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Must-Read Book Recommendations 📚
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items This is my ultimate, handpicked reading shelf. From the life-changing stories that shaped my mindset to the fiction that kept me reading late into the night. On this list, you will find raw, deeply inspiring autobiographies from people who defied the...
Sections
9
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Autobiography
Romance
Drama
Coming of age
Fantasy
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
She's an Author, Orator, Feminist, Activist and ever growing in her craft. These are the books I have in my collection.
Currently reading this one. Dream count tells the interesecting stories of four women living their lives on their own terms despite immerse social and cultural pressures that surround them. They are all intelligent, accomplished and most competent in...
Dream Count: A Novel (B&N Exclusive Edition)
In this personal, eloquently - argued essay- adapted from her much-admired TED X talk of the same name - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century, one rooted on inclusion and awareness. Draw...
We Should All Be Feminists – April 12, 2013
The epistolary was a quick but meaningful read, pressing on the qualms of women in patriarchal settings. I'm so much trilled by her intelligence and concept about life and universe. Some parts left me in amusement.
The book was for Nigerian women, th...
Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions
"MAY WE ALWAYS REMEMBER" was the last sentence of the author's note in the book.
The book tells the story of people - a nation - in the chaos and disaster of the civil war, a betrayal of trust and a crime against humanity (a pogrom). The story displa...
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The book opened my mind totally to another dimension, one that isn't really seen or discussed. Religion was the biggest theme in the book and I realized how sometimes, people let certain ideas oppress their way of thinking.
I loved how she expressed...
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Autobiography
Novels that will connect with you on a deeply personal level.
A captivating and unforgettable memoir by Trevor Noah comedian and host of the Daily Show. This book is a poignant and hilarious account of Noah's childhood in South Africa, navigating the complexities of race, identity and family during the aparthei...
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah ...
I read this one and really enjoyed it.
In it Oscar Winner Viola Davis tells the story of her life, growing up in poverty, enduring abuse and hardship and struggling to reconcile with her difficult past and accept that she is worthy of her dreams and ...
Finding Me: A Memoir by Viola Davis, Paperback
Grief is universal, but the way it manifests is deeply personal. In notes on grief, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie takes readers on an intimate, raw and poignant journey through her mourning process following the sudden death of her father. More than just ...
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Notes on Grief
Isn't the title itself catchy? And you must have also recognized the girl in the cover.
She is Jennette McCurdy also known as Sam in the Nickelodeon series icarly and yes, she is the author of the controversial book. "I'm glad my mom died" is her mem...
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy, Hardcover
Westover recounts overcoming her survivalist Mormon family in order to go to college and emphasizes the importance of education in enlarging her world. Tara's process of self discovery is beautifully captured in Educated. It's the kind of book I thin...
Educated: A Memoir: Westover, Tara - Books
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A book written by Maya Angelou in response to the abuse that she endured as a child. She used the metaphor of a caged bird to express that even though she had suffered abuse, she would survive by fighting back. Just as the caged bird still sings even...
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, Paperback
A mother's promise is a memoir by Bol Maywal that honours his mother's resilience during the second Sudanese civil war. It follows her journey as she fled violence in Sudan to protect her children, eventually leading them to a refugee camp in Egypt a...
A Mother's Promise: Civil War Survivor's Dream
It recounts the authors upbringing in a Soweto township and her experiences as part of the generation born after the end of apartheid.
Memoirs of a Born Free: Reflections on New South Africa
A deeply moving memoir in which Suleika Jaouad shares her battle with leukemia and the difficult journey of rebuilding her life after illness. The book explores survival, identity, loneliness, hope, and finding meaning after trauma and uncertainty. (...
Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted
A powerful collection of personal essays from disabled writers across the 21st century. Curated by Alice Wong, the book shares first- person stories about living with disability in a world not built for accessibility highlighting identity, independen...
Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories
A inspiring memoir by Michelle Obama that traces her journey from growing up on the South side of Chicago to becoming a lawyer, mother, and first lady. She reflects on identity, ambition, family, and the pressures of life in the public eye, while sha...
Becoming by Michelle Obama, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®
A raw and emotional memoir where Lamar Odom reflects on his rise to NBA fame, personal struggles, addiction, grieve, and recovery. The book shares his journey through loss and redemption while exploring the challenges of fame, family and healing.
Darkness to Light: A Memoir - Amazon.com
A sold and honest collection of personal stories where Gabrielle Union opens up about relationships, racism, Hollywood, heartbreak and self-worth. With humour and vulnerability, she shares lessons about identity, resilience, and finding confidence in...
We're Going to Need More Wine: Stories
An intimate and emotional memoir where Kerry Washington shares her journey through family secrets, childhood trauma, fame, identity and self discovery. The book explores her rise in Hollywood while revealing deeply personal truths about her upbringin...
Thicker than Water: A Memoir by Kerry Washington
A book that highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women throughout American history. It shares stories of female pioneers, activists and everyday women whose work and sacrifices helped shape the nation but were frequently left out of mains...
We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America
A powerful memoir in which Barack Obama reflects on his early political journey, historic presidency, and the challenges of leading during moments of crisis. The book offers an inspiring look at leadership, democracy, ambition and the personal sacrif...
