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Or, Top Hat Wearer

Reader,

My hold of Spare by the Duke of Sussex landed today and it reminded me of the conversation round his ghostwriter having to tread the fine line between writing something passable and accurately representing someone who makes no attempt to come across as book smart. It was at the forefront of my mind because of a recent ghostwriting controversy in the UK that threatens to suck in literary prizes. As a lover of umbeya interesting facts, I can’t wait to see how this plays out.

Speaking of literary prizes, the Women’s Prize for Fiction longlist was announced in time for International Women’s Day - I’ve read one (Glory by NoViolet Bulawayo) and I’m interested in Homesick by Jennifer Croft (this could change; I’ll update you) - and my enthusiasm is at an all time low. Part of it is all the Challenges I’ve joined on Storygraph but a not-insignificant part is wanting to free myself from what has recently transformed into a pressure-filled activity (reading; and it’s all my fault because I haven’t been pacing myself very well) in the midst of a hard year.

I have been feeling edgy at the thought of Saturday’s event - especially because I feel a need to push back on this idea of myself as a philanthropist in the face of my strong feelings about philanthropy. But I’ve put together consent forms (there will be children present), ordered some cake, prepared some remarks, and I’m looking forward to building a Friends of the Library group later this year. Send good thoughts to your boi!

This week, I signed up for Kanopy via a North American library card I have access to. I’m excited to watch films in this, my film era; which has me enthusiastic about having a physical film journal (yes, over and above Letterboxd) and Kanopy’s selection will be a gift. Between Wanjeri Gakuru’s film club (next meet-up on 25/3, check out some of the films she’s screened here) and this, I’m looking forward to expanding my film knowledge and experience.

Before I forget, you can sign up and get more details about the upcoming book donation party here. If you’d like to donate money towards books, feel free to email me (100onbooks@gmail.com) and we can organise something [this is in the form too]. The form closes tomorrow morning so put in your RSVP if you’re keen 🙂

Quick news/ things that may be of interest:

• The Kids Lit Club holds its inaugural event this Saturday (details here)

• If you aren’t on Scribd yet, use my code to get 2 free months.

• I have a new address: you can send me books, postcards, letters, and assorted gifts via PO Box 102439, Jamia Posta 00101, Nairobi, Kenya 

I have finished five books since I last wrote, reviews forthcoming - hybrid reads of A Spell of Good Things by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ (narrated by Babajide Oyekunle & Ore Apampa), The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren (narrated by Cynthia Farrell & Deacon Lee) and The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka (narrated by Dan Bittner & Imani Jade Powers) as well as Huda F Are You? by Huda Fahmy. I also spoke about my January 2023 reads on YouTube - watch it here.

As ever, please write back to me and tell me what books you’re reading or looking forward to reading — it’s always a great time talking about books.

Enjoy the rest of the week and have a lovely time reading. Talk to you soon!