is your spirit animal, if there is? Andrea Hare: I’d like to think of myself as a dog😅
I’m fiercely loyal and I’ll love you to death. Oreoluwa Eunice: chocolate or vanilla? Andrea Hare: CHOCOLATE Oreoluwa Eunice: would you rather be able to sleep for 10 years without disturbance or travel the world without disturbance? Andrea Hare: Travel the world 😅 Oreoluwa Eunice: Definitely what I would want to do too. Oreoluwa Eunice: So, Andrea, what advice do you have for other writers hoping to pursue their dreams like you do yours? Andrea Hare: I want to let them know that it’s tough out here but if the passion is strong enough to withstand the pressure that’ll hit from all over, it’s beautiful.✨ Oh, and write from the heart. Always.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Thank you, Andrea. It was really a delight discussing with you. I wish you the best in everything you do. Andrea Hare: Thank you as well 🤗
Author’sDelight is a platform where young and budding writers are interviewed on StoryStoryOh. If you want to be featured, send an email to oreoluwaogunsina@gmail.comI will be delighted to have you.
Hello everyone, happy new month!! Welcome to the month of love and Black History Month. (Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada, and more recently has been observed unofficially in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. It began as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated in February in the United States and Canada, while in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom it is observed in October. ~Culled from Wikipedia. Read more about this on Wikipedia.
Moving on to the books I read in January
• Wallbanger by Alice Clayton
• A People’s History Of Heaven by Mathangi Subramanian | ARC read | A re-read
• The After Wife by Melanie Summers | ARC read | Published January 10th, 2020
• Never Date A Doctor by Melanie Smith | ARC read | To be published February 25th, 2020
• Revved by Samantha Towle
• Rival by Penelope Douglas
• Longthroat Memoirs by Yemisi Abishala | DNF
• Revved by Samantha Towle | I had issues with the hero in this book but I liked how the author worked on his character growth.
• Never Date A Doctor by Melanie Smith | Look out for my review. I will be posting it here this month.
On my three stars list is Rival by Penelope Douglas.
I did not finish Longthroat Memoirs by Yemisi Aribisala. I cannot really pinpoint why I didn’t. I guess I wasn’t just in the mood for a memoir. Every book has its own time and I will read it again sometime because it is one beautiful book but not anytime soon.
My best read from January is A People’s History Of Heaven. Read my review on it. I recommend it over and over and over. If you are planning to read any book this year, A People’s History of Heaven should be a part.
February Hopefuls
• Beautiful Bastard by Christine Lauren | Read this already
• Heaven’s Open Book by Sheldon Peart | ARC read | watch out for my review
• Lagoon by Nnedi Okorafor | Currently Reading
• Regretting You by Colleen Hoover
• Lie to Me, Dan by Longtrin Wentrin
I would also be reading The Mountains Sing by Que Mai Phan Nguyen. It is set to be published March 17, 2020 and is an ARC sent to me by Algonquin Books.
I would also be reading any book I want to read. 😁 I am a mood reader.
Did you read any book in January? Do you have any 2020 reading goals? Have you read any of the books I mentioned? Let’s discuss in the comments.
A politically driven graffiti artist. A transgender Christian convert. A blind girl who loves to dance. A queer daughter of ahijabiunion leader. These are some of the young women who live in a Bangalore slum known as Heaven, young women whom readers will come to love in the moving, atmospheric, and deeply inspiring debut,A People’s History of Heaven.Welcome to Heaven, a thirty-year-old slum hidden between brand-new high-rise apartment buildings and technology incubators in contemporary Bangalore, one of India’s fastest-growing cities. In Heaven, you will come to know a community made up almost entirely of women, mothers and daughters who have been abandoned by their men when no male heir was produced. Living hand-to-mouth and constantly struggling against the city government who wants to bulldoze their homes and build yet more glass high-rises, these women, young and old, gladly support one another, sharing whatever they can.
A People’s History of Heaven centers on five best friends, girls who go to school together, a diverse group who love and accept one another unconditionally, pulling one another through crises and providing emotional, physical, and financial support. Together they wage war on the bulldozers that would bury their homes, and, ultimately, on the city that does not care what happens to them.
This is a story about geography, history, and strength, about love and friendship, about fighting for the people and places we love–even if no one else knows they exist. Elegant, poetic, bursting with color, Mathangi Subramanian’s novel is a moving and celebratory story of girls on the cusp of adulthood who find joy just in the basic act of living.
“Education is the reason we moved to the city in the first place,” her father tells her mother. “We never had it. Our child deserves it.” By child of course, he means his son.
A People’s History Of Heaven – Mathangi Subramanian
My Review
A People’s History of Heaven by Mathangi Subramanian is a book filled with rich, lyrical and dreamy goodness. Mathangi is a demi-god when it comes to descriptions and exposition. With each vibrant word put together, she gave us the readers alive characters in five bestfriends: Joy, Rukshana, Deepa, Padma and Banu. I couldn’t even pick a favourite because they were all wonderful, beautiful and impacting in their own way.
Mathangi explores lives of the castaways and people seen as nonetities in India and instead of the depressing lines I thought I would thread in this book (because she wrote about people living in slums… I thought I would need my box of tissue nearby), I walked through colourful spaces Mathangi created. The people of Heaven are unabashedly living, hopeful and content despite their living conditions. They have ambitions, dreams, lives and hopes.
Boys will be boys, after all. But daughters are not too be trusted. When you are a girl in Heaven, someone is always watching.
A People’s History Of Heaven – Mathangi Subramanian
Gender is also a huge discourse in this book. Wavering from how female children are killed at birth because they are female, disregarded if they can’t bring money or food to the table, or are strewn off to their husbands at very tender ages, all these pointed fingers at the fact that daughters in India (and worldwide) are perceived as worthless in every other sense (except for what their vaginas can bring). The boys are allowed to play around, climb trees, man major businesses, live lives but the girls are to sit at home, close their laps and wait for Prince Charming.
Neelamma Aunty had always thought of motherhood like marriage: a set of duties and obligations, a series of defined tasks. But clutching Deeps to her chest, she realized it was something more. Something she would have to learn. Not the way she had learned tailoring to bring in money but the way she had learned to raise herself.
For days, she waited for the gravity of her epiphany to weigh her down but all she felt was lightness.
A People’s History of Heaven – Mathangi Subramanian
Mathangi Subramanian brings to limelight the mothers women of Heaven are. As incapacitated as they might seem, they protect what’s theirs and as much as they follow the narrative of what the female life is “supposed” to be, there was a steady growth in their mentality.
This book is poetic and refreshing and inspiring and joyous. It’s a thin line between light and heavy; not too light you find it fleeting, not too heavy you find it depressing.
A People’s History Of Heaven has all my damn five stars. Truly deserves it.
Love isn’t running away to save yourself. It’s staying together to survive.
A People’s History Of Heaven – Mathangi Subramanian
A politically driven graffiti artist. A transgender Christian convert. A blind girl who loves to dance. A queer daughter of ahijabiunion leader. These are some of the young women who live in a Bangalore slum known as Heaven, young women whom readers will come to love in the moving, atmospheric, and deeply inspiring debut,A People’s History of Heaven. Welcome to Heaven, a thirty-year-old slum hidden between brand-new high-rise apartment buildings and technology incubators in contemporary Bangalore, one of India’s fastest-growing cities. In Heaven, you will come to know a community made up almost entirely of women, mothers and daughters who have been abandoned by their men when no male heir was produced. Living hand-to-mouth and constantly struggling against the city government who wants to bulldoze their homes and build yet more glass high-rises, these women, young and old, gladly support one another, sharing whatever they can.
A People’s History of Heavencenters on five best friends, girls who go to school together, a diverse group who love and accept one another unconditionally, pulling one another through crises and providing emotional, physical, and financial support. Together they wage war on the bulldozers that would bury their homes, and, ultimately, on the city that does not care what happens to them. This is a story about geography, history, and strength, about love and friendship, about fighting for the people and places we love–even if no one else knows they exist. Elegant, poetic, bursting with color, Mathangi Subramanian’s novel is a moving and celebratory story of girls on the cusp of adulthood who find joy just in the basic act of living.
About Mathangi Subramanian:
Mathangi Subramanianis an award-winning Indian American writer, author, and educator. She is a graduate of Brown University and the Teachers College of Columbia University, and the recipient of a Fulbright as well as other fellowships. Her writing has previously appeared in theWashington Post,Quartz, Al Jazeera America, and elsewhere. This is her first work of literary fiction.
“This novel features a wide cast of characters and each girl has a unique perspective to offer. This book highlights many themes such as poverty, feminism, transgender issues, and living with disabilities. This beautifully written novel follows these girls as they navigate life’s obstacles with the love and support of their friends and family… I also fell in love with each character very quickly. Each girl in the story is very compelling in their own way, and I kept turning the pages to learn more about them…Perfect for readers who want to learn more about Indian and South Asian culture, or for readers who love stories featuring strong female friendships.”
“Spending time with this fearsome five is…just plain fun. Slum life is never romanticized. The narrator, an unnamed member of the girls’ inner circle, delivers enough cynical wisdom and pithy commentary to show just how wise these girls are to their plight without dismissing how insidious cultural messages are. What crystalizes is the sure knowledge that none of them are powerless…A People’s History of Heaven forefronts human dignity and the intelligence it takes to survive at the intersection of so much society uses to set people apart, while also making it clear that, ‘in Heaven, anger is not about any one person. It’s about the whole world.’”
“Wonderful…The stories of these young women…are full of emotion and drama, and also fierce power and hope. Their relationships and support for one another is inspiring, making this a beautiful testament to friendship and individuality. More LGBTQ+ novels about people of color, please!”
–BookRiot
“Subramanian sets her story within the harsh reality of Indian slum life but neither sentimentalizes the poverty of the girls nor dwells on it. Instead, she shows their potential and the joy that they can find with each other.”
—Real Change News
“Tackling some of the most trenchant issues facing Indian women in particular—casteism, arranged marriage, forced sterilization—as well as women all over the world…It has the heart-on-its-sleeve melodrama of some of the most successful teen novels and films, though it will likely also appeal to adults wanting to tuck in to a novel which is like the brainy big sister of a Lifetime movie. A girl power-fueled story that examines some dark social issues with a light…touch.”
–Kirkus Reviews
“A People’s History of Heavenforefronts human dignity and the intelligence it takes to survive at the intersection of so much society uses to set people apart.”
–Foreword Reviews
“How can a novel about a group of daughters and mothers on the verge of losing their homes in a Bangalore slum be one of the most joyful and exuberant books I’ve read? Subramanian writes without a shred of didacticism or pity, skillfully upending expectations and fiercely illuminating her characters’ strength, intelligence, and passionate empathy.A People’s History of Heavenshould be a case study in how to write political fiction. Each page delighted and amazed me.”
–Heather Abel, author ofThe Optimistic Decade
“Strong debut…Subramanian’s evocative novel waves together a diverse, dynamic group of girls to create a vibrant tapestry of a community on the brink.”
–Publishers Weekly
“Everything aboutA People’s History of Heavenis wonderful: the lyrical, light touch of the narrator, the story, the humor, and most of all, the girls. This novel—as shiny and crinkly and heartbreaking as “cellophane the color of false promises”—overflows with girls I want to meet, befriend, celebrate, and shelter from the ills of their world. But they don’t need me to do that! Faced with bigotry and bulldozers, these girls know exactly what to do: stick together and help each other learn, love, see, fight. These are girls who ache, girls who build, girls who claim or escape girl-ness. Read about Banu, Deepa, Joy, Rukshana, Padma, and Leela: These are girls who save the world.”
–Minal Hajratwala, author ofLeaving India
“What a thrill to read a novel as daring and urgent asA People’s History of Heaven. It’s a story about defiance in the face of erasure, about the survival tactics of an unforgettable group of girls. I can’t remember the last time I encountered a voice of such moral ferocity and compassion.”
—Tania James, author ofThe Tusk That Did the Damage
“Everything aboutA People’s History of Heavenis wonderful: the lyrical, light touch of the narrator, the story, the humor, and most of all, the girls. This novel…overflows with girls I want to meet, befriend, celebrate, and shelter from the ills of their world. But they don’t need me to do that! Faced with bigotry and bulldozers, these girls know exactly what to do: stick together and help each other learn, love, see, fight. These are girls who ache, girls who build, girls who claim or escape girl-ness. Read about Banu, Deepa, Joy, Rukshana, Padma, and Leela: These are girls who save the world.”
—Minal Hajratwala, award-winning author ofLeaving India
Book: The After Wife Author: Melanie Summers Publication date: January 10th 2020 Genre: Women’s Fiction
Synopsis:
From bestselling author Melanie Summers, comes a heartfelt and uplifting tale of love, loss, and letting go…
After losing her husband, writer Abigail Carson has all but given up on life. Having spent the last year cocooned in her Manhattan apartment, Abigail is suddenly forced to find a new home where she can stretch her dwindling savings. Intent on isolation, she moves to a tiny village in Nova Scotia where she’ll have no one to interrupt her solitude.
Little does Abigail realize that small-town life offers far less privacy than the big city. With neighbors knocking on the door bearing homemade treats and invitations, Abby soon finds herself immersed in the lives of the people of South Haven. She forms an unlikely friendship with Liam Wright, the handyman renovating her dilapidated cottage, and his daughter, seven-year-old Olive.
As the dark cloud engulfing Abigail lifts, she begins to believe she may have found love again. But just as Abigail is ready to leap, she discovers Liam carries with him a shocking secret that will ultimately cause everything to unravel. Abigail must decide if she will turn away from his pain or open her heart in the most hopeless of circumstances.
Insightful, enchanting, and filled with hope, The After Wife reminds us of the importance of human connection and the inseparable nature of love and survival.
Read an excerpt from the book
The After Wife – Melanie Summers
Why do I not drink more often? I’m almost through my second pint and I honestly can’t remember feeling so good. I don’t even care how out of place I am. Instead, I happily devour a slice of homemade lemon meringue pie. Dinner service has ended, and most of the guests have filed out, replaced by several locals bearing instruments. A new feeling takes over the restaurant. It’s an easy, relaxed vibe full of inside jokes and laughter as they rearrange the tables into a large horseshoe. I rush to finish my dessert, hoping to make my exit before I attract the attention of every snoopy musician in the village. Peter gives me a nod. “Liam’s just come in now.” I turn and see a man standing at the entrance. He looks to be in his early forties. Medium height, with the sturdy build of a fisherman or maybe a miner in days gone by. He has shaggy sandy-brown hair and thick stubble that’s somewhere between needing a shave and needing another couple of months to grow. His eyes, though. There’s something about them that makes me stare a moment too long. They’re the shade of ice blue usually reserved for wolves. He looks straight at Nettie and Peter, and my gaze follows his. They are standing side by side with matching hopeful grins. They look at me, then back at him, and when I glance in his direction again, I’m met with a look of dread. It doesn’t take me more than a second to figure out he thinks he’s about to be set up and he’s absolutely horrified at the thought of having any of his parts touch any of my parts. And here I am gawking at him like a moron. Blue sweater vest woman walks by and touches my arm. “You’ve got a bit of a mustache, love.” She hurries off in the direction of the ladies’ room while I dab my upper lip with a napkin, confirming that I did, in fact, have a frothy white beer mustache. Well, that’s that, then. The Millhouse boys it is. “Liam! Come over and meet Abby!” Peter calls. No. Please don’t. I swivel my stool to face the bar, and in my overly enthusiastic effort, I swing it too far and bang my left knee on the wood bracket. The force of it causes my body to jar and jerk back to my right and I plant my left hand in what’s left of my pie. I’m a regular Princess Di this evening, all elegance and grace. Check, please. Nettie gives me a concerned look. “You all right, love?” “I’m fine. I just remembered I have to make a phone call. Can you put this on my room?” I smile too brightly as I slide off the stool and start for the side door as fast as my legs can carry me. “Well, come back when you’re done so you don’t miss the music!” Nettie calls. “And you still need to meet Liam!” Peter yells. “I most certainly will!” Not.
Giveaway (International)
Win $100 Amazon gift card & a signed copy of Melanie Summers’ book, The After Wife. Enter Giveaway, ends January 16th.
