Nigerian Literature Review Database – can we collect 419?
One thing that Nigeria is quite known for is corruption and internet scams. In fact, internet scams have come to be called 419s throughout much of the world – referring to the Nigerian criminal code! Clearly the bad press is getting to be a little much, so a project was started where people are asked to submit their list of 419 reasons that they like Nigeria. (You can see more history about it here at NigeriansTalk.)
eta: 419Postive.org which NigeriansTalk links to is apparently not a part of this new project, it is an existing project to collect positive things about Nigeria. So while related, it seems there are two separate projects ongoing. Either way, there is a push to gather lists of positives as NigeriansTalk mentions.
My small contribution to the project is something that I’ve been meaning to do for some time. I’ve created a form where you can link up any and all reviews of Nigerian literature from your site. This will create a database that I’ll maintain so that people can easily find new authors to try and can easily spread the word about their reviews.
The question is… can we ever hit 419? I’ve got around 50 myself, so I think we should be able to!
ALSO don’t forget that October 1st I’m hosting a Nigerian Reading Project. Share a review of Nigerian literature that day, Nigeria’s 61st Independence Day, and you’ll be eligible for one of a host of really fantastic books that have been donated as prizes. I’ll post more details later, but believe me, you don’t want to miss it 
Please do share your links! See list here!
Trackbacks
- Nigerian Independence Day Reading / Reviewing Project « Amy Reads
- Reminder: Nigerian Independence Day Reading / Reviewing Project Open « Amy Reads
- Nigerian Independence Day Reading / Reviewing Project « Amy Reads
- Nigerian Independence Day Reading / Reviewing Project « Amy Reads
- September 2011 Reading Wrap-Up « Amy Reads
- A Year of Nigerian Reading « Amy Reads
Amy, you are such a class act, and this is such a wonderful contribution to the cause. I hope that you do reach your mark, and if there is any way that I can think to help, I will be sure to do it!
Thank you so much Zibilee! It’s not a lot really, created the form and now have made the database available for viewing
Though, if you do happen to see Nigerian lit reviewed feel free to mention this or let me know! Thanks!
Definitely a class act you are, Amy! Thank you for the good work you’re doing for so many communities out there. I’ll be back to do my bit.
Thank you so much Adura! I have to admit it’s a bit selfish as I’ll also be using it to find new books to read
hee hee
What a good idea Amy and bringing something postive to the Internet from Nigeria we do often here about cons this is just great , all the best stu
Thank you Stu, glad you like the idea.
I know I’ve got at least three, although I’m sure you have the same three. How are you classifying Nigerian literature? Born in Nigeria? Born and raised? For example…Helen Oyeyemi…would she count? White is for Witching wasn’t set in Nigeria, and she wasn’t raised there. Help!
That is OK Jill, duplicates are still great! And I have to admit I’ve made it very loose. Both born in Nigeria and of Nigerian descent AND books set in or about Nigeria by non-Nigerians. Perhaps should make it stricter but meh, they all give some idea of the country and culture I figure! Like, I count Oyeyemi anyway
Excellent…I’ll have a few more to add then.
Yay thanks!
This is fabulous, Amy! I’m going to try and read a book by a Nigerian author for review by Oct 1st!
Thanks so much Aths!
I’d be happy to share links to the Nigerian literature that I’ve read…but you’ve probably already read it? Do you care if there are doubles of some books? Just want to clarify before I clutter up your database…Also, are you going to share this list with us?! Would love Nigerian reading ideas for the Nigeria day.
(Speaking of, will it only be Saturday? It’s not easy for me to post on Saturday…anyway to make it a week or at least the Friday and Saturday? I will try to join in…)
Duplicates definitely great Rebecca, I love that we’ll have multiple ideas and perspectives on them
And yes, clutter away, please 
I’ve now shared the link above too so that everyone can view the database.
And hmmmm yes, it is hard for people to post on a specific date so I’m still debating how to do it. The 1st is the national holiday but I might make it a few more days. Either Friday – Sunday, or maybe just the full first week of October… Thanks for reminding me
This is a wonderful initiative, Amy! I love the theme – 419 reasons for liking Nigeria. Hope your database grows from a seed into an oak tree. I will try to read Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’ so that I can write a review by October 1st.
Thank you Vishy, I hope that you enjoy it
I’m half-way through Helen Oyeyemi’s The Icarus Girl and I’ll share my review on October 1. Meanwhile, I’ve linked to another review in the form above: Doing Dangerously Well by Carole Enahoro. A third book that I’ve reviewed is by a white woman who spent part of her childhood in Nigeria – Where Bones Dance by Nina Newington. I’m not sure if that book fits your loose criteria.
Thanks for adding your review Lindy! I think basically each person can decide for themselves. If you think it counts, then it counts
I don’t want to judge in any way, it is more just what people thing others may want to pick up if exploring Nigerian lit.
Okay, I’ve added Where Bones Dance to your list. I love your project!
Thanks Lindy
Have submitted all Nigerian BOOKS I have read. Thus, I have left out the single stories. Thanks for starting this Amy. I am proud of you.
Thanks Nana! I really appreciate it
Mostly I’m just looking for more recommendations! hehe
Hi Amy, I have bundled things up. Instead of site name I entered the site url. If it is possible to edit can you please change the url into ImageNations? thanks
Sure, I can do that! Thanks again Nana!
This is great, Amy. I will be dumping mine soon.
Thank you so much Kinna!
Hello Amy,
Thanks for highlighting the 419 Reasons to Like Nigeria initiative, in fact, from the moment we started working on this we were quite particular on making the 419Postive.org Project the centre of this campaign having pre-existed what we were doing.
Obviously, there were things to iron out in order not to be at cross purposes to each other, it is thanks to the co-ordinators that we have launched this collaboration to have each blog publish a subset of the 419 reasons with the bulk of the information hosted by the 419Positive Project.
Each blog published with the set text on the 1st of October ended with – The ‘419 Reasons to Like Nigeria’ Campaign is in partnership with ‘The 419Positive Project’.
Regards,
Akin Akintayo
Thanks for the update Akin. I updated this post after being contacted by 419Positive.org, they said that it wasn’t linked, so I’m glad it is now. Makes much more sense to have it all together! I’m looking forward to catching up with all of the posts!
I am happy to be a part of this. Just posted mine.
Thanks so much Geosi!
This is such as amazing idea Amy. Too many times Nigeria is painted in a negative light. It’s great to see things like this. Thanks
.
Thank you so much bookshy. A bit selfish as I use it to find new books, but it works right? heh.