'I see a lot of myself in Adichie's Kainene'

Talking books with public relations professional Amaka Olele

What book are you reading right now?
The Long Song by Andrea Levy. A thrilling, harrowing and insightful novel recounting the story of a former slave girl named July during the last years of slavery in Jamaica in the 1830s.

A book that changed your life, and why?
To Kill a Mockingbird, without a shadow of a doubt. It was part of my English Literature syllabus for my Grade 11 GCSEs. Growing up in the UAE, not much light was shed on African-American culture and the struggles of people who look like me. This book opened my eyes to the lives some of my ancestors and kinsman lived during the Jim Crowe era of the early-to-mid 1900s.

Name one underrated book, and why you'd recommend it?
For me, it would be Atonement by Ian McEwan. The book really touches upon themes such as forgiveness, familial discord, betrayal and deep-seated regrets. It reminds me to be honest, happy and take courage because things can change in the blink of an eye.

Your favourite literary character, and why?
Kainene Ozobia from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half Of A Yellow Sun. She is fearless, blunt, sarcastic and guarded. I see a lot of myself in her - the giving and selfless nature while having an emotional wall up very high as a protection against pain. Like me, she is a woman of many words whether you like it or not!

A book quote that really stood out - and what it means to you.
Atticus to his daughter Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird: "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it." When I face micro-aggression, conflicts or challenges, I try to think about these words. We all have our own battles to fight every day, so putting ourselves in others' shoes and giving them the benefit of the doubt makes all the difference.