Welcome to the August edition of our Buk'd and Bougie Bookclub monthly newsletter. A month has slipped by since I last wrote to you, yet it feels like only yesterday that I was unveiling The Genesis to you.
As I invite you to explore this edition with me, I truly hope August was everything you envisioned. I hope the month brought you moments of joy and a sense of reassurance that you are exactly where you need to be. And I hope you found the time to savor every precious moment, no matter how fleeting it might have been. Remember to pause, take a deep breath, and embrace the present.
I am thrilled to present to you the August Edition, themed 'Blossoms and Bindings – Where Every Story Grows'. Putting this edition together was no small task, but we did it, and that makes it all the more special
This theme was inspired by the unifying love of community and the growth that comes from taking even the smallest step toward achieving the dreams within you. With Blossoms and Bindings, it is our sincere wish that you, my dearest reader, see the world through the lens of beauty in commitment and growth. May you find inspiration in the little things that lead to vast possibilities, and may your sense of childlike wonder bloom into a garden of endless curiosity and hope.
So, as you turn the pages, remember that there is beauty in every step forward. All it takes is the courage to take that step. And as you do, may you blossom like the autumn leaves in full color, vibrant and full of life.
Helen Akanimoh Editor-in-Chief, Buk'd and Bougie Bookclub
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.
Spotlight on Our Leaders
CHRISTIE IS THE FOUNDER OF BUK’D AND BOUGIE BOOKCLUB
Christie is a graduate of Chemical Engineering from the University of Uyo. She is a brand designer, illustrator and digital artist. Her desire as the co-founder of Buk'd and Bougie bookclub, is to create a community for book lovers to connect and share their love for literature
HELEN IS THE CO-FOUNDER OF BUK’D AND BOUGIE BOOKCLUB
Helen Akanimoh holds a BSc in Microbiology from the University of Uyo and has established herself as a cybersecurity professional in her field. Passionate about creative writing, Helen channels her creativity through poetry and storytelling, where she finds true expression.
Daniel is a graduating student with a degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Uyo. He occasionally indulges in writing, and his academic pursuits, combined with his literary interests, provide him with a unique blend of analytical and creative outlooks.
CHRISTIE OKPOSIN
HELEN AKANIMOH
DANIEL BASSEY
Outgrowing Outfits And Friendships
I'll begin by reminding you of that outfit combo you thought would be fire when you put it on, only to find yourself looking like a clown. That’s exactly how friendships can be. Some may initially seem like the best thing ever because our senses are clouded with excitement until we actually try to walk in them. Just like your mismatched outfit, there comes a moment of realization, and you wish you had ignored the urge to give it a try this time, I mean the friendship, not the outfit.
But that won't stop us from imagining our next fire outfit, right? After all, how else will we know if that blue jean sitting in the wardrobe will look perfect with the cute top we just bought? Similarly, how will you find the people who are truly meant for you without letting go of past failed friendships and trying again?
One of the beauties of life is the concept of growth, the fact that nothing ever remains the same. Just as you outgrew your favorite outfit when you were 5, your friends can outgrow you and there's nothing wrong with that.
A true friend will be happy to see another flourish, whether or not they remain in their life, and I’m confident I’m speaking to true friends here. So, just as we forgive ourselves for our failed attempts at becoming the next big thing in fashion, let’s also forgive the friends who have outgrown us. In doing so, we open our hearts to connect with the people who were meant for us.
About The Writer
Meet Anthony Leka Favour, a licensed lawyer in Nigeria With a passion for growth and learning, she has explored various interests, including data analytics and tutoring, as well as a brief foray into a field too amusing to mention. Outside of her legal practice, Leka is an adventurous and vibrant individual who enjoys discovering new experiences, reading, and savoring delectable cuisine. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter
Book Of The Month
THE AFRICAN CHILD BY CAMARA LAYE
AugustBook Review
"The African Child" is a poignant coming-of-age memoir that takes readers on a journey through the childhood of Camara Laye in Guinea, West Africa Through vivid storytelling, Laye recounts his experiences growing up in a traditional Malinke society, blending cultural heritage, family bonds, and the challenges of education.
The book beautifully captures the tension between tradition and modernity, offering a window into the rich tapestry of African life and the bittersweet process of leaving one's roots behind to pursue a different future.
