Literary Fiction by People of Color discussion

It's not quite time to discuss our book for June, Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, but I wanted to let those who might have missed it know that Adiche was interviewed on NPR's Fresh Air on Thursday. Here's the link:

http://www.npr.org/2013/06/27/1955984...

Thanks for sharing, will review and get a copy of this book soon.

I heard the interview the other day, sounds like a good read!

I heard it early this morning around 5am. The interview serves the book rather well in my opinion.

Yes the interview was really good and listened to it after my radio program; now I cannot wait to read the book to see how it follows.

Today is July 1st and we begin our discussion of Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Adichie's literary awards and nominations are too numerous to name but can be found here http://www.l3.ulg.ac.be/adichie/cnaaw....

There's quite a few amazing interviews available on Adichie both -video and audio - including the NPR interview Wilhelmina provided last week. Here's a bio on Adichie along with some reviews and interviews:

Bio:
http://www.l3.ulg.ac.be/adichie/cnabi...

Website:
http://www.l3.ulg.ac.be/adichie/

Interviews:

TED Conference:
http://www.ted.com/speakers/chimamand...

symphonyspace in New York:
http://youtu.be/EBnij_-7bmU

Reviews:

Guardian Uk review:
http://m.guardiannews.com/books/2013/...

NY Times review:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/09/boo...


The book is divided into 7 parts with the last 3 parts grouped together at the end of the book. The discussion format will be as follows:

General comments about the book and author (July 1-3)

Part 1 (July 4-8)

Part 2 (July 9-13)

Part 3 (July 14-19)

Part 4 (July 20-25)

Parts 5, 6 & 7 (July 26-31)

Let's begin the discussion on this extraordinarily gifted writer now!

Wow, quite a list of achievements; this will be my first read of her work, and I am looking forward to it. I'm 3rd in line waiting for 4 copies of Americanah at the library so should be any minute now...!

I would first like to know where we are in the reading here and if everyone is comfortable with the format and time allowed for each part?

What other books have you read by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and what do you think of her writing style?

I've heard so many positive comments about this writer and her previous books coming from just this book group alone that i was really glad when this book was selected so we could discuss it together. The excitement and joy at the announcement of a new book by this author lends to a sort of reverence enjoyed by so few others. It's exciting to see.

Michael wrote: "Wow, quite a list of achievements; this will be my first read of her work, and I am looking forward to it. I'm 3rd in line waiting for 4 copies of Americanah at the library so should be any minute..."

Great, Michael...looking forward to your comments!

I have read Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, & The Thing Around My Neck (short stories).

My fav by far is Half of a Yellow Sun. I am not a movie-goer but I am eagerly waiting for the Nov 2013 film release of Half of a Yellow Sun.

Yes, a lot of well deserved accomplishments.

When reading her books she has my full attention - and I cannot just be anywhere when I read - I need to prepare my environment for the optimal reading experience. :)

I know the book has been well-received but I have not read any of the reviews as I wait to experience the book without the thoughts of others in my mind.

Beverly wrote: "I have read Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, & The Thing Around My Neck (short stories).

My fav by far is Half of a Yellow Sun. I am not a movie-goer but I am eagerly waiting for the Nov 20..."

Beverly, your response is what I often hear about her books. I'm anxious to hear your thoughts on this one in comparison to the others.

Any word on who is in this movie? I imagine it's an indie flick.

I am just starting Americanuh, so I won't be of any assistance for the rest of the discussion, but like Beverly I have read all of her other books.

I think that Purple Hibiscus was my favorite, simply because how raw her story telling ability seemed. It was jarring and painful in ways that impacted me more than Half a Yellow Sun. Yet, Half a Yellow Sun was a beautiful and poignant read. I am really looking forward to finishing Americanuh. I just finished The Thing Around Your Neck, and I truly wished that she would turn each short story into a full novel. Her writing ability often leaves me desiring more.

I'm about 40% complete with Americanah - enjoying it - but need to see how this is going to play out and let my thoughts marinate a bit before commenting.

I've read all of her work (PH, HAYS, TTAMN) and of those three enjoyed Half A Yellow Sun much more than the other two combined. I also had the privilege of meeting her last year when she visited Rollins College for their Writers in Winter Literary Festival.

Columbus wrote: "Beverly wrote: "I have read Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, & The Thing Around My Neck (short stories).

