WHAT I READ IN 2015

Each year, since 2013, I have always set a target for myself when it comes to books to read. I resolve, each year to do better than the previous year’s target. Since 2013, I have achieved this feat not with ease judging by the numerous activities one has to juggle along with reading.

I look at 2015 with a sense of disappointment (failure was the word I wanted to use but it’s me being too hard on myself). I say disappointment because I did poorly as far as reading novels was concerned.

I read a total of Eight (8) books in 2015. 8 BOOKS! (I wish you could see the shame on my face).  I however, read in addition few non-fictional work including academic papers and articles shared by friends online.

Here are the books I read:

FICTION

WE NEED NEW NAMES - NOVIOLET BULAWAYO

We Need NEW Names by Zimbabwean author revolves around Darling and her friends living in Paradise and later went to the US where she came of age. The story touched on teen pregnancy, rape, activities of NGOs. W hen Darling finally visited the US, she realized the cultural shock - actions of her cousin and school life.

The novel was a present from my brother, Moshood Hamza on my birthday. A big surprise from him.

THE OLDMAN AND THE SEA – ERNEST HEMINGWAY

I know how much Ernest Hemingway is adored within the literary circles. He’s a cult figure. And the first of his book I have read was The Oldman and the Sea. The inspiration to read this simple, easy to read-the language is ordinary with a poignant message about life- came by after watching the Antoinne Fuqua directed and Denzel Washington starred action thriller The Equalizer. The movie seems to draw inspiration from the novel.

The Oldman and the Sea touches on life and ambition/desire and how we sometimes lose it when we achieve it due to our desperate attempt to protect it. A good book to read.

CHANGES: A Love Story - AMA ATA AIDOO

I bought the book as a present for a friend but I ended up reading it before giving it out to her. I couldn’t help myself since it was one book a friend described as ‘one to read’.  The story is a true reflection of Ama Ata Aidoo’s strong views on feminism, women’s independence vis-à-vis the patriachical Ghanaian society.  

One of the standout quotes in the text is ‘Love is not safe; love is dangerous; the last man any woman should think of marrying is the man she loves…’  A very debatable view point, methink.

THE BEAUTYFUL ONES ARE NOT YET BORN- AYI KWEI ARMAH

Ayi Kwei Armah is a revered figure within the African literature circles and this novel and his other works clearly proves why (I hear Hamza Mooshod scream YES). Deep thoughts, prophetic predictions, grief and pain; these are all found in this well woven story that is The Beatyful Ones Are Not Yet Born.

A good man who became corrupt when he entered politics, ending up a fugitive when his government was overthrown in a coup is the theme of the story. The savior of this politician was his poor in-law who was treated with contempt by his mother-inlaw for his steadfastness- not to be corrupted despite a glaring opportunity to easily become a victim. It is one of the books you must read by all means.

SO LONG A LETTER – MARIAMA BA

A brilliant story told by Mariama Ba through Ramatoulaye’s letter to her friend Aminatou  capturing the position of woman within the African society in broader terms as well as the direction of her (Ramatoulaye) life and how the few who are brave enough to take charge of their life are regarded.

I had to rush read this small book (84 pages) which I borrowed from my good friend Hamza Moshood since he needed to read for a paper. So Long A Letter is a book I would be reading again this year. The issues tackled are still relevant in our society.

MANUSCRIPTS FOUND IN ACCRA-PAULO COELHO

The reason I bought this book, despite recommendation from someone I consider a friend, was because of the title. Unfortunately, this novel wasn’t set in Accra (as in Ghana). This novel by the Brazilian author is a philosophical writing about how one could live a fulfilling life.

A priest who has seen death approaching chose his final days to teach his townfolks especially the youth about how to keep the traditions of their town and the nuggets of life from destruction.

THE GREAT GATSBY – F. SCOTT FITZGERALD 

The Great Gatsby was one book I revisited this year. Considered one of the best among the Scott Fitzgerald collections, The Great Gatsby is set in the jazz era of the American history where debauchery and money met at a crossroad.

J. Gatsby lived for the green light and the day it dimmed, he died; murdered by a man who was made to think he was coveting his wife.  A beautiful story of an untimely and underserved death of a man with a good heart.

NO LONGER AT EASE – CHINUA ACHEBE

No Longer At Ease is the second installment of the ever popular Things Fall Apart.  Obi Okonkwo upon his return to Nigeria with his degree got a good government job and it was not long before his ‘innocence’ was robed.  A sad end of a young returnee determined to cause a change in his homeland soiling his hands with corruption.

NON- FICTION

THERE WAS A COUNTRY –CHINUA ACHEBE

This one by Chinua Achebe has been sitting among my books for two years. Finally, I made time to read about Nigeria, as a society and country; the ethnic tensions, the political system and who it seeks to benefit the most. It is an engrossing read despite the criticism that Achebe painted his Igbo clansmen as the good ones and victims of a Northern progrom to diminish their influence in Nigeria.

ISLAM – KAREN ARMSTRONG

This book was a gift from Amma Konadu (one of the few ferocious readers I know). Karen Armstrong is an authority on Islam and this book explores the history of Islam, the Shia and Shi’te dynamics and well as the Ahmadi subject and more importantly how the Shia and Shi’te nexus has become an acrimonious one in the sphere of global politics (Iran and Saudi Arabia as the primarily players).

