From The Editorial Desk
Dear Bougieites,
It fills my heart with profound gratitude and joy to welcome you to the November edition of our Buk'd and Bougie Book Club newsletter This one, I must confess, is truly special. I'm sure most of you already know why I might say that but for those who don't, let me fill you in.
On the 19th of November, we marked three incredible years of our journey together. Three years of reading, bonding, and creating a community that is as sparkling as it is inspiring. And so, with the greatest pleasure, I present this month’s theme: The Triennial: Reflections and Progress.
Three years ago, what began as a simple idea a space where literature could flourish and readers could find solace, has blossomed into a thriving haven of shared stories, diverse voices, and immeasurable growth.
This edition is a celebration of all we have been, a nod to the milestones we’ve crossed, and a hopeful glance toward the borders yet to be crossed
Reflecting on this journey, I am reminded of the beauty in small beginnings, the power of persistence, and the connection in community. Like the chapters of a book, each year has brought its own trials and triumphs, teaching us that even the smallest steps forward are part of a larger, beautiful narrative.
As you read through this special edition, may it enliven you to reflect on your own journey your growth, your wins, and even the challenges that have shaped you. Together, let us continue to build a community where every voice is heard, every story is valued, and every dream is valid and beautiful.
Here’s to three years of turning pages together, and to the countless stories we will write in the years to come. Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey.
With heartfelt love,
Helen Akanimoh Editor-in-Chief, Buk'd and Bougie Book Club
BUK’D AND BOUGIE BOOKCLUB
Our History: How it all began
Buk'd and Bougie Book Club was founded to serve one main purposeto create a community of book lovers where a similar passion for reading could be shared, and to inspire a generation of young readers.
The inspiration struck after our founder, Christie Okposin, finished reading the captivating series of Maya Angelou's autobiographies. The book had moved her deeply, but there was no one to discuss it with. She recognized there was a problem to solve so she called her friend, Helen Akanimoh, and proposed they start a book club together, knowing how much Helen loved to read. It was the perfect solution a great way to connect with others who shared their enthusiasm for literature.
Helen's acceptance to join Christie in building this vision was immediate, and Buk'd and Bougie Book Club was birthed!
Buk'd and Bougie Book Club was officially launched on November 19, 2021,
and it has since become a cherished space for lively discussions. We know this is just the beginning We are building it to become so much more.
Our Vision: Imagining our future
To inspire a generation of readers and provoke a trend of thought evolving solution providers, while creating a warm and friendly environment for dreamers to become achievers.
Our Mission: What drives us
Our mission is to bring together like minded individuals who are passionate about growth, encourage a healthy reading habit among them, and harness the power of togetherness and community.
FROM THE FOUNDER
So Far, So Beautiful!
The journey of Buk’d and Bougie began as a spark, one of those moments when an idea so perfect flashes through your mind, and you find yourself wondering, "Why hadn’t I thought of this sooner?" I remember that moment vividly. Without hesitation, I reached out to my one and only partner in books, Helen. As expected, she was just as excited as I was about the possibilities this project could hold.
Building this community with Helen has been one of the most fulfilling and profound experiences of my life. From the very beginning, our planning sessions were equal parts joy and chaos, spending the first hour laughing and catching up before we remembered the serious work at hand. Helen was always the anchor, gently steering us back on track She had a way of bringing focus and clarity, making her the perfect teammate in this shared dream.
Choosing our club name was another unforgettable milestone After sifting through more than twenty options, we landed on one that felt like us, a name that captured our personalities and the vision of the cool, lighthearted, and inspiring community we wanted to build
The first night we shared our registration link, we were overwhelmed with excitement, over 50 people signed up before the night ended! That moment felt surreal. We had big dreams for Buk’d and Bougie, and to see those dreams take shape over time has been nothing short of magical.
Three years. Three years of growth, love, learning, and connection. Reflecting on this time fills my heart with immense gratitude. From our Motivational Mondays that sparked ambition, to the deep and honest conversations of Candid Tuesdays, the lighthearted fun of Small Chops Wednesdays, the thought provoking debates of Tea Time Thursdays, and the sheer chaos of Cruise Fridays and Freestyle Saturdays every moment with this community has been a treasure.