The After Wife by Melanie Summers Publication date: January 10th 2020 Genres: Women’s Fiction Synopsis:
From bestselling author Melanie Summers, comes a heartfelt and uplifting tale of love, loss, and letting go…
After losing her husband, writer Abigail Carson has all but given up on life. Having spent the last year cocooned in her Manhattan apartment, Abigail is suddenly forced to find a new home where she can stretch her dwindling savings. Intent on isolation, she moves to a tiny village in Nova Scotia where she’ll have no one to interrupt her solitude.
Little does Abigail realize that small-town life offers far less privacy than the big city. With neighbors knocking on the door bearing homemade treats and invitations, Abby soon finds herself immersed in the lives of the people of South Haven. She forms an unlikely friendship with Liam Wright, the handyman renovating her dilapidated cottage, and his daughter, seven-year-old Olive.
As the dark cloud engulfing Abigail lifts, she begins to believe she may have found love again. But just as Abigail is ready to leap, she discovers Liam carries with him a shocking secret that will ultimately cause everything to unravel. Abigail must decide if she will turn away from his pain or open her heart in the most hopeless of circumstances.
Insightful, enchanting, and filled with hope, The After Wife reminds us of the importance of human connection and the inseparable nature of love and survival.
My review
The After Wife is a profound story of love, loss, fear, what ifs and more. Melanie Summers does a good job in the character growth of Abby. We are first introduced to her reclusive self; one who repels human contact, doesn’t have the best relationship with her family especially her mom and also would rather bask in memories of her husband than live life. She is angry, sad, depressed and not honest with herself, especially when it comes to how she feels. I love how Abby grows to be better and stands on her own feet. It taught me being courageous is hard but either done with your eyes closed or wide open, at least you have done something to move forward.
I love that Melanie Summers did not rush things between Abby and Liam. She makes room for development on Abby’s part and realisation on Liam’s. It was not just the lets-feel-good-now. Their coming together, their love was that of a slow burn, we-need-to-relish-this-and-know-what-we-are-doing. Part of Abby’s growth was that she realised she had lost herself and she saddled through the mud to find herself and she did. I also love how she slowly came on good terms with her mother and her family. There is no rush in this book, only growth and growth and more growth, enough to teach us it’s okay not to have all the answers. This book taught me it’s okay not too feel good all the time. It’s okay to be afraid. It’s okay to feel and that courage is a step at a time.
Happy new year, lovelies. It’s Author’sDelight’s time again and the author gracing this interview is no other person than the orchestrator of the “Relationship” genre, T.J. Martins!!!
Oreoluwa Eunice: I’m Oreoluwa Eunice and I am pleased to have you on StoryStoryOh’s Author’sDelight. Please introduce yourself.
T.J. Martins: Okay, um, where will I start from?
Isn’t it funny how straight forward questions, are the most difficult to answer? Lol. Like there is no efficient way, to introduce myself wholly in a few words, but I’d try my best.
I’m T.J. Martins, and I’m a novelist who is fascinated and obsessed, with the complexities and intricacies of the vices of human relationship vices, and so I write on them. I’m 19 years, studying Physiotherapy at Redeemers university and I’ve been writing since when I was 16. I’ve written nine books in total—8 novels and one novella, which doesn’t include my collaborations alongside other authors, on some short story anthologies. I’m also a creative writing coach and an ambassador, in the Fresh Writers Community. I like to see myself as an advocate for some causes, like Human relationship vices—which I champion in my works, and mental health also. I’m also a huge Marvel Fanboy, and a music junkie.
I hope this wasn’t too much? Because, well, I don’t exactly know if your question was gunning for just my writing identity solely.
Oreoluwa Eunice: This is overwhelming. Nine books excluding collaborations. Impressive! Since you have been writing since you were 16, how do you juggle this with Physiotherapy, your youth and other “distractions”?
T.J. Martins: Yes! I intimidate myself a lot, when I reflect on my bibliography, I’m like, “whoa, I’ve written all of that shit?” Lol, sorry. Pardon my language, but you get me. And if I wasn’t someone, who prioritizes quality, over quantity—i’d have most definitely churned out more works than that. So, how do I juggle it with life?
Er, physiotherapy. Well, I just recently gained admission into the university, so I’ve not done any major writing since then. This hiatus is of course, intentional and something I planned well to co incide with school. Right now my priority is bagging a contract with an acclaimed global publishing company, so currently, its more about making some moves and strides towards that venture.
Youth?
Thing is, my persona compliments my art, pretty well. I’m introverted, and so I hardly fancy outings, or social events—and I’d rather stay home, watch a movie and hang out with my small circle of friends, with no interest whatsoever to broaden said circle. And as we all know, being a creative is like, a very consuming and fazing work. Like, it requires a lot from your cognitive and mental faculties, and takes a huge toll on it all. I guess what I’m saying is that, being highly prolific as a writer hasn’t exactly really had a detrimental effect on other parts of my life, like let’s say, my social life—because its not so alive, lol. And as far as “distractions” are concerned, I guess its all about discipline, and how much the art means to you. My art means everything to me, so its that clear cut. Oreoluwa Eunice:What kind of books do you love to read? Genres? Particular arc you love to see in books? And what kind of books do you stay away from?
T.J. Martins: Ah, one of my favorite questions.
Like I said earlier, I write books on human relationships, where characters are the bedrock of the plot and it thrives on their vices and the varying sort of dynamic relations that they all have with one another. So its natural, that I love reading the type of stuff I write.
So, yeah, basically any book where, amazing characters shine forth and beautiful stories about human struggles are told, I love them. And these kind of stories, you can’t exactly label them and put a genre on them. I’m not a fan of classifying things, with just one word, because its never adequate, but that’s a story for another day. I just love books with compelling stories on people and family.
Most of these type of stories are usually found in Romance. I’m a fan of romance though, as long as its well executed and realistic to a good extent. I mean, most of my books are on romantic relationships also. But it doesn’t stop at romance, and it could extend to any genre, as long as its under the scope of human relationships.
Particular arc? Not really. I love coming-of-age YA stories though, but there really isn’t any particular arc I love to watch out for. Unless you’re talking other elements of art, like music, playing a huge role in the story, then I’m all for it.
Not exactly.
I’m pretty open minded, and would take a chance on any type of story, if I have the conviction that I could like it. Oreoluwa Eunice:Great. Talking about the Relationship genre, what does this genre have to offer our society?
T.J. Martins: A whole lott!
First and foremost, entertainment. Because, come on, let’s be honest—why splurge a couple of bucks on a novel, if you’re not seeking for a thrill. Great art entertains, before it provides any other beneficial value.
And to educate, also? On what?
On human relationship vices. Vices are the woes and throes, that plague human relationships. Its ups and downs. Basically, its “problems” and numerous challenges that people have to contend, in their day to day relations with fellow humans. And that’s what the relationship genre addresses.
It brings these vices into light, in an unadulterated, unapologetic truth. Gripping, realistic but still retaining its fun element. The relationship genre, is like the perfect bridge between literary fiction and genre/commercial fiction. Because it has the complex, deep themes of literary fiction that explore deep topics of the human condition, while placing characters in the center stage, but still seeks to entertain and place the reader on one helluva rollercoaster ride, in the process of unraveling these mysteries. So, yeah.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Can I conclude that this is what prompted you to write the Repel Series? Or are there other attachments to it?
T.J. Martins: Yes, you can say that.
But something inspired it, of course.
When I was writing my first two books, I wasn’t exactly conscious of a brand. Just writing what I felt like writing. It was until I stumbled on a novel titled, “Kissing Is The Easy Part” on Wattpad, that I realized my brand. I was absolutely blown away by the book. The realistic relationship portrayed, and the complexities it introduced. I hadn’t seen such in a romance book before. Its usually the “star-crossed” lovers stuff, I usually read, so this was refreshing for me. “Rebellion”, my third novel, which is the first in the Repel Series was basically experimenting, on writing my own take on realistic romantic relationships, and because it received the best, overwhelming reception I ever got, when I put it out—that coupled with the fact, that it felt right, writing on that—i decided henceforth to build my brand on that.
In fact, looking back, my first two books before then were even loosely based on characters and complex relationships. So I was writing relationship already, without being conscious of it. So yeah, it is indeed what I was born to write. I believe that.
Oreoluwa Eunice: I must say that I absolutely enjoy reading about the complexity of relationships and human nature and reading your books help me see the truth of reality. Not many books or authors achieve this, so kudos! Are you currently writing any book or are you on a hiatus?
T.J. Martins: No, I’m not actively writing any book now.
Because like I said earlier, my priority for the moment is getting a contract, hopefully. I think I already have enough material out there, to help build a solid following that would propel my cause. Plus, I still have like, three works I haven’t put our there.
But I’m already working on the plot draft of my ninth novel, and its shaping up nicely and I can’t wait to write it. Its not going to be anytime soon though, so I’m taking my time. Oreoluwa Eunice: Would you like to share with us details about this new novel or it is still best kept a secret?
T.J. Martins: That’s as far as prose is concerned.
For poetry, which I’ve dabbled into once—i have a poetry anthology—I’m currently working on collaborating with a friend and colleague of mine, who is a brilliant poet. I don’t want to disclose the identity of said person now, though. Oreoluwa Eunice: Alright. A little bird told me Black Rose will be released “properly” on Pabpub this year. How do you feel about this?
T.J. Martins: Haha.
Well, its the second in “The Serenade EP” after “Black Rose”, my seventh novel, and its a spinoff. It follows the life of two teenagers, trying to discover themselves, while battling teen Strifes, parents impositions and pressure—just a classic, coming-of-age story that’s very, very multifaceted and heartfelt.
Yep, released properly, because it originally it was uploaded to Swoon Reads, in the ploy of getting a contract, but since that didn’t come to fruition, I’d be taking it off there to PabPub, since many complained of the problem of even accessing the story on the platform.
PabPub has a lot of potential, and its future is very bright, as a pioneer of the next generation of brilliant African stories. If you’ve been watching, you’d see Africa is making a statement. The huge phenomenal success of comic book material, loosely based on our culture, like “Black Panther” in cinema, which is also the same thread of artistry, Tomi Adeyemi has her blockbuster, “Legacy of Orisha” series pillaged on. And let’s not forget the new Chuck Lorre show, “Bob loves Abishola” that’s gradually becoming another cultural phenomenon, all in this same thread of afro cultural diversity. So I think this is the perfect time for any foreign author, especially Africans to crossover to the western world. And that’s the cause, PabPub is championing for African literature, so I believe its going to be huge. So I’m thrilled to be a part of it.
Oreoluwa Eunice: I am thrilled also and I’m also glad excited about the amount of work going into Pabpub. Moving on, you use T.J Martins as your pen name. Why? Also, I would love to know, as well as your readers, what those initials stand for?
T.J. Martins: The funny thing about my pen name, is that those initials don’t exactly stand for anything.
I mean yeah, one half of my surname is ‘Martins’ and my name does start with a ‘T’, but the J doesn’t really stand for anything.
T.J. Martins just came to me, as the sort of name that is strong enough to uphold a brand, you know?
That’s basically it. Oreoluwa Eunice: I personally think it’s a cool pen name. So, T.J., are there any authors you look up to or enjoy their books?
T.J. Martins: Thank you.
I also like to go by the nick, “Reed”. That’s where I coined out the label, “Reeder” for anyone, that’s a fan of my works.
Well, I do have writers I look up to, and sadly none of them are African/Nigerian, because I have a had time vibing with publisher African works. Asides the ones written by my own colleagues, who are aspiring published authors, like myself.
So, authors I look up to; there is Erin Hahn, Emery Lord, Jamie Reed, Lisa Kleypas, Jennifer Niven, Shelby Mahurin, John Green and some handful others.
Oreoluwa Eunice: I am familiar with some of the authors you mentioned and they are awesome writers. I will be asking a couple of fun questions. Are you ready to answer them?
T.J. Martins: Haha, press on. Oreoluwa Eunice: What was the last gift you gave someone?
T.J. Martins: Um, I’m really not the gift-giving type, so I do it very rarely, but the last time I think I did gift someone something, it was most definitely chocolate chipped cookies. Which is a lot coming from me, because I love cookies a lot also. Oreoluwa Eunice: If you were a rainbow colour, which colour would you be and why?
T.J. Martins: Definitely Blue, because of the fact that it portends something pleasant, and dear. I like to think of myself in that light, and its also a melancholic, sad color. I’m a very emo/sensitive person, and my emotions are very tumultuous at times, so yeah, blue. Oreoluwa Eunice: If you could time travel, where will you go?
T.J. Martins: Back to the medieval times! I didn’t mention this earlier, but I love historical romance! So please take me back to the time of horses, and breathtaking castles. The time of ruthless lords and brute rakes. The time of ball gowns and debutantes, and scandals. Oreoluwa Eunice: I love historical romance too. So, E-book or paperback?
T.J. Martins: Yap. 😂
Actually, I prefer hard copy, so deffs paperback. I prefer hardcover to paperbacks, though. Oreoluwa Eunice: What was the last awesome book you read?
T.J. Martins: Keep Me In Mind by Jamie Reed.
Its a gripping, heart wrenching story of these two teens, madly in love with each other, and the ensuing change, an accident brings to their relationship.
The girl loses her memory, and battles amnesia, therefore forgetting everything about their relationship and what it was. And the boy, has to contend with giving her space to heal, while still making efforts to make an imprint, and ensure he doesn’t fade away totally. It touches on mental illness, and its one arc that makes it more endearing for me, because I love books that act in that capacity, of creating awareness. Oreoluwa Eunice: Sounds great. What advice do you have for other young writers like you hoping to get published?
T.J. Martins: What I tell every of my mentee at the FWC. Three things are very vital in becoming the best version of yourself.
1. Perseverance.
This art could be very daunting, when it comes to the area of rejections and disappointment. Every great artist is going to be barraged by rejections, at some point. So there is a need to be dogged and determined, and not to be put down by the constant let downs.
2. Diligence.
Be hardworking, and always give your all. You are contending with hundreds of thousands—if not millions, to win the interest of that publishing agency or agent, so you must be working harder than an awful lot of people. Writing is difficult, and I’m sorry to say this, but lazy people can’t find success in it.
3. And last, but not the least, which is also incredibly important, be unique. Build your own brand. Harness your own artistic voice. Stand out. Write the stories, that only you can write. Don’t write the story, your role model is writing—because you can’t write your role model type of stories, better than your role model. You can only write your own stories, best. So, discover your voice and use it to build your own distinguished brand. There is nothing like the best in art. There is only something as being different and unique, and being really good at uniqueness. Oreoluwa Eunice: We have come to the end of our discussion. It was delightful discussing with you. Thank you for having me.
T.J. Martins: I’m honored to be featured on your platform. Thanks for the opportunity. 🙃
Happy new year, everyone. I hope you are already enjoying bit by bit the 75 days January has for us. Today’s post is about thrillers I want to read soon and the star predictions I have for them. I present to you five thrillers I want to read with the hope that I will be giving them 5🌟 when I’m done reading. (Watch out for my reviews.)
Clicking on the book covers will take you to their Goodreads pageso you can read their blurbs.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Published February 5th, 2019.
2. The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen
Published January 9th, 2018.
3. You by Caroline Kepnes
Published August 28th, 2018.
4. The Woman In The Window by A.J. Finn
Published January 2nd, 2018.
5. The Defense by Steve Cavanagh
Published May 3rd, 2016.
So there you have it. I’m really anticipating reading these books 💃
I read Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh last December and it. was. mind-blowing. So I can’t wait to read Defense.
Other honorary mentions are The Wives by Tarryn Fisher and The Only Child by Mi-Ae-Seo.
Click on book covers to read blurbs on Goodreads.
Published December 30th, 2019.To be published February 11th, 2020.
If you are into mystery and thrillers and you also want to read any of these books, say hi and let’s buddy read. 😀
Amaka Mbadiwe returns in this gripping sequel to the award-winning Easy Motion Tourist, and trouble isn’t far behind her. The self-appointed saviour of Lagos’ sex workers, Amaka may have bitten off more than she can chew this time as she finds herself embroiled in a political scandal. When a plane crash kills the state gubernatorial candidate, the party picks a replacement who is assured of winning the election: Chief Ojo. But Amaka knows the skeletons that lurk in Chief Ojo’s closet, including what took place at the Harem, the secret sex club on the outskirts of Lagos that he frequents.
Amaka is the only person standing between Chief Ojo and election victory, and he sends hired guns Malik and Shehu after her. Caught in a game of survival, against a backdrop of corruption, violence, sex and sleaze, Amaka must find a way to outwit her bloodthirsty adversaries.