MORE OF CAMARA LAYE:
THE RADIANCE OF THE KING (LE REGARD DU ROI) DREAM OF AFRICA THE GUARDIAN OF THE WORD (LE MAÎTRE DE LA PAROLE)
The Latest The Latest Football Vibes: Football Vibes:
Naija Style Naija Style
By: Dennis Akanimoh
Hey, football lovers! The pitch has been on fire lately, and if you've been sleeping on it, no wahala, we've got you covered with the juiciest gist from the football world.
Super Eagles Time to Step Up
Let’s be real our Super Eagles haven’t been giving us the kind of performance we’re used to.
Premier League
Wahala
The Premier League drama no dey finish! Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City are giving us gist every week. The battle for the top spots is hotter than Lagos traffic in the afternoon. Whether it's unexpected defeats or last-minute goals, it’s clear that anything can happen on a matchday.
Naija football fans the latest and greatest from the world of football, served with that Naija vibe you love. Stay tuned, because the football season is just getting started, and we’re here for every kick, every goal, and every moment of madness.
Transfer Market Palava
With the transfer window deadline looming, the rumor mill is spinning faster than ever like suya on the grill.. Will Osimhen make a blockbuster move to Chelsea? Could Sterling really switch to Manchester United with Sancho going the other way? These are the uestions on every fan’s ind as we keep tabs on e late moves. Whether s a surprise signing or a st-minute deal falling rough, the transfer arket is delivering all the uspense we expect.
YOU MADE A FOOL OF DEATH WITH YOUR BEAUTY BY AKWAEKE EMEZI
NO REST FOR THE WICKED BY KRESLEY COLE
FEAR THE FLAMES BY OLIVIA ROSE
A HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER BY KRESLEY COLE
WHEN HE WAS WICKED BY JULIA QUINN
BAMBOOZLED BY JESUS BY YVONNE ORJI
CREATURES OF HABIT BY STEVE POE
IRON FLAME BY REBECCA YARROS
FOURTH FLAME BY REBECCA YARROS
ME AND MY BIG MOUTH BY JOYCE MEYER
YOU ARE UNFOLDING
I was cleaning my bathroom a few days ago, and it felt so good doing it because I didn’t have to worry about someone else coming to mess it up. I live alone and can fully enjoy the fruits of my labor. As I mopped the floor, my mind wandered to when my next paycheck would come through, especially with the alarming rate at which food prices were consuming a large chunk of my earnings. I wished I had more and found myse lamenting that those with plen were incredibly fortunate.
Just then, a quiet thought began emerge. A few months ago, I used long for the freedom of not sharin my apartment with anyone sleepin with the lights off without worryin that my roommate preferred the on, finding my belongings exactly I left them, and enjoying the silen free from loud music blaring throug the walls.
Now, here I am, lamenting m financial situation and almost gui tripping my Creator. It feels a b selfish and ungrateful. I’m living what was once my dream, yet I making it seem like I’ve be abandoned to a gruesome fate.
I hope I haven’t lost you. What I’m trying to draw your attention to is a reality most of us face. We quickly forget that while we yearn to grow, we have already grown, and our petals are still unfolding. Life has never been entirely fair we’ve faced our share of challenges, but we’ve also had moments of bliss. You’ve done well, and you will continue to do even better.
Life is but a continuous series of near-misses. Do your part, practice gratitude, nurture yourself, and keep going!
About The Writer
Adewoye Adetolu Daniel is a Nigerian writer, visual artist and host of a lifestyle podcast Tolu’s Corner. He’s currently writing his first anthology and can be reached on instagram @artbydetolu
Veronica’s
GET TO KNOW OUR BOUGIEITE OF THE MONTH
What inspired your love for reading ?
That would be the simple times in secondary school when we'd exchange books with each other and talk about what we read. If you wanted your own bragging rights, you'd try so hard to finish the book you got on time. I think those were the moments the inspirational moments.
How did you discover our book club?
I heard about the club from a friend, Nengi.
What has been your most memorable book club discussion and what made it stand out?
I have so many memorable book club discussions, but I'd really want to take us back to His Only Wife it was hilarious
Can you share your all-time favorite book and why it holds a special place in your heart?
