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Truth Is a Flightless Bird was our pick for May, and what a wild ride it was! Set in the heart of Nairobi—a city many of us have interacted—this crime fiction novel gave us a gripping, fast-paced narrative that felt both familiar and unsettling. Reading a story grounded in our own context made it even more impactful. Nairobi isn’t just a backdrop in this novel; it’s a character in its own right.

Nairobi is a city of layers. There’s what you see on the surface—modernity, hustle, vibrancy—and then there’s the shadowy underbelly: the silent networks of crime, corruption, power, and danger. Akbar Hussain takes us deep into these layers through the eyes of four main characters, each with secrets, flaws, and motivations that slowly unfold over the course of a single, intense day.

Kenya has long been known for its deeply entrenched corruption, and this book doesn’t shy away from exploring how ordinary people find themselves entangled in that system—sometimes by choice, sometimes by desperation. It also shines a critical light on the role of religion, particularly the unrealistic expectations placed on spiritual leaders. The book dares to question blind faith and the ways it can be manipulated.

One of the most thought-provoking themes we discussed was the duality of human nature. Truth Is a Flightless Bird shows how people present polished versions of themselves to the world while hiding their darker, more complex sides. That contrast—between the person we show and the person we truly are and what we are capable of—runs throughout the story.

The character development was exceptional. We were especially intrigued by Ciru. At first, she seemed like a warm, motherly figure, but as the story unfolded, she revealed a much more ruthless, savage side. That duality surprised us—and reminded us of how people, especially in survival mode, can be full of contradictions.

Another fascinating aspect was the book’s timeline. Everything happens within 24 hours. We kept asking ourselves: How did the author manage to pack so much into a single day? And yet, by the final page, it all made sense. The story felt complete. We had closure.

When we discussed who we’d recommend the book to, there were mixed thoughts. It’s definitely a book for readers who can handle moral ambiguity and don’t mind a challenge. Someone who is a devout, rule-following Christian might find it confronting. People who enjoy self-help or prefer tidy endings might struggle with the grey areas the book lives in. And honestly, we probably wouldn’t hand it to someone who’s never been to Nairobi—there’s just something about seeing your city reflected in fiction that makes it hit differently. As one member said, “Let’s not air all our dirty laundry to strangers.”

But for those who can handle the grit, the drama, the questions—it’s a must-read. This book is proper drama, and we were absolutely here for it.

As a book club, we rated Truth Is a Flightless Bird 3.5 out of 5 stars.

The List by Yomi Adegoke was a hit with most members of our book club. As our second official read, it didn’t just spark intense discussions about the story—it also launched a full-blown debate about the joys of hardcover versus paperback books. In the end, we unanimously agreed: for a luxurious reading experience, hardcover is the way to go.

Written by multi-award-winning author, broadcaster, and journalist Yomi Adegoke, The List was released in 2023 and quickly became a bestseller. The glowing reviews and online buzz made it an easy choice for our club.

The novel follows two central characters: Michael and Ola. Engaged and preparing for their wedding, they’re just 27 days away from saying “I do” when the story begins. Their engagement photo has gone viral—#CoupleGoals incarnate—and they’re seen as the picture-perfect Black couple, admired for their love and success. Ola, a journalist and self-proclaimed feminist, has a massive online following and a powerful digital presence.

Everything is on track. Both families are preparing to travel from Ghana and Nigeria for the wedding. Then, out of nowhere, a list is posted on X (formerly Twitter)—a list of alleged sexual abusers. Michael’s name is on it. From that point on, their lives unravel. Their social, emotional, mental, and even physical wellbeing is thrown into chaos. Big decisions need to be made quickly. Should the wedding proceed as scheduled? Should Ola end this relationship as it doesn’t augur well with her feminist beliefs? Should Michael come clean about how he ended up on The List? 

Yomi Adegoke delves into the impact of social media, cyberbullying, and cancel culture with a sharp, unsettling precision. It raises a haunting question: what would you do if this happened to you? Would you trust your instincts—or be swayed by the tidal wave of online opinions? During our book club discussion, members had varying thoughts on how they might have responded if placed in the same situation. We also explored the Johari Window as a useful tool for self-awareness and navigating public scrutiny. While it offers valuable insight, we agreed that cultivating emotional resilience is equally essential—especially in today’s digital world, where personal crises often unfold on a very public stage.

What stood out most in the book was Yomi’s writing style. Many authors juggle multiple subplots, but Yomi stays laser-focused on the list—examining it from every possible angle. There are no unnecessary characters or distractions. Each character serves a clear purpose, and the narrative stays engaging from beginning to end.

The premise—a viral list accusing men of abusive behavior—mirrors real-world patterns of public callouts online. In many cases, social media has been used as a tool for justice when formal systems fall short. But Yomi raises important questions: Does public exposure without due process truly lead to justice? Or does it just unleash a storm of digital chaos?

Personally, I felt the list created more harm than healing. It reminded me of a recent story involving a man from Equatorial Guinea. While he received attention and even praise online, the many women entangled in the situation were judged harshly, their reputations dragged into the court of public opinion. That parallel hit hard.

I highly recommend The List to anyone who spends time on social media. In a world where virality and cancel culture are only a click away, this novel is both timely and thought-provoking.

As a book club, we gave The List a solid 4 out of 5 stars.