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Parade of Streetlights
Life is lived between the checklists
Parade of Streetlights is a captivating exploration of the millennial experience. Following a significant incident from his youth in Lagos, Kolawole Idowu always had a haunting desire to return to Nigeria and commit his time to making a difference. Within the course of a year, Kola explores his adopted home of New York City and all aspects of his world with candor and humor. Kola is both self-conscious and observant as he encounters people on the streets of NYC and constantly struggles with the idea of what it means to be himself.
A quarterlife manifesto for the modern malaise
Parade of Streetlights is a deeply personal and introspective debut novel from author Itua Uduebo told in vignettes and featuring characters who are working through many personal absurdities. This is a novel about the choices we make, the ways we restrict ourselves needlessly, and the freedom of embracing the authentic pursuit of happiness. Kola's voice is a welcome addition to the literary canon and his story will stay with you long after the last page is finished.
Parade of Streetlights is a captivating exploration of the millennial experience. Following a significant incident from his youth in Lagos, Kolawole Idowu always had a haunting desire to return to Nigeria and commit his time to making a difference. Within the course of a year, Kola explores his adopted home of New York City and all aspects of his world with candor and humor. Kola is both self-conscious and observant as he encounters people on the streets of NYC and constantly struggles with the idea of what it means to be himself.
A quarterlife manifesto for the modern malaise
Parade of Streetlights is a deeply personal and introspective debut novel from author Itua Uduebo told in vignettes and featuring characters who are working through many personal absurdities. This is a novel about the choices we make, the ways we restrict ourselves needlessly, and the freedom of embracing the authentic pursuit of happiness. Kola's voice is a welcome addition to the literary canon and his story will stay with you long after the last page is finished.
314 pages, Paperback
Published June 6, 2023
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 9, 2024
The main focus of this book is Kolawole Idowu's life and his adventures as a young man. Kola, who went by his nickname, is a young guy whose family moved to New York in pursuit of better opportunities, which caused a significant upheaval in their way of life. Kola is a young guy in his prime who wants to survive, find himself, and see what the world has in store for him.
In his quest for fulfilment and love, Kola befriends Abiodun, a young lady with ambition and persistence whose love life strangely has many similarities with his own and who also happens to be of the same nationality. Both chose to ride the passion and love train wherever it led them after meeting in a somewhat peculiar and impromptu manner. You should learn about their goals and enthusiasm for this course, even if they gave up everything for it!
Prominent topics in the book include friendship, racism, romance, and love, among others. Despite being clear and succinct, the diction uses offensive language. Even if I'm not a huge fan, I have to admit that the word choice works well with the plot, the location, and the people used, which adds to the story's realism. I really liked the author's narrative approach, which enhanced the flavour of the book with its in-depth, funny explanations and descriptions.
I found that in certain explanations, the Itua seemed to be having difficulty switching between first-person and omniscient points of view. I believe that adhering to the former would have produced better results. I also have an issue with the plot: the story did not flow naturally, most storylines ended only to reappear after I had already lost interest in the possible conclusion, some conclusions were left up to the reader's imagination and not sufficiently detailed, and Itua seemed rushed to wrap up the entire story at the expense of the reader's interest. I also thought that several things were completely redundant. I propose editing the storyline to make necessary changes and restructure it more effectively.
I searched for the spark that maintains interest in the following action throughout the reading process. Unfortunately, there was very little real suspense in the plot; what little suspense there was had loose ends, which made it the least interesting. Instead, the tone was more laid-back. In order to maintain the interest, I suggest tightening up the majority of the endings. As for the editing, I found a few typos, misspellings, omissions, and punctuation mistakes. I so advise further expert editing to remove them from the text.
In his quest for fulfilment and love, Kola befriends Abiodun, a young lady with ambition and persistence whose love life strangely has many similarities with his own and who also happens to be of the same nationality. Both chose to ride the passion and love train wherever it led them after meeting in a somewhat peculiar and impromptu manner. You should learn about their goals and enthusiasm for this course, even if they gave up everything for it!