Leye Adenle pulls back the curtain on the seedy underbelly of Lagos once again in this gritty and compelling thriller.
“Alùjònú bí owó ò sí,” he said. “There is no spirit like money. There is enough here to buy private jets, entire estates in Osborne, and still have enough change for hundreds and hundreds of Mercedes cars. And if you stand in front of those things and look at them, you will not feel anything. But when you stand in front of money like this, if your heart is not strong enough, you can run mad. That is because of the spirit that lives inside money. Money is power and yet it is just paper. (When Trouble Sleeps — Leye Adenle)
My Review
When Trouble Sleeps is the second book in The Amaka Trilogy, with Easy Motion Tourist being the first. It is equally thrilling, fast paced and set in the city of Lagos. Amaka, the protagonist has seemingly bitten off more than she can chew and the big guns are out for her. She has to be smarter and faster than them. I absolutely love this book. Leye Adenle does not hold anything back in writing this sequel. He explores the theme of mob violence and with his descriptive prowess, I could almost taste the burning flesh of the victim of my tongue, I could feel the heat of the fire!
Themes like power, money, prostitution and many more dominates the book.
[…when trouble sleeps, yanya go wake am.]
When Trouble Sleeps — Leye Adenle
This book is a page turner and it will make your hear race. Leye Adenle is the king of Nigerian crime fiction, y’all show your respect!
I recommend this book to everyone. If you enjoy crime fiction, thrillers and mystery that will turn your heart beat into a pulsing rhythm and make your mouth salivate, this book is for you.
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
You can get this book from your nearest booksellers.
Just because you think something is too good to be true doesn’t mean it isn’t. Never lose hope. Because sometimes, hope may be all you have. (My Life As Marlee – Victoria Anders)
First off, I absolutely love the cover and it does not give away the fact that the book is a rollercoaster.
I love the character development of Marlee. How she grew from being unsure of herself to standing up for herself is just amazing.
This book discusses themes like mental health, self confidence, self love, death, friendships and healthy relationships.
I love how Marlee’s relationship with Noah proceeded. It seemed rushed at first but later in the book, I realized it was to project the intensity and absoluteness of their love and relationship.
I must also commend the author for adding Marlee’s life lessons
They come in handy.
This book is amazing and I recommend it to anyone who loves to read teenage romances and young adult books with realistic themes.
Warning: This book contains lots of cute and cheesy scenes so get ready to smile a lot. Enjoy!
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
You can get your copy from Amazon.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Hello people!! Happy new month! Welcome to the last month in this decade 💃 I hope you had a nice November. I’m glad that you are reading on StoryStoryOh today.
I am a lover of Christian Fiction and I have read a lot from some particular authors but before I knew about this authors, I used to have difficulty in knowing Christian authors (maybe because I was really young then and I had no access to the internet) and their books were not everywhere unlike other novels you see flying all around.
So I decided to compile a list of Christian Fiction authors, some of which I have read their books and enjoyed.
So enjoy!
• Francine Rivers • Karen Kingsbury
Francine Rivers and Karen Kingsbury are my top Christian Fiction authors. I love their books so much!! I also have copies of their books.
• Beverly Lewis • Tracie Peterson • Ted Dekker • Janette Oke • Terri Blackstock • Frank E. Peretti • Dee Henderson • Melody Carlson • C.S Lewis • Tim LaHaye • T. Davis Bunn • Joel C. Rosenburg • Lynette Eason • Irene Hannon • Jerry B. Jenkins • William P. Young • Wanda E. Brunstetter • Lauraine Snelling • Susan May Warren • Tamera Alexander • Lori Wick • Mary Connealy • Jody Hedlund • Angel Elwell Hunt • Jonathan Cahn • Rachel Hauck • Julie Klassen • Robin Lee Hatcher • Denise Hunter • Kim Vogel Sawyer • Lori Copeland • Gilbert Morris • John Bunyan • Amy Clipston • Robin Jones Gunn • Bodie Theone • Ann Gabhart • Suzanne Woods • Shelley Shepard • Beth Wiseman • Lisa Wingate • Dani Pettrey • Karen Witemeyer • Cindy Woodsmall • Deborah Raney • Kristy Cambron
You can visit your nearest bookseller or make your way over to amazon and buy any of their books that catches your eyes.
‘Everywhere you look in Lagos, there’s a church’, she said. New churches appear every day. The people are poor, they are desperate. They turn to God for help and when that help doesn’t work, they turn to crime. The young boys become fraudsters, armed robbers. The girls become prostitutes. Some turn to black magic. Just like they believe in God, they also believe in the devil. God asks them to be patient but the devil says, “I will give you what you want; you only have to do one thing in return.’ (Easy Motion Tourist, Leye Adenle)
My Review
Easy Motion Tourist is a page turning and engaging crime novel set in Lagos, Nigeria. This book explores the issues in our present day Nigeria such as prostitution, bribery, drug peddling, ritual killing amongst others.
Amaka, the female protagonist deems herself the keeper of these prostitutes. She looks out for them and is so bent on bringing down the perpetrators of evil in the society, not only to these girls but all round. Guy Collins is the British journalist that gets caught up in all the drama. He sees the mutilated body of a dead girl outside the bar he went to, he gets picked up by the police and from there, his life becomes a rollercoaster.
Easy Motion Tourist is a rollercoaster of a book. I got sucked in the beginning of the book. It has tides and turns that makes you keep wanting more. It also reveals prostitution in a different light.
The plot of this book is thoroughly written and well researched. The mannerism of a average Nigerian is well protected and the book is so relatable. The dialogue has an easy flow to it and it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I love the way the characters came to life in this book especially those ones I thought will be so flat such as Inspector Ibrahim.
I especially love the character development of Guy Collins. He goes from this naive Briton to someone who becomes aware of the environment he is in.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s one of the few Nigerian crime books I’ve read and it’s worth every hype. It’s worth every minute I spent reading it and it definitely has my five stars.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoy books that keep them on the edge of their seats and makes their eyes wide and makes them say, “Wow!” and “What?!” at any provocation. You will definitely enjoy Easy Motion Tourist.
It is the first book in The Amaka Thriller Series. The second is When Trouble Sleeps.
They say you never forget you first love; they have a point. I used to be so emotional then. I used to feel things so intensely. Sometimes, I wonder where all that passion, that drive went to. I even miss the blissful ignorance. There’s something about falling in love without any bad experience getting in the way. It means you get to live freely, without any barrier or fear. It’s why first love is unforgettable. Because it was the one and only time you loved freely. (Diary of A Wallflower, Glory Abah)
Diary of a Wallflower centers around Glory Owhor, a girl who is a total wallflower and not the one to be found frolicking around. So when Alex, her school’s popular and fine boy notices her, she wonders what he sees in her since he was normally found amidst people like him. She finds it unbelievable at first and this shed light on the way Glory sees herself. Glory’s life becomes interwoven around Alex and his friends only and there is a disconnect between her and her former friends. Alex then leaves for the States while Glory remains in Nigeria. This causes a rift in their relationship and soon, Glory went on with her life.
The next phase work the book brings us to when Glory is all grown and working and apparently looking for a partner. Alex shows up but then they are unable to resolve and fully understand themselves. Glory who is the queen of assumption concludes that her male best friend is in love with her and is also trying to win Alex back. Glory can be pretty annoying with her assumptions and I could almost conclude that she didn’t know what she wanted. The plot also contains sub plot where the issues of Glory’s family is portrayed but then you will have to read this book to know.
Diary of a Wallflower is a book that deals with the innocence of first love, coming of age, self esteem and the consequence of assuming and concluding for people.
What I loved
This book is a light read and it’s easy to read. The punctuations were on point and it was well edited. You can also read this book in one sitting. This book can also help you take your mind off reality temporarily.
The book also helps people who lived their secondary school life in boarding school also reminisce.
This book is a HEA. This means Happily Ever After.
What I didn’t like
I didn’t like the fact that the protagonist, Glory was mindless. I felt like the phase of “Alex loves me, He loves me not” went on for too long but I guess there are people who think in this manner. Also, the author didn’t really shed light on some themes that are bones of contention in our present world like gender disparity, self image and so on. Mostly, the romance in the book covered these themes and I felt it would have been better if Glory Abah had blended these themes with the romantic part of the book well. I guess that’s why it is a light read.
I was also a tad bit disappointed. I was hoping to read a diary format in this book. This would have been so interesting.
I also was concerned about the violent behavior Alex exhibited in the beginning of the book and later, he came back and just became a sweetheart and there was no back story about how he changed or his growth or something. This put me off.
Recommendation
I recommend this book to teenagers, young adults or people who are new to reading. It’s a short and a fun read.
Rating
It’s a 3.5/5 for me.
I got this book as an e-arc from Glory Abah in exchange for a honest review.
Hi sweetie, I am so glad you are reading on StoryStoryOh today. I hope the past few months has been good to you. I did a lot of reading in July and a particular author took up quite a few days out of my July. I have been hearing good things about her books and so I decided to give them a trial. When I did, believe me, I could not stop. I started reading her books from one to the other.
Her name is Colleen Hoover.
Colleen Hoover is one author I am so grateful I discovered. She is such a meticulous writer and her books were more than entertaining, they all had things I learnt. You should know, Colleen is a Romance/ YA/ Women’s Fiction author.
On July 14, I started with Maybe Someday and it made me realize that I have been missing out. Maybe Someday isn’t just an average young adult love story. It emphasizes the complexity and ability to recognise love when it’s come. Ridge, the male protagonist is a deaf songwriter and a guitarist and oh my God, this made me appreciate music and my ability to hear it and I love the way Colleen did justice to both the characters of the male and female protagonists.
I moved on to It Ends With Us. I had been seeing a lot of great reviews on this book and I can say it’s worth every hype it gets. This book is amazing, yo! While reading this book, my heart broke a thousand times and the pieces found their way back to each other again. This. Book. Is. Amazing. Full stop. It’s Women’s Fiction and there are great lessons to learn on love, marriage and letting go. It is told from the perspective of battered women in marriage who still stay in abusive marriages despite it all. I recommend it for everyone, male, female, everyone. You’ve got to read this one.
After reading It Ends With Us, I moved on to reading Confess. The concept of this book is mind blowing. Dazall I can say.
Now to my love of all Colleen’s books, November 9. This book is all shades of amazing, mind blowing, beautiful, sweet, special. In fact, I rate it 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5. The way it is written and organised is so wonderful I wished I wrote this book. This book will teach you forgiveness, self acceptance, self love, self love, self love, self love, love, love, love, self control and many more. The humor too. I love this book and I am looking forward to rereading it. I don’t know how many times my heart stopped and started while reading this book. I had many “drop the book, stare at the wall for a while to reminisce” moments while reading this book.
Now, to the craziest of them all, Verity. Verity should have come with a big disclaimer. This book, this book, ohmygosh, it will leave you questioning your sanity and humanity literally. It is so twisted and you wouldn’t even know who is villain and who is victim. It’s such a well written book. If you like twists spiced with a bit of villainous lifestyle, scare and romance, then this book is for you. My eyes widened so many times while reading this book. This doesn’t even do it justice. You have to read it, maybe we can discuss it, who deserves what and all. You can hit me up on any of my social media sites.
After reading Verity, I had to quickly read something sweet and Finding Cinderella did it for me. Very short and sweet Novella, it would leave you swooning.
Then I read All Your Perfects. This book is so beautiful, mehn. It explored the crevices and complexities of marriage when the going gets tough. What do you do when you want children at all costs and you are unable to get them? What’s the cost of this on your happiness and marriage? How do you and your spouse withstand this? This book has the answers to these questions. I like that Colleen’s books deal with everyday issues. They are beautiful.
“Yes. It’s kind of embarrassing how excited I am to be a mother. Most girls grow up dreaming of a successful career. I was always too embarrassed to admit that I wanted to work from home and have a bunch of babies.”
“That’s not embarrassing.”
“Yes it is. Women nowadays are supposed to want to amount to more than just being a mother. Feminism and all that.”
Graham scoots me off his chest to tend to the fire. He grabs two small logs and walks them over to the fire pit, then reclaims his seat next to me. “Be whatever you want to be. Be a soldier if you want. Or a lawyer. Or a CEO. Or a housewife. The only thing you shouldn’t be is embarrassed.” (All Your Perfects, Colleen Hoover).
I particularly love this conversation.
I read Losing Hope also and this book is wonderful. It deals with suicide, child rape and self realization. I love, love, love this book. She wrote another book from the female protagonist’s perspective but I haven’t read it. It’s titled Hopeless.
I particularly saved the Slammed Series for the last because I wanted to savour them and Colleen didn’t disappoint. They are three amazing books through and through. The Slammed series include Slammed, Point Of Retreat and This Girl. The humor is great, the writing style is amazing and they all deals with different things that happen in human lives like loss of loved ones, burden of sudden responsibilities, love, growth and everything it entails.
The one I read recently is Maybe Not and it is a sweet, funny and interesting novella. It is from the perspective of Warren, Ridge’s friend from Maybe Someday. Warren is such a funny guy and Bridgette is such a fireball. As short as it is, it deals with mental health and growth.
I also read Too Late and this book is also so wonderful. I seriously can’t get over Colleen Hoover. Say I am officially a fangirl and I will stan her forever because she writes so beautifully. Too Late is amazing! I just love how Colleen’s plots were very unconventional. Too late deals with guilt, regret, self image and of course love.
One thing I appreciate about Colleen Hoover is that you can’t read her book and not end up feeling empowered in the end. She is that good.
Colleen Hoover is one author I am glad I discovered and I am certainly now a big fan. Have you read any of her books? If you have, which is your favorite? If you haven’t, which one intrigues you out of these titles? You can also binge-read like I did. I read those books in the space of a week and some days. Nah, I’m not gloating.
Maybe I am. Hehe.
Which of these books have you read? How did you feel after reading? What lessons did you learn?
If you have not read any Colleen Hoover’s book, what are you reading? 😭
Note- She has a new book coming December. It’s titled Regretting you. I can’t wait to read it. 💃
T.J. Martins is a Nigerian, author of 9 books (8 novels, 1 novella) all based on a central theme of the vices of human relationships and their overall impact on the society. Although their glaring genres seem to range from YA to Romance, he thinks the term – Relationship is more appropriate but wouldn’t legitimately claim its the genre since he is yet to ascend into a domineering or influential capacity in the literary society, where he could propound a new genre. When he isn’t writing or fantasizing about winning the Nobel prize—he could be found lamenting that The Sims 4 video game isn’t an improvement on its predecessor and needs a plethora of packs to make it wholesome.
T.J’s favorite books are: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven Public Relations by Katie Heaney & Ariana Rebollini (I got help from swoonreads.com)
So why should you read every book written by this young author?
T.J. Martins is an awesome writer. Yeah, cliché, I know. If you are gonna hype someone, you call them awesome, great, wonderful and all sweet names but I’m not joking here. T.J Martins is totally and absolutely and completely an awesome writer. A young and self aware writer, T.J. Martins is someone who knows his onions in the world of writing. If you have read the Repel series, especially the arc I got from him which is the last book in the series, Revolt, you would understand what I am talking about.
Grammar 😍😍: T.J Martins is someone who is good at utilising grammar. Sometimes, I have to check my dictionary when I read his books and when I am done reading, I feel a lot more intelligent so I am not just reading, I am also improving on my vocabulary and that’s awesome for me. Talk about killing two birds with one stone.
T. J Martins’ books have a bit of everything. I love the way he especially discusses topics in his books, from the mundane ones to the ones that carry a lot of weight. You are always bound to learn something and yes, his books are not your typical romantic books. In fact, he created his own genre, Relationship, making us understand the complexities of human relationships and minds and also letting us know that romance is more than what we see with rose colored glasses. This is simply killing many birds with a stone.
Sweet names. Look at Anjola Adeite and Lekan Keye from Revolt, Tari Ibiyemi and Lani Olaere from Resurgence and Dayo Tijani and Tiolu Keye from Rebellion. I honestly have not heard some of these names before and they actually grew on me. Other ones are Naade and Adaure from Revolt too.
T.J. Martins is the next best thing. When you start seeing him everywhere, don’t say I didn’t tell you! He has about nine books now, so you can as well pick any of them to read. If you go to Pabpub.com, you will surely find his books there. His books have words of about 178k, 180k or 188k upward but don’t fret, every of his work is worth the hype.
