Description:
The World We Live In is an evocative five-chapter short-story collection by Chimezie B. Ihekuna that explores the intricate tapestry of the human experience through the lenses of politics, family, and relationships. Moving across a global stage-from the rugged ghettos of Arizona to the high-stakes literary circles of Australia and the vibrant music scene of South Africa-this collection serves as a poignant mirror to the modern world.
Guided by the principle that our universe is made up of stories rather than atoms, Ihekuna crafts narratives where characters must confront their pasts to secure their futures. Each story is a masterclass in resilience, offering readers a "bulletproof mindset" against the deceptions and discouragements of contemporary life.
Inside the Collection:
- Daniela Has Changed!: A raw look at teenage rebellion and the "saving grace" of parental honesty. When fourteen-year-old Daniela threatens to leave home, her parents share the unvarnished stories of their own flawed pasts-marked by addiction and crime-to guide her back to a path of moral value.
- Dad Loves Me: A touching narrative of a single father raising his son, Jack, in the wake of a painful divorce. Through a simple bedtime story about a cat's sacrifice for its kittens, Mr Phelps teaches his son the weight of a promise, eventually turning a scribbled poem into a celebrated legacy.
- The Order of the Day: A provocative dive into the "symbiotic" relationship between politics and the media. Carlos Alberto, a student branded as a "Conspiracy Theorist," challenges established ideologies with his "Pyramidal Concept" of wealth and power, eventually rising from academic rustication to become a presidential advisor.
- See Life in Your Own Way!: Set against the backdrop of unemployment in Durban, this story follows Micah as he rejects the negative frequency of the news. Inspired by motivational teachings on faithfulness versus fame, he pens a hit Rap song that revitalises a dying career and proves the power of seeing life through one's own lens.
- The Writer's Relief: A "behind-the-scenes" exploration of the literary industry. Following the journey of Martin, an aspiring author who endures over fifty rejections, this chapter provides practical advice on navigating the "sentimental" world of publishing and finding the persistence required to become a literary ambassador to the world.
Why Read This Book?
Chimezie B. Ihekuna blends fiction with insightful commentary, addressing "the order of the day" in a way that is both instructional and deeply human. Whether you are a parent seeking to instil values, a creative professional facing rejection, or a citizen questioning the "information advantage" of the elite, these stories offer a roadmap for transformation.
The World We Live In is not just a book; it is a call to retrace your footsteps, build a success-oriented mindset, and finally see the world in your own way.
Brief description:
Chimezie B. Ihekuna was born and raised in the bustling, vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria. As the first of four siblings, Chimezie's early life, marked by the sad passing of his mother in 2022, instilled in him a foundational resilience and a broad set of life skills acquired in a challenging environment. This artistic journey is a powerful story of survival, and his determination to be heard shines through his work like a lamp in the darkest cave.
From a young age, Chimezie imagined a future as a published writer, poet, essayist, and novelist. Decades later, living alone while maintaining an incredible work rate and a positive outlook, his persistent efforts to realise his dreams against steep odds have earned him profound respect. As his management noted, "His vision, talent, diligence, and humility deserve appropriate rewards."
Chimezie has faced a lifetime of adversity, including being born with Congenital Craniofacial Anomalies (CFA), a condition that resulted in unkind human interaction. In his own powerful words: "Despite having to endure the trauma of being looked down on by society during my formative years, I summoned the courage to press on ahead. Through years of endurance and determination, I was able to pull through my painful childhood and hold onto my imagination of being a published writer."
His refusal to yield to complacency is the driving force behind his art. After literally hundreds of rejections over almost eight years, he commendably became the published author he had always dreamed of becoming, turning his publications into screenplays and short scripts into audio drama podcasts.
Besides being an avid reader and writer, Chimezie's personal interests and areas of expertise are diverse, including animal care, essential food services, AI, alien life, and human empowerment. His works are diverse and captivating, lauded by early readers as "challenging and thought-provoking," and written "with pain, heart, and soul."
Chimezie B. Ihekuna writes to transcend the bar, ensuring that every story he tells leaves a lasting mark on the world.