My fav by far is Half of a Yellow Sun. I am not a movie-goer but I am eagerly waitin..."

Movie release date is Nov 2013
If you google can see the cast and characters and trailer
There is even a FB page for the movie

I will be traveling a lot of July so will be in and out of the discussion

This one is a book I want to read because I have read so many great things about Chimamanda. It looks intense but would be good to read with others. I am debating as I am reading quite a few books right now.

I am done with part 1, and I am looking forward to joining the discussion this month. I haven't read any of her other work, so this is my introduction to Adichie.

I have read Purple Hibiscus and Half of a Yellow Sun, and I have a copy of The Thing Around Your Neck that I plan to read soon. I loved Half of a Yellow Sun, and I thought that Purple Hibiscus was beautifully written. I also heard Adichie speak at the Decatur (GA) Book Festival a few years ago and she was wonderful.

I finished Americanah over the weekend and have read HYS and TTAYN. I have PH and plan to read it...one day (large TBR pile like most of us). HYS is by far my favorite. I am so excited to hear about the movie.

I enjoyed Americanah and will hopefully get an opportunity to participate in the book discussion.

Hope wrote: "I finished Americanah over the weekend and have read HYS and TTAYN. I have PH and plan to read it...one day (large TBR pile like most of us). HYS is by far my favorite. I am so excited to hear a..."

Hope- we would love to hear your take on the book. Feel free to add any comments whenever you like.

The trailer for HYS although short, looks really good. The cast with the underated Thandie Newton, Chiwetel Ejiofor & Anika Noni Rose even more so.

Columbus wrote: "What other books have you read by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and what do you think about her writing style?"

I read Half of a Yellow Sun a few years ago with my book club. Though I loved it, I must admit that it took well over 100 pages for me to enjoy. I feel that had it not been a book club selection, I would not have finished.

On the flip side, I am halfway done with Americanah and am happy to say that it grabbed me from the first page. I absolutely adore her writing style this time around.

I met her three weeks ago at an intimate book signing in San Francisco. Very witty and personable.

Columbus wrote: "I would first like to know where we are in the reading here and if everyone is comfortable with the format and time allowed for each part?

What other books have you read by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi..."

I read Half a Yellow Sun and Purple Hibiscus.

I would say she is unapologetically crafty in the way she uses words. Really think she's our generations Chinua Achebe! She just throws it out there for the world to see and looks on unapologetically.

Trying to catch up on the Adichie thread, and it is interfering with my work! Agh! I have read all of her novels, and I think Purple Hibiscus is my favorite. Really loved Americanah. I think she is an amazing writer, one of my favorites.

I am a huge Adichie fan & I have read all of her works. I greatly admire her writing style for its lack of pretense. Adichie is above all a storyteller, a gritty, direct & intellectual storyteller, a social commentator, eager to share her observations. My favorite book by Adichie is "Half of a Yellow Sun," which I loved from page 1. To me, that story was touching, vivid and heartbreaking in a way that Americanah was not. While I liked the main characters of Americanah, I loved & still often think about the characters in "Half...".

Unlike with "Half..." I was not taken with Americanah from the very beginning, although the first part was filled with Adichie's characteristic mix of humor and melancholy. I enjoyed her descriptions of American cities, how one smells different from another and the types of businesses in each. I felt the main character, Ifemelu, was a little muted--a detached and critical observer of people. I think this method proves to make the character sort of a "lone wolf"; An African who is equally critical of Africans as Americans, blacks as much as whites. I enjoyed looking at three people and places in America through Ifemelu's eyes in part 1...

July 4th, 3:48am:

Well, I'm not sure if its insomnia or just that I'm so anxious to start discussing this book that has me posting a question at such a bewitching hour --but here we are. Probably a little of both though.

Part 1:

Adiche has said rather plainly (tounge in cheek?) that Americanah is about hair. We've discussed the racial politics of black hair in previous discussions, namely Tayari Jones Silver Sparrow, but certainly others as well. The book opens with Ifemelu traveling from Princeton to Trenton to the beauty shop to get her hair done (or did - as some like to say) where there's a rather amusing and at times compelling discussion about hair. In fact, the hair discussion permeates in some way throughout this part of the book. What did you think about the interaction in the shop and also the fact that Adichie makes this topic such a central part of the book? Why is this still so topical and emotional for some?

During the time i was reading the book, I ran across this from NPR:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2...

