Holiday Reading

Every year, choosing the ideal present for our families and friends becomes more challenging closer to the festive period. This is a reminder that books can be the best gift to give a loved one.

Written by Peace Yetunde Onafuye

Dec 22, 2022

Photo Illustration by Onyinye Dike / THE REPUBLIC.

Typically, some people are easier to gift than others—like the friend who enjoys beauty and skincare products or the friend who is always informed about the newest tech gadgets. Others? Not so simple. What do you give someone who loves reading or one open to new book recommendations? Fortunately, you won’t need to worry anymore. Books make the perfect gift for those who enjoy reading or those interested in picking up reading as a new hobby. But why is giving the right book important?

Books, either fictional or non-fictional, contain ideas that help us understand our past and potential future. They offer unique experiences and tranquillity that commands the reader’s patience and attention, especially in today’s increasingly noisy digital environment and books can be fun! As such, they can make such wonderful presents.

I, for instance, would recommend The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin. It is perfect for readers as it spans through the domestic life of a polygamous family. In this book, Shoneyin offers a fascinating and thought-provoking tale on polygamy in Nigeria. The conflicts, rivalries, complex family politics, and interactions between different personalities and relationships that take place in the private world of a polygamous partnership. Best part, the nature of the plot and character makes for a great conversation starter.

Ace of Spades, a young adult thriller novel by British-Nigerian writer, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, is another book I would recommend. In this book, we meet Chiamaka Adebayo and Devon Richards—two Black students who attend predominantly white Niveus Private Academy—whose future is under threat by an anonymous person seeking to reveal their darkest secrets. To emerge triumphant over their collective misery, both had to work together and figure out their common enemy. Although this book is a page-turner, it contains relevant messages that depict the realities of Black people.

There is a story for every mood. In this guide, we have compiled recommendations from The Republic‘s First Draft Interview authors and in-house editors. Cheers to giving and reading!

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About the Author

Peace Yetunde Onafuye

is the senior producer (digital) at The Republic.

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Holiday Reading