Happy Jolabokaflod! (a little late)

There is a charming tradition from Iceland that my family adopted seven years ago called "Jolabokaflod" (literally Christmas Book Flood), which takes place on Christmas Eve.  Each person receives a book and chocolates that night and spends the rest of the evening reading and eating candy.  There's something really refreshing and calming about this, and despite all the presents waiting under the tree, the red and white-wrapped book may be the present I most look forward to.

Iceland is the most literate nation in the world, and their book publishing is concentrated between September and November.   In addition, they have a strong tradition of giving books as gifts, and reading is enjoyed by a very large portion of the population.  There's more information here: https://www.npr.org/2012/12/25/167537939/literary-iceland-revels-in-its-annual-christmas-book-flood

It helps that two of us in my family are librarians, and we carefully monitor what each is reading and wanting to read for book ideas.  You don't need to be in the book business, though, to pick out thoughtful titles for your family members.  I collect ideas throughout the year, which might come from book reviews, book displays at libraries or book stores, lists of "best books," or publications like BookPage, available free from the library.  (Bookstores have a similar publication.) I also consider personal likes and hobbies and how much time each reader might have.  And if there isn't anyone in your family to select your book, make a suggestion or get your own!

The seven books that I've received are pictured.  I've enjoyed each one and was glad to be introduced to authors Jenny Colgan and now this year to Matt Haig through my Jolabokaflod gifts!  As you can see, there is a strong literary bent here, although each is unique.  

It's a Christmas tradition well worth starting.  Collect your ideas now for 2022.  Then prepare yourself for to leave the hectic rush behind and to dive into a new book--and chocolate--on December 24! 

 

Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

Oh, Yinka! What are you thinking?  Oxford-educated banker Yinka Oladeji goes off the deep end when her mother and one of her many aunties pray for her in public to get a "huzband."  Her response to being called out for what is a traditional expectation in her Nigerian-British family is to try to show her friends and family that she is a success on her own, but which prompts her to act in outrageous ways that often include exaggeration, half-truths, and outright lying.  

Adding to her chaotic life is job loss from redundancy, an ongoing feud with her cousin Ola, jealousy of her younger sister Kemi, and an unrealistic and out-of-character plan to line up a plus-one for her cousin's wedding.  Yinka's impetuous decisions can drive you wild--and yet, that is exactly what helps the reader see the frustration of her friends.  

The cultural aspects of the book are interesting, but there are also many universal truths in the story.  One of the nicest parts of the book was Yinka's decision to see a counselor (I couldn't help but think about Dr. Sharon Fieldstone from "Ted Lasso" who helped her patients so well), and this helped Yinka make some important life changes--and to put her Post-It notes to good use!  

Yinka's friends, including three of her cousins, fellow workers, and people from the past add depth to the story, as they help Yinka (whether intentionally or not) accept her identity and embrace the person she is.   There are many engaging minor themes--of religion, cooking, city living, career choices, and friendships--woven throughout the story.  This is a well-done first novel with a beautiful, eye-catching cover. 

The book reminded me quite a bit of the novel by His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie (Algonquin, 2020), about a Ghanian young woman whose arranged marriage doesn't end her quest for her own personal dreams, and I would recommend each if you liked the other.
 

Thanks to Penguin/Viking and NetGalley for an advance copy of this title to be published in January 2022.