Dear Ijeawele

Several years ago, the protagonist of the story (and also the author herself) - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - got a letter from a childhood best friend asking for advice on how to raise her daughter as a feminist. Adichie's return letter is titled "Dear Ijeawele". Indeed, the book presents fifteen persuasive, straightforward, wryly humorous, and astute recommendations for empowering a daughter to grow into a strong and independent woman.

"Dear Ijeawele" gets to the core of sexual and social politics in the 21st century. In the letter, Adichie suggests her friend pick a helicopter for her daughter and not just a doll as a toy. She also advised the mom to have honest discussions with the child about garments, makeup, and sexuality. The letters even go further by refuting the common myth that female individuals are biologically predisposed to be at home making dinner, and that men can "let" women have successful careers. Overall, the book will initiate a much-needed fresh discourse about what it means to be a young lady in modern society!

Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Year of Release: 2017

Goodreads Score: 4.51 stars (from 71,641 reviews)