I’ve met some of the most inspiring, thoughtful, and brilliant minds through this journey. Our book reviews have not only deepened my understanding of literature but also of life. There were moments when we felt uncertain, unsure of what we were doing or if we were on the right path. But our tribe always rose to the occasion, reminding us why we started this journey in the first place. Their unwavering support became our strength
FROM THE FOUNDER
One of our dreams for Buk’d and Bougie was to go beyond books to inspire, give back, and touch lives. From visiting schools to donating books, providing study tools, spreading Buk’d and Bougie book club to other schools, and sponsoring students’ education, we are living that dream. Witnessing it come alive has been nothing short of surreal.
Over these years, we have grown and evolved together, becoming more than just a community, we’ve become a family. Looking ahead, I am filled with excitement and hope for all we have yet to achieve The thought of what the future holds brings tears of joy to my eyes because I know this is just the beginning.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible people who have journeyed with us, our team, past and present, who have poured their hearts into this mission, and our tribe members, who have been our reason to keep going. You are the soul of Buk’d and Bougie, and every effort has been worth it because of you.
Here’s to the past three years, to the memories we’ve made, and to the boundless possibilities ahead. Thank you for being part of this ride, it has been a joy beyond words.
With love and gratitude,
Christie Okposin
Founder of Buk'd and Bougie
CHRISTIE OKPOSIN
About Her
Christie is a brand designer, illustrator, and visual artist who transforms ideas into visual masterpieces. She is also the coowner of Buk’d and Bougie, a thriving book club. She loves readng thriller novels, music, and spending time with family and friends.
Christie also has an online art store, ArtbyTee.
Fun facts
I love the cloudy sky its my favorite thing I am pretty shy
My favorite music artists are Eminem, Minaj and Lil Wayne
Favorite book recommendation
'Verity' by Colleen Hoover and I definitely believe that it is one of the most brilliant books to ever exist!
Co-Founder of Buk'd and Bougie
HELEN AKANIMOH
About Her
Fun facts
Helen is a solution-driven cybersecurity professional dedicated to keeping organizational networks secure. She’s also the co-founder of Buk’d and Bougie.
She dreams of seeing the world but finds the hassle of traveling purely exhausting. In her downtime, you’ll find her lost in a good book or bringing stories to life through poetry.
My favorite series of all time is 'The Originals' I was a principal's assistant for 3 days while in secondary school
Favorite book recommendation
'The Outsiders' by S.E. Hinton is a book I'll recommend right now to anyone. “I still can't believe S.E Hinton wrote it at just 15 years old absolute genius!”
Brand Strategist of Buk'd and Bougie
DANIEL BASSEY
About Him
Fun facts
He is a multifaceted dilettante with a languid itch to convert written words into stories (and plastics into biodegradable materials, as part of his Engineering pursuits that's just so much fun all sarcasm intended).
He breathes and dreams of hard Sci-Fi stories.
I am a Vegan, or trying to be one I have legit connections to four different tribes, but I only speak English.
Favorite book recommendation
At the moment, I favour modern Cli-Fi (Climate Fiction), with Tim Winton's Juice and Kim Stanley Robinson's The Ministry for the Future
WAS A SUCCESS!!
Buk'd and Bougie at the Christian Commercial Secondary School (CSCS) Uyo
BOOK TRIVIA
Maru
by Bessie Head
Question: What is the central theme of Maru?
A) Tribalism and love
B) Family relationships
C) Political corruption
D) Wealth and power
The Sex Lives of African Women by
Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah
Question: In The Sex Lives of African Women, the stories focus on women's experiences with:
A) Career success
B) Financial independence
C) Sexual freedom & identity
D) Political activism 01 02
Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? by Lizzie
Damilola
Blackburn The Great Gatsby by F. Fitzgerald
Question: Yinka's aunt constantly reminds her to:
A) Focus on her career
B) Attend church more often
C) Find a husband
D) Visit her family in Nigeria
Question: What is the name of Gatsby’s love interest in The Great Gatsby?
