Books & Film

You Will Love ‘Things I Will Tell My Daughter’ by Joan Thatiah

Published

4 months ago

July 24, 2024

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

Books & Film

Celebrated Author Joan Thatiah Releases Her 10th Book: A Powerful Tribute To Nairobi Men’s Voices

Published

2 weeks ago

November 21, 2024

Murugi Gichovi

Celebrated Kenyan author Joan Thatiah has reached a major milestone in her literary journey with the release of her 10th book, Confessions of Nairobi Men: Book Two.

Known for her ability to craft raw and relatable stories, Thatiah continues to explore the intricacies of love, life, and humanity, delving into the untold narratives of everyday people.

“This book is as much yours as it is mine,” Thatiah shared with her readers. “Thank you for being part of this journey. It has been an honor to listen to these stories and bring them to life.”

Priced at Ksh 1,450, Confessions of Nairobi Men: Book Two has already hit the shelves and promises readers a deep dive into the lives and confessions of Nairobi’s men. Through these personal and sometimes vulnerable accounts, Thatiah offers a mirror reflecting the culture, challenges, and shared humanity of the city.

With a decade-long literary career, Thatiah’s journey has remained as authentic as the day she began. “Ten books in, and it all feels just as raw and real as it did on day one,” she said. “Each story is a lesson, shaped by the bold voices of Nairobi men who have shared their truths.”

Her works, which include titles such as Confessions of Nairobi Women: Book One, Confessions of Nairobi Women: Book Two, Guilty: A Novel, Everything I Know About Life, and I’m Too Pretty to Be Broke and Other Lies You’ve Been Telling Yourself, have solidified her reputation as one of Kenya’s most influential contemporary authors.

Through her writing, Thatiah continues to amplify the voices of men and women alike, telling stories that resonate deeply with her readers. Confessions of Nairobi Men: Book Two is not just a book—it’s a testament to Nairobi’s spirit, capturing the essence of its people and their shared experiences.

Whether you’re new to Joan Thatiah’s work or a longtime fan, this latest release is sure to leave you reflecting on life, love, and the complexities of human connection.

Books & Film

“Zoza”: A Story of Loyalty, Betrayal, and Redemption

Published

2 weeks ago

November 20, 2024

Muinde Brian

If you enjoy Kenyan films, you are in for a treat with AngaIMAX about to unveil an electrifying tale with Zoza the film, premiering on 23rd November 2024 at Anga Cinemas, Diamond Plaza II. Directed by Ian Michael ‘Chief’ and produced by Yvette Gisebe, this gripping drama will take you on an emotional journey through the gritty streets of Nairobi, where loyalty, survival, and the quest for redemption intertwine.

The film revolves around Monty, a young man grappling with his past and the lure of his former life. After spending four years in juvenile prison, Monty is offered a controversial deal by Officer Bett—a shot at freedom in exchange for infiltrating his old gang and collecting evidence to take them down. With half a million shillings as bait, Monty accepts, but it’s a decision that forces him to navigate dangerous waters.

In his pursuit, Monty reconnects with Mo, his fiery love interest and the heart of his old crew. Mo is a woman of strength, fiercely protective of her brother Tony. Their chemistry adds depth to the story, especially as Mo’s discovery of Monty’s mission stirs tension and suspicion within the group. Things take a dramatic turn when betrayal emerges from within—Ousman, a gang member, leaks Monty’s plans to Kizito, a ruthless criminal Monty is tasked with exposing-. What happens next you’ll have to buy a ticket and find out.

What sets Zoza apart is its layered storytelling. The stakes are amplified when we learn that Officer Bett has his own murky motives, entangled in a blackmail scheme with Kunta, Kizito’s rival. This dual narrative leaves Monty torn between doing what’s right and protecting himself. What do you think you would do?

With a powerful cast featuring Michael Njihia, Chadota, and Michael Ndaka, and a striking score by Soup and Salad, Zoza promises to keep you on the edge of your seats. It’s more than just a thriller—it’s a reflection on the costs of redemption and the resilience needed to rise above one’s circumstances.

Prepare for an unforgettable cinematic experience as Zoza dives deep into the complexities of crime, love, and the price of freedom. Don’t miss the premiere—it’s set to leave a mark on Kenya’s film industry.

Books & Film

MOVIES TO LOOK OUT FOR IN CINEMAS THIS NOVEMBER!!!!!

Published

4 weeks ago

November 4, 2024

KANYINA MITCHELLE

November is closing spooky season and beginning Christmas early with holiday movies and more. Do not miss out on this exciting adventure. Get yourself some popcorns and let’s dive in to what the cinemas have to offer this month:

1. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Will Be Released On November 8, 2024

Six juvenile delinquent siblings who inadvertently find themselves participating in the local church pageant during the holidays unleash chaos but they might just teach a shocked community the true meaning of Christmas.

2.Heretic

Will Be Released On November 8, 2024

Heretic is a horror thriller of two young missionaries who try to convert Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant). However, the mission takes a sinister turn as Mr. Reed is actually far more dangerous than they could have anticipated. Will their faith help them make it out alive?

3.Small Things Like These

Will Be Released On November 8, 2024

Cillian Murphy is back after his previous movie Oppenheimer which hit the cinemas last year! Let’s take a look at what he has to offer this year.

Bill Furlong (Cillian Murphy), a coal merchant living next to a convent. Furlong ends up discovering the dark secrets and disturbing things that happen inside the convent, leading him to confront the secrets of the Irish town of New Ross.

4.Red One

Will Be Released On November 10, 2024

Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans star in this christmas comedy film where Dwayne Johnson head of security of the North Pole, and Chris Evans the infamous hacker and bounty hunter team up to save Santa Claus who has been kidnapped. Will they save him on time to save Christmas altogether?

5.Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point

Will Be Released On November 15, 2024

A family gathers on Christmas Eve for what could be the last holiday in their ancestral home. As the night wears on and tensions arise, one of the teenagers sneaks out with her friends to claim the wintry suburb for her own.

6.Gladiator II

Will Be Released On November 22, 2024

With rage in Lucius’ heart and the future of the empire at stake, he looks to the past to find the strength and honor needed to return the glory of Rome to its people. Will he succeed? Let’s find out.

7.Wicked

Will Be Released On November 22, 2024

Wicked tells the story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), who has been misunderstood due to her green skin her whole life, but she forms a profound friendship with Glinda (Ariana Grande), who longs for popularity. Their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths.

8.Moana 2

Will Be Released On November 27, 2024

Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) reunites with the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), and along with her crew, they go into the far seas of Oceania to break the curse of the god Nalo on the hidden island of Motufetu.