Here’s what, Andy Hare, author of some awesome books like, Color Me Intrigued and Chronic Insomnia which you can find on Wattpad and They Called Her Sunshine, a collection of poems you can find on Pabpub.com had to say about T.J Martins: “TJ Martins is determined. He has been writing for a good amount of time and at his age, he has written more words than some accomplished authors.
His novels center around human relationships and he has found a way to write about it in a way that is both entertaining and educative. He discovered the relationship genre.”
By the way, he masterminded the book that has been getting raving reviews on Pabpub.com, ” The Gentleman’s Guide to Wooing a Lady,” and co-authored with other amazing guys to bring out this beautiful piece of work. I hope you have read it…
I have more reasons to convince you to read books written by T.J Martins but I believe the reasons are solid and convincing enough for you to pick up one book written by him today.
Hiiiii!!! Awesome readers and followers of this blog, Happy new month!!! How are you all? How did August go for you? I hope it was amazing or was it just pretty busy and occupied like mine?
My August was just there. It was pretty busy for me so I didn’t read a lot of books as planned unlike how I did in July. July was sincerely a hit, back to back. I had a swell time. But this August, school and other busy stuff did not let me shine but trust your babe, I still made sure I read a bit.
Before I move on to the books I read in August, I would like to show my appreciation to everyone who has always showed love by reading, commenting, even sharing articles, stories, poems on this blog since I started it three months ago. You guys are amazing. Thank you so much. Cheers to more amazing time together.
The first book I read this month was Imagine That by Sade Adeniran. This book was everything and more. So amazing a book. It drew my emotions like moth to flame. Sade Adeniran really did a wonderful job on this one. The language of the book is simple and easy to understand but very evocative and delicious. I love the humor also. It’s definitely a book I’ll recommend to everyone looking for a great read as well as a book that will make them think. This book has my 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠/5
This is a random passage from the book.
Another book I enjoyed reading was Chimamanda’s The Thing Around Your Neck. This book is a amazing collection of Chimamanda’s award winning short stories. They are chilling, thoughts provoking and I liked a few of the stories. I liked On Monday Of Last Week, Jumping Monkey Hill (really liked this one), The Shivering out of all the 12 short stories.
This book has my 🌟🌟🌟🌠/5
I also read a book from one of my favorite Nigerian romance authors, Amaka Azie. Her books are super, super awesome and this one too didn’t disappoint. I read The Governor’s Wife. I really like this book. The poem in the beginning especially captured my being. This book has my 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars.
I also read some books in the Sterling Shore series by C.M Owens and I really really loved them. The humor, the romance, the plot, beautiful! I particularly saw growth in Owens books as the books progressed. It was only one of these book I DNFed and that was Talk Nerdy To Me and I know that probably happened because I wasn’t reading at the right time for it. Every book has the right time to read it.
I got an arc of T.J Martins book, Revolt and it’s has been all shades of amazing. I also want to say big congratulations to him on the release of this amazing book on the 30th of August this year. My review is coming soon and also one of the authors I interviewed here on StoryStoryOh, Glory Abah released another book, Diary Of A Wallflower. I can’t wait to read it and share my thoughts on it with you.
Another of my favorite Nigerian romance authors, Tomilola Coco is set to release her beautiful book, Eyin Ese and I am so giddy. She revealed the cover some days ago and oh my God, it’s so beautiful. I love love love it.
I added some amazing books to my TBR list. I will find time to read them this coming month. They are:
🌟 29, Single and Nigerian by Naijasinglegirl. This book has been on my tbr list for such a long time. I wanted the hard copy but it wasn’t available so I had to make do with the e-book. I am looking forward to relishing it.
🌟 Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okaparanta
🌟Beasts of No Nation by Uzodinma Iweala. A very good friend of mine sent this to me and I also got to know a movie was adapted from this book.
🌟Kintu by Jennifer Makumbi
🌟Everything Good Will Come by Sefi Atta
🌟Attachments by Rainbow Rowell.
So here is my wrap-up for this month. Which of these books have you read? Or which of them are you hoping to read soon? If you are a non-bookish person, what memorable things did you do in August? What TV shows did you watch or which new food did you try out?
I want you to hold me, Like you do on those nights When my fear and pain and anxiety decide to play a game with me. I want you to hold me, Like you do when we go see the sights And make plans on which places to go see even before we left. I want you to hold me, Like you did every time, after we had our fights And we try to make up for it between the sheets [I think the reason we fight is because the after is always pretty hot, shit.] I want you to hold me, Like you do every time I doubt And you try to make me realise I am worth every second you hold me and more. I want you to hold me But most importantly, I want to hold you the same, even better.
I watched warily as other employees exited the boardroom. Mr. Bargon had announced that all department leaders should wait behind because the new CEO wanted to address us. I sighed as I exchanged looks with Ijeoma who was standing beside me. The tension in the room was palpable even though I knew Mr. Stranger/ new CEO hadn’t seen me yet and I hoped it would remain that way. He was standing at the door with the old CEO and those that came with him. I had no idea what they were saying but it seemed pretty serious as he was just nodding his head intermittently.
Can this just be over already?
Oh shit. I just remembered how dismissive I was the other day. Oh my God, Adeola. I have dug hole for myself o! My job will definitely be on the line now. There’s no way this guy would not recognise me.
Conceited, much?
You think you are that memorable. What? He saw you for barely five minutes, madam.
While I was chiding myself, the old CEO departed with his entourage and the new CEO sat in front of we departmental heads after asking us to sit.
“Good morning,—“ he started, looking at every face in the room and I was trying to hide mine in my weaves. I bent my head forward and studied my nails. That way, I would not look at him and he would not see me. All will be well.
He continued to speak and I sincerely did not hear anything. All I could hear was the loud beating of my heart in my chest. Ijeoma nudged me with her elbow and I looked up. Everyone’s eyes were on me. Oh shit. Now I have everyone’s attention.
“Ms., are you with us?” The new CEO asked. He was looking straight at me and at that moment, I felt so open and vulnerable. His eyes gave away no notion that he remembered me so I sighed inwardly. Praise God. “Y–yes sir. I am with you sir.” I felt like a ball of cotton had been lodged in my throat. Can he stop staring at me already? I shifted slightly in my seat and glanced at the beautiful mahogany of the boardroom table.
His eyes left me and he continued speaking to everyone else in the room. He talked about what he required from us as department leaders. It was just basically what we have been doing with little adjustments. I zoned him out as I thought of Kevin. I wondered what he would say if I told him of the new young CEO. Kevin had always dreamed of getting to the point of a CEO in the company he was working for. He worked his ass off every time and sometimes, his work served as an interruption on our dates. He was just so ambitious. I have always told him to start his own business if he wanted to be a CEO. Not that I don’t believe in his dreams, but fam, this is Nigeria, The owner of the company probably has a son somewhere waiting to take over, just like our young CEO here. I don’t know if he is the old CEO’s son though. I didn’t see any resemblance between them to actually decide such.
“Adeola.”
I heard my name and I turned my head to face Ijeoma. “Hmm?” I answered absentmindedly before realizing that other workers are already leaving the boardroom. I don’t understand this zoning out today. I don’t usually zone out.
“Are you okay?” She looked at me worriedly, getting up from her seat. I nodded and sighed. I got up too and proceeded to leave with her. The new CEO was still in his chair at the head of the table, talking to Mr. Bargon who looked like he had shit his pants. I felt bad for him though. I had the feeling he thought he would be the CEO.
I walked out with Ijeoma and heaved a loud sigh as I closed the door behind me. Mr. New CEO barely gave me a glance as he kept on with whatever serious talk he was having with Mr. Bargon. That’s good, right? He doesn’t recognise and that was certainly good, right?
“Guy, what were you thinking of? You were totally out of it.” Ijeoma prodded as we walked down the hallway. “See, I don’t even know. My thoughts were just everywhere. But I am so glad he didn’t even recognise me,” I said, rubbing my elbow. An action Ijeoma had pointed out to me I did only when I am nervous about something. I dropped my hand and continued walking. I could feel Ijeoma’s eyes on me.
“What?” I asked, glancing at her as we walked towards the elevator that will take us the second floor where our offices were. “I don’t think he did not recognize you, Adeola.” Ijeoma said, pressing the elevator button.
“What do you mean?” I asked as the doors slid open. We entered and the doors closed again. I waited as Ijeoma pressed the button for our floor. She was even taking her sweet time. “Ijeoma, will you talk?!” I asked impatiently, glaring at her.
Ijeoma sighed. “I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who saw the way he stared at you while he was addressing us. I think he recognized you.” I rolled my eyes. “Guy, I don’t think so. He barely even glanced at me when we were leaving.” “If you think so,” Ijeoma said and shrugged. I rolled my eyes again and looked at my nails. I needed to file them again. “I will go to Kevin’s place this night. I need to make him see reason.” I blurted out.
I felt Ijeoma’s glare on me. She shook her head. “The guy is a dunce.” I chuckled, saying nothing. “Do you need me to come with you? Girl power and support and all that shit.” She asked just as the doors of the elevator slid open to our floor.
“Nah. I can handle it.” I said, walking towards my office. Hers was in the opposite direction. “Whatever you say, poopy.” She said, laughing.
How I hated this girl. She knew how much I hated being called poopy. Long story. Let me just tell you it involved me, her, party food, uncontrollable running stomach and Ibadan public toilets. I flipped her off as a shudder ran through my head to my toes. May I never remember that event again.
I heard her laughter all the way to my office. Shouldn’t there be a rule against excessive laughter in offices? I settled down in my chair when I entered my office and continued with the day’s work.
* I hummed as I found a place to park in the street Kevin lived. I killed off the ignition and sighed as I picked my purse and walked out of the car. I looked at my face in the car’s mirror and saw that my make up was still intact. The primer I just got was the best I have used yet. Technically, Ijeoma got it for me, but whatever.
I walked to Kevin’s flat and knocked. I heard no response. I knew he was at home because I could hear the sounds coming from the television… and why do they sound like moans? I shook my head and knocked again. The door opened just as I about to knock the third time.
Oh.
A girl.
Oh.
I knew her. I remembered her face from the pictures Kevin had shown me. His cousin that was schooling in the UK. What was her name again? Abigail, Annabelle? Apostrophe? I cannot really remember.
“Yes, how many I help you?” She asked as she looked at me from head to toe. Yay. We would bond so nicely. I could feel it. I rolled my eyes inwardly and gave her my sweetest smile.
“Hi. I am Adeola, Kevin’s girlfriend. Is he home?” I hoped to the heavens I spoke in the sweetest voice there was.
She said nothing but yelled at Kevin who apparently was in. “Darling!!” Darling? How weird. Kevin hated that particular pet name. “Yeah? Sugar, what is it?” He answered from inside. Sugar? The Kevin I know hated calling people pet names too. He felt people’s name were deeper, more loving and original. Whatever that was.
“Someone’s looking for you.” Abigail/Annabelle/Apostrophe replied and looked back at me. Someone? Did she not hear when I said I was Kevin’s girlfriend? A small smirk was on her face as she regarded me coolly. I smiled at her again and tried to not to stare at her nipples that were protruding from her tank top.
Wait, is that not my tank top?
Wow.
I sighed and tried looking into the apartment through the little space “she whose name I knew not” had not blocked with her body.
I smelled Kevin before I saw him. He always smelled like a citrus fruit. He always hated it when I told him. He said he is supposed to smell manly not like some high school girl. Whatever that it is. The point is I liked it.
“Oh.” I heard him say when he saw me. His eyes widened as he looked from me to “she whose name I knew not.”
“Kevin, can I come in? We need to talk.” I begged, looking at him. He opened his mouth to speak but Abigail/Annabelle/Apostrophe beat him to it. “I thought you said you got rid of her. She still regards herself as your girlfriend, Kevin.”
Got rid of me?
“I swear, I did. Tania, believe me. I didn’t even pick her calls.” Kevin replied her, not looking at me. I didn’t even bother to register her name as what was happening dawned on me.
Kevin had been cheating on me. All along. With his supposed cousin.
I laughed, drawing their attention to me. I felt like a fool. A big fool. Here was I, pinning for a bastard.
“Did you plan the set up yourself?” I asked, looking at him through the tears that were already forming in my eyes.
“Kevin? Nah, I did all that. Guy, you have been hoarding my man for too long. I had to do what needed to be done. He wanted to break up with you normally but he didn’t want to break your heart so I offered my help,” Tania said dismissively and moved to where Kevin stood, rigid, still unable to meet my eyes.
“Wow,” I muttered. I looked at Kevin for a moment before pushing my way inside. “Hey,” I heard the idiotic bitch Tania shout.
“Wow,” I muttered. All this while, all this while. Adeola, dem play you. I pushed into the house and walked to the kitchen with a hard glint in my eyes. I knew I looked like a lunatic. I felt like a lunatic even. I didn’t even need to be told.
“Hey,” I heard the bitch, Tania, call as she followed me fast but she stopped immediately she saw the knife in my hands.
“Guy, calm down,” She said up her hands as if in surrender. Behind her, Kevin placed his hands on his head as if he had just heard bad news. I giggled inwardly. Coward oshi. I pointed the knife at Tania and Kevin, swinging it crazily. “Look at me. Look at me very well. I am not your guy. I am not your fucking guy! Just let me do what I want to do and get out of your hair. Who even wants to kill you?”
Who tries to reassure someone while swinging a knife so sharp it’s glinting in the setting sun making its way into the kitchen? Apparently, that’s me.
“Stay there,” I pointed to a side of the kitchen and after they did that, I took the first set of ceramic plates I saw and smashed them on the tiles. I heard Tania’s gasp and smirked. I smashed the next set and the next and I didn’t stop until I had smashed them all, even the cups and everything ceramic in there.
Tania moved towards me and I pointed the knife at her. “Saw the way I smashed those plates, that’s how I wanna smash the heads of you both. Moving closer to me is telling me you want it. If you don’t want it, don’t push me. Just do as I say.”
Kevin gulped and started to say something but I guess the look on my face stopped him. I told them to walk in my front as I made my way to the bedroom. I slashed the bed and the pillows, disfigured Kevin footwear and ripped his clothes in his closet. Especially those ones I bought.
He couldn’t believe his eyes. They were literally bulging out of his sockets at this point. Tania remained silent and we walked to the living room. I slashed the couches and broke the table. I really don’t know where the energy for all this came from but I was not satisfied until I broke the flat screen TV I contributed money for so that he could get it.
At this point, Kevin and Tania’s mouth were hung open and I smirked. “Now that I have destroyed all we had together physically after you destroyed what we had emotionally, you can now have a fresh start with Tania. And by the way, Tania, all these things you see, I helped him with it. I loved him and gave my all while all you did was fuck him.” I moved closer to them and spat on their faces then took my leave.
I definitely felt like a bad “in control” guy.
“Why is this one smiling like a fool? Abeg leave this place.” I heard Tania hiss before slamming the door on my face.
Wait, what? Have I just been imagining all that? As much as my imagination was sweet, I felt the weight of what had just happened drop on my shoulders and I could feel the tears bubbling inside of me, begging to be released.
I retreated and walked back to my car with tears blinding my eyes. I felt like a big fool, an idiot. A mumu. I couldn’t even fight. Ah.
Ehn, if you had fought with them, what would you have achieved? I rested my head on the dashboard as soon as I entered the car and left the sobs walk through me. How could Kevin do this to me? Why?
Million questions raced through my mind as I fought to accept that I had been cheated on and it went on for so long.
My phone rang and I raised my head and looked at the caller. It was Ijeoma. I picked the call and waited for her to speak. “Babes… how far? You don reach Kevin side?”
A sob broke out of my mouth and I heard Ijeoma’s voice increase in tempo. “Adeola, what happened? Where are you? I’m coming to your place now. Where are you?”
I wiped the tears off my face and inhaled. I probably looked like a panda already.
“The bastard. He… he cheated.”
“Ehn?!!!!” Ijeoma screamed and I rolled my eyes despite myself. Such a character, Ijeoma.
“Where you dey now? I dey come,” she said and I heard rustling from her side. I started my car, “I’m already going home,” I drove out of the street and headed home.
“alright o. I hoped you showed some action to him sha. What is he? What is a Kevin?”
I chuckled. This girl. “In my head, yes.” Ijeoma hissed and said, “what’s this rubbish you just said? Anyways, I will soon get to the front of your house. I already ordered ice-cream. I ordered some wings and burger too. Do you need me to order pizza?”
