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Faculty Member Publishes Debut Novel
Dr . Omolola Ogunyemi , Director of the Center for Biomedical Informatics and professor of Preventive and Social Medicine at CDU , has recently published her debut novel , “ Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions : A Novel in Interlocking Stories .” The book is made up of ten linked stories that follow the lives of four friends who meet at an all-girls boarding school in Nigeria when they are about ten and eleven years old .
Inside the book , readers will learn about some of the girls ’ ancestors , see the girls through their own eyes and the eyes of people who know them , travel with them between Nigeria and the US – with some stops in other countries –), and see how their lives have unfolded as they reach their late seventies .
“ Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions ” was inspired by the author ’ s observations in her own life . Dr . Ogunyemi , who grew up in Nigeria in the 1980 ’ s , was struck by the differences of her life in comparison to her grandmothers ’.
“ Neither of them spoke English or had a formal education , but they were both brilliant women who had a lot of wisdom to offer ,” said Dr . Ogunyemi . “ I wanted to explore how life has changed for many Nigerian women over time – in terms of both gains and losses .”
“ Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions ” is intended for anyone who is deeply curious about the world around them and is open to travel , even if that journey happens through a book .
“ I hope readers gain appreciation for different cultures and for the ways in which deep and lasting friendships can transform our lives ,” said Dr . Ogunyemi .
“ Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions : A Novel in Interlocking Stories ” is available for purchase via Barnes and Noble , Amazon , IndieBound , Bookshop , and independent bookstores .
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