FROM COMFLICT TO CONCENSUS? ELITE INTEGRATION AND DEMOCRACY IN GHANA – ANJA OSAE

This was an academic research paper supporting the notion that elite integration is what sustains the growth of democracy. That is how the elites in the various political camps despite their different political ideologies unite with each other when it is most important as well as the relationship they have with the ordinary voters (citizens) to forge a formidable democratic society.

THE SOCIOLINGUISTIC OF AKAN PERSONAL NAMES – KOFI AGYEKUM

Kofi Agyekum (Opanyin Agyekum) is a foremost linguist and in this presentation gives a detail analysis of how the Akans name their children, importance of names, circumstances under which names are given to children and what the effect of these names are on the bearer.

He also makes the case of how the introduction of Christianity and Western education impacted on how parents name their kids and more importantly how the concept of a parent (father) naming a child after himself is a colonial or western concept.

ETHNICITY AND DEMOCRACY – ALEXANDER KAAKYIRE FRIMPONG

This was a research carried out by the author in 2004 after the General Elections exploring the question of advantages of ethnicity and voting trends in determining how a candidate wins an election(s). The research was necessitated by the voting pattern of the people of Central Region who heeded to the ‘Adze Wo Fie Oye’ (I’m a son of your land so vote for me) slogan that the late Prof. Mills used in 2004, helping him clinch the 2004 Presidential Elections. An interesting analysis and conclusions.

As to how many books I would end up reading is one I have not decided on. But, I know I will beat my 2015 efforts. I will definitely make time to read more than I did last year. And the subjects surely would be very diverse-more about politics, religion and some autobiographies. Also, I’d read more female African writers and anything that falls on my path.

And yes, I will be blogging more on this platform than I did last year. My other blog took more of my time which was not very cool. Managing two blogs isn’t easy. Lastly, I’m planning to go back to writing poetry again. My confidence has been given a boost by a friend I met who made me vow to him I would be writing and publishing my poems more this year.

Before I end let me share with you something Matt Haig, a writer said about reading.

‘Read books. Always read books. Everytime you can. It makes the world better. It is how humans merge. Empathy. Reading is love in action’

‘

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.

SUPPORT THE READING CULTURE

Talk about literature- the art of reading and writing- in Ghana and the consensus is uniform. It is waning. Ghanaians are not reading and writers are not writing. Those who are writing are not getting the necessary help: it is difficult getting a publisher and distribution of books is a frenetic exercise, making it a non-profitable venture for publishers.

On Wednesday, 27^th March, 2013, I had the privilege of attending a book reading session organized by Writers Project Ghana. My first. Though I have heard about the Ghana Voices Series (that’s what it is known), I have, frankly been lazy at attending.

The guest writer was Alex Agyei-Agyiri, a lawyer/author. It was an interesting experience as he read from some of his old works, which included poems and few chapters from his new novel ‘Unexpected Joy At Dawn’. His writing is biased towards politics and how politicians have employed the conduit of politics to advance more of their course and less of the nation.

I was, however, saddened by the number of attendees that night. We were less than 25. I will not ascribe a reason for the low turnout. But it did set my mind on a quest to find answers to these questions and what can be done to promote this book reading culture. Interestingly, people will turn up for book reading if the guest is a celebrated writer or celebrated poet. They’ll be there more for photo shooting sessions. The ‘I-Was-There-Some’ symbolism is more important.

I asked a friend for his opinion on the subject of Ghanaians and reading. Hear his response: ‘Ghanaians (excluding the illiterate class) do read. They read their newspapers, their motivational/ spiritual books and their novels, authored by non-Ghanaians/Africans’.

He went further to indicate that most people, especially students, don’t read beyond their areas of study. It’s even worse when they complete school. Reading ceases in many cases.

This point has been emphasized by Joe Frazier, a columnist for the Daily Graphic in one of his articles. He opines: ‘The fact of the matter is that only a few Ghanaians read; if they are not compelled to do so to pass an examination, or to understand a religious tract’.

I have been reading Prof. Kofi Awoonor’s ‘The African Predicament-A Collection of Essays’. And in Chapter 2 of that book, he narrates his travels, in the 1960s across the US, visiting various Universities and High Schools reading poetry and educating his audience, mostly white students about Africa.

I’m wondering if an institution like the University of Ghana or the Department of English (I don’t know if they do though) can’t organize such reading encounters for students of her department, who are most likely to be in the business of writing one day. If for nothing at all, it will bring students into close proximity to some of their ‘heroes’. They also will get inspired; understand the works of the guest literary persons among other factors.

Cost? How these readings will be funded? The University has the resources. They own some good facilities. And even if they can’t fund it, the University has a ‘face’ attractive enough to source some corporate funding to support.

As it stands, Writers Project Ghana appears to be fanning this initiative. And i would want to commend them for promoting creative writing and literature on the whole. Though they ran on a shoe string budget, they are doing a great job. I don’t want to talk about corporate sponsorship because corporate Ghana appears to support all things except educational programmes. Every good thing has to begin ‘small’. It takes just a spark to create an inferno. Kudos to you.

And if you are reading this, I’ll urge you to make it a point to attend these interesting and educative gatherings once you hear about it. You won’t regret the experience.

Lest I forget, the Ghana Voices Series happens on the last Wednesday of every month. Follow @writerspg on twitter for updates.