A) Daisy Buchanan
B) Myrtle Wilson
C) Jordan Baker
D) Catherine Monroe 03 04
Question: In My
A) Hiding evidence C) Cleaning up murder scenes
B) Writing alibis
Covering up theft
BOOK TRIVIA
Fill in the Blank: The protagonist of African Child reflects on his childhood in .
Question: In The Bluest Eye, Pecola Breedlove believes having what physical feature will make her life better?
A) Long hair
B) Blue eyes
C) Fair skin
D) A smaller nose
His Only Wife by Peace Adzo
Question: In His Only Wife, Afi’s arranged marriage is complicated by her husband’s
A) Financial troubles
B) Secret wife
C) Overbearing family
D) Business rivalries Fill in the Blank: Cloud Atlas weaves together multiple stories across different .
African Child by Camara Laye The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
WOULD YOU RATHER
Book Edition
Would you rather author one groundbreaking book that everyone loves but never publish again, or write many books that only a small, loyal group of people enjoy?
Would you rather never read your favorite book again or never discover another new book for the rest of your life?
Would you rather meet your favorite author but never be able to read their books again, or read all their books but never meet them?
Would you rather read dope fiction for the rest of your life that will make you feel good or read boring self-help books for the rest of your life that will make you money?
Would you rather only be able to read books with cliffhanger endings or books with predictable plots?
History
Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Health & Fitness
Genius Foods by Max Lugavere
If Our Bodies Could Talk by James Hamblin, M.D.
What To Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkhoff
Religion & Spirituality
Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis
As a Man Thinketh, James Allen
Good Boundaries and Goodbyes by Lysa TerKeurst
From One Of Our Own
Lap by Destiny Rex Ricch Igiri
When We Were One by Semmade - Abasi Idiong
The Sex Lives of African Women by
Nana Darkoa
I wrote off Africa as an ultra conservative, backward region with very few, if any, colourful individuals
Personally , I still think Africa is ultra conservative and backward, but after reading 'The Sex Lives of African Women', I'm more reassured that there are some colourful individuals in Africa, too
I can say that reading the book broadened my perspective - Daniel
I read 'Maru' by Bessie Head earlier this year, thanks to the bookclub Reading Maru shaped my understanding of how deeply injustice runs and how necessary it is to stand against it.
Through Margaret's quiet strength and unwavering dignity, I learned the power of embracing one's identity, no matter how the world tries to diminish it.
The novel didn’t just tell a story- It reminded me of the courage it takes to claim space in a world that seeks to deny it.
- Helen
Maru by Bessie Head
Destiny Andrea
Hannatu
GRATITUDE SHOUTOUTS!
And, generally the club has helped my growth, book wise. I've found myself exploring books I would not have read, especially romance novels and everything, but yeah, it's been incredible so far.
-Abasiono
During my time in the club, I've been able to meet many amazing people, like Mariam.
-Enobong
It is amazing, I love it here! Buk’d and Bougie is one of the best gifts 2024 gave to me.
-Gladys
I have met lots of incredible people from across the country and beyond in this club! Shout out to the team!
-Tiffany
I'm grateful to be part of this book club, because it has been very instrumental in my reading habits and lifestyle -Leka
I'm so happy to be a part of Buk'd and Bougie, because it has helped me connect with people... Gamelial! Hmmm hmmm Lol So many people.
-Vero
The book club has been very important to me, and I get to read a book every month. I've made connections in the club So, all thanks to the book club!
-Detolu
I am so happy and blessed to meet so many people on the bookclub and I am always inspired by their knowledge. This club has helped me read a lot and build my vocabulary.
-Unwana
Thank you Buk’d and Bougie for existing and for helping me to complete my reading goals this year.
-Gamelial
Big ups to the team behind Buk’d and Bougie! It has grown beyond being a bookclub to something thats encouraging young people in Nigeria to discover their literary excellence!
-Uwem
Book Of The Month November RBookeview
CLOUD ATLAS BY DAVID MITCHELL
IG: Bukdandbougie
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell is an audacious masterpiece that defies boundaries of genre, time, and space.