Prominent topics in the book include friendship, racism, romance, and love, among others. Despite being clear and succinct, the diction uses offensive language. Even if I'm not a huge fan, I have to admit that the word choice works well with the plot, the location, and the people used, which adds to the story's realism. I really liked the author's narrative approach, which enhanced the flavour of the book with its in-depth, funny explanations and descriptions.
I found that in certain explanations, the Itua seemed to be having difficulty switching between first-person and omniscient points of view. I believe that adhering to the former would have produced better results. I also have an issue with the plot: the story did not flow naturally, most storylines ended only to reappear after I had already lost interest in the possible conclusion, some conclusions were left up to the reader's imagination and not sufficiently detailed, and Itua seemed rushed to wrap up the entire story at the expense of the reader's interest. I also thought that several things were completely redundant. I propose editing the storyline to make necessary changes and restructure it more effectively.
I searched for the spark that maintains interest in the following action throughout the reading process. Unfortunately, there was very little real suspense in the plot; what little suspense there was had loose ends, which made it the least interesting. Instead, the tone was more laid-back. In order to maintain the interest, I suggest tightening up the majority of the endings. As for the editing, I found a few typos, misspellings, omissions, and punctuation mistakes. I so advise further expert editing to remove them from the text.
February 11, 2024
PARADE OF STREETLIGHT BY ITUA UDUEBO
Kola is the offspring of immigrants from Nigeria. His two closest pals make city living in New York an exciting experience. When he was younger, he had a distinct sense of humor and musical preferences. A recollection of his early years in Nigeria stalked him, and he had to decide whether to stay with his beloved or leave the safety of society's perfect success story to make up for the experience, which still caused him pain. I appreciate that the author made it clear that this was a review copy, that it was not published, and that there may be typographical issues. It allows me to be less concerned about the errors I discovered when reading the book.
I adore Kola's sarcasm, sense of humor, and profound observations about life; it adds realism to the narrative. Through his words, I could see the city and sense his feelings. I had never before read a novel about New York City written from a Nigerian perspective, and it seemed very strange. I laughed uncontrollably at some of the jokes in the book, even though I didn't understand others. I adore the recurring themes of love and friendship in this novel. Although I had trouble understanding parts of Kola's comments, I truly value his insightful perspective on New York's landscape. However, I was only able to grasp parts of their talk when Kola went to the salon.
I enjoy the author's writing style. It had a wonderful storytelling style and had the feel of a diary. Because of the gap between the status quo, it was depressing to read about the realities of racism in the USA and the injustice of being wrongfully treated by a security guard tasked with preserving life, even in Nigeria. The tough decision to return to your origins and give up the perfect life of success you are leading, even though you know it will greatly diminish your current happiness and you want something more than the cliched success narrative that society holds so highly.
I completely understand Kola's perspective, and even though I recognize how tough of a decision it was, I'm happy he made it at all.
I am eagerly anticipating the book's completion. Despite a few mistakes, I still rate the book five stars. I suggest it to those who just enjoy a good novel about making decisions in life and sacrificing love for the greater good since it was an entertaining read.
Kola is the offspring of immigrants from Nigeria. His two closest pals make city living in New York an exciting experience. When he was younger, he had a distinct sense of humor and musical preferences. A recollection of his early years in Nigeria stalked him, and he had to decide whether to stay with his beloved or leave the safety of society's perfect success story to make up for the experience, which still caused him pain. I appreciate that the author made it clear that this was a review copy, that it was not published, and that there may be typographical issues. It allows me to be less concerned about the errors I discovered when reading the book.
I adore Kola's sarcasm, sense of humor, and profound observations about life; it adds realism to the narrative. Through his words, I could see the city and sense his feelings. I had never before read a novel about New York City written from a Nigerian perspective, and it seemed very strange. I laughed uncontrollably at some of the jokes in the book, even though I didn't understand others. I adore the recurring themes of love and friendship in this novel. Although I had trouble understanding parts of Kola's comments, I truly value his insightful perspective on New York's landscape. However, I was only able to grasp parts of their talk when Kola went to the salon.
