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.
Let it be known that we, at Something Bookish, are loyal fans of Fatima Bala. With her debut novel, Broken, she won our love and showed us that she’s a storyteller who can be trusted to deliver all the feels, heart, humour and the happiest of endings. That’s why we can’t wait to get our hands on her second offering titled, Hafsatu Bebi.
It’s a story that follows Hafsatu Gaya, who seems to have the perfect life; a thriving design career, a relationship with one of Abuja’s most eligible bachelors, and parents with a seemingly solid marriage. But as buried secrets unravel one by one, everything she thought was certain begins to fall apart. Left holding the fragments of betrayal and lost truths, she must navigate a journey of identity, choice, and heartbreaking loss. 
THE AUTHOR AS A READER | Fatima Bala
My earliest reading memory: Not to be that girl but it was Alif Ba Ta (Arabic Beginner’s Text) and the cane that came with it.
A book I’d like to see adapted to the screen: The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin
A book I return to for comfort is: Harry Potter every September!!!
The most recent book I’ve seen with the most gorgeous cover: I love the cover of The Incredible Dreams of Garba Dakaskus by Umar Abubakar Sidi. Very different from most covers published that year.
The book I think is most underrated: Lara Kareem’s Aanu Ife.
If my book had a soundtrack, the first song would be: Minefields by Faouiza ft John Legend
The last book I purchased: Loss is an Aftertaste of Memories by Michael Chiedoziem Chukwudera
A book that made me recognize the power of words: Kintu by Jennifer Nnnsubuga Makumbi
A book whose author I’d like to go to lunch with: The Marriage Class. I just know that Adesuwa O’Man Nwokedi is good vibes and Tomilola Coco of A Very Gidi Christmas – Amala date for sure!
A book with the best opening line: Not the opening line but the title. For You I’d Steal A Goat by Niq Mhlongo. Who’s goat? Does he/she like goat? Will you take the goat to him/her alive or roasted? Is this a proposal type thing? Why can’t you buy a goat instead? Will you get caught? Is this love? Naah, I had to get that book!
The book I’m most ashamed not to have read: For someone who has referenced it in both my books, I never finished The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, actually I never even started it.
If I could recommend one book to my younger self, it would be: Think Again by Adam Grant and Atomic Habits by James Clear.
Don’t miss our exclusive podcast interview with Fatima Bala on inspiration, craft, and the joys of storytelling.
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!
