Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
There are books that are shaping Africa, and this book is number one on my list. There will never be a second Things Falls Apart because we have fallen, truly, apart, and we must pick up our very many broken pieces and make sense of each jagged edge, fix the fixable up, and move on.
Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta
If you want to understand what being a mother is all about, then you must read this book. Though it falters once in a while with 'long' story, but Ms. Emecheta sure knows how to bring you back. The story of Nnu Ego will make you cry, just as the story of a hard-working mother is supposed to do. And after her children left her, you can't stop the emotions that overwhelm you. This is one book that made me want to write only about women.
One Day I Will Write About This Place by Binyavanga Wainana
It takes great courage for a writer to tell about his story, warts and all, and Binyavanga is one fine writer every African must read. His memoir is fearlessly told and knowing who he is -- with the award winning article on 'How To Write About Africa', he sets a standard that will not easily be forgotten. He is opinionated; he is quick to give you his thoughts and if you don't like it, then go scrub your face on the roughest wall you could find. I love that man!
Disgrace by J. M Cotzee
J.M Cotzee is an enigmatic writer. His book was given to me by a friend -- Gimba Kakanda. I was taken in by his strong in-your-face and to-the-point style of writing. Disgrace is the story of Professor David Lurie and his disastrous affair with his student. He lost everything and his trials did not stop even after he went to settle in his daughter's farm. This story makes want to know more of this writer who hates having his picture taken.
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This remains my best of Adichie's works , until, maybe, I get gobsmacked by her upcoming book. Kambili was just me growing up --without a voice of my own, with my own fears. Though I didn't experience her abuse, but I could relate with her. Or perhaps, Chimamanda perfectly worked on my psyche -- made me feel like I was Kambili and was experiencing those harsh realities. That's what a good book does to you: it never leaves you. It is like a first love and the memory will not go away easily.
may I just add that while its true that we've fallen apart, I visited my roots in 1978 as a child
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Yvonne Chinelo Ibekwe