Black History Month - Day 23 Book Recommendation: Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This novel delves into the topic of race in three countries and continents. The story is about two two Nigerians who spend time living abroad in the US & the UK and the realities they face dealing with questions pertaining to race, identity and belonging as Africans living in the diaspora. They also find upon returning home to Nigeria that they have developed westernized ways and perspectives as a result of the influences in their immigrant experience, which separates and sometimes alienates them from their less traveled Nigerian counterparts. Themes focusing on the search for home, connection and identity are explored. Adiche is a phenomenal storyteller and her words vividly describe people, places and events with meticulous attention to detail. NPR describes Americanah as a “knockout of a novel about immigration, American dreams, the power of first love, and the shifting meanings of skin color. . . . A marvel.” (NPR).