“Kuku kill me now,” I grumbled. I heard her laughter. I smiled. “I only ordered Ice cream,” she said. “Abeg order burger too na and chicken wings and chips and pizza and peppered snails. Comfort food stuff,” I begged.
Ijeoma hissed. “Get out of here. FFO.”
I laughed because between us, she was the original FFO. She cut the call just as I drove into my street. For those few minutes, Ijeoma made me forget about the bastard and I was grateful. Grateful until I saw the new CEO driving into the house opposite mine.
Why are you hands cold? Icy, frosty like the mornings you are not with me… Did you forget how to put them between my thighs, where it’s all warm, warm, where it can go hot?
Why are you lips cold? Chapped/peeling like the yellow wall of my room… Did you forget how to put them on my lips, and let it open like blossoming flower in the summer day?
Why are your feet cold, my love? Did you forget how to put them on my stomach while you lay across me on the couch we bought in the flea market last year? That couch, do you remember, where memories were made?
Why is your heart cold? Did you disconnect it from mine?
On Author’sDelight today is Chiziterem Chijioke, the author of one of Pabpub.com’s popular novels. Chiziterem is a sweet soul and she shares with us her experiences, lessons and fun things she enjoys in this interview. Still conducting this interview is your favorite girl, Oreoluwa Eunice. Read on to have a peek into her world.
Awesome Chiziterem
Oreoluwa Eunice: My name is Oreoluwa Eunice and I am so delighted to have you here on StoryStoryOh’s Author’sDelight. Please introduce yourself.
Chiziterem Chijioke: Hello, I’m Chiziterem Chijioke. I’m a student, Writer and Creative Artiste.
Oreoluwa Eunice: A creative artiste, that’s intriguing. Can you please shed light on that?
Chiziterem Chijioke: Creative Artiste in the sense that I create things. Ideas, stories, etc. There’s more to telling stories than simply writing it. When telling a story, you’re creating, not simply writing. That’s why I said, I’m a creative artiste.
Oreoluwa Eunice: That’s really cool. So Chiziterem, what are your book interests? What genres do you like to read?
Chiziterem Chijioke: Well… I read virtually anything actually. I read Fantasy (sometimes) General Fiction, Romance, Mystery… Anything. Just gimme a good book.
Oreoluwa Eunice: What book are you currently reading?
Chiziterem Chijioke: Color Me Intrigued by Andy Hare on Wattpad.
Oreoluwa Eunice: I am yet to read Color Me Intrigued. I definitely would rectify that soon. Andy Hare is such a good writer.
Chiziterem Chijioke: Indeed she is. One of the best I know.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Now to your amazing book, Serendipity. I have read Serendipity and it is such a great book. Sweet and spicy with a bit of everything. What inspired you to write it?
Serendipity (out on Pabpub.com and Wattpad) It tells a story of Derin and Nonso, two people who despite all the odds fight for what they truly feel. Derin keeps a secret from Nonso, one that threatens to tear down their reunion and one that keeps her from him. But upon a tragic event, the only place Derin can find solace is in the arms of Nonso. What happens when the secret spills?
Chiziterem Chijioke: I can’t really pin point what exactly. But many things did. I remember seeing the movie The Wedding Party in 2017. And I remember liking the antagonist, played by Beverley Naya and then all of a sudden I thought, “What if a villain is a hero…what if the protagonist can be her own enemy. A bitchy protagonist.” That was how I came up with the character, Derin. And every other creativity from that story was merely a as-you-go thought. But mainly, Serendipity was inspired by Beverly Naya’s role in THE Wedding Party.
Oreoluwa Eunice: I love Beverly’s role in TWP. It was well delivered and it’s so nice she inspired some creativity from you. Moving on, what lessons did you learn in the writing and publishing journey of this book?
Chiziterem Chijioke: It’s actually funny how, writers, in creating something learn from their own works. I learnt a lot about keeping friendships, trust and what true love really means.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Do you have a writing schedule or are you more of a spontaneous writer?
Chiziterem Chijioke: I am a spontaneous writer. There are however risks in that aspect. I’m currently not working on any story now, but for my next story coming, I’d have a schedule because I need more organization for it. However, spontaneous is fun and a schedule doesn’t mean I still won’t be spontaneous. Haha. Being a creative artiste is an art that requires your imagination twenty four, seven. I don’t think we can make a schedule for that. When an idea hits, we move. Sometimes, we need the schedule to stay focused and work effectively. But sometimes, the schedule doesn’t also work in our favour. It depends though.
Oreoluwa Eunice: I totally understand you. I am more of a spontaneous writer myself but sometimes I need to schedule my activities. About Neckline of Colours, what message do you hope to pass across in this your upcoming book?
Chiziterem Chijioke: Neckline Of Colours is a story that hopes to reach out to people who make decisions because of the following reasons: Society (what people say, what people think) and competition, that is, competing with the people closest to you and thinking, oh I should do this to be like them. Neckline Of Colours simply preaches to people to be themselves. Also, on the aspect of love, it tells us that love is very unpredictable… Not always as nice as we think it is. Relationships before anything means committed and understanding before love. I hope that in the case of Nara and Ugochukwu, we learn what that means. The release date is near and would be announced in due time. You can get it only on Pabpub.com
Neckline Of Colours (Coming Soon) Neckline Of Colours spins the story of two Nigerian love birds in the most unclichéd way I can imagine. I have seen many stories that talk about love and its essence, but in Neckline Of Colours, the Author turns away from every hackneyed trope, to create something simply original. Meet Nara. Nara is an artist living in Nigeria. All of her friends are getting married, and Nara can’t stop herself from feeling societal pressure pounding on her from every angle. Then Ugo comes along. He is Nara’s love interest from years ago, and he has just returned from a foreign land seeking Nara’s hand in marriage. His love for Nara still blossoms in his heart, and he envisions a future where he lives happily ever after with Nara. The problem is, Nara’s heart evolved over the past few years, and she doesn’t love him as much as she used to. Still, to please society, she finds herself say yes to Ugo when he proposes to her publicly, in a very heartwarming proposal scene. In Neckline Of Colours, we see Nara and Ugo come together and examine themselves for what they really want out of life—if love is enough. We see them discover what love truly means, and every sacrifice that comes with it.
Oreoluwa Eunice: I am so glad about this book. Looking forward to when it would be released. Moving on, I will ask you some pretty fun questions. Are you ready?
Chiziterem Chijioke : I’m readyyy.
Oreoluwa Eunice: What was the last gift you gave someone?
Chiziterem Chijioke : A pair of shoes
Oreoluwa Eunice: What super power would you rather have, being invisible or being able to fly?
Chiziterem Chijioke : Being able to fly… should be super cool
Oreoluwa Eunice: what three books do you consider your favorites?
Chiziterem Chijioke : Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us. Adaeze’s Preordained. Harielta James’ Conquering Extinction.
Oreoluwa Eunice: It is so great I have read two of these three books. I love Preordained, ohmygosh, Adaeze did such awesome work and Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us is a masterpiece. I am yet to read Conquering Extinction. So tell me, Chiziterem, if you were to keep one book forever, give one book out without ever reading and rewrite one, which of them will it be?
Chiziterem Chijioke: 😹
Oreoluwa Eunice: 😂😊
Chiziterem Chijioke : This is such a hard choice. Um. I’ll rewrite It Ends With Us, only because I just wanted her to end up with the Doctor 😩 I’d give out Preordained, maybe. It’s a good book but it broke my heart many times. So much pain… and love too. I’d totally keep Conquering Extintion. It made me laugh. I like laughing.
Beautiful Chiziterem
Oreoluwa Eunice: I would totally rewrite It Ends With Us too. I like Ryle too. In fact, I fell in love with his character until his flaws came out. I was really pained. It’s just that the book might lose its message if Ryle’s character is different. I would really love to read Conquering Extinction too. I love a book that makes me laugh.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Chocolate drink or Yoghurt drink, which one?
Chiziterem Chijioke: Chocolate.
Oreoluwa Eunice: which book is your favorite yet underappreciated to you?
Chiziterem Chijioke : Hmm… I can’t think of any…
Oreoluwa Eunice: Alright. Any final words for writers hoping to become authors like you?
Chiziterem Chijioke : Just be yourself, because even you can surprise you.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Thank you, Chiziterem for having me. It was a delight chatting with you ♥
Get Serendipity by Chiziterem Chijiokeusing these links.
Hello, When you first said this, it was like I had never heard it before. He-llo, Two syllables, rolled between your lips, meshed by your tongue. Your eyes, I remember them twinkling with so much mystery and I felt a thrill of excitement in my bones. He-llo, And I melted into a puddle of myself. Did I look right? My hair, my halo, does it look right? I wondered how I looked in your beautiful brown eyes. Did I look like me or the girl I wanted the world to see?
Hello, hello, Can you hear me? Can you? Hear me. Can you hear?
Hello, And Goodbye.
Goodbye. I stared at your lips as you said them to me, piercing me. I remember that moment. Your eyes no longer twinkled. They were dull, lifeless, lifeless. Goodbye. Good-bye, I watched your back retreat from me. Each step kneading a knife into my chest. Goodbye. Two words that broke my broken pieces into shards. Shards. Was I wrong to have shown you me? Was I? I just wanted you to see me, hear me as I did you. I just wanted you — it doesn’t matter what I wanted. It is goodbye now and I will never hear another hello. I don’t think what’s left of my shards can take it.
So every day, each of them told me: “It’s flying colors or nothing. Read well and don’t sleep too much.” None of them asked if I was okay, nothing of such. When they see me, they say: “are you sure you read at all? Look at you, getting all fat and big and voluptuous…” Oh. This is not a rant, just me thinking how meticulous people get when they talk of flying colors. What exactly are flying colors? Are they the rainbow colors? If they really care, then they should have also reminded me to live in flying colors. In red, orange yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet and every shade of living well.
Special shout-out to @iamjalicia @iulia_david_photography @karlapowellmua and @ted_retouching (all on Instagram) for creating these awesome, inspiring pictures.
Hi there, welcome to my StoryStoryOh today and thank you for reading here. Oh and most importantly, happy new month!!! I’m so happy you scaled through July despite the turns and tides. I pray this month brings you all the goodness you desire.
How did July go for you? I told my friends that July was looking ‘booked’ for me and I wasn’t kidding. I read a lot more in July than I did previous months and I am so glad. Apart from my reading, many awesome things happened in July. Beyonce’s Lion King’s album, “The Gift” was released and it took the world by storm. I was particularly glad Nigerian artistes dominated the album and some of them delivered well. Also, the Man Booker Prize longlist was released and three Nigerian books made it. My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite made it to the list. An Orchestra Of Minorities by Chigozie Obioma made it also and lastly, Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo.
I can’t believe we were just in July yesterday. Woah, time really does wait for no man. Tick tock. Anyways, in July, I discovered an awesome author. I had been seeing great reviews on her books and so I decided to give her a try and ohmygosh, I wasn’t disappointed. Her name is Colleen Hoover. I binge read her books in the space of a week and some days. Here’s the list of how I read them accordingly.
Maybe Someday It Ends With Us Confess November 9 Verity Finding Cinderella All Your Perfects Losing Hope Slammed Point of retreat This Girl Maybe Not
I will be posting my mini reviews on them in few days so watch this space.
I enjoyed some Nigerian books too and I got them from Roving Heights Bookstore in Lagos.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives – Lola Shoneyin
I haven’t posted anything about this book yet on this blog and I don’t know why cos I enjoyed it so much. Its worth every hype and more. I read it in one sitting, I couldn’t believe it myself. I wasn’t planning on reading it when I did. I just took it along with me where I was going and when I started reading it, I was so glued I couldn’t stop until I was done. For me it’s a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 book.
Be(com)ing Nigerian: A Guide – Elnathan John
I posted my thoughts on this book last month. You canread it hereif you missed it.
Stay With Me – Ayobami Adebayo
Last month also, I posted seven lessons I got from this 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 star read and you can read them here if you missed it.
At Every Tunnels End – Fawaz A.H
I got this poetry e-book from The African Writers blog and it had been in my e-book library for quite a while so I decided to give it a chance and I wasn’t disappointed. It deals with the intricacies of mental health, mental growth, depression and everything related. It was so thoughtfully written and wonderful, I had to reach out to the author and thank him for writing it. It’s 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 for me.
Princess Charming – Nicole Jordan Prince of Pleasure – Nicole Jordan
I enjoyed a bit of historical romance too and when I want something sweet with a bit of spice, Nicole Jordan is my gee.
Eleanor and Park – Rainbow Rowell
This book is one amazing YA novel. It deals with the uncertainty of first love between two social misfits. It taught me your first love might be what will break you or make you and that sometimes, some things have to end before there is a beginning. I will be reading more of Rainbow Rowell’s books this August. Watch out for my review on this book also in a few days. It’s a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 star read for me.
The Hating Game- Sally Thorne
This book is Amaaaaazzzzinnng!!! I had been reading a lot of great reviews on it and so I decided to read it and I was not disappointed at all. I heard a great news too. A movie is being made on it. Whoop whoop. I just pray that it is delivered well.
Until Harry – L.A Casey
I love this book! I read it quite early in July and L.A Casey did justice to this book. Loss of loved ones, leaving home, new life and seeming unrequited love. L.A Casey delivered well.
So these are the books I was able to read in July. I am a bit annoyed I didn’t get a dose of Sidney Sheldon as I promised myself earlier in the month. I started reading his book, Master Of The Game, but I haven’t gotten past few pages.
Anyhoo, which of these books have you read? What are your thoughts on them? Which one(s) is in your TBR list?
What other books did you read this month? Kindly recommend in the comments.
If the burden is too much and stays too long, even love bends, cracks, comes close to breaking and sometimes does break. But when it’s in a thousand pieces around your feet, that doesn’t mean it’s no longer love.
Stay With Me – Ayobami Adebayo
Stay With Me is a devastating story of the fragility of married love, the undoing of family, the wretchedness of grief and the all-consuming bonds of motherhood (from book blurb). Reading this book was an utmost delight and a dream come true. I found myself sighing intermittently and sometimes, I would drop it because I just couldn’t bear to carry on. It was so heart wrenching. Anyways, I finished it and here are some of the lessons I got from the book.
•Love is not enough, love cannot be enough, love will never be enough.
•As much as you love your family members or you want to respect them, a line should be drawn. Boundaries is not a sign of disrespect. It’s the need for mental and emotional peace.
•Marriage is not beans. Marriage is beyond the glamour of the wedding and yes, marriage is not compulsory. If local man/woman does not marry, local man/woman will not die.
The reasons why we do the things we do will not always be the ones that others will remember. Sometimes I think we have children because we want to leave behind someone who can explain who we were to the world.
Stay With Me – Ayobami Adebayo
•Be sexually informative so that nobody will tell you that not all penises get hard when aroused and you will ‘didirinly’ eat it up like gala inside traffic. It was at this point I got really disappointed with Yejide. I was like whaaatttt?!!!! Man told you this and you did not check that fact yourself 😥(but it was understandable sha)
•As much as it is good to carry our cross, it is important to know when to ask for help. Even Jesus didn’t carry his cross all the way to Golgotha.
•Trust is very important. Do not hide something you are supposed to share with your partner, from your partner especially if it is something that will affect them too in the long run. It is dangerous and the outcome is never palatable.
•Love yourself. I can’t overemphasize this enough. Love yourself enough to know when to give yourself a break. Love yourself enough to know what you deserve and what you don’t.
This is it then – fifteen years here and, though my house is not on fire, all I’m taking is a bag of gold and a change of clothes. The things that matter are inside me, locked up below my breast as though in a grave, a place of permanence, my coffin-like treasure chest.
Stay With Me – Ayobami Adebayo
If you haven’t read this book, I recommend you to do so as soon as possible. It is such a wonderful read.
This is the second part of this story series. To read the first part, click HERE.
I seriously cannot stand the callers of the radio station I was listening to. Jesus! Most were spewing rubbish from their mouth and they were doing so happily. Men and women alike. Apparently, over the weekend, a popular social media influencer had said that if he was going to give birth at all, he would rather father boys than girls because of his experience with his uncle’s daughters when his uncle was ailing. So people came for him and sparks went flying and lots of arguments and name calling generated.
I do not understand why the OAP of the radio station thought it would be most pleasant if he raised the topic on air this Monday morning. I was sure other people like me would rather not listen to that kind of story Monday morning. I cannot even deal with the wahala and so, I just switched off the radio and drove in silence to work.
