Chapter Forty Nine
The part where we aggressively chase joy...
Hey you,
How are things? I know there’s a lot of crazy, wild shit going on in the world right now but I hope you’re able to find small pockets of joy. It’s very important that we’re intentional and aggressive about finding these pockets of joy or else, we end up in the spiral of “what is the point of even being here.”
For instance, you should have received this letter on the 1st day of April but dear friend, I’ve had so many tasks that I pushed aside in pursuit of happiness (and by happiness, I mean: planning the Something Bookish Silent Reading Party(check photos) & the Something Bookish podcast 100th episode live show) Was it worth it? Abso-fucking-lutely! Maybe next time, I wouldn’t be so impulsive as to say, “fuck capitalism and all its minions!” but I regret nothing.
In my last letter, I asked you how often you hold yourself back from asking for what you need? Have you given more thought to that? Did you challenge yourself by starting with something miniscule? I’m curious about it but I’m not going to pry, just remember that I’m here if you want to chat about it. Seriously, I’m not just saying that. I have a super ability that allows me absorb a lot, so when I say you’re not burdening or bothering me, I’m serious.
I plan to use April to recuperate creatively and catch up on capitalism-related demands(yuck) but I have decided that each week, I’m going to try a new recipe or I’m going to eat/drink something new. I’m sure you’re tired of me always coming up with these weird “challenges” but it’s just one of the ways I give myself something to look forward to, kinda like, aggressively looking for pockets of joy that will give me the will to live. So, if you see me captioning a post with week 1 or 8 on Instagram, you and only you will have context to what I’m referring to. It will be our little secret.
I hope you’d be inspired to try this with me. It doesn’t have to be a big thing, it could even be a new candy you saw in the market, as long as we document it. Are you game?
Currently reading: As you already know, I’m always in the middle of multiple books. Right now, I have 5 books in my rotation; there’s The Persians by Sanam Mahloudji(that I have been reading since the start of March, it’s such a good read that I had to slow my pace to the very least just to savour it), The Lion’s Den by Iris Mwanza(our pick for April at The Indulgent Bibliophile book club), Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao(I absolutely loved book 1, Iron Widow, so I had to get into this as soon as I got a copy), The Door by Magda Szabo(this is the April pick for the TIB in Translation book club), Monstrilo by Gerardo Samano Cordova(which was recommended to me by Pemi Aguda for my 12 Books By 12 Authors challenge) and Soulless by Jade West(because sometimes, I need to read erotica to balance the chaos in my reading life). This rotation is sure to have changed by the time you’re reading this so, let’s be friends on Storygraph so we can stalk each other.
Next show/movie on my watchlist: Karma on Netflix, it’s been a while since I’ve watched a Korean thriller and this series has a lot of people I’ve enjoyed watching in the past so, I’m looking forward to it. Have you watched any good shows lately? Share with me please!
A surprising fact I just learned: I’m disappointed that I don’t have an answer for this. Please share yours with me instead.
A product I’m loving right now: My book sleeve made by
, it is my favourite bookish staple, it keeps my books just the way I like them, with just enough side pockets to hide money or add bookmarks or a pen.What’s on my wishlist (bookish or not): I’m still chasing a collaboration with a hotel for that staycation I told you about.
Most recent book recommendation: I asked fellow readers for erotica recs and I received so many that I’ve decided to make a podcast episode of it. So, stay tuned for that.
My favourite line from what I’m reading: “I know now, what I didn’t then, that affection can’t always be expressed in calm, orderly, articulate ways; and that one cannot prescribe the form it should take for anyone else.” The Door by Magda Szabo
A recipe I tried/want to try: Masala Chai. So, the first time I had this tea was in an Indian restaurant in Edinburgh many years ago and since then I’ve been chasing that taste but all the other places or boxed teas I’ve tried always lacked something. I looked up the ingredients and it looks like I should just make it myself, so that’s what I’m going to do.
Most recent purchase: Copies of Adesuwa O’man Nwokedi’s No Perfect Love, to be gifted to some friends. If you haven’t read it, you’re in for a ride.
Something small that recently brought me joy: A new amala joint in my area, it was so good, I had it three times in the same week, excluding the weekend. That’s a record for me. And I can’t wait to have some friends try it.
What I’m currently bingeing: Although I’m already on the third book, Soulless, Jade West’s Starcrossed Lovers trilogy has had me hooked in a very complicated way, you’d have to listen to me untangle this in the April wrapup on the podcast. TBH it should not be a trilogy but here we are, I’m so fascinated by the character development in this book and I’ll have more to say about it in the April wrap-up episode of the podcast. I’ve also started the kdrama, When Life Gives You Tangerines, it’s definitely going to be one of my top shows of 2025.
Something I’m looking forward to: 3 things actually. 1-I want to get box braids. I’m just craving a new look but the weather is so hot and I don’t know if it’s silly of me to keep growing my hair. If at the end of April, the hairdresser says my hair hasn’t grown enough though, I’m cutting it again! 2-The release of
adult colouring book. Stay tuned to their Instagram for the pre-order link. 3-The masala chai, I can’t wait to try it, I really hope I don’t fuck it up. Fingers crossed.What I’m most grateful for: You! I really think I’m developing a praise kink because of you. The kind words, the gentle reminders, the affirmations, I’m so grateful for you. Truly.
And that’s me for now…
Podcast: The podcast is back to regular programming, with Episode 100, we launched season 12! Episdoe 101 is also available to listen, I did a wrapup of all the books I read in February and March. The podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other streaming platforms.
Events: I don’t have any event planned yet but Oreoluwa AKA @a_lit_babe is hosting her first event, a bookish picnic, you can get tickets HERE. We’d get to read, swap books, enjoy some munchies, and exchange good bookish vibes.
Book Club: There’s a separate Substack now dedicated to all things book club, so let’s meet over there.
A Friendly Reminder…
Please remember to hydrate, eat well, sleep well so you can poop well. Most importantly, don’t forget to give yourself the grace you always extend to others. You need it too, okay?
If you love my content, you can support me by buying me a cup of tea (I’ve finally found a way for non-Nigerian residents to contribute too) or you can give me a shout-out on social media or in real life (prayers are fine too).
See you on the other side, Dearest.
XOXO
I'm in for the challenge 🤗. Also When Life Gives You Tangerines is on my watch list, I hear it's very heartwarming and can make you cry so I want to be in the proper headspace for that before I watch it.