As the song goes, “Summertime, and the livin’ is easy!” I don’t know if it’s because of the heat, the slower pace of everything, or because there are just so many fun things to do, but summertime is the perfect time to relax and indulge in some slightly guilty pleasures. One way to have a good time without getting into too much trouble is to kick back and enjoy a juicy book. And like so many things in life, a good book is even better when shared with friends. That’s why we are launching the Jamati Summer Book Club. Let’s have some fun and connect with each other!

The book pick for the Jamati Summer Book Club is The Mrs. Club, by Ekene Onu. The Mrs. Club is the perfect summer read, the kind with characters and a plot that you can sink your teeth into without working too hard. The Mrs. Club is delicious chick lit, African style. Three trendy, successful Nigerian-American women grapple with basic life problems such as career issues, and trying to figure out who they are. But they also have to deal with typical African problems like overbearing parents, meddling in-laws, and the clash between traditional customs and modern living.

Jamati caught up with first-time novelist Ekene Onu to talk about her entertaining book.
Jamati: Ekene, congratulations on writing your first novel. Tell us about yourself.

Like many African women, I am many things. Wife, mother, writer, health care professional, business woman, Jazz lover…the list is endless.

Jamati: Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Yes, I have always loved telling stories; I think my mother saved one of my very first books. It was the tale of the girl who hated to sweep! She didn’t think it was funny at the time.

Jamati: Without giving too much away, can you tell our readers a little bit about The Mrs. Club?

It’s about three Nigerian-American women, who are searching for love and happiness as they understand it. They encounter a lot of things along the way, things that push them to their limits and force them to grow in ways they have never thought of.

Jamati: Will readers recognize themselves or people they know in your characters?

I think so. The women are very relatable. People have sent me notes asking if I wrote a particular character based on one of their friends. I always laugh because of course I don’t even know the people they are referring to. But I laugh because it shows me how universal our issues are. Whatever you are going through, believe me, you are not alone.

Jamati: Do you think men would also be interested in reading The Mrs. Club?

Yes, I actually know quite a few men who have read it. My husband included and they have all enjoyed it.

Jamati: What was your inspiration for writing The Mrs. Club?

Life, love…laughter; All around me I was hearing about and seeing women who were making strange decisions simply because they didn’t want to be in their thirties and single. Our society puts so much pressure on women and as a result, many women end up making the wrong choices or making certain choices based on the wrong reasons.
I wanted to write a story that showed women at the end of the day that it’s okay to wait until you are sure. Funny though, sometimes I think you don’t really know who you are until you get close to thirty and so waiting actually gives you a better chance at success in marriage.

Jamati: Thank you, Ekene. I’ve really enjoyed talking with you.

Thank you.

Join The Jamati Summer Book Club

It’s easy. Here’s how it works:

1. Buy The Mrs. Club. See the Amazon link at the top of the page.

2. Make yourself a lemonade, iced-tea, or beverage of your choice that you can enjoy while remaining focused enough to read. Sit back. Or preferably, kick back and put your pedicured feet up.

3. This part is really important. Read the book.

4. If a question or comment pops in your head after you read something, or you read something that reminds you of someone you know (because of course you would never do that) shoot me an e-mail at awo@jamati.com. I’ll share your questions, comments, and “oh, no she didn’ts!” with the rest of the group.

5. What would summer be without friends? A Jamati Summer Book Club Gathering is the perfect summer get-together. Invite some friends over, make some light refreshments (finger sandwiches, chips and dip, jollof and kebab, whatever you enjoy) take pictures and send them to me at awo@jamati.com. Include everyone’s’ names and where you live. If your group is selected for the Jamati Summer Book Club Weekly Spotlight, I’ll post your pictures so everyone can see that reading is both fundamental and fun.

6. Ekene will re-join us in August for a Jamati Summer Book Club exclusive where she will respond to some of your questions and comments.

And guys, I know this is “chick lit”, but you can join the club too. You might learn a thing or two about African women!