I had settled in my office when Ijeoma peeked into my office. “Knock knock.”
Ijeoma was my best friend and the first friend I met in Ibadan. I actually met her the day I started working in this office. She was the one who showed me around and introduced me to other employees in the office. She was so pleasant that day, I couldn’t help it but be attracted to her personality.
“Aunty, good morning… you have come again abi?” I looked at her with a sly look on my face. A mischievous big grin was on her face and I wondered how it would slowly wipe away if I informed her of what happened between I and Kevin. She sat on my table and looked at me, saying nothing. “What?” I asked, rolling my eyes. She was just too dramatic. I wonder what she had in mind. “Guy, you know if Mr. Bargon sees you on my table, you will receive some nice spray.”
Ijeoma burst out laughing, a belly laughter that rolled out in pleasant waves and sounded like music to my ears. I chuckled as I thought of Mr. Bargon. Mr. Bargon was an inside joke between I and Ijeoma. His name was actually Mr. Bayo but because this man could talk and could scold till heaven falls and most importantly, whenever he spoke, spittle flew everywhere and whoever he was scolding would be the recipient of his spittle, he earned the name Mr. Bargon from Ijeoma and I.
“Speaking of Mr. Bargon, Sade from HR is in trouble o. Before I came here, Mr. Bargon was busy spraying her,” Ijeoma informed me. She had found her way to one of the chairs in front of my table now.
“Ehyah.” I said absentmindedly as I picked up as a file from the drawer beside my table. “Now the main reason I came here… Adeola, daughter of Dr. And Dr. Mrs. Arolowo, why would you send me a cryptic message when you know I will be dying to know the news…” She said, crossing her arms against her chest.
I raised an eyebrow at her. “Babe, you and I know how sweet delayed gratification can be.”
Ijeoma hissed and I poked out my tongue at her. She laughed out her sweet music again and I smiled. It was always a delight to watch her laugh. Her eyes would close for a bit and her head will fall back as the laughter rocked out of her. I shook my head. She was such a sweet soul. A sweet soul I was so glad was my friend. “Tell me jo.” Let me add one more thing. She was also an impatient soul, especially when it came to gist. “Ijeoma, this is Monday morning. Don’t you have clients to call or something?”
Ijeoma rolled her eyes. “Tell me now.”
“Okay, okay… Kevin and I broke up. Not break up, break up o, cos I wouldn’t allow it…” Then I proceeded to give her a run down of what had happened. “That your sister never gives up, does she?” An angry look was on Ijeoma’s face. She was the only one I had told how my sister had been treating that had totally believed me. Even my parents didn’t and they never curbed Sarah’s excesses.
I shrugged and looked down at the file in front of me, seeing nothing. Kevin had still not replied the message I sent to him since Saturday night and it was unnerving me. “Don’t worry about it, babe.” Ijeoma said softly.
She was about to stand up when she remembered something. “Oh my God, Adeola, how did you now do it with that guy you said you came across?” Her eyes were sparkling with curiosity and now she was looking at me intently. I hissed. I was still so embarrassed. I was feeling so fly when I went over to meet him. “God, Ijeoma, why did you remind me of that annoying situation?!”
Ijeoma laughed, unable to keep in her amusement. “Keep on laughing at me,” I said but laughter soon escaped my lips too.
I quickly told her how it went down from me realizing my buttons were undone. After I looked down and saw that my buttons were truly undone, I quickly buttoned up in severe embarrassment. I’m sure if I was white, my whole body would be red from how embarrassed I felt. I mumbled a quick thank you to him and rushed back to my seat. When I sat down, I could still feel his eyes on me. I felt like punching myself in the face. I didn’t feel comfortable sitting there anymore so I took my purse and left the Bar. When I got outside, fresh breeze patted my face and I felt myself go calm until I heard a chuckle beside me. I turned and there he was, smirking again. Bia, what is the problem? My eyes seemed to ask then as if he could read my eyes, he answered, “Don’t feel too embarrassed, love. Things like that happen.”
I didn’t even know when a hiss left my mouth. I glared at him and walked away from him to my car. Who is his love? See his face! After laughing at me, he said I should not feel embarrassed. Ha! I got in my car and drove off and the guy still had the guts to wave at me. I have suffered!
Ijeoma held her stomach in laughter when I narrated everything to her. “Shebi I have told you to stop feeling yourself too much. You met your match!” She laughed again and it was that moment, Mr Bargon walked into my office. “Miss Nweke, I can see you are having a pleasant morning in another person’s office.”
Ijeoma looked up with horror on her face. I guess she was the one I needed to sympathize with now and not Sade. “I’m sorry, sir.” Mr. Bargon shook his head and looked at both of us. “Anyways, I don’t have time for this. You both come over to the boardroom. The new boss is around.” He said and left my office.
New boss? So the rumors that had been flying around the office about the CEO retiring was not unfounded after all. I wondered who the new boss was.
Ijeoma chuckled as Mr. Bargon left my office. “Guy, see as I just loyal. I can’t even deal with that man this morning.”
I shook my head and stood up. “Abeg let’s go to the boardroom o before the man says that we are not serious. But I legit thought that the rumors were just rumors o!” “The man don old na. He suppose don retire since sef,” Ijeoma said as we walked to the boardroom. Other employees were already there when we entered and there was a low hum as people discussed in hush tones, each of them wondering who will take the seat of the CEO.
It was on my mind too because the CEO is one of the determinant of our fate in this company. He could decide to change how things worked and he could even lay off people and anyone could be affected.
We had been waiting for close to five minutes. Other employees had also come into the boardroom and it was a full house. While waiting, I opened m Twitter app to read what was currently trending. Ijeoma was discussing with another employee so I was just on my own.
Silence suddenly enveloped the room. I put my phone away. Mr. Bargon walked in with the former CEO, some other men I don’t know and a young guy wearing shades.
Why do people wear shades indoors?
“Good morning everyone.” The former CEO greeted. We all replied Good morning sir. The elderly man started to speak and we all listened with rapt attention but as I looked at him and the people he came in with, my eyes kept returning to the young man that walked in with them. There was something oddly familiar about him.
The former CEO then called him forward. He removed his shades and I gasped inaudibly, gripping Ijeoma’s fingers.
“Guy, what the heck,” I whispered to Ijeoma. At the moment, I was glad we were at the back. “What happened?” Ijeoma asked me, whispering too. “That’s the guy I met in The Bar.” I whispered back, staring at him. The former CEO was still saying something. Wait… I think I heard…
Hi lovelies. I’m glad you are reading this interview. It’s still your one and only Oreoluwa Eunice conducting this interview and with me is beautiful Glory Abah, an author, crazy book lover and a fiction coach. Come with me and let’s learn.
Glory Abah is a super talented writer and she is a sucker for good romance. Just look at that beautiful smile.
Glory Abah: I am Glory Abah, an author, a fiction coach and a crazy book lover. Currently, I have read 100+ books since this year. I released one book this year on OkadaBooks and I have a UK published book coming out August 12
Oreoluwa Eunice: Wow. That’s so amazing. You have read 100+ books this year. I aspire to be like you. Congratulations on your oncoming published book. That’s a great feat. Well done. So tell me, Glory, what are you reading interests? What kind of genres and themes do you like to read?
Glory Abah: Romance is my reading interest anytime, any day. I can mix it up with historical, suspense, comedy even horror but in the end, I always run back to romance. know most people see romance as an unserious light part of literature yet, it is the bestselling genre of all books or so I think.
Oreoluwa Eunice: You are very right.
Glory Abah: I also read popular fantasy anyways. This year, I read the five Game of Thrones books which had 6k plus pages. Last year, I read the Harry Potter books. My friends want me to read more non-fiction and business books but I am not interested in those genres. I can read drama like Big Little Lies and of course books from African writers like Chimamanda. I have read Fresh Water, My sister, The serial killer but my favorite remains romance.
Oreoluwa Eunice: I totally understand where you are coming from. Romance might be seemingly disdained but it is what sells. Now that we have established that your favorite aspect of literature is Romance, which book can you say is the best romance read you have read till now?
Glory Abah: Every year, I discover authors who are too great for me to pick a favorite , honestly. So for authors, I have three favorite authors and I love ALL their books: Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Sophie Kinsella and Sally Thorne. So far this year, the best romance novel I have read is The Hating Game by Sally Thorne.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Awesome. So which book are you reading currently?
Glory Abah: Julie James, The Thing About Love. I’ve read it before, years back, but I didn’t know what to read next so I am currently re-reading it.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Seems interesting. I love the title. Let’s talk about your book, The Ones in my Head. This book explores themes people are hesitant to talk about in Nigeria. Why did you write it then?
Glory Abah: I wasn’t thinking of the theme when I wrote it, or how Nigerians will react to it. It was a story that just came to me one evening when I was with my laptop, but during the writing period, the theme grew on me. Mental health is not something that we focus on. In fact, we ridicule it and we ridicule people who visit therapists and those who can help them.
Oreoluwa Eunice: You are absolutely right, Glory.
Glory Abah: But the fact remains that there are people in this country that have serious mental and psychological issues but we call it madness either as a joke, in seriousness or to explain irrational behavior. Most times, our childhood affects us a lot and because we live in a system where we are expected to deal with it quietly and move on, everything is left in our minds and there’s only so much the mind can take.
Oreoluwa Eunice: I read an article about this recently and I cannot but agree with you.
Glory Abah: Sometimes I look at how men and women behave, and I wonder what triggered this behavior or if they even bothered to know why they act or talk or reason like that. They just accept it as who they are and so, they hurt people who in turn hurt others. It’s a vicious cycle. We don’t have a culture of speaking or discussing feelings/issues. We believe it has happened so move on. It’s very dangerous.
Oreoluwa Eunice: This is definitely food for thoughts. We still have a long way to go regarding mental health in Nigeria but I am glad that the gospel is getting to people. Moving on, what lessons did you gain in the process and after publishing this book?
Glory Abah: In publishing this book, I learned that most Nigerians still prefer hard copies to soft copies. I learned that some Nigerians shy away from topics they don’t understand. I learned that a book cover should be attractive. I learned that you need to be intentional about your marketing and publicity. You need to put in effort, creativity and money too.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Very true. Do you think this writing business is profitable for you?
Glory Abah: It wasn’t when I first started. I was a struggle to make sales. When you post about it, family and friends will like and comment, even share but most won’t buy. That didn’t bother me because as a reader, I understand that my audience is not just in family and friends circle. So this year, I started making a conscious effort to find my readers where they are. And this year, I have made more sales than I have ever made on a book before. From a self published book. The important thing is to not give up, to try new strategies always. Oreoluwa Eunice: Is there anything you will choose not to do or will let go or have even let go already so as to be better in your craft?
Glory Abah: I had to let go of distractions and discipline myself to sit down and write. I learned to write even when I was tired or didn’t feel like it.
Beautiful Glory
Oreoluwa Eunice: 😁the almighty writers’ block, eh. Okay, moving on. I am just going to ask you some fun questions. What is the last gift you gave someone?
Glory Abah: A skirt.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Pepsi or Coke?
Glory Abah: Coke please.
Oreoluwa Eunice: You are my kinswoman. 😁
Glory Abah: 😀
Oreoluwa Eunice: If you were a color in a crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Glory Abah: Sky Blue because I love my personal space and I love open spaces, fresh breeze and bodies of water like streams, rivers, the ocean including trees and shrubs.
Oreoluwa Eunice: We have so much in common, Glory. I’m giddy. Now, Glory, let’s say you have three books by Chimamanda Adichie: Americanah, Purple Hibiscus and Half of A Yellow Sun but you are to throw one away, give one out without reading and keep one… Which one is it going to be?
Glory Abah: I will keep Purple Hibiscus, give Americanah out without reading and throw out Half of A Yellow Sun.
Oreoluwa Eunice: What is one of your favorite novel but seems unappreciated to you?
Glory Abah: The twilight series. People love the movie but I read some bad reviews about the book and I don’t understand why.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Would you like to say something about your upcoming book?
Glory Abah: My upcoming book is called ‘Diary of A Wallflower’ and it is a book about the shy, quiet, socially awkward girls who bloom after secondary/primary schools. The book is based on my years as a wallflower back in secondary school and it serves as a reminder to every girl out there that their time to bloom will come if they just hang on. Oh and that love is beautiful.
Oreoluwa Eunice: That’s really nice, Glory. Congrats once again.
Glory Abah: Thanks, love.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Any advice for writers hoping to become authors like you?
Glory Abah: Develop your skill. Ask God for great ideas. Work at it till it’s perfect.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Thank You Glory. It was a delight discussing with you.
Glory Abah: You are welcome.
To get The One In My Head by Glory Abah. Click these links:
“As a proper Nigerian whose father is God, you must commit all meetings to His hands. You must work hard but it is God that is in charge of blessing your hustle. Never forget to say at least two prayers in every meeting. One Christian, one Muslim.” • Reading Be(com)ing Nigerian: AGuide by Elnathan John was an absolute delight. I found myself laughing periodically while also thinking about the issues with have in Nigeria Elnathan satirically pointed out. • The book cover is one that I found funny yet deep. On it is a police man standing. He also has a beer belly. Hilarious! I resonate more with the back cover. It spoke volumes (pun intended). On the back cover were churches and mosques facing each other with their speakers at seemingly high volumes. These covers totally relate with the complexities of issues that we have in one way or the other disregarded as citizens of Nigeria. • The content of the book is what I call satire at its best. Elnathan carefully brought out the issues that we refuse to speak about in Nigeria. The introduction drew me in. Using eight biblical like ‘chapters’, he spoke on how British created Nigeria and maneuvered her how they liked in ‘verses’. Then he went on to talk about how to do so many things in Nigeria, e.g how to be a pastor, how to show love, how to be a Nigerian writer, how to be a police officer and many more. With bountiful humor, he exposes the deeds of these issues and only if you can read in between the lines would you see the solution to these issues. If you are not open minded, you might even become angry at some of the things because you will definitely catch your sub. • I love the way the end of chapter was about how God will bless one’s hustle. So funny, I am telling you. •
At the end of the book, Elnathan wrote Common Nigerian Phrases and Expressions that were absolutely accurate. This book will get you rolling on the floor and also make you think, only if you are open minded. • I recommend this book to everyone because it is eye opening and beautifully written and I definitely don’t want to be the only one to catch sub. Oh, and if you are a non-Nigerian, then you should definitely read this book just in case you are coming to Nigeria and you don’t know how it goes here because
You donno waiz going on 😂This part is my favorite. I laughed so hard for almost a minute… For the irony in its truth.
“I don’t get what you want me to do at this point, Adeola. You cheated on me. You surely don’t expect me to just let it go like that.” I can’t believe this is happening. I just can’t. How do I explain to my boyfriend of seven months that what he saw was a set up.
“Kevin…” I started.
But he cut me off. “Adeola, stop. You are starting to piss me off. I should have just believed your sister when she told me you were a handful and I had to keep close eye on you.”
That scum!
Sarah! The bane of my existence. I don’t know why I am surprised. She probably also had a hand in what happened to me.
I sighed and got up to move closer to Kevin. “Kevin…” I began to murmur his name, low and sultry, just the way he liked it but I had not even taken three steps before he held out his hand for me to stop. He walked around me and opened his apartment’s door.
“Please get out.” He ordered, looking at everything else but my face. “Are you serious?” my mouth opened in shock and disbelief. What? Kevin is chasing me away?
“Please…” He pleaded again, looking at me this time. His eyes were hollow and red and full of regrets. He regrets being my boyfriend? I did nothing wrong.
I carried my handbag and stared at him, pain and hurt were already gathering tears in my brown depths. “You never really trusted me, Kevin. You never really did.”
He moved away from the door as I left and I slammed the door as if it was the one that offended me. Petty, I know, but I just felt so hurt. I felt a ache from deep within my chest threatening to burst out in sobs from my mouth.
I love Kevin. I love Kevin. How could he not believe me?
I tried to gather momentum as I sat in my car outside his apartment. I looked at his house again and remembered all the memories I have made in there with Kevin. From the sleepovers to dinners and even our game Fridays. How could he just break up with me over something I didn’t even do—like I meant nothing to him.
I felt something salty on my tongue and I realised my hurt has dissolved into tears, and had found a way into my mouth, consequently bringing about sobs. I drove to my apartment in a daze and try to remember how I had ended up in that unfortunate hotel room. How did it even happen?
