Welcome to The Author As A Reader where your favourite authors reveal the books that shaped them. In this series, we dive into their reading lives, from the stories that bring them comfort to the books they can’t stop recommending. They’ll share the novels they’d love to see on screen, the covers they can’t resist, and even the book that made them believe in the power of words. It’s a cozy, behind-the-scenes look at the books that have left a mark and who knows, you might just find your next memorable read.
Aiwanose Odafen is a Nigerian writer who gracefully juggles a career in finance while telling unforgettable stories about Nigerian women. Her debut novel, Tomorrow I Become a Woman (2022) and its follow-up, We Were Girls Once (2024) form a powerful duet that explores marriage, identity, and legacy, with a bold, feminist clarity that feels both timely and timeless.
A familiar face at the Ake Arts & Book Festival, Aiwanose graced its stages in both 2022 and 2024, engaging in fireside book chats that resonated with writers and readers across Africa. More importantly, she is an alumni of the Something Bookish podcast, where she visited for an in-depth conversation about her work including where she finds her creative spark.
The Author As A Reader | Aiwanose Odafen
My earliest reading memory: Reading Queen’s Premier with my mother as a three-year old.
A book I’d like to see adapted to the screen is: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (obsessed with this book going on 5 years now).
A book that reminded me why I wanted to be a writer in the first place: What It Means When A Mann Falls From The Sky by Leslie Nneka Arimah
The most recent book I’ve seen with the most gorgeous cover: When I Sing, the Mountains Dance by Irene Sola
I decide what to read next when I finish a book by: (I) Already know what I want to read next before I’m done with a book. These days, it’s decided by what I’m currently writing
The book I think is most underrated: Better Never Than Late by Chika Unigwe. This beautiful book brought me out of a reading slump; so so good.
If my book had a soundtrack, the first song would be… Let’s Get it On by Marvin Gaye (Tomorrow I Become A Woman)|| High by Lighthouse Family (We Were Girls Once)
The last book I purchased: Cthulu Mythose Tales by H.P. Lovecraft
A book that made me recognize the power of words: Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
An author I discovered late who made me wish I’d found them sooner: Toni Morrison
A book with the best opening line: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The book I’m most ashamed not to have read: Kintu by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi. Need to correct that ASAP
A book I picked up specifically to challenge myself as a reader: Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
If I could recommend one book to my younger self, it would be: Anything by Toni Morrison
Something Bookish Curators are always on the lookout for the next great read to add to your #TBR. Whether it’s a backlist gem, a breakout debut, the book everyone will be talking about next, or a beloved classic, we’ve got recommendations you won’t want to miss. Join the conversation and read along with us on social!
