Book-Reviews

Title: Oil, Politics and Violence: Nigeria’s Military Coup Culture (1966-1976) Author: Siollun, Max Publisher: Algora Publishing Pages: 284 Date Read: 01 January 2022 Bookshelves: read, favorites My Rating (out of 5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is a book you definitely want to lay your fingers on if you are anyone (Nigerian preferably) who loves to read about history. Violent political militarized history. In fairness, the story was set out to be naturally interesting. It focused mainly on the coups and counter-coups, betrayals, violence and bloodbath that plagued the early years after Nigeria’s independence. However, it would be impossible as well as unfair to dismiss the excellent manner in which Max rendered the events year after year, event after event. The beautiful links, the semi-graphic narrative and the much needed metaphors combined in appropriate amounts made the storytelling a worthwhile experience which made me paradoxically speed through the book while not wanting it to end at the same time. ...

Title: Origin (Robert Langdon, #5) Author: Brown, Dan Publisher: Doubleday Pages: 480 Date Read: 01 January 2022 Bookshelves: read My Rating (out of 5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ When this book was released in 2017, I had to stop myself from getting a copy. I did this for one very important reason–which should not come as strange to any Dan Brown fan. I was tired of Dan Brown ’s patterns that had been consistent since the very first book in his Robert Langdon series. I wanted to wean myself off what was becoming a lazy template and that’s exactly what I did. ...

Title: The Doctrine Of The Mean Author: Confucius, Confucius Publisher: Kessinger Publishing Pages: 22 Date Read: 01 January 2022 Bookshelves: read My Rating (out of 5): ⭐⭐⭐ Deep. Decent. A bumpy work of translation

Title: The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate Author: Chapman, Gary Publisher: Moody Publishers Pages: 208 Date Read: 01 January 2022 Bookshelves: read My Rating (out of 5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Decently insightful.

Title: The Kite Runner Author: Hosseini, Khaled Publisher: Riverhead Books Pages: 371 Date Read: 01 January 2022 Bookshelves: read, favorites My Rating (out of 5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Terrific read. Expected nothing less.

Title: The Silent Patient Author: Michaelides, Alex Publisher: Celadon Books Pages: 336 Date Read: 01 January 2022 Bookshelves: read My Rating (out of 5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.25 rounded down. This was a refreshing and well-written read. The author certainly knows a thing or two about holding the reader’s attention. Packed with insights on mental health I didn’t know I needed. You definitely want to give this book a try! PS: He saves the best twists for last. Literally.

Title: The Midnight Library Author: Haig, Matt Publisher: Viking Pages: 288 Date Read: 21 December 2021 Bookshelves: read, favorites My Rating (out of 5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ In this book, Matt Haig attacks an existential question with empathy. He writes about roads not travelled and lives not lived. This book offers a calming perspective on living with regrets, informing us that we cannot conclude that a path we have not trod will be better for the simple fact that we have not trodded it. By following the story of Nora, we are reminded of how easy it is to mourn lives we did not live, friends we did not make, and work we did not do. We see how quickly regret of what was and longing for what could have been makes us forget the awesome things to be made out of the cards we are currently being dealt. I think the author did a fantastic job at communicating this perspective. ...

Title: The Girl with the Louding Voice Author: Daré, Abi Publisher: Dutton Books Pages: 371 Date Read: 09 October 2021 Bookshelves: read, favorites My Rating (out of 5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A story about a girl with a dream and beautiful storytelling in-between. An absolutely brilliant work! Abi Dare is a master at her craft and I hope to read more of her works in the near future. 5 stars of 5.

Title: The Shadow of the Wind (The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, #1) Author: Zafón, Carlos Ruiz Publisher: Penguin Books Pages: 487 Date Read: 01 September 2021 Bookshelves: read, favorites My Rating (out of 5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It suffices to say that this book was one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I will remember very fondly the depth of the quotes; the width of the story; the height of the wit; and most importantly the elegance of a writing style that the universe gifts only to its finest. ...

Title: The Psychology of Money Author: Housel, Morgan Publisher: Harriman House Pages: 242 Date Read: 13 August 2021 Bookshelves: read, favorites My Rating (out of 5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely loved that this book cuts to the chase right from the first page. A very well-written book and one I’d recommend for anyone interested in making better money decisions.