A Promised Land by Barack Obama, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®
A heartfelt memoir where Tina Knowles shares her journey from growing up in segregated Texas to raising daughters Beyoncé and Solange. The book explores motherhood, resilience, family, legacy, heartbreak and personal growth, while highlighting the st...
Matriarch (Oprah's Book Club) - Tina Knowles - Barnes & Noble
Romance
Steamy, sizzling and spicy novels.
A book by Mulenga Kapwepwe an author and social activist from my country Zambia.
Rich with captivating depictions of Zambia's natural and cultural heritage, perfect marriage offers profound lessons and insights into the interconnectedness of human be...
Perfect Marriage by Mulenga Kapwepwe, Paperback
How can a story end before it begins? 🤯. I almost read It Starts With Us first, but it turns out the correct order is to begin with It Ends With Us.
The story follows florist Lily Bloom, whose abusive relationship with neurosurgeon Rule Kincaid is ...
It Ends with Us
The novel picks up where It Ends With Us left off, focusing on Lily and Atlas's love.
It Starts with Us: A Novel (It Ends with Us)
It blends humour, romance and real-life themes like relationships, cultural expectations, body image and family pressure especially within a Nigerian-British context. (affiliate link)
Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband?: A Novel
Drama
Despite the humourous title, the book explores serious topics like body dysmorphice, societal beauty standards and long-buried family secrets. It is a "polyphonic" novel meaning it is told through the perspectives of multiple women in the family show...
Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow: A Novel
The book consists of twelve stories that explore the chaotic and often humourous dating landscape of Lagos, Nigeria. It focuses on the experiences of various women as the navigate relationships with men who embody different "mad" archetype's. (affili...
Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad: Stories by Damilare Kuku, Paperback
The story centers on the complexities of an arranged marriage and family dynamics with the household. (affiliate link)
His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie, Paperback
The book is a "blistering" indictment of corruption, systemic inequality and the cycle of poverty showing how the choices of the powerful can shatter the lives of the vulnerable.
Books - A Spell of Good Things: Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀
Two ex-convict fathers set out a violent quest for justice after their son's are murdered, forcing them to confront their past and produces. (Affiliate link)
Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®
Coming of age
Stories that follow characters as they grow, discover themselves and navigate life's turning points.
A gifted young woman discovers her power and destiny while navigating a world of mysticism and change.
She Who Knows by Nnedi Okorafor
A young woman juggling family responsibilities and personal growth navigates work, love and identity while learning to put herself first. (Affiliate link)
Maame (A Today Show Read with Jenna Book Club Pick)
Fantasy
Imaginative tales set in magical worlds filled with extraordinary powers, mythical creatures and epic journeys.
In a world on the brink of collapse, a young man must confront hidden powers and dangerous forces as he fights to survive and uncover the truth about his identity.
In the Shadow of the Fall by Tobi Ogundiran | Goodreads
Fiction
Made-up stories that explore real emotions, relationship and experiences across different settings and themes.
In a collapsing, climate -ravaged America, a young woman with a unique ability sets out on a dangerous journey to build a new belief system and community.
Parable of the Sower (Earthseed, #1) by Octavia E. Butler | Goodreads
A collection of interconnected stories that explore the lives, struggles, and relationships of residents in a Harlem apartments building. (Affiliate link)
Stories from the Tenants Downstairs - Sidik Fofana - Barnes & Noble
Thriller
Suspenseful, fast-paced stories filled with danger, tension, and unexpected twists.
A dark crime thriller that follows a former FBI agent turned sheriff in a small Virginia town who investigates a series of shocking murders. As the case unfolds, he is forced to confront deep-seated corruption, racial tension, and personal guilt whil...
All the Sinners Bleed: A Novel by S. A. Cosby
Power Reads
The ultimate masterclass in modern business, packing foundational lessons on strategy, leadership, and change into one definitive volume.
HBR'S 10 Must Reads: The Essentials
Transform from a manager into a visionary leader with definitive insights on inspiring trust, driving influence, and charting the future.
HBR's 10 Must Reads on Leadership
Outmaneuver your competition and capture sustainable market share using the most powerful strategic frameworks ever published.
HBR's 10 Must Reads On Strategy 9781422157985
Unlock your team's highest potential by mastering the psychology of motivation, high performance, and workplace collaboration.
HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing People
The ultimate self-development blueprint to sharpen your strengths, optimize your energy, and sustain a thriving, lifelong career.
HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself
Lead through uncertainty with total confidence using proven blueprints to overcome resistance and execute seamless company transformation
HBR's 10 Must Reads on Change Management
Turn creative ideas into market-disrupting reality while future-proofing your business against fast-moving industry shifts.
HBR's 10 Must Reads on Innovation (with featured article "The ...
Master the human side of professional success by building deep self-awareness, empathy, and unbreakable social influence.
HBR's 10 Must Reads on Emotional Intelligence
Tear down corporate silos and build hyper-productive, trust-fueled partnerships across teams and departments.
HBR's 10 Must Reads on Collaboration
Pitch your ideas with absolute clarity, command any room, and persuade audiences through high-impact professional storytelling.
HBR's 10 Must Reads on Communication
Stop chasing trends and build a powerhouse brand by decoding customer needs and driving measurable, long-term growth.
HBR's 10 Must Reads on Strategic Marketing