5 places to buy books this festive season

We are a week away from Christmas. I have not heard anyone playing Philly B.Lutaaya`s Sekukulu or Tujaguze. His songs are synonymous with Christmas in Uganda. So forgive me for feeling some type of way because no one is playing them this year.

Anyway, we shall still celebrate in big and small ways. I am buying myself books this Christmas season. That will be my gift from ME, not Santa but ME, MYSELF AND I.😂😂😂 (Dear reader, buy yourself a gift and don`t wait on Santa ooo)

I believe one of the best gifts you can give a person is a book. Why? Because books let you travel without moving your feet as said by Jhumpa Lahiri. This year alone, I have been to Lagos, South Africa, Utonki, Nairobi, China, Botswana, Egypt, etc. This is all possible because I opened books and travelled first class.😂

Are you convinced yet? Want to buy a book/books? Here are five places online to browse for books in Uganda:

• African Writers Trust (AWT)

I have bought so many titles from AWT all year. I love that they focus on only African Literature. They have new titles on sale and I am certain that you will find one or two to enjoy this season.

Follow AWT on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram for book updates, and writing opportunities. Call Mark +256 753033086 (Whatsapp) / +256 775685909

• Mahiri Books

This is an online store with great titles. It has a bit of everything, not just African literature. A friend recently bought me the Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi as a birthday gift from this store.

• The creaking bookshelf

My friend Patricia gifted me with My sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite from this store. There packaging is eco friendly and really cute. I didn`t want to unwrap my book but I had to.😂😭😭

• Kitara Nation

Kitara Nation is a poetry company. They have published many poetry books and my favourite (the one I plan to buy) is Don`t Love Me In English. The title alone had me at first sight. If you need poetry collections by Ugandans, then Kitara Nation is the plug.

• Books and Love Ug

I discovered Books and Love Ug through a bookish friend (Hi Peggie). They have three books that I want: Relationship Goals by Mike Todd, Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, and Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones (author of An American Marriage which I already own. I got it from AWT at only UGX 55,000🤷‍♂️)

I hope you check out all these online stores and support them this season. Buy a book for yourself or for a friend. Also, go ahead and follow them across social media and be updated about new stock.

Happy book shopping😍😍