2014 READING LIST

Last year, 2013, one of the resolutions I made and stuck to it, surprisingly well, was to read more books in 2014. And I dare say I did quite well by my standard. In fact I read a total of 20 books within the year-minus the numerous articles and ‘scattered’ pieces of intellectually, high valued writings I came into contact with either by chance or friends tag me in.

Photo sourced online

Most of the books I read were fiction, written by notable authors from across continents. Honestly, I did find the works of Russian authors very fascinating and stimulating. One thing that came out clearly was that, a great deal of work went into translating the books from Russia to English.

Let me add that, if not for my dislike for e-books, I’d have read more books than I did. I consider myself an old fashion bibliophile, whose zest to reading books is -and many friends have attested to this fact-driven by the smell of the book than any other attraction that book has to offer. And, again, I seem to waste a lot of times reading e-books than I do with paper backs.

Before I list the books I was able to read within the year, I’d like to thank Writers’ Project Ghana for keeping the reading contest going. The monthly book reading and the discussions has been an amazing one.

Also, kudos to the likes of Amma Konadu (@bisola_inexile), Elijah Atta-Aidoo (@ekowmaisse), Jerome Kuseh (@readjerome) and Aasiya Nettey (@missceeci) for sharing some of the books in their libraries with me. Mention should be made of Nkenten Pages (@nkenten), her bunch of amazing writers such as Eli Tettey (@elidot) for their rich, intellectually stimulating articles on arts and culture space in Ghana.

List of book read and little notes on them:

No Sweetness Here by Ama Ata-Aidoo - A collection of short stories laced with humour, didacticism and fluid narrative; a typical Ama Ata-Aidoo writing.

The African Predicament by Kofi Awoonor – a series of essays compiled over a period of time. Insightful thoughts of a man with an amazing career- a poet, teacher, politician, a diplomat. May he rest in Peace.

Autobiography of Malcolm X – After reading one comes to understand why Malcolm X was such an enigma -divisive and unifying figure in equal measure, and why he was described as the only one who could start a race riot and end one in America.  “No one man should have all that power’ indeed!

Equaino’s Travels Ed. by Paul Edwards - a compelling detail of Ouladah Equaino life, from capture, travels to freedom and advocacy for the abolishing of slavery in England.

The State of Africa by Martin Meredith – Martin’s comprehensive analysis of Africa, tracing its history to current developments is an eye opener for those with limited scope of Africa’s story.

Tail of a blue Bird by Nii Ayikwei Parkes – When an attempt is made to employ scientific methods to investigate a curse, the results are often confusing.

Anthills of the Savannah by Chinua Achebe – It’s a story about how power corrupts and widens the gulf between friends.  Anthills of the Savannah passes as one of the powerful novels to be written by Chinua Achebe. 

Second Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta – a courageous young lady braces all odds to fulfill her dreams. Little did she know that a beloved will anchor her ambitions. One can’t help but to feel Second Class Citizen is the author’s personal tale.

Crime And Punishment by Fyodor Dovestoesky – This novel throws light on the psychological experiences of a murderer. One book everyone must read.

1984 by George Orwell- George Orwell writes about how BIG Brother controls everything, from news to spying on its own citizens. And this book was written years before the likes of Edward Snowden and Asange emerged. One of the books worth spending money on.

Diaries Of A Dead African By Chuma Nwokolo – A book you would come back reading again. A piece of advice: be careful not to hurt your ribs.

Open City by Teju Cole – Even before I read his debut I had fallen in love with his short writings on twitter. And Open City gave me more reason to love his art. The novel brings together all the author’s interests-history, photography, immigration and America’s legal system and music-all woven together artfully.

The Trouble With Nigeria by Chinua Achebe – this pocket book is weightier than your pocket could hold. An honest dissection of the ills that plagues Nigeria’s growth from becoming a greater force in Africa and the world.

Maru by Bessie Head – Bessie Head novels are sometimes heavy to read a la A Question of Power. Maru is about a king who defies odds to marry a low caste teacher by adopting a cruel mode of wooing here.

Notes From The Underground by Fyodor Dovestoesky – The opening words of first chapter grips you with force, freeing you after the last words of the last chapter is done with.

An Enemy Of The People by Ibsen Henrik – A doctor makes a discovery but his brother, who is the Mayor of the town thinks this discovery will derail his pet project. Clash of egos and power. A powerful play.

The Woman In White by Wilkie Collins – A story of deceit and unrequited love. In the end true love triumphed over evil machinations. 

Death of Ivan Illych by Leo Tolstoy – A man struggles to achieve success in life only to die at a time when life seems to be showing its good side. On his death bed, Ivan reflects on his life rather than the material possessions he desired to own.

A Doll House by Henrik Ibsen – a play which reminds men that women are not dolls moulded to our taste but rather humans who want their own freedom and live how they wish to.

Contemporary African Stories Ed. Chinua Achebe and C.L. Innes- a collection of short stories from writers across the African continent-from Nadine Gordimer, Ayi Kwei Armah to Ben Okri.

I have cultivated a cool library and its growing pretty well.  And my advice is simply this; invest the change you are handed by the shop attendant in books as well when you step out shopping. And it is not the best to only read books that ‘appeal’ to you. Diversify your reading portfolio by reading books whose subject matter you ‘hate’.

Happy Reading.

PS: I'm open to book exchange so anyone who is also open should hook up.