MY READ LIST FOR JANUARY 2023

In 2022, I read 40 new books, and maybe 15 books that I have read before. Last Jan., I finished 8 books, reviewed them all, and then struggled to maintain that tempo till the end of the year.

Amidst everything I am going through, I make it a point of duty to have at least 10 books I plan to read each month. Now, is there a possibility that I will read all the 10 books? Yes. Do I always read all the 10 books? Are you forqing kidding me? Combining writing, with studying medicine in one of the most popular federal university in the county; with my international whocup business; with my brand copywriting services; with my freelancing; and then 10 books per month… God abeg. So you get the gist, I don’t always read 10 books per month. Sometimes, I do.

Nonetheless, here are my 10 book recommendations and readlist for January.

1. Fragile Lives: A Heart Surgeon’s Stories of Life and Death on the Operating Table – Prof. Stephen Westaby

Since 2019, I have ensured that at least one medical literature make it into any kind of booklist or read list I compile. Since then, I have read a shit ton of them and I tell it to you, they are mostly fantastic. This one is just about 260 pages, and yes, I am not considering cardiothoracic surgery for specialization.

2. The Mechanics of Yenagoa – Michael Afenfia

Aycrown is primarily the reason I want to read this book. She has been harassing me on all my socials because of this book, so let me just get into it. I do love Michael, I attended about two separate writing masterclasses that he facilitated last year and they were explosive.

3. The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel

I need money. I absolutely want to learn about money. I mean, why else would I be a prostitute if not because of money? This is one of the most recommended financial books and Miss Funmilayo, a friend and former colleague, who read the hardcopy gave it a sterling review

4. Tomorrow I become a woman – Aiwanose Odafen

What if I become a woman tomorrow? What if we all become women tomorrow? The title of this book is giving me the good vibes and it is a critically acclaimed book. I can’t wait to see what it truly holds.

5. An Unusual Grief – Yewande Omotoso

What can I say? Joey spoke highly of this book and I want to finally get into bed with Yewande’s works. It is also not a large book, I shouldn’t have a problem finishing it and talking about it.

6. Your Crib, My Qibla – Saddiq Dzukogi

Saddiq was one of those who made 2022 a memorable year for the Nigerian poetry community. This particular poetry collection was a finalist for the Nigerian Prize for Literature and has gone ahead to clinch multiple prizes. I have interacted with Saddiq’s poems in the past, but those were single pieces. This is the first book of his that I’d be consuming whole.

7. For Boys Who Went – Adedayo Adeyemi Agarau

Adedayo Agarau is one of the biggest names in Contemporary African poetry conversations. I am a big fan, oh, we do interact on socials too. I have read this collection of poems before, but I want to go back to it. I think I miss it.

8. The Potters Wheel – Vincent Chukwuemeka

You are not my mate if you did not read this book in your secondary school. I mean, I have read it about one, not sure I finished it at the second read but that was many years ago… 2013/2014 ish. So yeah, let’s go back to those times.

9. The Perks of Being a Wallflower – Stephen Chbosky

It is just 167 pages and I really want to know what being a wallflower is about… oh, they advertised about knowing your HIV status at the back, so I’m already putting two plus two together. The prostitute part of me is stoked!

10. Adulting – Michael Emmanuel & Emmanuel Faith

Well, adulthood is showing me 45 shege per seconds and I just hope that I learn to navigate through these times by the time I’m done with this book. Oh the authors are brothers and they are rich… I know, I know… I can enter Faith’s DM now and bill him and chop a mutually-agreed, deserved blocking.

As at when I wrote this newsletter, I am already reading book 4. I do hope i’m able to complete these ten books. Ciao.