I loved this book! I have lots of thoughts about it but don't really know where to begin...

I have unfortunately never read anything by Adichie before but I definitely will be. Her writing style really appealed to me, her style is my favorite of any book I've read in the last two years at least (probably longer but that's how far back I went in my archives). So I'm definitely looking forward to her other stuff.

I've been lurking for the last couple of months, even though I read the books, but decided to jump in this time.

Americanah is my first time reading one of Adichie's books. She makes a big point in that NPR interview about how Americans pronounce her name incorrectly with three syllables - A-DEE-CHEE, instead of 4 syllables A-DEE-CHEE-EY.

I finished the book (from the public library) last month, and this time I took notes. And yes we are talking about hair again. But there is another thread in that beauty shop conversation about African ethnic differences. "Igbo will marry only Igbo". So even though Ifemelu tells herself that race was not an issue until she came to the USA, there are in fact perceived differences of class and tribe in Africa.

I have finished Part 1 and while reading I found myself nodding my head in agreement, chuckling to myself, and just plain enjoying the read.

I also thought what an observant writer - from her words I was able to visualize the facial expressions/body signals/movements of the characters. She was able to get to the micro level as well as the macro level and it all often so natural.

Yes, it is really interesting to think about the race issue in Nigeria or better yet the lack of one. I think Ifemelu/Adichie mentions that the bigger issue is not race but class issues. Same for England, a country that figures rather prominently in this book. And, although there may not be the typical race issues that we have here in the states, they do experience the colorism issue. I mention the protagonist and author together because Adichie seems to defy the path that many other authors take in that their "biographical" novel is typically their debut and not one further along in their oeuvre.

Beverly wrote: "I have finished Part 1 and while reading I found myself nodding my head in agreement, chuckling to myself, and just plain enjoying the read.

I also thought what an observant writer - from her wor..."

Beverly, I'm experiencing the same thing: "nodding my head, chuckling and enjoying the read." Especially the intelligent humorous parts in which there are many. She doesn't shy away from making you uncomfortable either and that I truly love!

Beverly wrote: "I also thought what an observant writer - from her words I was able to visualize the facial expressions/body signals/movements of the characters."
This was one of my favorite parts of the book--she was really effective at bringing a scene to life for me with just a phrase. It was really well done.

M wrote: "I find it curious that Adichie says she didn't know she was black until she came to America. How is this possible for someone from Nigeria--a previously colonized country?"
Of course colonization has its legacy, but I think it means something different to be black in Nigeria and to be black in America. In America, racist white people still try to suppress black voters. Obama was a huge deal for Ifemelu & Blaine because of what he represented. In Nigeria during Adichie's lifetime, it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that all the leaders and officials are going to be black. I have never been to Nigeria and I don't know that much about it but I would imagine there is a significant difference between how mainstream culture in America treats black people and how mainstream culture in Nigeria treats black people. There may be corruption in Nigeria but if a person gets the short end of the stick, it's most likely not going to be because they're black; whereas in America, if there is corruption/voter supression/racial profiling and the person who gets the short end of the stick is black, there is a good chance the only reason for it is that they're black.

Each country/society/cultures have their nuances (some written/some not)on how and who they discriminate against. And often times when "living" in a new country/society/culture other than the one based on the norms that you know involves some cultural shock unto you understand the nuances on how your new country/society works. In the US it is the race - black (as we define in the US). There is also the public image of a country/society and the reality on how it really works. So yes, it is understandable that Adichie(and many others) had to learn what it meant to be "black" in America.

M wrote: "I find it curious that Adichie says she didn't know she was black until she came to America. How is this possible for someone from Nigeria--a previously colonized country? "

Nigeria gained independence in 1960. Adichie was born in 1977.

I have never been to Nigeria, but I spent several weeks in neighboring Ghana which gained independence in 1957. When I was there in 2007, I could count the white people I saw on the street on my two hands. The colonials had disappeared, and in some cases run for their lives.

