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My favorite book recs

22 items

Simbarashe Simango

📚 Must-Read Novels That Stay With You Lose yourself in unforgettable stories with this curated list of powerful novels across genres and cultures. From modern classics to hidden gems, each pick is a page-turner that offers depth, emotion, and persp...

A classic novel portraying the impact of colonialism on Igbo society through the tragic story of Okonkwo, a respected warrior struggling to preserve his culture.

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, Paperback

A gripping historical fiction set during the Biafran War, exploring love, loyalty, and the devastating cost of conflict on Nigerian lives.

Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

A coming-of-age story highlighting the challenges of gender, race, and colonial legacy through the eyes of a young Shona girl striving for education and independence.

Book Review: Tsitsi Dangarembga's 'Nervous Conditions'

A magical realist tale about Azaro, a spirit child caught between the spirit world and harsh realities of postcolonial Nigeria.

The Famished Road by Ben Okri

A contemporary exploration of race, identity, and love through a Nigerian woman’s journey navigating life in the United States and back home.

Americanah: A novel - Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi

A memoir blending humor and poignant reflections on growing up mixed-race during apartheid, highlighting social and racial complexities of South Africa.

Born a Crime: Stories from South African Childhood

A heart-wrenching tale of marriage, motherhood, and cultural expectations in Nigeria, blending personal tragedy with political turbulence.

Stay with Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀

A young adult fantasy inspired by West African mythology, following a fierce heroine fighting to restore magic in a brutal, divided kingdom.

Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orïsha, #1) by Tomi Adeyemi

A surreal and satirical look at race, identity, and self-perception in contemporary Lagos—think Kafka meets Lagos hustle.

Blackass by A. Igoni Barrett

A haunting and provocative story about colonialism, cultural identity, and forbidden desire, set in a Sudanese village with echoes of the West.

Season of Migration to the North by Tayeb Salih

A tender yet powerful narrative about a young girl’s escape from religious tyranny and her awakening to personal and political freedom.

Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

✨ A heartfelt exploration of friendship, creativity, and the power of video games. This novel follows two lifelong friends who team up to create video games, navigating love, loss, and the complexities of human connection. Perfect for anyone who love...

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

👑 An intimate memoir that pulls back the curtain on royal life. Prince Harry shares his personal journey through grief, mental health struggles, and breaking free from royal expectations. A compelling read for those curious about the private lives b...

Spare: Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex - Books

🧪 A witty and inspiring story about a female scientist in the 1960s breaking all the rules. Elizabeth Zott defies societal norms while hosting a cooking show that teaches women much more than recipes. Equal parts funny and empowering — a great pick ...

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

🏞️ A modern retelling of Dickens’ “David Copperfield” set in Appalachia. This powerful novel dives into the struggles of poverty, addiction, and resilience in rural America. Thought-provoking and deeply moving, it’s a must-read literary journey.

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

🌊 A sweeping family saga set in South India spanning generations. Exploring love, loss, and medicine, this epic novel weaves a rich tapestry of life by the sea. Beautifully written, it’s perfect for readers who love immersive historical fiction.

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

What if you could explore every life you could have lived? This moving novel follows Nora, who finds herself in a mystical library between life and death, with the chance to undo regrets and live out alternate realities. A deeply human story about c...

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

A magical duel wrapped in a love story, inside a circus that only opens at night. Two young illusionists are bound to a mysterious competition — but neither knows the rules. A beautifully written fantasy-romance full of wonder, enchantment, and breat...

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

An escaped convict finds redemption, danger, and love in the underworld of 1980s Bombay. Based on true events, this epic tale blends adventure, philosophy, and gritty realism. Perfect for those who love travel stories with emotional depth and a raw, ...

Shantaram: A Novel - Roberts, Gregory David: Books

One man. One spaceship. One chance to save humanity. From the author of The Martian, this thrilling sci-fi novel mixes humor, heart, and science as a lone astronaut wakes up with amnesia—and a mission that could determine Earth’s fate.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Grumpy old man meets his match in a nosy new neighbor—with life-changing results. This heartwarming and hilarious story reminds us that behind every gruff exterior is a deeply human story. For fans of emotional reads that make you laugh, cry, and hug...

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman