Ever wondered where we began? Look no further than the very first member of this club. While many of us know her for fiercely defending trauma and for the perfectly timed, hilarious stickers, Nekesa was the first to step into the circle.
Nekesa during the 1st book club meeting.
There’s something deeply inspiring about someone who chooses to stay, especially when there was no clear footing in the beginning. From those early days to now, she has been a constant presence.
Nekesa carries a boldness and curiosity that mirrors the spirit of this community, unafraid to question, to feel deeply, and to spark conversation. Today, we get to know her a little more; her thoughts, her journey with us, and her mission to make teachers just a little uncomfortable. Here goes:
Discovering amazing music makes life worth living I swear. Looking at the photos I took on Easter vacation with my friends in Malindi makes me relive the adrenaline of the weekend
That I am in a choral group (Wazalendo group of singers) and sing
I definitely read more. I find fantasy a good escape from reality.
When I read the river and the source in Primary school, it made me curious about my culture. What was still left of it that hadn’t been white washed by colonialists. Which parts of it to embrace and which ones were harmful.
Look for recommendations of a good book worth my time from the people I trust. If I am not reading because I am too busy, I just let life ‘life’ itself to a slower pace. No pressure, whenever we can, we will.
Mwenye teacher alikua anatoroka akiona nikikuja staff room juu I asked the difficult questions… Same maths teacher would resort to telling me ‘hio itafunzwa campus’.
Not really. I might have traumatised my maths teacher for being random and unexpected. This one time he was marking books round the class and I complimented his hands when he was at my desk. Dude just left blushing and didn’t finish marking our (me and skish) books.
I have met people who share similar interests as me and we have been able to connect beyond the book club. It is amazing how you can find your type of people when you just look in the right place.
Best book Pachinko. It was so rich in Korean/Japanese culture. Being a sucker for understanding peoples’ ways of life, I really enjoyed the read. I also learnt a lot history-wise. What better way to learn history other than sitting through a hot afternoon with an ugali-full tummy and a lazy teacher. Well, I prefer books. I travelled through it.
Worst: The anxious generation. Couldn’t make it past the table of content. While I find self-improvement and self-awareness a necessary skill set/mindset, I have never been able to religiously follow through books from this genre. I am content with increasing my neural networks through the imagination in fantasy.
I am able to reach my yearly set goals for the number of reads because I have to read a book monthly. I love the challenge and the push that gives me. Hearing what people think about books makes me have a broader perspective into books when I dive in. Because I now interact with deep thinkers not just basic-level readers. Nice stuff.
The brains in here are quite shiny and I love picking at them. Also maybe because they laugh at my lame jokes.
Reviews and opinions about books are personal
Falling in love.
Soul, rhumba, afro pop and whatever it is we call what my favourite Kenyan musicians sing, and of course choral music. I play Kenya, support Kenya. Maybe because I have friends in the music industry and I just love to see them grow into big shots. And because Kenyan music is just amazing and underrated.
Love to. Very romantic setting. With snacks on a warm afternoon, with feet swinging in the air in whatever angle.
Bila kuchelewa. Def!
