Barely a Bookmark in: Why I Put this Book Down
The Brevity of Beautiful Things
I was idling on Instagram when I saw an ad for a book club. I’ve been in Nigeria for a little while and am looking for things to do. As the avid reader that I am, my interest was piqued. I clicked on the page to know more. I saw that they were reading this book for June.
I wasn’t sure I’d go, but I’ve been trying to read more Nigerian fiction, so I decided to buy the book regardless of whether I went or not. Please leave any recommendations for good Nigerian fiction in the comments.
I saw the book was available at Roving Heights and wanted to go in person to get it. I love bookstores, so it was a great opportunity to get lost in books. I also thought I’d find one or two other books I’d like.
My initial plan was to go to the location in Surulere, but I didn’t go. I found myself at the landmark centre, and there just happened to be a Roving Heights store there. Honestly, I’d have taken any bookstore. I went in here in search of this book.
The store was much smaller than I expected, and the organization was confusing. Finding the book took me a while, and I almost gave up.
My mind had been set on buying the book, so I didn’t even read the synopsis, which is so funny because I never tried to find out more about the book or the author when I found it on that book club page on Instagram.
It’s Monday morning, and I have a long to-do list. I’m trying to be very productive today. I want to work in the fresh air outside, so I lay a mat on my balcony, grab a pillow, and cover myself with a cloth. I sit armed with my laptop, a bottle of water, coffee, and this book.
I start my day by posting a long-overdue post on Substack and scheduling another for later in the week. I also wrote a note to put out the post I just published. Then, I settled into reading this book. This is book #21 for the year, even though I’ve barely started book #20.
This started out well; I liked the writing style. However, after about two pages, I felt I would not finish it, so I decided to read a couple more pages.
This book tells the story of six former schoolmates, “it weaves through times, revealing the unexpected consequences of childhood trauma,” taken from the book’s synopsis. It starts out with Ufedo, who gets into a relationship and then decides she can’t be monogamous.
The book quickly enters into her relationships and describes her sex life a little vividly. It doesn’t quite go into details of sexual encounters, but it says enough for me to not want to read any further. I’m not trying to awaken desires that need not be awakened. It speaks of sex in a very promiscuous, frivolous way.
I’m a Christian, and my perspective on life emanates from my relationship with God. I’m very critical about what I read, watch, and listen to. When I decide to read a book, I have to find out what it is about and not buy anything that will contradict my faith.
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t as critical with this one. I decided to pick it up and did not do any further research. I didn’t even read the synopsis until I got home and picked it up. I have learnt a lesson there.
I’m honestly just mad at myself and the money I spent buying the book.
This is not the author’s fault or the book's failing. It’s my personal conviction, and I also wouldn’t recommend that any Christian read books that contradict principal aspects of our faith.