Check out my review and discussion of Americana.

I started this book at the beginning of this year and put it aside after a single chapter because I wasn't convinced I would enjoy it. This is why I come back to books, because sometimes I'm wrong and sometimes it takes a second look.

I'm so glad I gave Americanah another chance because it is one of just a few 5 star books I've read this year. It is smart, funny, well written, sincere and overall something to be experienced. I want to use the word important, because it feels that way, but that gives the false impression that there is something to learn here or that Americanah will try to teach you something. I don't think that it does. I think this is the story of one woman's experiences, one man's experiences, steeped in class and race politics, perhaps looking at places, sections of society and people you've seen little of or never been exposed to. And if you have, if you know people like Ifemelu or know the places she's walked, seeing it reflected in this story I think becomes such an experience, in and of itself.

Ifemelu is a flawed character, one that I was invested in but not necessarily rooting for. I didn't always agree with her decisions, but I still felt for how they complicated her life. I think her voice is so well-defined and sharp and smart.

One of my highest praises is saying that I would reread a book and I would certainly reread this one. I think there must be so much more that I missed in the blog posts and in the commentary and in the interactions and I'd love to pick it all up during a second (or third or fourth) reread.