The Little Things That Matter is a must have addition to bookshelves in 2021 – the book is being released to the market this week, at a time that is perfect for a new, hard-hitting collection of short stories.
The author, Dr Olushola Adeborode Kolawole (OAK) has released his first three books at a time when restrictions are being lifted across the UK, and people may need to turn to books for stability, advice, and guidance.
Here, avid reader and literary reviewer Anna Toms reviews the new release:
“Picking up the book, I like it’s size. It slips into my handbag and is very portable, which for a selection of short stories is perfect. I tend to read short stories on my commute to work, on my lunch break and if I go for a walk, I will often find a spot for a rest and read. There is something about reading outside that is very relaxing.
“I love the cover of The Little Things That Matter. The colours are calming and sophisticated and the ants working together tell their own story. I am often guilty of judging a book by its cover but in this case Dr Olushola Adeborode Kolawole has definitely got it right.
“The book is clearly written by an intelligent author and the title resonates in the society in which we are all currently living. The little things do matter more, kindness is of all importance across the globe, and the fact that these short stories are based in Nigeria opens up a culture to us all, where shared ideologies become so obvious.
“The description from the author rounds it better than I could, so I am happy to share it here as part of my review:
The Little Things That Matter’ is fixed in the Nigerian setting, and written in first third person, and past and present style, explores the themes of career choice, family decision and attitude and how it affects the children, love, war, romance, poverty, wealth, etc. It also gives a little bit of an insight into Nigerian politics. In this book you are going to read about Kema who has an innate cooking ability. She’s not much of a reader but she passes for a great cook. Her father thinks her to be a crazy 21st century teenage girl who’s supposed to aim for more daring career choices as women now do, and like her twin sister who aspires to be a doctor. Also, you will read more about Tade and Samson who run into each other after many years of being apart. Tade knows he owes his ‘friend’ an apology over his betrayal back in school days and puts an effort to make it up to him by trying to re-ignite the bond that once held them together. But some things are best left to wither with the past. Finally, the book also show how Gift Okechukwu’s life and education is affected by her mother’s marriage choices. Sometimes good, and sometimes bad. At each stage, she learns to ‘love’ and ‘un-love’ her mother, and fight to stabilise her life and education in pursuit of her dreams.
“Powerful stuff, so I was excited to read on. And read on I did. I could not put the book down to be honest. The characters get under your skin, you get into their head. I could picture it all like a TV drama on a screen. You find yourself rooting for Kema, wanting to taste her food. You feel the awkwardness for Tade and Samson, and your heart aches and celebrates for Gift.
“The detail throughout the book illuminates the story, and the writing is well balances to draw emotions – I giggled a little at the reference to Mills and Boon and realised through parts of the stories, I was actually holding my breath. I felt every emotion, including anticipation. The best thing any story can hold!
“I love the little details, such as the author being the doctor and the knowledge of Lagos bringing the city alive in Twelve Years and a Fight short story. I am stickler for details and especially ones that describe surroundings, cities and locations. Dr Olushola Adeborode Kolawole gets this spot on.
“The final story, Mother’s marriage, is a thought-provoking piece on relationships. On what goes on behind closed doors and where the products of those relationships can survive. It’s incredibly believable and follows a woman’s journey through her child, Gift’s, eyes.
“It is a powerful end to a great collection. But even at the end, I came back to the author’s opening lines :
Sometimes, it’s not in the grandiose or flamboyance. It’s in those tiny bits and pieces that we put together that give meaning. It’s in those things we consider irrelevant, of little importance…the little things that matter.
“Well, Dr Olushola Adeborode Kolawole, the perfection in any book is getting the little things right, as they do matter, and I am delighted to conclude my review on saying you do just that. This book is well worth its cover price and a read. I wholly recommend and shall be keeping my own copy in a safe place to read again and again!”
Dr Olushola Adeborode Kolawole studied a Master’s Degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Heriot-Watt University, Scotland and a PhD in Operations and Supply Chain Management at the University of Bradford. He is a member of many professional bodies and the founder of The King’s Palace Schools in Nigeria. He is also the founder of OAK Foundation, a charity that supports indigent students, orphans, and widows. As the CEO of New Touch International Ltd, Dr Olushola Adeborode Kolawole lectures and supervises research students at four UK Universities.
You can get a copy of the books from Amazon or contact Dr Olushola Adeborode Kolawole on olusola203@yahoo.com.