Five books for healing and reconciliation

1) One of my favourite books of all times is “1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die” edited by Peter Boxall. This is a book everyone must read. It contains an unparalleled listing of some of the most phenomenal books ever written and one that reminds us that books outlive us all and the written word never dies. My Dad, of blessed memory, used to say when you write be sure that whatever you write can be defended in twenty years or more. Here is a book for all seasons with different lessons of life. Some of the listings include books written before 1800 and some contemporary books. It includes amazing books on love, life, betrayal wars and reconciliation. A collectors item.

2) “Life of Christ” is written by Giovanni Papini hailed as a great master. The book, part a religious novel, part a historical novel and in part a historical essay and in part an exquisite example of dramatic literature. Its overwhelming theme is the poetic plea for the human race to return to brotherly love. A quality most lacking in the world today even among family members. This plea for brotherly love in the world earned the author and the book international fame. It became Italy’s best seller in the 1920’s. He is celebrated for the simplicity with which he wrote the book, stripping away the theological and literary embellishments that obscured the picture of Christ’s life and times. A must read.

3) Media is the Sine qua non of all history and journalism remains one of those professions which defines life and sets the agenda for nations and persons. A deep understanding of the media’s role in national development opens new vistas for the uninitiated. All those who participate in elections anywhere in the world, journalists, media practitioners and administrators and everyone with national stake holding must read this exciting book titled Masters of the Word. “How the media shaped history” written by William Bernstein. Bernstein chronicles the birth of writing and the technologies of human communication both new and old and how they are shaping the world.

4) “The Dictionary of Political Bullshit” written by Nick Webb is making its second appearance in this column. With the gubernatorial election only about a week away, this book of hilarious anecdotes and wry wit and humor is the book of the season. For all those befuddled, confused by political jargons and even those bored with it, this is the book for you. Using British politics as it’s exemplar, it’s the perfect antidote to politics and helps you make your peace with yourself and them, if you are not a politician. Webb takes an irreverent and wry look at what lies behind the spin, clichés, code and euphemisms used in politics by everyone including the county councillor to the British prime Minister. Great read.

5) At one of the early morning masses I attended during this Easter period, (please don’t beat yourself up. I try to attend but I don’t succeed each time. I am hardly a morning person) the priest was talking about all those who just enjoy undoing other people and celebrating the pain of others. Indeed we know them all; career trouble makers and consistent sadists. I was glad when Nigerians put them to shame and refused to be drawn into election violence. All the preaching by elder statesmen and the publicity and campaign against violence by different bodies and the media paid off. We pray that the gubernatorial elections will record the same level of peace and sportsmanship. President Jonathan has led the way and the Presidentelect has been magnanimous by his body language and words that the victory he has won in this election belongs to all Nigerians. This exemplary behaviour at the pinnacle of power is what we should all imbibe to prevent us from descending to the abyss where Rwanda found itself many years ago. Let us take time to remind ourselves of the opposite side of peace by reading the account of General Romeo Dollaire Force commander of the UN mission to Rwanda in his award winning book “Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda.” The tales of the Genocide in Rwanda is a lesson for all. It was so bad, the general suffered a nervous breakdown after losing 15 of his men to the civil war and genocide where all he wanted to do was to bring peace to two warring factions. The failure of the UN to deploy enough troops and failure of bureaucrats to heed the General’s warning and the refusal of the international community to help and even provide enough equipment led to the deaths of many, especially Rwandans, who were killed in the hundreds of thousands. Hatred, ethnic jingoism, power, leads to needless deaths. Let peace and reconciliation be our watch word this Easter season. “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God” Mathew 5:9

My much loved mother-in-law who gave me my very supportive spouse has passed at the age of 78. Her death came a couple of days to a much anticipated presidential election. Her prayers for a violent free election were answered by God. I am still nursing the pain of her loss, her laughter, her humuor and her generosity. I thank God for her beautiful life and I ask him for healing and the fortitude to bear this family loss. Her death also came in the cusp of an election won and lost, of anxiety and challenges of community at a time we need it most. With Easter upon us and the reminiscence of a Good Friday, mama died at a time everyone in Nigeria needs healing, unification, forgiveness and restitution. Our politics took on a new hue unseen before in our annals. The great biblical saying we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God comes true at a time of lent and the climax of Easter. Making restitution, fasting, giving up grave personal shortcomings and bad ways and hoping that after lent we would have reformed is the lesson of the sober period. According to the catholic pontiff Pope John Paul II, the acts of reparation for a prayer by Catholics worldwide during Good Friday is “the unceasing effort to stand beside the endless crosses on which the son of God continues to be crucified” in addition, the encyclical of Pope Pius XI referred to them as “some sort of compensation to be rendered for the injury” with respect to the sufferings of Jesus Christ. Who have you offended this season, how do you wish to compensate using the Easter season as a peg? Here then are my recommended books this Easter Sunday of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice at his crucifixion to restore us and reconcile us with God, a most glorious period for all Christendom. As god forgives us our sins so should we forgive our fellow men and as God tolerates us, so should we tolerate other, ethnically, religiously, socially and otherwise. Let us not deepen our divides, let us rise above those things that dishonour us and consolidate those things that unite us. Happy Easter to you all and be the change you want to see.

Bonus: Read The Bible. Read interesting portions on rivalry, wars, peace moves. It contains the greatest life stories of all times with all the necessary tucked in moral codes and mentoring. It has the complete compass for going through life. Read about Joseph and how his brothers sold him into slavery and how they were reconciled and he forgave them. Read about Caine and Abel, read about Isaac’s patience with God and Abraham’s journey. Read as many of the reconciliation stories as you can then go make peace with your brother and sister.

Find Jackie Kay’s amazing short story collection. “Wish You Were Here” Jackie born of a Nigerian father and a Scottish mother but left for adoption understands abandonment, pain and reconciliation. With all of this behind her, Jackie has the most amazing deep guttural laughter. Meeting her in England validated my belief that we can all make another person happy. Her adoptive parents gave her all the love she needed. Reading her is another ball game altogether. Profoundly poignant, her stories talk to us about love, bravery, stupidity that accompanies the search for love, the discovery of love and most of all love’s loss. A book to own and cherish.