The wonders of books are endless – they can eliminate your stress, increase your happiness, and boost your intelligence. 2022 has seen Rwandan authors feed readers with fresh and virtuous content. As the year draws to an end, we bring you five Rwandan non-fiction books that stood out, in no particular order. Do Not Accept to Die - Dimitrie Sissi The book revolves around the author’s story of life starting with her childhood until today. It puts emphasis on how she survived the Genocide perpetrated against Tutsi in April - July 1994 in Rwanda and how she embraced life after the Genocide. Despite the sad moments of her life, the story in the book brings motivation, joy and life to readers. The whole story of the book is a message of resilience, love, hope and joy that we as survivors have to share. In an interview, the author said, “This life is a gift for everyone, but for us, it is a second chance. So, we don't have time to waste or complain. I talk about how we need to be resilient and strong to carry on and continue living.” Shaped – Barbara Umuhoza Shaped: A gripping and inspirational memoir from grief to growth describes how the author was molded by different things starting from her childhood and until today that never tore her apart but shaped her. In one of the chapters in her book, Umuhoza talks about how over the years, she developed severe anxiety and panic attacks and though she prayed to God and got help by the Holy Spirit, she says she needed professional help at the time. The author, who is also a pastor, says that though people tend to think that Christians tend to be powerful, it doesn’t remove the fact a person can still struggle with insomnia or other conditions. It was a challenge to her to seek professional help as a person who counseled other people, as a pastor. Delivered from All My Fears - Apostle Yoshua Masasu After more than 60 years of life and almost 40 years of ministry, Masasu’s conclusion is that there exists a fear that paralyses believers and non-believers and stops them from achieving what they were created for - spiritually, emotionally, physically, relationally, and financially. In the book, the Bishop of Evangelical Restoration Church also testifies that it is possible to live a fear-free life. He shows God’s view and thoughts about different kinds of fear using the word of God and personal testimonies on how he was once bound by fear and how he was delivered. Far Away from My Roots - Ivania Inyange In pursuing what would be next, after graduating from the University of Rwanda with a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Clementine, now Ivania, got a visa to immigrate to the US. This was a dream come true. When she set foot in the US, she was pleased yet puzzled about opportunities in America after struggling to keep up with the 12 hours shift of her first job, which she eventually quit. In this memoir, Inyange shares stories on undertaking aspirations, friendship, sex, and dating. In her everyday life, she shows us what love, loneliness, and racism mean while being far from her roots. From learning to navigate the L.A. traffic to enjoying showing someone a middle finger, she is stepping forward to embrace this new culture but wonders what may become of her. Becoming Your Own Money Machine - Anathole Dusengumuremyi This self-help book sheds light on how young people can empower themselves and strengthen their financial status. The author believes that the young generation in Rwanda isn’t as productive as they should be. He explains that many youths lack a solid productivity recipe, which is why they offer zero services and live deprived lives. The author crafted two formulas; business growth and supply chain. He points out that with the above procedures, blended with university knowledge and skills, an individual can create many products on their own. Dusengumuremyi’s book also highlights that there is a possibility of making money and becoming a money machine if the youth produce products and services that are well connected to what the community needs.
