Abmer Reads

12/01/2025

08/01/2025

Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎

Pups Puppi, Adeyemi Oba Abbey, Jeff Shepard, Wael Saied Tohamy, Babagana Goni Tilam, Obaapa Adjoa Antwimaa Awuah, Isingoma Solomon, Andrew Hamer, Pankaj Sethi, Ghayass Noor, Susan Fryar, Tebogo Mãsh, Bounce Bills

04/01/2025

💯

03/01/2025

Book Quote…..

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

—Victor Frankl

01/01/2025

"Because to influence a person is to give him one’s own soul. He does not think his natural thoughts, or burn with his natural passions. His virtues are not real to him. His sins, if there are such things as sins, are borrowed. He becomes an echo of someone else’s music, an actor of a part that has not been written for him. The aim of life is self-development. To realize one’s nature perfectly—that is what each of us is here for."
— The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

In this thought-provoking excerpt, Lord Henry speaks about the dangers of influence and the importance of individuality. Wilde, through Lord Henry, suggests that when we allow others to influence us, we lose a part of our true selves. Our thoughts and passions become a reflection of someone else's, leaving us as mere echoes rather than original voices.

This philosophy raises questions about the essence of authenticity. How often do we conform to societal expectations, follow trends, or adopt beliefs to fit in rather than explore our own nature? Wilde challenges us to resist being shaped by others and instead embrace self-discovery and personal growth.

At its core, this passage is a call to live authentically. It reminds us that the aim of life is not to mimic others but to fulfill our unique potential. How can you take steps today toward realizing your true nature?

What are your thoughts on this quote? Do you agree that influence can be "immoral," or do you believe it’s a natural part of growth?

01/01/2025

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉

Sandra Parker, Ke Manana, Alida Mojela, Krishna Shrestha, Len Carrothoranghae

28/12/2024

Last read of the year 🙏📚.

23/12/2024

5 Reminders For 2025

22/12/2024

21/12/2024

🙌🙌

16/12/2024

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉

Ammar S. Abbas, Rogelio Avila, Charles Williams, Shruti Tiwari, Andrew Hamer, Jimee Nath, Ke Manana, Sonja L. Zink, Em Jay, Julia Curkovic, Ajay Ds, Riffat Iqbal, Harlow Harlow, Tasimeh Sangma, Rizwan Ahsan, Zahid Kaisar

15/12/2024

13/12/2024

Book Review: Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo

Ayobami Adebayo’s Stay With Me is an unforgettable exploration of love, betrayal, and the crushing weight of societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of 1980s Nigeria, this novel delves deep into the personal struggles of Yejide and Akin, a married couple desperate for a child, as they navigate the intricacies of infertility, secrets, and the haunting shadow of sickle cell disease.

At its core, Stay With Me is a story of resilience and the lengths people go to for love and acceptance. Yejide, yearning to become a mother, is devastated when her in-laws introduce a second wife, a decision rooted in cultural and familial pressure. Her desperation leads her to attempt unconventional remedies, including a visit to a so-called miracle healer, only to discover that motherhood comes with its own devastating challenges.

One of the novel’s most heart-wrenching aspects is its raw portrayal of sickle cell anemia, a genetic condition that deeply impacts Yejide and Akin’s family. Adebayo sensitively weaves the disease into the narrative, highlighting the physical and emotional toll it takes on parents and children alike. This theme underscores the fragility of life and the lengths to which people will go to preserve it.

The strength of the book lies in Adebayo’s ability to balance the personal with the political. While Yejide and Akin grapple with their private tragedies, the story unfolds against the backdrop of Nigeria’s turbulent political climate in the 1980s, marked by military coups and civil unrest. This duality enriches the narrative, offering a nuanced perspective on how external forces shape personal lives.

What makes Stay With Me particularly compelling are its characters, who are flawed, deeply human, and utterly relatable. Yejide’s journey of love, loss, and survival is a testament to her resilience. Meanwhile, Akin’s secrets and decisions challenge readers to understand the complexities of masculinity and societal expectations in a patriarchal society.

Adebayo’s prose is both lyrical and haunting, with unexpected twists that kept me engrossed until the very last page. For instance, the revelations about Akin’s actions and the couple’s sacrifices were shocking yet believable, illustrating the devastating effects of desperation and miscommunication in a relationship.

Stay With Me is not just a story of a marriage tested by infertility and illness; it’s a poignant commentary on how cultural norms, family dynamics, and societal pressures shape our choices and identities. It forces us to ask: How far would we go for love? And at what cost?

This book is a masterpiece for anyone interested in stories that blend emotional depth with cultural and historical richness. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend picking it up. It’s a story that lingers long after you close the final page.

Have you read Stay With Me? What are your thoughts on its portrayal of love, family, and societal expectations?

13/12/2024

Thoughts?

11/12/2024

Thoughts??

10/12/2024

🎉 Facebook recognised me as a consistent reels creator this week!