Needless to say, I have had more time on my hands of recent (no thanks to schools being shut till further notice). This has inadvertently led to me reading more than I normally would. At this point in my undying love for books, I’m consciously exploring a wider range of genres. And I find it worth mentioning that I have been making a conscious effort looking out for other Nigerian authors aside the well-known names.

Normally, I wait days- if not weeks- to decide if I intend to review a book. For this book though, I found myself making mental notes for a review as I read. I eventually penned this review barely two days after completion (talk about making an impression).

Overview

I do not come to you by chance by Adaobi ‘Tricia Nwaubani is set some time in the early 2000s. My lack of sufficient political history makes it difficult to pinpoint the years, but I digress. The story primarily revolves around the life of Kingsley Ibe, a 25-year old Chemical engineering graduate. He struggles with ill-luck in the labor market regardless being well-qualified for the jobs.

After multiple rejections from his dream job, things begin to fall apart back at home, pushing him to consider altering his career path and eventually shifting his moral grounds. The rest of the book find Kingsley ‘thriving’ at what he initially didn’t consider an option. His coming into money ends up putting a distance between himself and his mother, while also affecting a handful of long-time relationships.

My thoughts

I do not come to you by chance is likely to spark some ideas of what the book covers prior to starting. For me, I sure didn’t expect what the book turned out to be. But still, the title is very well suited to the overall weight of the book.

Nwaubani takes on the commercialization and somewhat normalization of 419 (advance fee fraud) with this book. Regardless the heft of the message, she still managed to infuse humor without altering the core of the story.

I found the build up appealing. I didn’t have to wait so long for things to begin to unravel. Not to talk of the concise chapters that gingered me to keep flipping. Story-wise, it explores the struggle and responsibilities of all kind on the shoulders of a firstborn, the roles of values and morals in family life, the unfair nature of the Nigerian labour market plus, the need to have connections even when your qualifications are beyond okay.

I appreciate Nwaubani’s input of wit alongside her deft use of expression to drive home points she had to make. The role played by Augustina, even while being a supporting character sure did well for this story.

In all, it is one read I recommend for somehow being able to be both heavy and light at the same time. It explores a variety of themes including: family, adulthood, politics, love and even death amongst other. It sure was worthwhile, hinting at the fact that we remain our parents’ children regardless how much we grow, the role of values and the fact that it is better late than never to turn a new leaf.

Liked this review? Check out more here: www.mixedbaggy..com

emperorblog21:
Thewhizzkid1 Minabee Ajibaba101 Capnd143 LordKingsley iamleumas Leoss0 kirra Sirevee

Thanks

[url]mixedbaggy..com[/url]

Good day. I'm an article writer in search of writing gigs. Any of such would be appreciated. I can edit as well.
You could find some of my articles via the link below


minabee001@gmail.com
Thanks.

I'm here with another one. It's really flash fiction this time. Comments and necessary corrections are most welcome. Enjoy!!

It was all fun at first. Being a doctor at 23 and the only one in the family on both sides, I felt accomplished and thought I would feel same forever. Mom prided in me and my feat, so did Dad. There was a sense of fulfillment in making them proud, that was what I lived for all these years. Life was gaining momentum and I was loving it every moment.
Moving forward, I started working. It was just one at first, then I added another to earn more and limit my free time. I worked shifts that alternated between the two hospitals. I was a general practitioner. It was weird the first few months. Potential patients always had looks of distrust and doubt in their eyes. It seemed to me like they—especially the older ones—doubted my medical skills probably because I was rather young. But then, I got past all the weird vibes exuded by my patients, worked my stuff and mastered it all. I had it all under control.
Now I’m sitting at my desk, there’s a ton of cases to look over. I could pass for a caveman considering how worn I look with the bags beneath my eyes. A headache about to split my skull. I was wrong, I barely mastered it. I took care of others while I forgot and lost myself. There’s little sense of fulfilment now, I’m lost in the same routine day in, day out. It’s like an endless loop. I am empty and struggle through every day. I could use a break. This life isn’t what I imagined. I don’t look or feel me anymore. I’m a stranger to myself. I need a break.