All I could remember was that I woke up naked and scatterbrained in that room. Funny enough, all my things were intact except my memory of what had happened in that hotel room. I thought that was all until Kevin started avoiding me and later began to ignore me altogether. After so many unanswered and unreturned calls, I decided to pay him a visit. Only for him to thrust compromising pictures in my face seconds after I entered his house.
Blackmail. This was definitely blackmail and I know who is behind it. My sister, Sarah. Sarah, the scum.
I don’t know what I have ever done to that bitch. She has always on my case either seducing my boyfriends or anyone who took interest in me or humiliating me wherever she went, be it I was present or not. It was almost like she was expecting my call when she picked it immediately it rang.
“Baby sister.” she said into the phone.
Her voice has always been like that of an angel. Even almost like flower petals blossoming on a beautiful summer day. It would lure you in and would curl you around her little finger but I know what she was. A devil. And the devil has devices. Sarah’s voice was one of her numerous devices.
I wasn’t ready to be worked on. “Listen to me, you shameless moron,” i said steely into my phone. “You have done what you wanted, abi?! Just like you did with Tayo before and Emeka, sleeping with them behind my back. You have come back again with your evil wiles, you devil. Did Kevin also get into your skirts? Or you weren’t able to convince him so you used the other way and set me up, right?! Fuck you! You will pay for your evil ways. You will pay and I will be there to watch and laugh when your cup runs over!!”
“Sarah, what’s—”
I cut her off with another curse word and threw my phone on my bed. My chest was heaving with weight of how I was feeling and I knew I was going to burst open in fresh tears if I didn’t take a cold shower soon. It has always helped me calm down.
How could one’s blood be so wicked?! I can’t even fathom it. Sarah was the cruelest person in my life and she has been from birth. I remember when we were little and still slept together in a room. Sarah once poured cold water on my face because I slept before she did. That is not all. Whenever something was bought for me, she would always find a way to make the thing hers, especially if it was fanciful.
When we grew older, Sarah would shame me because I bloomed late. She would whisper stories of how I will never give birth and my husband will end up marrying two younger wives because I started my periods late.
Oh, and when I finally bloomed and got more curves than her, the devil would call me fat, shame me in front of her friends and account to them how much food I consume. These tales were mostly over the top.
I just don’t get it. What was her problem? She was the reason I moved away from Lagos and settled in Ibadan. All because she was getting to me—getting to me so bad, I always had murder tendencies.
As I did my nightly skin care routine, I thought of work the following day, and I still do not know how my mind wandered back to Kevin. God, I love that guy. I really didn’t know what I would do without him. He was the most supportive boyfriend I have had so far. Always loving me. So understanding. So supportive. He was my very own TDH. But it hurt that he didn’t trust me and he easily fell for Sarah’s blackmail.
It just hurt so much.
I will always hate Sarah for this. Always! *
The Bar was the cause of my troubles but I cannot help but go back every weekend. They have the best music, best cocktails, best reception. I always feel at home there.
I guess that was why the goon Sarah hired was able to get to me. I was feeling at home and didn’t suspect a thing when he came around with his red lips that looked like 100 naira peppered ponmo from Iya Friday (Iya Friday is my go-to Buka person anytime, anyday. Her Amala, Gbegiri and Ewedu gives me orgasms, I’m not even lying) and then he sat beside me at the bar, focusing on his mobile phone at first. I was just there minding my business when I saw a bottle of wine in front of me and the wide grin of the fine bobo sitting beside me.
I must confess; he was so charming, I totally forgot about Kevin whom I had been texting before. And in consequence, Kevin was forgetting me because of that wretched soul. May he rot in the hottest, slimmiest part of hell.
As much as The Bar gave me all the good vibes I needed, I had been on edge. I had a fairly good day at work and throughout the week I fought the urge to call or text Kevin. But today, tonight, I planned to let go of the damn rules and talk to him. How dare he try to break us up?! Especially over a stupid set up. He should at least hear me out. I badly need him to hear me out. I picked up my phone and fired off a text at him. I told him how sorry I was and how it was a whole set up and all. I was sure he would come around after reading my text. Right?
I turned off my phone and sip my drink while moving to the music playing through the speakers. It was one foreign song with really good beats.
I was still sipping my drink when I felt eyes on me. They felt like lasers and I seemed like I was being bared open. I looked straight ahead. Lo and behold, I saw the person responsible for the lasers lacerating themselves into my skin. He was seated not too far from me but closer to the door.
I wondered why he was staring so hard at me. I stared back then rolled my eyes. People can be so rude or maybe some don’t know staring is rude.
Though I enjoyed the fine specimen’s eyes on me, he should just come over rather than stare at me like I had something on my face, or do I?
I know I looked tired and rough from work, I don’t think I look that bad. Well, they say, if Mohammed won’t go to the mountain, the mountain will go to Mohammed or is it the other way round? Whatever abeg.
Taking my drink along, I sauntered across the room to ask Mr. creamy skin looking dreamy why he was staring at me so hard. Yeah, I am bad like that.
I reached where he sat and stood in front of him. “Hey, care to tell me what you find so fascinating?”
Seconds passed and he just stared at me, sipping his drink. Embarrassment was already rearing its ugly head and wrapping its dark fingers round my heart, squeezing it to anger.
“You said?” He finally said after swallowing. His Adam apple bobbed up and down as if mocking me like a person would look at a person from head to toe. He settles his black orbs on mine and I suddenly felt some type of way, I can’t describe it, I’m telling you.
“I said, what do you find fascinating? I noticed you have been staring at me.” I replied him trying to be as loud as possible this time though I know he heard me the first time.
“Oh. Sorry. It’s just that your shirt buttons have been opened since and I have been contemplating on how I will come over and tell you without seeming like a pervert.” He took another sip of his drink calmly while a smirk formed on his beautiful lips.
I immediately looked down and there they were. Three betraying buttons of my shirt popped open, revealing more cleavage than I will ever reveal in my lifetime.
Oh ground, please swallow me now.
Abi?- Right? (mostly used for emphasis)
TDH – Tall, Dark and Handsome.
Amala, Gbegiri And Ewedu – this is a meal mostly eaten in the southern part of Nigeria. It is swallowed and most times eaten with fingers.
Thank you for reading the first part of this story series… truly gladdens my heart.
Thank you for coming on StoryStoryOh today. I hope you’ve had a nice day so far?
In June, I read some pretty amazing books that I would like to share with you and in light of that, I say, Happy new month to you and I pray this month brings all the wonderful blessings you have hoped for. Can I get an Amen?
Amen! Sisturrr!
Back to the books I read in June… Here goes…
Master of The Game by Sidney Sheldon.
This book is all shades of amazing. I was glued to the end. It is such a page turner and I am glad I read it. Sidney never disappoints, soooo😌
Rating: 4/5
Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur.
Y’all should know how much I love this book by now!😍 It’s a collection of poems and prose that deals with issues like trauma, loss, healing, feminism and the likes. Beautiful words.
Rating: 5/5
The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma
This book, this book, this book! Ughhhhhhh. I can’t describe! Description is top notch. Writing style is so unique. I love it. The descriptions were so vivid… I almost puked while reading Chigozie’s description of Abula, the madman; a character in the book.
Rating: 4/5
The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers
Francine Rivers is still unarguably one of the best Christian fiction writer there is. If you’ve read any of her books then you will know what I am saying. I read The Scarlet Thread again in June after reading first about 2 years ago… It was like I hadn’t read it before. So gripping and fresh. I sincerely had new stuff to pray about.
One of life’s great tragedies is watching a relationship unravel over something that could’ve been resolved in one intelligent, adult conversation.
Quote from The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers.
Rating: 4/5
Tanka Told on a Blue-Mooned Night by Cynthia Nnadi
Wonderful book. It’s a collection of poems that captures a reader’s attention. It’s so beautifully and thoughtfully written. The author recently featured on StoryStoryOh’s Author Interview tagged #Author’sDelight. You can read it here.
Rating: 4/5
The Chinese Who Loved Me by Naijasinglegirl
This book is a short, funny book that talks about the author’s experience with a Chinese expatriate. It is such a delightful read.
Rating: 3.5/5
Butterfly by Tolulope Fadiran
This book is a true life story. It captures a young lady’s growth, experiences and challenges through the eyes of her older self. It is written like a self reflection and because it’s a true story, it makes it all more beautiful.
Rating: 3.5/5
All The Things You Will Never Know by Christtie Jay
This is also a collection of poems that talks about love and the pains that come with it. It’s quite sensual and eye opening. I love the poems in it. Beautiful work.
Rating: 3.5/5
Loss Made Me Do This by Sola Biyi.
This book is one I was glad to read. Sola wrote the poems in books by retelling those stories we know from the Bible with beautiful twist. It was a good read. I was blown away by her creativity.
Rating: 3/5
These aren’t all the books I read in June, Lai Lai but for the sake of that beautiful book you are dying to get back too (or myself 😌 I badly wanna get back to reading Be(com)ing Nigerian by Elnathan John), I will stop here. I hope you enjoyed my little list. Which of the books have you read? Which book did you read in June? What’s your July To-be-read list looking like?
Good day to you, lovelies. Author’sDelight is a new feature on StoryStoryOh where young and talented authors share their views and experiences. Conducting this interview is your one and only Oreoluwa Eunice and I have with me a young and precious author, Cynthia Nnadi. She is a student, an author and a poet. She published her book, TANKA TOLD ON A BLUE-MOONED NIGHT this month and it has been getting so many beautiful reviews. Come on, let’s have a peek into her world.
Beautiful Cynthia
Oreoluwa Eunice: Welcome to Author’s Delight with Oreoluwa Eunice. Please introduce yourself.
Cynthia Nnadi: I’m Cynthia Nnadi, a young, profound novelist and poet—a student of the Faculty of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria. I’m an avid reader and writer.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Nice to meet you Cynthia😁 you mentioned being an avid reader and a writer. That’s interesting… So what are your writing/book interests?
Cynthia Nnadi: Well, errr, for my book interest(I’ll assume you mean books I enjoy reading)… I don’t have particular authors that I watch out for with keen interest, although I have a thing for a new found gem, Sarah J. Maas, I just enjoy reading good books generally. I keep up with Tomi Adeyemi and Nnedi Okorafor, because the write in my preferred genres. I love scifi, fantasy, mystery, and ever since I attended the Ake Festival 2018, I developed a fresh love for African literature.
Basically, I write fantasy, African fantasy. But well, I can’t really say it’s plain genre fiction like that, sometimes could be literary fiction.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Wow. I am very impressed. So how do you combine being a writer and a medical student?
Cynthia Nnadi: I get this question a lot. Often times it comes in form of appraisal, other times admiration and some other times—pure wonder. Well, personally, I like to see myself as multitasking. But, combining medical school with writing is an extreme sport, trust me. Deadlines coming at you from both ends; deadline of manuscripts to submit, deadline of lab manuals and assignment to submit. It’s like being stuck between a rock and a hard place, because I feel I cannot forfeit my writing career or my academic career. As much as I love writing, I enjoy the thoughts of being a Pharmacist. It’s all about discipline, determination, time management, sacrifice, proper planning and God.
For example, if I notice a semester’s curriculum would have a large bulk load, I apply my ratio planning. I reduce my writing to about 30% and take my school work to 70%. During holidays or when school is not choking me, I take my writing up to 55% and academics, 45%. So I keep adjusting it like that depending on the circumstances. Sacrifice is also an important factor. One has to be willing to sacrifice sleep, hangout times, chilling breaks, etcetera and cut down on some conveniences to make ends meet.
Oreoluwa Eunice: I love love love your spirit, Cynthia. People like you are rare. I love your determined spirit. Keep it up. To the next question, what literary book are you currently reading?
Cynthia Nnadi: Danger in the Shadows by Dee Henderson.
Oreoluwa Eunice: I haven’t heard of it but I have some what heard of Dee Henderson. What is the subject matter or prominent theme?
Cynthia Nnadi: Well, I just started. Apparently, it is about crime. Another genre I love. It’s the first title(prequel) in THE O’MALLEY SERIES. Danger in the Shadows (prequel), preceeding: The Negotiator The Guardian The Truth Seeker The Protector The Healer The Rescuer
Oreoluwa Eunice: Oh wow. That’s quite a list. I love crime fiction too and Sidney Sheldon is one of my favs. I also like Agatha Christie. Moving on from that… Let’s talk about your new book. TANKA TOLD ON A BLUE-MOONED NIGHT. What is the inspiration behind it?
Tanka Told on a Blue-mooned Night. Blurb: A collection of poems, that subtly explore a couple of controversial themes. This work is written through the eyes and engraved in the ink of the author, who sees herself as an unmasked, mystical sailor—sailing across controver-seas. She tells her story from her sojourn. It is a work that represents the eloquence and vibrance of Africa’s new generation of writers.
Cynthia Nnadi: Oh, those are great authors in their fields. Cynthia Nnadi: Interesting question. Tanka told on a Blue-mooned Night is a…a very unique poetry collection I tried to tell some tales from an observer eye, like a little bird(specified to be a mystical sailor in the collection), sitting on a tree branch watching; taking note of little details that people barely knew that it was aware of. The people the voice talked about in the collection, like Mma, and the mockingbird, were things encountered in the journey. I tried to make it have this inclusiveness, first I talked about the celestial bodies, then the wilderness, then the green grasses, probably depicting a savanna, then the Japanese Tanka, and the orthodox blood shekel from the old testament Bible, which took us back in time.It showed that the narrator was vast in her journey, kind of. And TTBMN was the narrator, saying, “I’ve sailed the seven seas, I’ve roamed the earth in search of truth and adventure, and these are what I found.”
I found myself using various metaphoric, comparative analysis, in a bid to highlight creativity, even though that’s my voice, and to create that subtleness that I’m going for. Like, in Esosa and the Wolf, where I likened society to a wolf. When you think of a wolf, you imagine something that goes around hunting and devouring, maybe controlling. Also in When I kissed my bride, I gave an observer analysis of LGBT community, without actually taking a stand, because the point is not to take a stand, but to narrate what I found in my journey. One can’t help but notice how the poems were mostly narrations, with speculations and hints that leave you with questions. Like Heaven is not Up. So where is heaven?
Oreoluwa Eunice: You make me speechless. This is the evidence that you know your craft and that you are truly someone who has improved herself over time. Well done, Cynthia. I have read your book and I love Blood Shekel: The Orthodox Root best. I love the way you made use of symbols and re-made the story we all knew into something even more interesting and thoughts provoking. Which of all the poems was your favorite?
Cynthia Nnadi: This is going to be a tough pick. I love them all, but I’d just give my top 5 favorites.
1.
The eighth title: Blood Shekel: The Orthodox Root.
Personally, I feel this title was the most complex, so complex to the point, that I intend making a video or podcast to give an analysis. I really enjoyed writing it. Read it over and over, an it has never gotten old.
2.
The seventh title: Esosa and the Wolf.
I love this because it is very very witty, and passes across a strong message in a subtle, smart way. Might I add, that is the most loved and rated poem in the anthology. It got people talking ever since the release.
3.
The sixth title: When I kissed my bride…
This is very similar to “Esosa and the Wolf.” It explores the topic of LGBT, and once you find the pivotal line, you’d definitely be like, “ohhhh dang! Now I get it.”
4.
The third title:
Grass is Green.
This talks about life and how nothing is always as it seems.
Lastly,
The second title:
Heaven is not up
Basically, this is a celestial piece and hey, I love the stars, moon, clouds and everything celestial so, why not?
Oreoluwa Eunice: Great! Moving on… What lessons did you gain during and after the publishing process of TTBMN?
Cynthia Nnadi: Well, Initially, I wrote Tanka told on a Blue-mooned Night for the Brunel Prize 2019. I submitted it, but it didn’t get picked, yet I was so sure it was a masterpiece. After the rejection, I did not feel like publishing it anymore, I mean, it already got rejected. However, an author, T. J. Martins, managed to convince me to put it up. The fact that is wasn’t picked doesn’t make it any less a masterpiece, it just wasn’t what they were looking for or they just could not find and appreciate the beauty in it.
So, I put in up. The massive positive feedback I got from a “rejected” piece overwhelming, from even strangers. So, I’ve learnt that, rejection from renowned agencies and organizations is not the end of your creativity, it’s not the final judgment for your art. Art is dynamic, you will find the right audience and the right audience will find you if you let yourself be found. After I published, I also learnt that, the best hype man one can ever have is oneself. Nothing beats self support, self love, self confidence. Nothing hurts more than self rejection. Trust the process and of course, surround yourself with people that also trust, believe and support the process. Very important lesson I learnt.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Very good. You are right. Rejection should not be the end of creativity. I am going to ask you some few questions. They’re just fun questions you can answer.
