1. MEIN KAMPF by Adolf Hitler

Synopsis:
In Mein Kampf (My Struggle), often called the Nazi bible, Hitler describes his life, frustrations, ideals, and dreams. Born to an impoverished couple in a small town in Austria, the young Adolf grew up with the fervent desire to become a painter. The death of his parents and outright rejection from art schools in Vienna forced him into underpaid work as a laborer. During the First World War, Hitler served in the infantry and was decorated for bravery. After the war, he became actively involved with socialist political groups and quickly rose to power, establishing himself as Chairman of the National Socialist German Worker’s party. In 1924, Hitler led a coalition of nationalist groups in a bid to overthrow the Bavarian government in Munich. The infamous Munich "Beer-hall putsch" was unsuccessful, and Hitler was arrested. During the nine months he was in prison, an embittered and frustrated Hitler dictated a personal manifesto to his loyal follower Rudolph Hess. He vented his sentiments against communism and the Jewish people in this document, which was to become Mein Kampf, the controversial book that is seen as the blue-print for Hitler’s political and military campaign. In Mein Kampf, Hitler describes his strategy for rebuilding Germany and conquering Europe. It is a glimpse into the mind of a man who destabilized world peace and pursued the genocide now known as the Holocaust.

Reason:
Because why not. Because getting a peek into the mind of a man who so strongly shaped history appeals to me. Simply, I’d like to take a walk through his thought process. And if I’m being entirely honest, I’d like to know if he could write, to know if a man capable of orchestrating violence on such a grand scale could have pulled me into his world with words. I’d like to know if, had I come across Adolf, he would have been able convince me to join his cause.

2. PERFECT (IMPULSE #2) by Ellen Hopkins

Synopsis:
Everyone has something, someone, somewhere else that they’d rather be. For four high-school seniors, their goals of perfection are just as different as the paths they take to get there.

Cara’s parents’ unrealistic expectations have already sent her twin brother Conner spiraling toward suicide. For her, perfect means rejecting their ideals to take a chance on a new kind of love. Kendra covets the perfect face and body—no matter what surgeries and drugs she needs to get there. To score his perfect home run—on the field and off—Sean will sacrifice more than he can ever win back. And Andre realizes that to follow his heart and achieve his perfect performance, he’ll be living a life his ancestors would never understand.

Reason:

Don't judge me. I couldn't help it when I stumbled on this quote. I had to go search for where it was from and add it to my reading list.

3. CHRISTMAS SHOPAHOLIC by Sophie Kinsella

Synopsis:
Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood) adores Christmas. It’s always the same – Mum and Dad hosting, carols playing, Mum pretending she made the Christmas pudding, and the next-door neighbours coming round for sherry in their terrible festive jumpers.

And now it's even easier with online bargain-shopping sites – if you spend enough you even get free delivery. Sorted!

But this year looks set to be different. Unable to resist the draw of craft beer and smashed avocado, Becky's parents are moving to ultra-trendy Shoreditch and have asked Becky if she'll host Christmas this year. What could possibly go wrong?

Reason:
It's December and it's Sophie Kinsella. I can't and I refuse to fight the urge to read something lighthearted and Christmas-y. Songs haven't done the trick and neither have Hallmark Christmas movies so I'm hoping a nice Christmas themed book will get me in the Christmas mood.

4. THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS Series by Cassandra Claire

Synopsis:
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder― much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It’s hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? Ok

Reason:
Because enough time has passed and the hold her spin-off series, Infernal Devices, has me weakened enough. My heart no longer weeps for William Herondale or for James Carstairs so I’d like to give Elizabeth Lightwood and Magnus Bane another chance. The first time I read the series, I was much too distracted by how infuriating Clary and Jace were to pay notice to any underdogs. But now, I know Clary will make me want to hurl the book across the room, hopefully I’ll be able to ignore it and focus on the characters who suffered in silence and wore pain with grace. I’d like to know if a white middle aged woman is capable of breaking my heart twice.

5. LITTLE WOMEN by Louisa May Alcott

Synopsis:
Here are talented tomboy and author-to-be Jo, tragically frail Beth, beautiful Meg, and romantic, spoiled Amy, united in their devotion to each other and their struggles to survive in New England during the Civil War.

Reason:
Because I'm tired of putting it off. I really want to know how the story goes. I want to know what character I'd identify most with. I want to relate their then to our now. I wish I had read it because I think I'd fall in love with this book and because I am of the opinion that it is a book I should have read.

6. THE LITTLE PRINCE by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Synopsis:
A pilot stranded in the desert awakes one morning to see, standing before him, the most extraordinary little fellow. "Please," asks the stranger, "draw me a sheep." And the pilot realizes that when life’s events are too difficult to understand, there is no choice but to succumb to their mysteries. He pulls out pencil and paper... And thus begins this wise and enchanting fable that, in teaching the secret of what is really important in life, has changed forever the world for its readers.

Reason:
Again, because it's Christmas and it's a classic. I want that reconnection to my childhood, that nostalgia of being young, full of dreams and entirely clueless. There are some books one should read at the end of a trying year to remind you of simpler times and 2021 has been more than trying. We all need a little "The Little Prince" magic.

7. NIGHTFALL (DEVIL’S NIGHT #4) Series by Penelope Douglas

Synopsis:
What happens when it's five against one and nowhere to run?

EMORY

They call it Blackchurch. A secluded mansion in a remote, undisclosed location where the wealthy and powerful send their misbehaving sons to cool off away from prying eyes.

Will Grayson has always been an animal, though. Reckless, wild, and someone who was never bound by a single rule other than to do exactly what he wanted. There was no way his grandfather was going risk him humiliating the family again.

WILL

I never minded being locked up. I learned a long time ago that being treated like an animal gives you permission to act like one. No one has ever looked at me any other way.

Their only mistake is believing anything I do is an accident. I can sit in this house with no Internet, television, liquor, or girls, but I’ll come out of here with something far more frightening to my enemies.

A plan.

Reason:

Because while I have no faith whatsoever in Penelope Douglas after reading Bully, that hit me a little to hard. It left me a little unsettled, a little breathless. Because I'm naive enough to get hooked on such a line.

Pray for me because yes, I am irredeemable.

8. Be(com)ing Nigerian

Synopsis:
In Be(com)ing Nigerian: A Guide, Elnathan John provides an affecting, unrestrained and satirical guide to the Nigerians you will meet at home and abroad, or on your way to hell and to heaven. It is a searing look at how power is performed, negotiated and abused in private and in public; in politics, business, religious institutions and in homes. From the exploration of religious hypocrisy to inequality in matters of the heart, the collection is a jab at Nigerian society and what it means to be a Nigerian. Beyond poking fun at the holders of power, it is a summons, a provocation and a call for introspection among all levels of society. As is often said in Nigeria, when you point with one finger, there are four others pointing back at you.

Reason:
Because I am Nigerian and I’d like to see what that looks like from another’s eyes. Because I will keep giving Nigerian literature a chance even though I usually end up regretting it. And also because the synopsis seems promising.

9. ROYAL ASSASSIN (THE FARSEER TRILOGY #2) by Robin Hobb

Synopsis:
Fitz has survived his first hazardous mission as king’s assassin, but is left little more than a cripple. Battered and bitter, he vows to abandon his oath to King Shrewd, remaining in the distant mountains. But love and events of terrible urgency draw him back to the court at Buckkeep, and into the deadly intrigues of the royal family.

Reason:
Because at this rate, I might forget what happened in book 1 before I get around to book 2. Robin writes in a manner that is lovely and easy to read but at the end of book 1, I couldn't help but feel like I had just finished a really long prologue. And that is perhaps the reason why I am hesitant to continue. However, I love the world he created and I wish I hadn't let that worry stop me from continuing.

10. SKIPPING CHRISTMAS by John Grisham

Synopsis:
Imagine a year without Christmas. No crowded shops, no corny office parties, no fruitcakes, no unwanted presents. That’s just what Luther and Nora Krank have in mind when they decide that, just this once, they’ll skip the holiday altogether. Theirs will be the only house on the street without a rooftop Frosty the snowman; they won’t be hosting their annual Christmas Eve bash; they aren’t even going to have a tree. They won’t need one, because come December 25 they’re setting sail on a Caribbean cruise. But, as this weary couple is about to discover, skipping Christmas brings enormous consequences - and isn’t half as easy as they’d imagined.

Reason:
Because it doesn't feel at all like Christmas and I'd like literature to commiserate. I am a Grinch. Unapologetically so. I hate the holidays. I find it tiring, forced and more work than it's worth so yes, I am always happy to have a partner in crime, even just a fictional one.

That brings us to the end of my list. There’s still a few days in the year so maybe, just maybe, I’ll get to tick one or two off this list. That or I’ll get distracted by some entirely new literature. Good luck to me and happy holidays to you!✨🌲☃️♥️.

Sunmisola, Eweje.

Medicine, 400L.

Top ten books I wish I read this year