I enjoy the author's writing style. It had a wonderful storytelling style and had the feel of a diary. Because of the gap between the status quo, it was depressing to read about the realities of racism in the USA and the injustice of being wrongfully treated by a security guard tasked with preserving life, even in Nigeria. The tough decision to return to your origins and give up the perfect life of success you are leading, even though you know it will greatly diminish your current happiness and you want something more than the cliched success narrative that society holds so highly.
I completely understand Kola's perspective, and even though I recognize how tough of a decision it was, I'm happy he made it at all.
I am eagerly anticipating the book's completion. Despite a few mistakes, I still rate the book five stars. I suggest it to those who just enjoy a good novel about making decisions in life and sacrificing love for the greater good since it was an entertaining read.
February 6, 2024
PARADE OF STREETLIGHT BY ITUA UDUEBO
Kola is the child of a Nigerian immigrant couple. He has two best friends who make living in New York City an adventure. The last time he was in pre-adolescence, he had a unique sense of humour and taste for music. He was hunted by a memory from his childhood in Nigeria and had to make a choice between staying with his love and leaving that cocoon of society’s ideal success story to right that memory that still hurts him. The author indicated that this was a review copy and that it was not published and could have typographical errors, and I like that it helps me not to be too concerned with the errors I found while reading the book. I love how Kola is sarcastic and has a great sense of humour and deep thoughts on life; it makes the story more real. I could see the city and feel his emotions through his words. It was my first time reading a book from a Nigerian perspective about New York City, and it seems so different. Though I couldn’t get some of the jokes in the book, I couldn’t stop laughing at others. I love the theme of friendship and love that was a constant throughout this book. I struggled to understand some of the thoughts of Kola, but I really appreciate his deep outlook on the scenery of New York, though I couldn’t understand half of the conversation when Kola went to the barbers.
I like the writing style of the author. It felt like a diary; it has a great storytelling style. It was sad to read about the reality of racism in the USA and the sadness of injustice at the very hands of the security agent meant to protect life, even in Nigeria, because of the divide between the status quo. The difficult choice of coming back to the roots and leaving the ideal successful life you are living, knowing how much that will ruin the present joy, but desiring something more than that mundane society ideal success story.
I totally get where Kola was coming from, and though I get how difficult the choice was, I am glad he made it anywhere. I am really looking forward to the completion of the book. I give the book 5 out of 5 stars, though there were a few errors. It was an exciting read, and I recommend it to readers who just love a good book on making life choices and sacrificing love for the greater good.
Kola is the child of a Nigerian immigrant couple. He has two best friends who make living in New York City an adventure. The last time he was in pre-adolescence, he had a unique sense of humour and taste for music. He was hunted by a memory from his childhood in Nigeria and had to make a choice between staying with his love and leaving that cocoon of society’s ideal success story to right that memory that still hurts him. The author indicated that this was a review copy and that it was not published and could have typographical errors, and I like that it helps me not to be too concerned with the errors I found while reading the book. I love how Kola is sarcastic and has a great sense of humour and deep thoughts on life; it makes the story more real. I could see the city and feel his emotions through his words. It was my first time reading a book from a Nigerian perspective about New York City, and it seems so different. Though I couldn’t get some of the jokes in the book, I couldn’t stop laughing at others. I love the theme of friendship and love that was a constant throughout this book. I struggled to understand some of the thoughts of Kola, but I really appreciate his deep outlook on the scenery of New York, though I couldn’t understand half of the conversation when Kola went to the barbers.
I like the writing style of the author. It felt like a diary; it has a great storytelling style. It was sad to read about the reality of racism in the USA and the sadness of injustice at the very hands of the security agent meant to protect life, even in Nigeria, because of the divide between the status quo. The difficult choice of coming back to the roots and leaving the ideal successful life you are living, knowing how much that will ruin the present joy, but desiring something more than that mundane society ideal success story.
I totally get where Kola was coming from, and though I get how difficult the choice was, I am glad he made it anywhere. I am really looking forward to the completion of the book. I give the book 5 out of 5 stars, though there were a few errors. It was an exciting read, and I recommend it to readers who just love a good book on making life choices and sacrificing love for the greater good.