Cynthia Nnadi: All right then. Do go on.
Oreoluwa Eunice: What is your favorite color?
Cynthia Nnadi: Green. I have an obsession for the colour green. Cyan can go too, (greenish-blue) Really pretty.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Now Cynthia, if you are to describe cyan to a blind person, how would you do it?
Cynthia Nnadi: I’d describe it as blue waters of the ocean dissolved in green grass, each one basking in the hue of the other, yet retaining its own glory to form a perfect blend and synergy.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Yay, Cynthia. I totally wasn’t expecting that. Very vivid… I could form the image in my head.
Oreoluwa Eunice: If you were to be given superpowers but was asked to choose between being invisible and being able to fly, which one will you choose and why?
Cynthia Nnadi: Being able to fly of course! I crave wild, I crave energy, I crave adventure. I crave being one with nature, soaring through the clouds, into the forest floor, gliding across the oceans and well, being invisible cannot give me all that. Besides, since I watched barbie, Fairytopia, the whole fairy with wings thing, I started to love the idea of flying.
Oreoluwa Eunice : I watched fairytopia too.
Cynthia Nnadi: It was indeed a beautiful piece. When the twin sisters begin to go all, MARIPOSAAAA! And the evil witch that poisined the queen, really devious and amazing.
Oreoluwa Eunice: I’m telling you Oreoluwa Eunice: I really thought you would chosen being invisible. That way you could enter all the bookstores near you and do the do😂 that would be a jamboree.
Cynthia Nnadi: Nice angle to it. But, I’d rather buy my books and fly to a sky scraper top and read it there. The beauty is in the better experience. I get what I want with my ability and resources.
Oreoluwa Eunice: wow. 😂
To the penultimate question… You have three books: Things fall apart by Chinua Achebe, Half of a yellow sun by Chimamanda Adichie and Children of Blood And Bone by Tomi Adeyemi but you have to keep one, throw one away and give one out without reading at all… Which would it be?
Cynthia Nnadi: I’M DEFINITELY READING TOMI ADEYEMI! Well, it would interest you to know that I’m not a solid fan of Chinua or CNA, although the write great literature. I’d probably toss a coin or throw a die to determine the fate of both books based on the desired outcomes.
Oreoluwa Eunice: 😂but you really have to throw one away and give one out, Cynthia. Pick your choice o. You are interesting. I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t really like CNA.
Cynthia Nnadi: Well then. I’d go for the more “modern” of literatures, which is CNA’s. Also, knowing her kind of person and interest in feminism, I’d expect an interesting female main character. don’t mind getting insight on her thoughts on this thought provoking topic. So, I’d probably give her book to someone to read. Well, we know which one gets thrown by elimination, not by direct choice. Lol.
Cynthia Nnadi: I won’t say I don’t like her. Matter of fact, I admire her personality, her standards, her breakthroughs. She’s a model. And there are authors with great stories that I love. There are those with great stories, backed up with influential personalities. So, in more of into CNA’s lifestyle, if you get what I mean. Her books are great though. I enjoyed, “The thing around your neck.”
Oreoluwa Eunice: I totally understand you. I felt this way too before I won’t say I am her biggest fan but I have so much respect for her now than I did before. Alright. Last question. Which book is your favorite yet you feel it’s unappreciated?
Cynthia Nnadi: Well, there’s an author that the world is yet to come in full light of, T. J. MARTINS, author of Black Rose. Black Rose is a gem, it’s a story worth every single page flip, highly underrated. Soon, it will get the accolades it deserves.
Oreoluwa Eunice: I love T.J Martins and I feel this way too but I know everything good will come because light can never be hidden.
Cynthia Nnadi: Exactly.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Soooo, it’s a wrap, Cynthia. It definitely was a pleasure chatting with you. I enjoyed it. Do you have any parting words for writers hoping to get published?
Cynthia Nnadi: Sure, I do. When I begin to give writing related advice, some people may wonder, who is this young girl that we should pay any attention to her words. Well, you’d be paying attention to me in the next few years anyway. I’m no Wole Soyinka, or J. K. Rowlings, but I do have a thing to say to writers hoping to get published in print, just like myself. Your story is important, your story is valid. Your story is vital. Keep trying your best to put it our there. Validate your art, accept your art, only then will public appreciation matter. Put in the work. The hustle of the world out there is not for the “I don’t have strength” or those that console themselves with the “I’m writing for fun” just to justify their static standards. Many young writers are out there hustling. You’re not the only one that is good. Many are good, and even better. I’ve read works and I’m like, damn! Just when I thought… Point is not to be pressured to unhealthy competitions but don’t relax. The world out there is something else. If you ever, ever, ever have the slightest littlest dream of going professional, being noticed or having a published book, no matter how little that hope is, then you have to put in the work. Whether you “write for fun” or not. That’s just what I’m saying. Self development is very key in the field, and whatever you do, make sure your inspiration is not to tow in a trailer of money from a one time bookseller hit, because you just may find, that you’d break your own heart. Be courageous. Be steadfast in your art. Talent, hard work and God are the major fuels.
Oreoluwa Eunice: Wow. Golden words. Thank you Cynthia. It was a pleasure discussing with you today.
Cynthia Nnadi: You are welcome.
Cynthia Nnadi, author of TANKA TOLD ON A BLUE-MOONED NIGHT.
GET CYNTHIA NNADI’S BOOK THROUGH THESE LINKS:
Tanka Told on a Blue-mooned Night
Available now for free on Pabpub, Okadabooks and Wattpad.
This past week, I found myself reading Rupi Kaur’s books like I had exams on them. I had been digesting them and sharing to everyone who cares to know. I stumbled upon them about two weeks ago and I can say with all that is in me that Rupi Kaur has captured my heart. I mean what’s not to love?🤷🤷
So this beautiful week, ladies and gentlemen, I will be sharing with you the top 10 poems from Rupi Kaur’s Milk And Honey that I absolutely love.
You have to believe me when I say this was tough to list out as all the poems were making my heart do gbimgbim…
Gbimgbim is something I don’t even know the meaning of. All I know is it kind of means…it made my heart happy.
Please, just enjoy the meaning😌😂
Before anything else, if you are not familiar with Rupi Kaur’s Milk And Honey, then read the blurb below.
milk and honey is a collection of poetry about love loss trauma abuse healing and femininity it is split into four chapters each chapter serves a different purpose deals with a different pain heals a different heartache milk and honey takes readers through a journey of the most bitter moments in life and finds sweetness in them because there is sweetness everywhere if you are just willing to look
The book is in four parts: The hurting, The loving, The breaking, The healing.
So here are the poems I totally dig in Milk and Honey. Not only because they were written by a female writer but because they were so simple to understand and if you have read any of my poems or particularly The Romance Notes( my poetry collection) you will know this is my cruise.
The hurting
1. when my mother opens her mouth to have a conversation at dinner my father shoves the word hush between her lips and tells her to never speak with her mouth full.
this is how the women in my family learned to live with their mouths closed.
2. you plough into me with two fingers and i am mostly shocked. it feels like rubber against an open wound. i do not like it. you begin pushing faster and faster. but i feel nothing. you search my face for a reaction so i begin acting like the naked women in the videos you watch when you think no one’s looking. i imitate their moans. hollow and hungry. you ask if it feels good and i say yes so quickly it sounds rehearsed. but the acting. you do not notice.
Is your own heart already doing gbimgbim? Can you read this insightful beautifully written goodness?
The loving.
3.i am learning
how to love him
by loving myself
4. he asks me what i do
i tell him i work for a small company
that makes packaging for—
he stops me midsentence
no not what you do to pay the bills
what drives you crazy
what keeps you up at night
i tell him i write
he asks me to show him something
i take the tips of my fingers
place them inside his forearm
and graze them down his wrist
goose bumps rise to the surface
i see his mouth clench
muscles tighten
his eyes pore into mine
as though i’m the reason
for making them blink
i break gaze just as
he inches toward me
i step back
so that’s what you do
you command attention
my cheeks flush as
i smile shyly
confessing
i can’t help it.
5.no
it won’t
be love at
first sight when
we meet it’ll be love
at first remembrance cause
i’ve seen you in my mother’s eyes
when she tells me to marry the type
of man i’d want to raise my son to be like
I particularly love that 3rd one because it is similar to one of the poems in my poetry collection: The Romance Notes. You cannot love anyone when you don’t love yourself. It’s not possible, dear.
The breaking.
6. if
he can’t help but
degrade other women
when they’re not looking
if toxicity is central
to his language
he could hold you
in his lap and be soft
honey
that man could feed you sugar and
douse you in rose water
but that still could not
make him sweet
– if you want to know the type of man he is
7. you must have known
you were wrong
when your fingers
were dipped inside me
searching for honey that
would not come for you.
Have you ever been with anyone that compared you with others?
Or have you ever have to deal with a toxic person, you have to tell me in the comments and also tell me how you dealt with such person…
But before that, let’s look at number 8, 9 and 10 under ‘The Healing’
The healing.
8. you must enter a relationship
with yourself
before anyone else
9. you tell me
i am not like most girls
and learn to kiss me with your eyes closed
something about the phrase—something about
how i have to be unlike the women
i call sisters in order to be wanted
makes me want to spit your tongue out
like i am supposed to be proud you picked me
as if i should be relieved you think
i am better than them.
10. my issue with what they consider beautiful
is their concept of beauty
centers around excluding people
i find hair beautiful
when a woman wears it
like a garden on her skin
that is the definition of beauty
big hooked noses
pointing upward to the sky
like they’re rising
to the occasion
skin the color of earth
my ancestors planted crops on
to feed a lineage of women with
thighs thick as tree trunks
eyes like almonds
deeply hooded with conviction
the rivers of punjab
flow through my bloodstream so
don’t tell me my women
aren’t as beautiful
as the ones in
your country.
Which of these poems were you able to relate to? Have you ever dealt with a toxic person before? Tell me in the comments. I will tell you mine too but before that, I and my red lippie have an advice for you 😌😁
My red lippie has been complaining that I never use her😌
BOOK- THE TRAIL AUTHOR- LAWAL SALAMI RELEASED- 2017 LENGTH- 56 PAGES SYNOPSIS- Promise, a young teenage boy finds himself challenged by the uncertainties of the very next minute. With reluctance, however he discovers that even within the environs of his small rural commune he still had to break out of his shell and step up to his esteem if he wanted to be noticed.
QUICK EXPO THE TRAIL is set in Lagos, Nigeria. Promise, the main character is a young lad who is quite challenged in the way he esteems himself. With a typical Nigerian mother and a stereotypical absentee father, Promise usually called ‘Proms’ was resigned to his supposed fate as a liability to everyone, even the girl he likes. Though short, this gripping book takes us on a journey of how Proms found himself. You need to read this book.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE BOOK THE TRAIL is a captivating and refreshing read. From the moment I began to read this work of art, I was hooked. It has this Nigerian aura and was totally relatable. While it contained humor and scenes that will make you say ‘hayyy God ooo… chaii…’ it also dealt with themes like kidnapping, human trafficking, self esteem amongst others. It is a quick read that will leave you smiling at the end of the book.
You should totally read this book!
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE Can I say I didn’t like that it was too short? 😥😌
TOTAL VERDICT Amazing book! Well done, Lawal Salami.
Synopsis: When we hear romance, what comes to our mind are the mushy feelings, the corny conversations, the sappy looks we wear on our faces and yes, sex but it’s deeper than that. THE ROMANCE NOTES is a refreshing and interesting collection of poems that explores romance and its relationship with nature in all its forms. It also expresses romance with the intricacies of mental health and society lifestyle. 23 notes are written for your pleasure. Read it. Don’t break your lover’s heart.
Author: Tope Omamegbe Length: 208 pages Released: June 2018
Synopsis: In her new book, “Twice A Bride: The journey”, Tope Omamegbe takes a close look at the emotionally tangled issue of rape and how it affects both the victim and perpetrator.
QUICK SUMMARY Wale and Alex married for different reasons…totally different reasons. Alex married Wale because he really liked her but Wale on the other hand, hmm… mama had other intentions oh. You know when you do something very bad and karma comes around like this…
I am here for you, bebé.
That’s was the situation of Alex and Wale was his karma. I won’t tell you all the story. That’s my quick summary. 😁 You have to read the book yourself. Lol
WHAT I LOVED.
It was show and not just tell. That is to say, the descriptions, especially in the emotions field was top notch. I could feel the anger, the pain, the nerves, the happiness of every character. It was not just reading and reading alone. The author, Tope Omamegbe was able to accomplish this feat which is something every writer must know how to do.
Nigerian extended family!! 💃you know how they can be! Noisy, poke-nosey and all. If you love books like that, then you would really like Twice The Bride: The Journey.
There are lessons to learn! This book isn’t just a book you read for fun. There are lessons on forgiveness, love, marriage and many more.
Some of the quotes I was able to highlight from the book are:
Vengeance is exhausting; keeping secrets even more so.
Our intervention as parents and family members on so many occasions cause more harm than good. I ask that you all take a back seat as much as you can and think deeply before getting involved in their lives.
Anger is a worm that slowly eats away one’s insides, relentlessly gnawing away at your organs, feeding away on your soul till it consumes you total and there is nothing left.”
Vengeance is an empty hollow feeling that even when fulfilled, will still leave you feeling unaccomplished because after you achieve your goal, what’s left? After you exhaust all your energy on filling the emptiness, you think you can face your life and finally move on. Believe me, it’s not like that. It is a headache that after relieving with the right medication, leaves a buzz that cannot be erased.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
The background story of Wale could have been written as a prologue so as to avoid the ‘four years later’ aspect of the book. With the background story and the main story in one chapter, it seemed rushed to me.
I also didn’t like this synopsis. I feel like more can be done without revealing too much of the plot. Though it was short and precise, it was not ‘it’ for me.
TOTAL VERDICT Twice A Bride: The Journey is an amazing read. I honestly could not drop it till I read every page. I miss Wale, Alex and Steven and all their garrulous family members.
You can read this book onBambooks.io, Okadabooks, Amazon and Kobo.
On the 6th of May this year, the world experienced great pain. A blunder had been committed, people were murdered and the person who started this menace was attacked by humanity loving people.
You wonder what could have happened and I wonder how you didn’t hear about this great saddening news.
see for yourself…
So technically he said: I am I a yahoo boy
One minute of silence, everyone.
At first I was like…
Then I went…
The concept of ‘I’m’ and ‘Am’ has been a great burden to quite a number of people. So when people use these words correctly, for the first time in foreveeeeerrr, especially when talking to their crush who studies English like me… they are exactly like this 👇
I scaled through, y’all.
I understand that English is not our mother tongue but simple words like these ones must be rightly used so as to avoid mass murder.
‘I’m’ is the same as ‘I am’. I’m is simply the contraction of I am. It can be used to begin a sentence. Examples are: • I am a girl (obviously) • I am single and God-fearing. • I am a writer and an avid book reader.
Can you see how ‘I am’ was used? It serves the same purpose when used as I’m. • I’m a girl • I’m single and God-fearing. • I’m a writer and an avid book reader. Can you see that it’s still the same?
But you know when your village people do not want you to shine, they will urge you to use Am as I’m when chatting up your potential crush which is me. (haha, I laugh in syllables. Me that this thing is a huge turn off for me.)
You will now say, • Am a boy • Am single and devil-fearing. • Am a fine boy. I will now say you are blocked. Go and repair that ‘Am’ first. The leg is broken. Lol.
But truthfully, Am cannot be used in this manner. Repeat after me… Am cannot be used in this manner.
Am is mostly used for questioning. Examples are: • Am I a yahoo girl? • Am I seeing this now? • Am I noting this so I won’t make another mistake? • Am I a child of God?
Can you see the examples?
It can also be used in the type of context: • I am not blind, am I? • I am not a playboy, am I? • I am not a chicken, am I? So you see now.
I don’t want to go into the context of pronouns and auxiliary verbs so we will keep it basic here. I don’t want to you to start looking like this…
I don’t have strength plis dear.
So I believe from now, your village people will not be able to conquer you unless they know how to use uber now. If so, then it’s you and your maker alone.
Book: A People’s History Of Heaven
