Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People by Imani Perry
In Black in Blue, acclaimed author Imani Perry explores the profound connection between Blackness and the color blue, delving into both its hopeful and melancholic aspects. She traces the history of blue and Blackness, from the indigo-dyed fabrics of West Africa to the term “Blue Black” and the emotional depth of blues music. Blending personal reflection with cultural and historical analysis, Perry’s exploration touches on themes of pain, loss, and beauty, offering a vivid, emotional journey through the complexities of race and identity. Poignant and original, this book is a testament to Perry’s brilliance, capturing the richness and depth of the human experience.
Dream Count
In Dream Count, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie follows four women navigating love, loss, and self-discovery. Chiamaka, a Nigerian travel writer in America, reflects on past lovers and regrets during the pandemic. Zikora, her successful lawyer best friend, faces betrayal and heartbreak, turning to someone she least expected for support. Omelogor, a powerful financial force in Nigeria, begins questioning her own identity, while Kadiatou, Chiamaka's housekeeper, struggles with a hardship that threatens everything she's built. With sharp insight and emotional urgency, Adichie explores the complexities of love, happiness, and self-honesty in this poignant, beautifully written novel.
The Edge of Water by Olufunke Grace Bankole
The Edge of Water by Olufunke Grace Bankole follows Amina, a young Nigerian woman who dreams of a new life in America despite a prophecy foretelling danger. After moving to New Orleans, her hopes are dashed when a hurricane strikes, disrupting everything she had built. Years later, her daughter uncovers the untold stories of her mother, her family in Nigeria, and the cultural and spiritual forces that shaped their lives. This debut novel weaves together themes of family, love, and the clash between tradition and individual aspirations, as three generations of women navigate longing, heartbreak, and transformation.
Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson
When Ebby Freeman heads to France for a break from her complicated life, she’s shocked to run into her ex-fiancé Henry and his new girlfriend. Twenty years earlier, Ebby’s family was torn apart by a tragic robbery in their affluent Connecticut neighborhood, leading to the end of her romance with Henry. This unexpected reunion forces Ebby to confront her past, including the loss of a cherished stoneware jar, crafted by an enslaved ancestor, which symbolizes both her family’s history and the key to her future.
Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor?
Zelu’s life takes an unexpected turn when she’s fired from her university job and her latest novel is rejected, all while her sister’s wedding unfolds. Feeling lost, disabled, and out of place in her high-achieving family, she decides to take a bold step: writing a science fiction novel about androids and AI after humanity’s extinction. This risky move sparks a transformative journey of love, loss, fame, and blurred realities, as Zelu’s story begins to shape not just her world, but the world itself.
Words Platform Desk
Date 04.04.2025