Kenya is the home to many prolific and diverse authors. While the Kenyan reading culture is largely far from impressive, below are some amazing Kenyan books to start your home library or grow your existing one:
Best of Whispers Politics, Family and Society – Wahome Mutahi
Wahome Mutahi was famously known as Whispers for his acclaimed satirical column in the Daily Nation that ran from 1982 to 2003. This book is a compilation of his best rib-cracking and thought-provoking Whispers articles. You can get your copy at a Text Book Centre branch.
Thursdays – Biko Zulu
Thursdays is a story about the hunger for success and struggles of a Band named Vina Wira that played music every Thursday, outside a building that housed the record label that they hoped to be signed by. It is a very light read and the popular writer’s second book after Drunk, which was released in 2018. This book is available on Biko’s marketplace here.
When A Stranger Called
Bringing together 13 brilliant writers, this book is a collection of amazing short stories by Charles Chanchori, Brian Mbanacho, Ndugu Abisai, CJ Gicheru, Ivy Aseka, Vincent De Paul, Eunniah Mbabazi, Ken Okumu, Munira Hussein, Michelle Chepchumba, Tatu Reginald, Hellen Mwololo and K Kimuyu. Its stories capture various themes such as murder, relationships, revenge, etc. Call or text Ndugu Abisai on 0722776918 or click here to secure your copy
Damn Girl Stop That – Joan Thatiah
Packed with gems of advice for women, this book highlights how women sabotage themselves in various areas of their lives. It addresses a couple of self-defeatist beliefs that women hold on various matters such as single parenting, romantic relationships, marriage, alcohol, sex and money among others. You can get your copy at your nearest bookshop. Joan Thatiah is a feature writer for the Saturday Nation and also an author of other books which include Things I Will Tell My Daughter, I Am Too Pretty To Be Broke, Letters To My Son and Guilty.
Kaluhi’s Sumptuous Soups – Kaluhi Adagala
Recently launched, this is Kaluhi’s second book after her debut recipe book, In My Kitchen. Kaluhi’s Sumptuous Soups has loads of all-year-round, flavorful recipes for various soups and other delicious meals such as garlic naan, savory crepes, meaty saucy sandwiches, a variety of pestos, and cheesy toppings just to mention a few. It is available both in soft and hard copy here.
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