It tells of six interconnected stories, spanning eras from the 19th century to a postapocalyptic future, which untangle humanity’s unending quest for power, freedom, and identity.
Each tale feels like a world of its own from a gripping adventure at sea, a dystopian rebellion, to a journalist's deadly pursuit of truth. Mitchell's genius lies in how these threads subtly weave together, revealing echoes of past lives and shared destinies.
When you think of Cloud Atlas, think provocative, mind-bending, and deeply human.
More of David Mitchell
The Bone Clocks
Utopia Avenue
Slade House
Black Swan Green
CROSS WORD
2024
Partnering with Girl up to host art event which had two schools in attendance wih over 30 students in attendance, partnering with TWMN to host Book fest event with over 150 people in attendance, and over 100 books sold. Hosting an outreach event at CSCS School, gifting the students with books, wrting materials, kiddies novels to the school library, etc and hosting talk session with the students, anniversary picnic
MilestonesByThe Numbers
Total numbers of book we've reviewed since we started: 35 Books
Total events we've had both virtual and physical: 5 Events (3 Physical, 2 Virtual)
Our outreach Impact (Reaching about 3 schools so far, opening our bookclub in one)
2023
Review of about 12 books, focus on growth of reading capacity of tribers
2022
Creation of executive team, growth of social media pages, review of 12 books, hosting educative webinars on twitter spaces
2021
Launching of the bookclub with over 50 members registering
ANNIVERSARY WISH LIST
As Buk’d and Bougie celebrates its third anniversary, we’re setting our sights on even greater heights! Here’s our bucket list for the next three years, filled with aspirations to inspire, connect, and make an even bigger impact!
A CAC Registration
A Bukd and Bougie Website
Publish Our First Anthology
Expand Our Tribe
Launch a Book Scholarship Program
Build Libraries in Underprivileged Schools
Host a Global Book Festival
Introduce Monthly Author Meetups
Partner with Global Literacy Organizations
Empower More Tribers
Continue to Inspire, Uplift, and Connect
IG:
A Message to the Younger Generation
When Buk'd and Bougie visited a secondary school to speak with young students about books and share our creed, we noticed something undeniable: there is a thirst for knowledge in everyone whether for good or for bad Every person seeking knowledge must, at some point, open a book a meaningful book. Books are more than just stories; they are doors to new worlds, fresh ideas, and limitless possibilities Each time you open a book, you step into someone else’s shoes, gain a new perspective, and discover something about yourself and the world around you.
Reading shouldn’t just be for school or passing time. It’s a tool that shapes your mind and helps you grow in ways you can’t even imagine. But this growth starts with one small step: picking up a book Not just any book, but one that sharpens your mind and equips you to walk confidently into any room. Today, I urge you to be intentional about what you read and how you approach reading. Think about the person you aspire to be in five or ten years. Then, dust off a book from your shelf and commit to reading at least one page a day. Make reading a lifestyle, not a chore.
Always remember you are what you read
10th November 2024
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
10th November 2024 Lagos, Nigeria
Nosy Neighbors Son of a Hitman
ANNOUNCEMENTS
As we celebrate three amazing years, it’s time to look forward to the exciting adventures ahead! Here’s a glimpse of what lies ahead for Buk’d and Bougie in the coming year:
Official Launch of Buk’d and Bougie Merch!
Outreaches to Schools Across Nigeria
Get ready to shop our very own personalized journals, card games, mugs, and more! These thoughtfully designed items will be available on our upcoming web store
We’re taking our love for books and education on the road! Our plan is to visit schools in different states, inspiring students and donating books to enrich their libraries. Each visit will be an opportunity to share the joy of reading and community-building.
Opening Book Clubs in Schools
At every school we visit, we’ll be planting the seeds of curiosity by establishing book clubs that reflect our values We hope tribers in each state will join us in making these moments special and impactful!
YOU CAN JOIN IN THE ACTION
©BUK’D AND BOUGIE WELCOME TO YEAR 4!