March 8, 2024
Parade of Streetlights" by Itua Uduebo is a thought-provoking and deeply introspective debut novel that offers a captivating glimpse into the millennial experience. Through the eyes of protagonist Kolawole Idowu, the author takes readers on a poignant journey from the bustling streets of New York City to the vibrant landscape of Lagos, Nigeria.
At the heart of the story is Kola's quest to reconcile his past with his present, grappling with the haunting desire to make a difference in his homeland after a significant incident from his youth in Lagos. As he navigates the complexities of life in both Nigeria and New York City, Kola confronts questions of identity, authenticity, and the pursuit of happiness with candor and humor.
Uduebo's writing is both lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into Kola's world with vivid descriptions and poignant observations. Through a series of vignettes, the author explores the intricacies of modern-day existence, from the challenges of navigating relationships and careers to the ways in which we often restrict ourselves needlessly.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of the millennial experience as a quarterlife manifesto for the modern malaise. As Kola grapples with the expectations placed upon him by society, family, and himself, readers are invited to reflect on their own lives and choices, and to consider the freedom that comes with embracing authenticity and pursuing one's true passions.
Moreover, the characters in "Parade of Streetlights" are richly drawn and multifaceted, each with their own quirks, vulnerabilities, and personal absurdities. From Kola's introspective musings to the colorful personalities he encounters on the streets of NYC, Uduebo creates a cast of characters that feels both authentic and relatable.
In conclusion, "Parade of Streetlights" is a powerful and deeply resonant novel that offers a compelling exploration of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in the modern world. With its poignant storytelling and memorable characters, Itua Uduebo's debut is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after they've turned the final page.
At the heart of the story is Kola's quest to reconcile his past with his present, grappling with the haunting desire to make a difference in his homeland after a significant incident from his youth in Lagos. As he navigates the complexities of life in both Nigeria and New York City, Kola confronts questions of identity, authenticity, and the pursuit of happiness with candor and humor.
Uduebo's writing is both lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into Kola's world with vivid descriptions and poignant observations. Through a series of vignettes, the author explores the intricacies of modern-day existence, from the challenges of navigating relationships and careers to the ways in which we often restrict ourselves needlessly.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of the millennial experience as a quarterlife manifesto for the modern malaise. As Kola grapples with the expectations placed upon him by society, family, and himself, readers are invited to reflect on their own lives and choices, and to consider the freedom that comes with embracing authenticity and pursuing one's true passions.
Moreover, the characters in "Parade of Streetlights" are richly drawn and multifaceted, each with their own quirks, vulnerabilities, and personal absurdities. From Kola's introspective musings to the colorful personalities he encounters on the streets of NYC, Uduebo creates a cast of characters that feels both authentic and relatable.
In conclusion, "Parade of Streetlights" is a powerful and deeply resonant novel that offers a compelling exploration of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in the modern world. With its poignant storytelling and memorable characters, Itua Uduebo's debut is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after they've turned the final page.
March 11, 2024
In "Parade of Streetlights," author Itua Uduebo offers readers a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the millennial experience through the eyes of protagonist Kolawole Idowu. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, the novel follows Kola's journey of self-discovery as he grapples with his identity, ambitions, and the complexities of modern life.
Uduebo's prose is both lyrical and introspective, inviting readers to delve deep into Kola's psyche as he navigates the bustling streets of NYC. Through a series of vignettes, we witness Kola's encounters with various characters and situations, each shedding light on different aspects of his inner turmoil and external challenges.
What sets "Parade of Streetlights" apart is its raw honesty and authenticity. Uduebo fearlessly delves into the inner workings of Kola's mind, exploring themes of self-consciousness, existential angst, and the quest for meaning in a world filled with uncertainty. Kola's voice is refreshingly candid and relatable, making his journey one that resonates with readers on a profound level.
At its core, "Parade of Streetlights" is a quarterlife manifesto—a rallying cry for those grappling with the modern malaise of finding purpose and fulfillment in a fast-paced, ever-changing world. Through Kola's experiences, Uduebo deftly examines the societal pressures and self-imposed limitations that often hinder our pursuit of happiness, urging readers to embrace authenticity and embrace the freedom to be oneself.