I agree with Beverly's comment. When I read the book, I saw one of the themes to be that of immigration, and redefining oneself in a new context, along with figuring out what context is. Because I am an ESL teacher, my life experience is not that of most whites. I am surrounded by, and surround myself by, people of multiple cultures, ethnicities, religion, and skin color, both in my work and in my private life, while at the same time I am part of a larger mainstream majority white culture by default. In my work and in my home, we talk a lot about the issues that the book raises, but I do not think that is what most white people talk about. I have not been to Nigeria, but have stayed in Benin (next door) , Burkina, and Mali. In these countries, and still with friends from west Africa, we discuss the same things Imefelu addressed in the book. I can say that in west Africa, tribe is of primary importance-the Biafran war was primarily about tribe-but that people are also very aware of shades of skin color. Country of origin is also important, as is of course, religion. My friends will first identify themselves by tribe, and talk about what it means to be of that particular ethnic group. One said to me, "We are al very friendly to outsiders (tourists, NGO folks, etc) but we are not very kind to each other." So, I thought that Imefelu was thinking about and struggling with what it meant to be lumped in a big "homogenous" group, as in "American Blacks." I am interested to hear what everyone else thinks!

Columbus wrote: "I would first like to know where we are in the reading here and if everyone is comfortable with the format and time allowed for each part?

What other books have you read by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi..."

None! This is the first.

Shari wrote: "So, I thought that Imefelu was thinking about and struggling with what it meant to be lumped in a big "homogenous" group, as in "American Blacks."

I agree that that's probably a huge part of what Ifemelu/Adichie was reacting to. There was a part in the book where a professor asks Ifemelu to state the "black position" or view on an issue and she didn't even know there was such a thing. I was in a class last year where my teacher did the same thing. Unfortunately in America, the dominant white culture has a tendency to see black people and other people of color as homogeneous.

Thank you, Columbus and LFPC book group for providing the opportunity to discuss this book!

I had not previously read any books by Adichie. I've just finished reading "Americanah" this morning. It being such a recently-published book, there was a wait to get the book from my library, so I got my name on the list right away when I saw we were going to read it, and then it turned out I got it fairly quickly. Thought I better not to try to "save it all for July", because I may not be able to renew it.
I gave it 5 stars - such good writing; it really pulled me into the characters' lives.

Re "hair": Interesting for me to read; my ethnic background is white northern European; I have really straight hair that can't hold any kind of curl without chemical treatment. I've had a couple of 'perms' in my 50+ years, but mostly I just let it be straight.
I have been aware of some of the news stories related to the racial politics of black hair.
As Adichie describes what the hot combs or chemical relaxers can do to one's scalp or ears if not really carefully applied, I can see why someone would choose not to use them, for that reason alone.
There is a picture of Adichie on the back cover of the edition of Americanah that I read, with an (apparently) elaborately coiffed braided hairstyle that I think looks very attractive (purely my own subjective opinion.)

Can't believe I can't get my hands on this book. Number 12 on my library's list. Perhaps I'll go to B&N tonight. Especially since I discovered that Adechie writes of Trenton (where I grew up) and Princeton (Where I frequently hung out) I hope she's was kind to my fair home town. (Its seen better days!)

When we first meet Obinze (The Zed) in Part 1, he's extremely successful though we know very little else about him. As Ifemelu describes him; "her first love, her first lover, the only person with whom she had never felt the need to explain herself." What is your initial impression of Obinze from what you do know? What about Blaine?

From the beginning of this book, Adichie brings up really uncomfortable issues that most Americans of all ethnicities seem to shy away from. She appears to have no problem making you squirm. I find this fascinating in that she has the wherewithal to present this in "novel" form as opposed to a more common approach by way of essays or even a memoir. What do you make of her candor and does it make you uncomfortable as well? Would this be more expected or common coming from someone in Africa or outside of the US?

Something else that came to my attention in Part 1. Remember the scene in the grocery story where Ifemelu is called fat and she should put back the giant bag of Tostitios? Well I ran across this in The Root from a blogger at the exact time I read that piece. It reminded me so much of this scene. (I seem to always run across stories related to something In the book at the time I'm reading. Weird.) Let me know what you think of the book incident and the story below:

http://mobile.theroot.com/blogs/buzz/...

Columbus wrote: "What is your initial impression of Obinze from what you do know? What about Blaine? "

Since I returned the book to the library a few weeks ago, and my notes are rather sketchy, I'm relying on my Senior memory to correctly place events of Part 1.

We know very little about Obinze in Part 1, as I remember. Ifemelu learned from a friend that he was married and very successful. That news seemed to be the impetus for her moving back to Nigeria after 15, or was it 12, years to reclaim her first love.

