Isn’t it amazing how we spent time immersing ourselves in the world of books before the smartphones and the internet took over? These days, it is not uncommon to see young people attach to their phones. If they are not browsing, they are on the social media apps.
Before now, we were taken to another realm in the world of books. I recall that free periods in secondary school was spent in the library reading Nigerian literary works. As we grew older, we became carried away with technology and no more voracious readers. Sadly, the reading culture is dying, if we must revive it, we would have to reading enticing to the youths of nowadays as it was in the past. Instead of spending so much time on social media, the youths should read books to develop themselves. In the world of books, people become knowledgeable. Their vocabulary is enriched and they are open to new experiences and culture.
In the spirit of throwback Thursday, here are some memorable books that kept children in 90s interested:
1. Sugar girl by Kola Onadipe
This is about a young girl called Ralia, who goes missing from home under mysterious and unfortunate circumstances. She must overcome several ordeals in the hands of a wicked witch and a horrible hunter.
2. The Drummer boy by Cyprian Ekwensi
This book was the recommended text in junior secondary school. It is about a talented but blind boy called Akin, who used his wonderful drumming skill and melodious voice to bring joy to the people in the communities in which he performed.
3. Without a silver spoon by Eddie Iroh
This novel for young people portrays the rewards of hard work and the importance of honesty. It’s about a young boy, Ure, who works as a houseboy to pay his school fees and is accused of stealing money. He is however, saved by the well-placed total trust of his parents and his teacher.
4. Eze goes to school by Onuora Nzekwu and Michael Crowder
It was one of the popular literatures back in the day. It portrays the life of a typical Nigerian community and inspiring determination in the face of challenges.
5. Chike and the river by Chinua Achebe
This novel is a tale about a young Nigerian boy named Chike and his experiences in the big city of Onitsha. He moved from his native village of Umuofia to the city to live with his uncle. There is much to learn culturally for modern day young readers from this novel.
6. The gods are not to blame by Ola Rotimi
The novel is set in an indeterminate period of a Yoruba kingdom. It is dramatic tale of a man named Odewale who was born with a destiny he tried to run away from.
7. The bottled leopard by Chukwuemeka Ike
This novel explores the differences between Western Christian concepts and the indigenous African tradition. The writer uses two children and two backgrounds to juxtapose two varying cultures and the conflict that results from the inability of the West to understand the indigenous African culture.