“Ok, rest easy please. I'd go see the doctor now, I'd be back”. I detached myself from her bed, rejoining Dafe who inquired about her well being, I filled him in. I saw the doctor, settled the bills and returned to Julz's bed watching as she slept. I was later excused as it wasn't visiting time. I lingered in the hospital in Dafe's company, he later left while I stayed on.
I was allowed back in at about 3pm that afternoon, she was up and looked less stressed. We feasted on food I got from the hospital's canteen. She was soon chatting away like nothing had transpired though she was visibly in pain. “What a way to start my leave, I would always regret not accompanying her as she requested”, I thought to myself. She was to be discharged by the week's end latest.

The end.

Thoughts please, I'd appreciate the comments. Thanks

More .... Compliments of the season.

“Jo, I'm glad you could make it.” she struggled to say.
“I'm so sorry, I didn't see you calls. My phone was silent. I'm really sorry, I should have accompanied you”, I couldn't help feeling bad. Dafe was waiting outside, he thought it wise I went in alone. “What happened?”
“I can't really remember much. I had alighted the bus, was contemplating getting some things at the market when a sand truck was coming at top speed. The last thing I remember is it running into a bike, I probably was hit and blacked out afterwards”
“I don't think I can apologize enough. Does it hurt real bad?”
“Yes, it hurts. The doctor administered some injections to relieve the pain. He said my arm's fractured minorly as well. It should heal in no time. The leg's just bruises and scratches, banded it so it doesn't get infected.” I was short of words, I was mad at myself for letting this befall her. “There's no need beating yourself up Jo, it's not your fault, just be glad I'm safe. Truthfully, the sand truck driver is to blame, only God knows where he was running to”, anger flashed in her eyes.
“I should have adjusted my schedule for you Julz. I'm still somehow responsible for this. If I had taken you there or picked your call, none of this would have happened”, I was sobbing now, shaking my head.
“Stop it Jo!!! It's no fault of yours, I'd be fine, trust me. I need to rest now. Please see the doctor regarding the bill and when I can leave. You know I'm no fan of hospitals”, she brushed my cheeks with the back of her palms, pulling a struggled smile.

Been following this on a low, nice thread you've got here infant. Waiting to see how things unfold.

“Yes, I do. I'm her brother. Who's asking?”
"Alright, I'm Mr Abisoye, an emergency response official. Your sister was involved in a road accident a while back, she has been rushed to the hospital already. It was not that fatal an accident but she's definitely hurt, not sure to what degree. I was checking her phone for numbers she contacted recently, yours was one hence the reason for my call.” he broke the news. I could hardly find words, my thoughts were running wild. Why didn't she call me to get her again, is she still alive, hope she's not badly hurt? These and many more questions were racing for the finish line in my head.
“My gosh!! Where is she now?”, I managed to say. Dafe widened his eyes.
“Harmony hospital, around Marina. Do you know the place?”
“Harmony, harmony... I think I do, thank you so much. I'd be on my way now. Thanks again”, I feigned strength.
“No worries Mr Odion, I'm just doing my job. I hope she gets well soon. Do take it easy”
“I will, thank you”, I assured not just him but myself. I disconnected the line. Dafe quizzed me about the call as I tried gathering my thoughts, they were not coming together. I gave him a lowdown of everything. After the call, I discovered Julz had tried getting across to me earlier. I was too busy with Dafe to notice, my phone was on silent as well. She tried four times at intervals.

Cont'd

She left home that fateful morning, I woke about 8, she had left already. I messaged her, she said she got there a while back and got 67 as she had predicted the other night. I had breakfast, freshened up and caught up on my series, I was on leave. Dafe rang me at about nine-thirthy saying he was stopping by as he was in the neighborhood. I accepted the offer forgetting for a bit my offer to Julz the other night. Besides, I had not seen Dafe in months. Dafe is one of my close friends, we've known each other since late secondary school days but we have been seeing each other less lately.
Dafe rapped at my door 10 minutes after his call. We exchanged pleasantries and started catching up on our lives almost immediately. I offered him a drink, we were still gisting when the call came in. That was the second try. I excused myself. It was 10:20
“Good morning, am I speaking to a Mr Jo?”, the voice said.
“Yes, it's Jo Odion on the line, who am I speaking with please?”
“Okay, do you know a Juliana Odion, 20 year old?”