Moreover, Uduebo's exploration of Nigerian culture and Kola's longing to make a difference in his homeland adds another layer of depth to the narrative, highlighting the complexities of identity and belonging in an increasingly interconnected world.
In conclusion, it is a deeply moving and introspective debut novel that leaves a lasting impression. With its richly drawn characters, evocative prose, and universal themes, it offers a compelling meditation on the human condition and the search for meaning in a world filled with contradictions. Uduebo's narrative is a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the darkest corners of our souls.
Uduebo's prose is both lyrical and introspective, inviting readers to delve deep into Kola's psyche as he navigates the bustling streets of NYC. Through a series of vignettes, we witness Kola's encounters with various characters and situations, each shedding light on different aspects of his inner turmoil and external challenges.
What sets "Parade of Streetlights" apart is its raw honesty and authenticity. Uduebo fearlessly delves into the inner workings of Kola's mind, exploring themes of self-consciousness, existential angst, and the quest for meaning in a world filled with uncertainty. Kola's voice is refreshingly candid and relatable, making his journey one that resonates with readers on a profound level.
At its core, "Parade of Streetlights" is a quarterlife manifesto—a rallying cry for those grappling with the modern malaise of finding purpose and fulfillment in a fast-paced, ever-changing world. Through Kola's experiences, Uduebo deftly examines the societal pressures and self-imposed limitations that often hinder our pursuit of happiness, urging readers to embrace authenticity and embrace the freedom to be oneself.
Moreover, Uduebo's exploration of Nigerian culture and Kola's longing to make a difference in his homeland adds another layer of depth to the narrative, highlighting the complexities of identity and belonging in an increasingly interconnected world.
In conclusion, it is a deeply moving and introspective debut novel that leaves a lasting impression. With its richly drawn characters, evocative prose, and universal themes, it offers a compelling meditation on the human condition and the search for meaning in a world filled with contradictions. Uduebo's narrative is a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the darkest corners of our souls.
March 6, 2024
The Review
This was a compelling and engaging read. The balance of creative storytelling and impactful and thematic writing kept the reader invested in the author’s narrative. The rich imagery in the author’s writing allowed the setting to flourish and come to life around the characters. It made NYC feel almost new and inviting as readers gained a new perspective generationally and from a Nigerian immigrant.
The character development was the heart of this story, as the author crafted a protagonist that brought the Nigeria component and the millennial concept to life through Kola. His unique viewpoint of the events of this book, as well as his journey of self-discovery and exploration of what home means to him, made this a memorable read.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and insightful author Itua Uduebo’s “Parade of Streetlights” is a must-read coming-of-age story that not only gives the millennial a voice but captures what it means to be a millennial in America today. The twists and turns in the story of Kola and the remarkable heart that the author poured into this narrative made this a story readers won’t soon forget.
This was a compelling and engaging read. The balance of creative storytelling and impactful and thematic writing kept the reader invested in the author’s narrative. The rich imagery in the author’s writing allowed the setting to flourish and come to life around the characters. It made NYC feel almost new and inviting as readers gained a new perspective generationally and from a Nigerian immigrant.
The character development was the heart of this story, as the author crafted a protagonist that brought the Nigeria component and the millennial concept to life through Kola. His unique viewpoint of the events of this book, as well as his journey of self-discovery and exploration of what home means to him, made this a memorable read.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and insightful author Itua Uduebo’s “Parade of Streetlights” is a must-read coming-of-age story that not only gives the millennial a voice but captures what it means to be a millennial in America today. The twists and turns in the story of Kola and the remarkable heart that the author poured into this narrative made this a story readers won’t soon forget.
January 31, 2024
Parade of Streetlights by Itua Uduebo is well worth reading. The story is deeply engaging. The dialogue between the cast of characters is interesting and peaks the reader's interest even more so. There is not a moment of boredom in this book. Itua Uduebo instantly gains the reader's full attention and keeps it until the end. Being a millennial myself I was able to easily relate to the tale. However, it's not just about millennials but does open up the question we all constantly think about: who are we and what type of being do we want to be? This is a character's journey in finding and figuring that very same question while dealing with the ups and downs of New York city life. In a way, it was similar to following Huckelberry Finn as he navigated his life.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews