I stumbled upon Joan Thatiah’s books on X. She wrote this elaborate thread on the life of a male sex worker. I loved her narration and I respected her craft. As a society that shuns even age-appropriate sex education, having writers humanize sex workers is a necessity. From then on, I fell in love with her work. I have had her books on my TBR list for close to a year.

This year I have been lucky to read Things I Will Tell My Daughter. Severally, people have said books find you. I do not believe it is true (mainly because I feel I’m behind in my reading and don’t need any excuse) but this specific book found me. Turning twenty-four feels like new womanhood. A new level of adulthood. The last year before my prefrontal cortex develops.

Baby fever imenitwanga this year, wacha tu! Because of this, I jumped to part 4 – Motherhood. The first chapter I read was, And the perfect time to have a baby is… In a well-written chapter, she reminds us it is okay to never want children, to plan for our pregnancies and only have kids for ourselves, and if you do keep an unplanned pregnancy nothing is wrong with you, understand it ain’t easy. Safe to say, the baby’s fever went down. I love the age I was born and raised in, millennial and Gen Z mums are more open to discussing the struggles of motherhood, openly. We can now make informed decisions.

Book Review

In part one – Womanhood, Joan Thatiah feels like a big sister: paving the way for you and reminding you where to step. She reminds us to be confident, to set boundaries, to read, to accept our bodies, to show up for ourselves, and to only honor the girl code when it makes sense.

Part two – Your Heart, felt like those late-night chats with your besties. The ones that end with promises to do better, be better, choose better partners… those nights when you have a heart-to-heart conversation. She dropped a bomb too: the butterfly feeling in your stomach can blind you to red flags in a relationship. She then reminds us, that when the honeymoon ends and the commitment phase of the relationship begins, there will be no more butterflies.

In part three – Your Money, she places femininity and money together. According to spirituality, femininity and money go hand in hand. But I have never seen them grouped career-wise. She narrates how they judged a colleague who dressed well and played the game (office politics) and now has an illustrious career. Growing up we had the cousins and aunties we were warned about. The rebellious ones. Part three felt like talking to this aunty. Sitting in her expensive home, sipping something, a long expensive-looking rob covering just the essential parts, probably reading a magazine. She stops reading and reminds you this is your life. She reminds you, that you’re a woman and you have been and will continue to be judged. She looks at your chest, tells you, you are growing, and gives you a lacey bra. Tells you red lipstick would look good on you and reminds you to read. She probably makes a shit load of money, only helps those she wishes, and drives “like a man”.

Would I read the book again? Yes! As I re-read the book, I will use the book as a journaling guide. In part three, I found certain statements triggered more than just an aha moment. I had to sit with them. For example, on page 111, she reminds us that this is a man’s world and we do not have to conform to how men get things done. I had to question how I was getting things done. Was I in alignment with who I was? Or was I performing for this world?

And as for my daughters, when I can afford to have one or two, will be reading this book. You should read it too!

Read: The Best Gifts For Writers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renamed the National Arts Theatre in Lagos, Nigeria, in Wole Soyinka’s honour.

This historic move was made on 13th July 2024, on the professor’s 90th birthday.
He announced the Federal Government’s decision to rename the National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts. “It is fitting we celebrate this national treasure while he is still with us,” he said.

This action honours Nigeria’s literary icon and Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, whose contributions to literature, drama, and human rights have received international recognition.

“Professor Soyinka, the first African to win the Nobel Literature Prize in 1986, deserves all the accolades as he marks the milestone of 90 years on earth,” Tinubu wrote on his X account. “Having beaten prostate cancer, this milestone is a fitting testament to his ruggedness as a person and the significance of his work.”

Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria honours not only Soyinka’s outstanding literary achievements but also his unshakable commitment to human decency and justice.

President Tinubu also talked about Soyinka’s global influence and his enduring legacy as a vocal critic of oppression and injustice, from apartheid in South Africa to racism in the United States. “Soyinka is one Nigerian whose influence transcends our borders and inspires people around the world,”.

The renaming of the theatre is expected to increase its prominence, invite more foreign performances and collaborations while also solidifying Nigeria’s position on the world cultural map.

We all have that one friend who pretends not to be scared by horror films, mocking us for jumping at the slightest scare. Well, this list is for them! Share and watch them revere horrors. Here are ten of the scariest horror films that will challenge even the bravest souls. Remember to share your list in the comments.

1. The Moor

Set in the eerie Yorkshire moors, “The Moor” follows the story of a grief-stricken father and a guilt-ridden friend searching for answers about a long-lost child. The atmospheric setting and unsettling folklore elements create a haunting experience that will stick with you long after the credits roll.

2. Baghead

Ever wondered what you’d do for a chance to speak with a loved one who’d passed on? “Baghead” explores this terrifying concept with a basement-dwelling monster that offers brief reunions with the dead at a high price. The tension and horror escalate quickly, making it a must-watch for any horror enthusiast.

3. A Quiet Place: Day One

A prequel to the popular series, this film delves into the chaotic first day when the terrifying creatures emerged. The suspense and survival elements are intense, with Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn delivering gripping performances as strangers navigating this new world.

4. I Saw the TV Glow

This film combines the nostalgia of 90s horror TV shows with a modern coming-of-age twist. Following two teens who are fans of a horror TV show, the movie explores their nightmarish realities blending with the show’s terror, making for a unique and chilling experience.

5. The Watchers

When artist Mina gets stranded in a forest in Ireland, she finds herself trapped with three strangers and stalked by mysterious creatures. The isolation and the supernatural threats in “The Watchers” will have you on the edge of your seat.

6. Speak No Evil

A family’s dream vacation turns into a psychological nightmare in this remake. The tension between the idyllic setting and the unfolding horror creates a deeply unsettling experience that challenges the boundaries of psychological horror.

7. Alien: Romulus

A new chapter in the Alien franchise, this film is set on a distant planet where a crew discovers ancient alien technology. The encounter with the unknown brings a fresh and terrifying take on the classic alien horror theme.

8. Smile 2

Building on the eerie premise of its predecessor, “Smile 2” delves deeper into the origins of the sinister smile that curses its victims. The psychological terror is amplified, making it a chilling sequel that digs into your fears.

9. Nosferatu

This reimagining of the classic vampire tale combines stunning visuals with eerie storytelling. “Nosferatu” follows an ancient vampire haunting a secluded village, blending horror with artful cinematography for a truly terrifying experience.

10. Trap

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, “Trap” takes place at a concert where attendees find themselves caught in a psychological thriller. With Shyamalan’s signature twists and turns, this film is sure to keep you guessing and scared throughout. Set for release on August 9, this psychological thriller by M. Night Shyamalan stars Josh Hartnett​

Each of these films brings something unique to the table, whether it’s atmospheric dread, psychological horror, or supernatural terror. So gather your bravest friends, turn off the lights, and see who can last through these terrifying tales.