Nice one at Op, i appreciate the euphemistic nature of the poem and the fact that it conveys a message.

Akposb:
This does not look like a flash fiction.

In that case, short story. I think it's the dialogue that's making it look longish.
Short story it is. Thanks for the correction

The day before;
“Jo, I'm going to Bonny clinic tomorrow, quite early in the morning actually. I am wondering if you could take me?”, she asked.
“Ehm... How early?”
“Six, six-thirty, thereabout. So I can beat the crowd and get back in good time”
“That's rather early for me, really. You know I just got my work leave today, I'm looking forward to resting well tomorrow being the first day of the leave. I doubt I'd be able to accompany you, I need rest.”
“Oh!! Na wa ooo. You can't even help a sister. I would just have to wait till it's brighter and get a number far beyond 50 when I get there”
“Don't make me feel bad Julz, I've explained it to you already. I can't help you tomorrow, if it was another day, you know I would have”
“Hmm! OK, I'd go myself then, thanks anyways”, she had a slight frown.
“Don't frown at me now, I could come get you if that would make you happy.”
“I'm not frowning, if you can make it, I won't mind”
“Okay, just call me when you are done, I'd be there.”
“Good night Jo”
“Good night Julz, let me know before you leave tomorrow,” I responded. “Alternatively, have this for T-fare. Don't bother about me tomorrow, just lock me in. Alright?”, i said as an afterthought, handing her the money.
“Okay, thanks.” She departed. Julz and I live together, she still studies whilst I've been working for a while. My home is closer to her school hence, her living with me.

FreshBoss007:
nice

thanks

Not done yet

Good day (whatever time of the day you might be viewing this). I decided to give story writing a shot recently and came up with this. Would love to get your honest opinions. Hope you enjoy.


“So what are you going to do now?” Those were Dafe's words to me. I was distraught, hating myself so much.
“I don't have an idea myself, I should go to see her first.” I paused, “I loathe myself right now, I should have been there for her”.
“Hating yourself isn't the required solution right now, you should go see her. I'm coming along, no two ways about it”, he said before I could decline. I grabbed the car and house keys, handing the car's over to him. My mind was in no state to drive, my thoughts were all ajog, i was finding it difficult focusing. We departed the house, the ride was not a really long one but it felt like forever in my crowded mind. We pulled over at Harmony Hospital. Dafe requested I be strong as we got down from the car.
Getting into the hospital, we found our way to the emergency ward. There she was, I could hardly recognize her.
She is Juliana, fondly called Julz. Julz is my younger and only sister, we share three older brothers. Julz and I are very close despite our varying gender and the 5 year gap between us. I've loved Julz since ages past and have always been protective of her.

“Julz, my God!! I'm so sorry, I really am”, I said upon reaching her bedside, fighting back tears, trying to be strong for her sake. She looked horrible, her olive skin, now plastered up, had been bruised on the temple and cheeks. Her left arm was in a sling and her left leg banded up. She was involved in an accident. She asked my help earlier but I didn't heed.

MhizQween:
I'm an avid reader. And have accumulated a lot of ebooks over the years. I have books by Nora Roberts, John Grisham, Shirley Sheldon amongst many others and am willing to share. I also have Novel series, James Hardley Chase Books. U can make a request here for any of your choice or add me on Whatsapp, 08029371620.

Good day, please mail me any of Grisham's and James Patterson books. Chimamanda too except Americana and half of a yellow sun. Thanks.
minabee001@gmail.com
James Baldwin too.

MhizQween:
I'm an avid reader. And have accumulated a lot of ebooks over the years. I have books by Nora Roberts, John Grisham, Shirley Sheldon amongst many others and am willing to share. I also have Novel series, James Hardley Chase Books. U can make a request here for any of your choice or add me on Whatsapp, 08029371620.

Good day, please mail me any of Grisham's and James Patterson books. Chimamanda too except Americana and half of a yellow sun. Thanks

Ajebusta:
Its not bad

thanks, written in the spur of the moment.