Let’s enter 2019 with great collection of books
As the year enters its second month and is moving on, what have you done differently to make a difference to yourself or in the life of others? While new year resolutions seem to be great ideas, often times we fall off the plate and are sad that we did not follow through. But picking out something, one or two things, not a lot to change your life for the better or even someone else’s life is a great idea. Don’t bite more than you can chew and then have a plan you can keep to and manage your goals and objectives one day at a time. As for me, I am writing two books, one I started nearly six years ago, the second one is brand new but I am pacing myself and I am committed. Maybe twice a week, I try to write despite the noise in the Nigerian atmosphere, physically and figuratively but I am determined to keep going. Be determined, keep moving. Today I bring you five great books that will accompany you in your 2019 journey for positive growth. I hope they speak to you as they have spoken to me.
1) Jeffrey Archer, one of my favorite fiction writers, author of Kane and Abel has come out with an incredibly good read titled, Heads you win. This book set in Russia is fun and racy but it is as always with Archer replete with delicious twists and turns. Set in 1968 Russia it tells the tale of a young man, Alexander Karpenko whose father is murdered by the KGB. He flees Russia with his mother and becomes an immigrant in the United states. This is the story of his life as an immigrant and his return to his home country after many years. A beautiful read that dwells on themes of immigration striving, romance and dirty deals. More intriguing is the fact that their decision of where to migrate to is decided by the toss of a coin on the boat. America or Britain. Even in the story telling there are two versions of where they actually ended up. A must read. As a bonus, the version I have is a well-designed bright red cover that is great to look at on my reading table.
2) How to think like Obama, by Daniel Smith. This book, a slim volume brings with it all that is expected and does not disappoint. It is getting into the mind of one of 21st centuries greatest minds, the former President of the United States, Barrack Obama. This book reveals the motivations, inspirations and philosophies behind a man who broke the mold to challenge the status quo. With his thoughts on leadership, innovation, overcoming obstacles, fighting inequality and quotes by and about him, this book can teach you to think like Obama. Get a copy. Quick.
3) What it means when a man falls from the sky, by award winning and multiple prize winning author Lesley Nneka Armah, is a great accomplished debut collection of short stories. Poignant, interwoven and restrained, this book explores the ties that bind parents and children, husbands and wives, relationship between friends and the places they call home. In the short story, “Who will greet you at home”, a national magazine award finalist for the New Yorker, a woman desperate for a child, weaves one with hair with unsettling results. A book to own and savor.
4) When Hitler took cocaine and Lenin lost his brain by Giles Milton is my ultimate 2019 entry book. Hilarious true stories written in short pieces and packed with punches, this is the book everyone must read in 2019. The author, well known for his podcast The unknown history podcast is a writer after my heart. When I grow up, I want to be like him. Giles lives literarily in libraries, archival troughs, history books and museums piecing together history’s unknown stories. This one I am recommending is my first encounter with his books and I am on a mission to gather his entire collection and let everyone know about him. When Hitler took cocaine and Lenin lost his brain is an amazing collection of historical gems. Who would have known that Hitler had an English girlfriend? Who knew that Hitler was always pumped up with a cocktail of drugs on a daily basis including cocaine? Who knew that he had such bad flatulence that he had to take medication to keep it at bay? Too many stories in this collection to make you wonder how many historical incidences you did not know about including a Japanese soldier so out of tune that it took him 29 years to accept that Japan had lost the 2nd world war and surrendered. He was the last Japanese soldier still fighting for Japan in the Philippines and refusing to believe the war was over. Incredible!
5) Hair, it’s a family affair by Myla Freeman. This is an illustrated book for children related to celebrating black hair. Through the varied and vibrant hairstyles found in a single family it gives the children the various types of hair found in the world. This is a good way to start the conversation on hair by a parent so the child is not ashamed of their black hair. Enjoy!