For a true bookworm, the holiday will prove to be a great time to catch up on readings. To get your loved ones creative juices flowing, we have come up with a list of amazing books by African authors, mostly Nigerian you can gift them. They are all available either as hard copy books or e-books and below N10,000.
1. Tomi Adeyemi’s ‘Children of’ Series
This book series by Tomi Adeyemi follows the heroine, Zélie Adebola, as she attempts to restore magic to the fantasy kingdom of Orïsha. Tomi is known for exploring Afro-futuristic concepts in her writings. The first two books in the three-part series are out, and they are a delight to read.
N8,000 | Purchase here
2. Nnedi Okoroafor’s ‘Who Fears Death’
Who Fears Death is set in a post-apocalyptic Africa where genocide reigns as the Nuru attempt to wipe out the Okeke according to the tenets of the Great Book. Onyesonwu, who was born with magic, will struggle to free her people and master the powers in her blood. It’s an exciting and highly imaginative read.
N3,500 | Purchase here
3. Oyinkan Braithwaite’s ‘My Sister, The Serial Killer’
Having a serial killer as a sister requires a lot of love and a strong stomach. But when your sister’s tendencies begin to threaten the man you love, it’s time to take action. This book is a satirical thriller that will shock you and have you laughing too hard (against your better judgement).
N3,500 | Purchase here
4. Chimamanda Adichie’s ‘The Thing Around Your Neck’
This is a short story collection of 12 unique stories, each following the lives of different people struggling to find their identities. Each story is thought-provoking and will leave your bookworm friend looking for more.
N1,500 | Purchase here
5. Tendai Huchu’s ‘The Hairdresser of Harare’
Dive into contemporary Zimbabwe through the eyes of a hairdresser as she juggles work, a new-found friendship and the everyday changes in society that affect her personal life. Buy this especially for a friend who has a kindle
N6,200 | Purchase here
6. Adaobi Nwaubani’s ‘I Do Not Come To You By Chance’
Kingsley Ibe is educated but thoroughly poor, and he has a family who relies on him. He seeks out his uncle but promises to help him but at a cost. Kingsley journey to self-preservation and battle with morals with keep you glued to the book.
N4,000 | Purchase here
7. Chibundu Onuzo’s ‘Welcome To Lagos’
What happens when a man trained to be a soldier from the young age of 12 alongside his junior officer abandons his battalion in Bayelsa after being asked to kill innocent civilians? Follow Chike Ameobi and Yẹmi Ọkẹ’s journey as they search for new opportunities in the big city of Lagos.
N4,500 | Purchase here
8. Lola Shoneyin’s ‘The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives’
When Baba Segi marries Bolanle, a graduate as his fourth wife, his semi-literate wives hate her and try to get her out of the house. They have more than just her wisdom to hate her for, as they know she’s the only one who can expose the secret lives they’ve been leading. Mo Abudu is adapting the book into a series as a part of her deal with Netflix.
N3,650 | Purchase here
9. Chimamanda Adichie’s ‘Zikora’
Chimamanda weaves a taut tale of sexism and single motherhood in her new short story, ‘Zikora’, released on Amazon Original Stories. She takes on the plight of a well-educated black woman who finds herself about to become a single mother, and the journey leading up to that moment. It’s only available on Kindle.
N1,000 | Purchase here
10. Wole Soyinka’s ‘Chronicles Of The Happiest People On Earth’
This is Wole Soyinka’s first novel in 48 years. It is a dramatic and engaging read following the lives of four friends who make a pact to cause an impactful change in their nation. The book has humour and extraordinary characters. The story also provides a realistic perspective on the state of affairs in Nigeria, with a depth of commentary.
N10,000 | Purchase here
11. Ololade Akintoye’s ‘Brimstones and Rainbows’
After being abandoned, stigmatized, and ostracized from her community in the small village of Ojiji following a debilitating childbirth complication, Obstetric Fistula, Ruby sets out in search of a better life. She journeys to the city of Eko on a path to healing and recovery and a chance of finding what lies on the other side of the rainbow.
N4,000 | Purchase here
12. Arese Ugwu’s ‘The Smart Money Woman’ Books
‘The Smart Money Woman’ series follows the lives of four urban women in Lagos state who are trying to live their best lives while also trying to manage their finances. While they each make a considerable amount of money monthly, their bad spending habits may just be what puts them in trouble.
Africa Magic Urban adapted the books into a series. The main character, Zuri, is played by Osas Ighodaro. Other members of the cast include Kemi Lala Akindoju, Ini-Dima Okojie, Ebenezer Eno, Timini Egbuson, Eso Dike Okolocha, Tope Tedela, and more.
N5,500 | Purchase here
