Reading with Kaye
Helloooo beautiful people, and welcome back to Reading with Kaye. If you’re new here, this is where I talk about the books I love while helping you diversify your bookshelf, one recommendation at a time.
Sadly, for the last time.
I know, I’m sad about it too.
But there’s this little thing called graduating, or something along those lines, and soon I will be spit out to the world of being an adult in law school. With that, comes the end of this ☹️
But I’m not a monster, and I have one last recommendation for you. It was also my favourite read of the year (so far), so don’t say I never gave you anything.
Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola
Kiki Banjo has made it her mission to protect the women of Whitewell University from the dangers of heartbreak, players, and how to tell a wasteman from a mile away, all on her student radio show, Brown Sugar. And then Kiki meets the devastatingly handsome Malakai Korede, who is a threat to the very women Kiki fights so hard to protect! So, she does what she does best and warns her followers of Malakai, who she has coined as the ‘Wasteman of Whitewell.’ All is well and good until she finds herself having to be in a fake relationship with said wasteman to save their academic futures. Along the way, Kiki starts to let her defences fall and opens herself to her worst fear – love. A lot to unpack there.
I read maybe three chapters of this book and knew it would be an automatic 5-stars.
For those that don’t know me, my friends’ nickname for me is Kiki. That alone was an indication that this book was written for me.
This is a book I recognize myself in. As a Black, African university student, it was so refreshing to read about the experience of another Black, African university student. I recognized the parties Kiki described, the experiences with boys, the friendships she forms, the lingo she uses that I’ve heard all my Nigerian friends use, all of it. Especially reading this in my last year, it was almost nostalgic.
AND LET’S TALK ABOUT MALAKAI KOREDE.
THAT!!! IS A MAN, HONEY.
I don’t want to say too much because that would be considered SPOILING, and I am a good person. But if you want to read about a man who is intentional about a girl he likes? Pays attention to the little details? Reads the books she mentioned to him one time to get to know what she likes and what makes her, her? Has game? Knows how to banter?
Then I think you’ll like him jussssst fine 😉
Readers are taken on this journey with the girl who is anti-love; it is the way she protects herself from the experiences she’s been through, that is funny and cool, and witty. Protect Kiki Banjo at all costs (even though she can protect herself just fine).
Like I’ve told you all many times, I love to see Black girls loved the right way. And Malakai and Kiki’s love story was *chef’s kiss*.
And that’s a wrap on my final Reading with Kaye article.
I want to say thank you to every one of you who reads this column every month. Who told me you liked it when you read a book I recommended and encouraged me. For allowing me to diversify your bookshelf one recommendation at a time. I implore you to continue to do so, to expand your mind, to invite these stories into your life, and support these narratives. Read books that look like the world you live in. You might learn a thing or two 😊
Good luck with your midterms and final exams. You got this.
I love you, forever and ever ☁️
Love,
Keren 💙