Dear Ijeawele by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a book that I wish I’d had in my life a long time ago.
Whilst not technically a children’s book, I decided to include this on The Inquisitive Newt for two reasons.
Firstly, because I wish I had read this during my teenage years, when I was stumbling into my initial romantic relationships. I feel that having reasonable expectations, printed in black and white, would have given me permission to advocate for myself and my rights within the ‘partnerships’ more. I plan to give a copy to Daughter when puberty takes hold.
Secondly, I included it because I would have loved to read it after having given birth. I came to a lot of the conclusions myself, but I often felt alone in my convictions regarding feminism and motherhood. Ironically, given that I’ve categorised this review as my first ‘parenting’ title, I especially loved the section regarding the use of ‘parenting’ as a verb.
I really love the tone of the text – that it was adapted from a letter gives it an enormous warmth and immediacy. I’ve read a lot of books about feminism but they can often feel… Academic, rather than practical. This one felt like a conversation with a friend, which I suppose it is.
Are there any books you wish you had come across sooner? Are there any you plan to read/gift to your children for this reason?
Farn ❤
THE INQUISITIVE NEWT 
Thank you for bringing this book to my attention. I absolutely love this woman!
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I hope you get a copy – this is honestly one of my favourite books ever. I try to get it for every new parent in my life. 🙂
I’ve read Adichie’s other book ‘We Should All Be Feminists’ and that was amazing too, but I want to get some more of her work.
Have you read ‘Invisible Women’ by Caroline Criado Perez? I’m reading it just now, though I have to admit it’s hard work to get through – not because the writing was bad, but because the subject matter is so difficult.
(I could chat books for days on end – I’d love any recommendations you have. You can never have too many books!)
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I have read so many good books that I unfortunately, do not remember. However, I have enjoyed most of Maya Angelou’s books and especially, I Know Why Caged Birds Sing. Also, try Daughters, bu the same author. I also remember enjoying the book, The Triumph of Seeds, by Thor Hanson. I hope this helps, Farn 🙂
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Ooh… They all sound like amazing books! I think I’m going to start with ‘I Know Why Caged Birds Sing’ though – it’s been on my reading list for AGES but I keep getting distracted. Daughters and Triumph of Seeds are currently numbers 3 and 7, respectively! 😀 I’ll let you know how I get on! ❤
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