My first impression of Blaine was "what kind of name is that for a black man?" It's funny that I'm currently reading Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, mainly because I met the author when she lived here in Raleigh. And I came upon F. Scott Fitzgerald's debut novel This Side of Paradise, in which the main character is a man named Blaine who is from Princeton. Coincidence?

Columbus wrote: "From the beginning of this book, Adichie brings up really uncomfortable issues that most Americans of all ethnicities seem to shy away from. She appears to have no problem making you squirm. I fin..."

One of the reasons that I think Adichie is an exceptional writer is that she can make you "squirm" without polarizing the issue and making you take sides. I think there are American writers that adress uncomfortable issues - but it often done in a more polarizing manner so lines are drawn and then often there is not an open dialogue but people defending their position. Also at times it is easier to see things at face value when observing as an outsider, if you are done in the trenches do not often see things the same way as you see them as "normal"

Sarah wrote: "Columbus wrote: "What is your initial impression of Obinze from what you do know? What about Blaine? "

Since I returned the book to the library a few weeks ago, and my notes are rather sketchy, I'..."

I thought the name "Blaine" for a black man was done on purpose - because by that name alone - I had formed an opinion on what Blaine was about.

Beverly wrote: I thought the name "Blaine" for a black man was done on purpose - because by that name alone - I had formed an opinion on what Blaine was about. "

Exactly.

Part II
We are transported back to Nigeria in this section, and the early years of Ifemelu and Obinze who are formally introduced to each other. We also meet Aunty Uju and her "mentor" the General. Aunty Uju has an arrangement with the married General which sort of compromises her character or the image of what she espouses to Ifemelu. Is this strictly for financial stability or why else would she choose to do this? SPOILER: Was her actions after the General's death warranted or necessary?

Sarah wrote: "Columbus wrote: "What is your initial impression of Obinze from what you do know? What about Blaine? "

Since I returned the book to the library a few weeks ago, and my notes are rather sketchy, I'..."

Sarah, your "Senior memory" seems to be working just fine. And although I wanted to laugh uproariously at your Blaine for a black man line - how could I ever defend my own?!

Columbus wrote: "When we first meet Obinze (The Zed) in Part 1, he's extremely successful though we know very little else about him. As Ifemelu describes him; "her first love, her first lover, the only person with ..."

Obinze seems like he has a very easy going personality. He does not appear to be the type to want to rock the boat or challenge the people he cares most about. I was left wondering if he really loves his wife Kosi, or if he only married her because he felt he should for whatever reason. He also does not seem to be the type that would ever intentionally hurt someone even if it means that he will be hurt it the long run.

I did not get much of an imporession about Blaine other than he seemed to also be a very laid back personality. Perhaps Ifemelu is attracted to those who she feels she can dominate in the relationship.

Columbus wrote: "Aunty Uju has an arrangement with the married General which sort of compromises her character or the image of what she espouses to Ifemelu. Is this strictly for financial stability or why else would she choose to do this? ...."

I think Uju's relationship with the General was a mixture of financial need and attraction to power. She truly seemed to care for him, so the money was not her only motivation. Her friends alluded to the fact that she could do better, yet she stayed with him. (view spoiler)[ I believe her move after his death was necessary. It seems that his family was going to make life for her and her child unbearable, and she wanted to avoid that (hide spoiler)]

Columbus wrote: "Sarah, your "Senior memory" seems to be working just fine. And although I wanted to laugh uproariously at your Blaine for a black man line - how could I ever defend my own?! "

I never knew if Columbus was a screen name. If not, I would have to blame your parents or whoever named you. ;)

I'm sure Adichie had some personality elements in mind when she named Blaine.

Londa wrote: I think Uju's relationship with the General was a mixture of financial need and attraction to power...."

I'll agree with Londa on this one. But I somehow have the impression from other Nigerians I know currently in the States, that such arrangements are common. I know Nigerians who are in arranged marriages, and have other women whom they support and who may also bear their children.

Londa wrote: "Columbus wrote: "When we first meet Obinze (The Zed) in Part 1, he's extremely successful though we know very little else about him. As Ifemelu describes him; "her first love, her first lover, the ..."

Good points, Londa! At this point in the conversation, we only know about Blaine and Obinze, but, when you say she feels she can "dominate' them how do you feel about that? Is this a positive attribute or one that you would take issue with? Her personality is not exactly passive or is that a fair description?

Keep the good comments coming, everyone!