May reading journey: a month of rereads & reading slowly
The Reading Nook #19
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What kind of reading month was it?
It was a month of rereading and a slow month (I read two books), but not in a bad way. I started the month with my first read, then went through DNFs and moments where I couldn’t find the desire to read anywhere in me. Finally, I ended with my second read.
Usually, when I grow through a reading drought, I beat myself up about it instead of taking a break or trying to find a book that will captivate me. And when I’m in reading mode, I usually beat myself up for not reading faster, pushing myself, and entering a competition where I’m the only contestant, with the goal of reading an arbitrary number of books. And then, what? I’ve read books I knew I would’ve liked more if I didn’t rush through them.
This month, I realised how purposeless it is to read this way. It takes the enjoyment out of it. But when I move at my own pace, a slower one that fits me, I get to savour a book, immerse myself in it, and feel it in many ways, and that’s when I can take something away or it can change me in some way.
As I read my two reads of the month, I didn’t push myself when I progressed slower than expected. I didn’t make myself keep reading even when I was tired and wanted a break. I didn’t look at how many days I had spent on a book and scowl. I didn’t compare my Goodreads reading stats to those of other people. I reread lines again and again; when life’s distractions and inevitabilities stood in front of me like a tall person whose shoulder I couldn’t look over, I didn’t beat myself up because I only read a page a day.
I realise that it is possible to consume books voraciously but still give each one the attention it deserves. I know it’ll take time to unlearn the urge to rush through books and move on to the next and the next and the next… However, I want to find my pace and move slowly, rather than reading as if someone is chasing me.
Also, I started a reading journal and I’m so excited!!!
May Reads
Faceless by Amma Darko (2003)
This book was part of the required reading for Literature in English students in my secondary school. Out of all the books we read, this one left a lasting impression, so I kept it safe. After almost ten years, I decided to reread it this month.
Faceless is an emotive tale set in Accra, Ghana, around the late 90s, about the horrors of the street child phenomenon. The story is about Fofo, a 14-year-old girl living on the streets who crosses paths with Kabria, a wife, mother, and an NGO worker. Their encounter changes the trajectory of Fofo’s life: she finds people who care about her well-being, and it opens the door for dangerous secrets surrounding her life to be probed into, including the gruesome murder of her sister, Baby T.
At its core, the book tries to answer the question, ‘What goes into the making of a street child?’ and it does a fantastic job of exploring this topic through the lives of Fofo and other characters.
With an omniscient narrator that carries us through both Fofo’s and Kabria’s lives using wry observations and vivid descriptions, the book aptly details the daily lives of street children, the mental and emotional impact of their circumstances, as well as the role generational trauma plays in it all. The novel also critiques domestic dynamics, deeply questioning the roles fathers play, from absentee fathers to present dads who believe their responsibilities begin and end with financial provision.
I particularly enjoyed reading about Kabria, how she navigated employment, wifehood, and motherhood. Her relationships with her children and her all-female colleagues were endearing.
The book addresses many heavy and traumatic topics, so approach it with caution if you choose to read it.
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2003)
The first time I tried to read this novel, I was 10 years old, and I couldn’t get through it because the vocabulary seemed too advanced for me at the time. Two years later, I finally read it and opened the door for Adichie’s works to have a special place in my life. After over 10 years, I finally picked it up for a reread. As I read it, I discovered that many unidentified scenes and thoughts had stuck in my head over the years, which came from this book.
Purple Hibiscus is a coming-of-age story that follows Kambili, a 15-year-old girl living in Enugu State, Nigeria, with her older brother, Jaja, her taciturn mother, and her wealthy, generous, yet tyrannical and abusive father, Papa, who is also a religious fanatic. The book begins with Kambili narrating how “things started to fall apart” (I assume this is a nod to Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, Adichie’s idol) at home when Jaja refused to take communion at Church. Then the reader is led to the past to observe the origin of this falling apart, and we see the role and impact Papa’s sister, Aunty Ifeoma – a university professor and widow – and her children have in both Kambili and Jaja’s lives when they stay with them in Nsukka.
For most of the book, Kambili wears the shoes of an observer, taking everything in but not really participating. At first, we watch her and Jaja struggle to interact with their exuberant and outspoken cousins. Slowly, things start to change.
The book explores religion, toxic family dynamics, abuse, young infatuation, and so much more. Adichie’s writing is beautiful; I love how she uses carefully selected details to bring the story and characters to life – the reader gets to feel Nsukka. I loved Aunty Ifeoma and her kids, as well as the way Igboness permeated the book. Reading a Nigerian coming-of-age story narrated by a teenage girl felt so much like home to me.
This was such an impressive debut, and I will read it again and again and again.
Note: If you decide to read this, Papa is an abuser and his words and actions can be terrifying and traumatising, so proceed with caution.
What else I read (and loved):
❀ This short story: The Future Looks Good by Lesley Nneka Arimah. The author’s use of imagery and metaphors created such beautiful prose that I was in awe; the structure was fascinating, and the ending of the story was tragic, yet creative.
I’m currently (thinking of) reading: Arrow of God by Chinua Achebe, or rereading And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
That’s it for today! I hope you enjoyed this. I would love love love to hear from you, so talk to me in the comments or by replying to this email:
❀ What kind of reading month was it for you?
❀ What are your thoughts on reading slowly and more intentionally?
❀ What are your thoughts on rereading?
❀ What are you currently reading?
This brings back memories! Wow, it’s been 10 years already? Faceless was a great book and I loved it, especially since we read it along side books like Othello and She Stoops to Conquer. Although I don’t remember much about the book I do recall Kabria’s funny car and a character called poison.
And Purple Hibiscus was a classic! I love Chimmanda’s works, but this is my favourite so far. She transported us to Nsukka while we were at the comfort of our homes. The scene where papa burns Jaja’s legs is still shocking to me. Chimmanda is indeed a great storyteller.
But one book I would love to read again is The Joy of Motherhood.
Hey Fatima, you made me want to re read Purple hibiscus too. I think it was my entry point to Adichie's work before she her rise and fall into African feminist stardom. I have my qualms about her but I'm still reading her latest, Dreamcount and one thing is sure : that woman can write.