I have a bad habit, which is not remembering the names of the books I read or the authors. But I think I'll mention Attitude 101 by John C Maxwell It's one of my recent reads, and it's right in front of me—that's why I remember, lol.
How do you balance reading with other aspects of your life?
Is there really a balance? I can't even say, but I try. On some days, 20 pages per day works. On other days, I can't even look at a page because I want to close my eyes so badly. There's no rule to these things, so I just do what I can.
How has being a part of Buk'd and Bougie Bookclub enriched your reading journey and personal growth?
When you feel lost during meetings just because you never opened the book of the month, you'll try not to let that happen again especially when the conversation gets heated That's all the accountability you need. And then there’s the sharing of opinions whether they’re weird, funny, realistic, interesting, foolish, or wise that's the essence of it all. You learn from the club because sometimes, certain words never leave you. You also learn new words because some of these folks are walking dictionaries that’s personal growth.
SEPTEMBER 2024 PLANNER
ders
Reconnect
an
CELEBRANTS
21st August 2024 5th August 2024
Ogun, Nigeria
Lagos, Nigeria
Roqeebat Animashun
Oluwakemisola Olaide
WHO AM I ?
By Enobong Okposin
The theme for this month centers around growth, beauty, and thriving within your community. Let me share a brief story about my own journey of growth.
My name is Enobong Okposin. I’m a Project/Product Manager and the Club Leader of GirlUp Uyo, a United Nations Foundation Initiative.
My journey began in my 100 level as the Assistant Class Representative of my department (Petroleum Engineering). I helped resolve student-lecturer issues and joined the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). In 200 level, I became the Vice President of SPE, Uniuyo Chapter, where I honed my skills in presentations, communication, graphic design, and people management. My first real job came as Lead Generator and Project Manager at a CGI company.
In 300 level, I ran for President of SPE but lost, facing challenges and propaganda. However, I returned to the CGI company, excelling in my role and earning recognition from my boss.
Last year, I won the Girl in STEM Leadership Award, learned Product Management,
and joined TinaPay, where I was named Staff of the Month within six months
Despite obstacles, I’ve grown stronger and achieved much. This is just the beginning of my story.
About The Writer
Enobong Okposin is a Project/Product Manager dedicated to empowering women in STEM. She was a student leader in Petroleum Engineering in UNIUYO, And also served as Vice President of SPE. Her first job was as a Lead Generator and Project Manager.
In 2023, Enobong received the SPE Girl in STEM Leadership Award and now excels as a Product Manager at TinaPay. As Club Leader of GirlUp Uyo, she inspires future female leaders and champions gender equality in STEM.
IG: @Bukdandbougie | Twitter: @Bukdandbougie
Sci-fi Literature
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
All You Zombies by Robert A. Heinlein
Historical Romance
Emma by Jane Austen
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Self Help
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie
The subtle art of not giving a fuck by Mark Manson
A Poem About You
A Poem About You
This is a poem about you. You are the color of sweet orange juice— Bright-yellow orange juice.
A poem still about you. You are the taste of melted butter— Bright-yellow melted butter.
A poem probably still about you. You are the feel of a ripe bananaBright-yellow banana.
A poem maybe not about you. You are the smell of begonia Bright-yellow begonia.
A poem that could still be about you.
You are the sound of a summer sunbeam Bright-yellow sunbeam.
Oh dear, I do hope this poem is about you!
About the Writer
Helen Akanimoh is a solution-oriented cybersecurity professional dedicated to safeguarding organizational networks.
Beyond her professional life, Helen is the co-founder of Buk'd and Bougie, a nonprofit initiative aimed at rekindling the reading culture among youths.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Bougie Virtual Film Event is coming up on the 17th of September, 2024. Guys, you don't want to miss this. Stay tuned for updates!!
BUK’D AND BOUGIE'S 3RD YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Buk'd and Bougie will be celebrating her 3rd year anniversary on the 19th of November, 2024. It's going to be a bougie flex and we can't wait to celebrate this milestone with you. We promise to update you every step of the way
TWMN BOOK FEST
I hope you have not Bougie Bookclub has p to host a Book Fest on October 19th, 2024, at Ibom Tropicana in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. Preparations for the outdoor event, themed "I READ, I RISE!" has already been set in motion and it's going to be a mega one How can you help? We need volunteers, book donations and any other support you can offer to make the event a success. You can reach out to us
