I didn’t expect to leave the maiden edition of the Medivoice Book Convention with my reading list overflowing with Nigerian literature, but I got even more than I asked for.
It took place on Saturday, August 8, at the Remi Tinubu Dream Center, and it brought together creatives and book enthusiasts for a beautiful gathering.
However, the event, initially scheduled for 11 am, began a little late with brief technical hitches and such. But what is an event without a few hiccups? We quickly got past that.
I entered the event space and promptly sought out my assigned seat in Group Red. My designated seat actually offered me a comfortable gateway into the gathering. The arrival of others propelled the event; soon the venue filled, and the first set of games commenced shortly after. My team’s performance was a bit underwhelming, but ultimately, excitement soon overrode that feeling. The other teams knew their Nigerian literature. I observed this happily.
Following this, an insightful moment of the Book Convention was the author session with Quyum. Hearing how he published his book, “An 100 Emotions,” while still a student, and his take on the writing experience, genuinely engaged me.
Next, the spoken word segment was beautiful, with writers sharing their works. I loved this part most. I could sit and listen to other people’s literary works all day, and they genuinely impressed me.
Then again, I think I enjoyed the games the most. For instance, “Guess the Book Title” from the blurry covers had everyone scrambling. It sent me straight to my TBR to add more Nigerian literature. That’s also where I realized I need to finally read Chinua Achebe. The book recommendation round was fun too — you pitched a book you’d read to someone else. I’ll be genuine, The Poppy War really sold me. Maybe because it’s been rotting in my digital library since last year.
All in all, the Book Convention was remarkably fun. It didn’t feel like a formal program. It was like sitting in a room with people who love books as much as you do. Playing games, listening to stories, discovering new authors, all while watching others engage with books thrilled me.
If there’s a next edition of the Medivoice Book Convention, I’ll be there again.
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