Americanah | Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Ifemelu grows up in Nigeria, but with schools on strike, she applies for a student visa to America. She is accepted. Her lifelong love, Obinze, is not. Ifemelu first struggles, then finds success in America through her blog: Raceteenth or Observations on American Blacks (Those Formerly Known as Negroes) by a Non-American Black. She dates different men, she unlearns her Nigerian accent, and then decides to start speaking with it again. Then, she does the unthinkable - goes back to Nigeria. 

Throughout the book, Ifemelu uses her blog for social commentary on the differences between how race is treated in Nigeria versus America. She experiences a relationship with a white guy, and then an American Black. They both help her to discover who she is and how she sees the world.  

In observation and honor of MLK Day, we wanted to highlight an author of color. As we are two White women, we find it important to read many books by people of color, as well as about racial issues. These stories expand our knowledge of social and systemic racism in a society that has been built on white privilege. 

We both give this ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars. Alicia read this book twice in 2020! Each time, it gave us a new perspective on race and racism in America. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie opened up our eyes to the wonderful world of Nigerian novelists that we have found to be among our favorite readings of the last year.

***Interested in reading or owning this if you haven't already?? Go to https://bookshop.org/shop/oohiwanttoreadthat to purchase your copy!