Confessions of Nairobi Men Book 2: True Stories told to Joan Thatiah

by Joan Thatiah

298 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2024

Reviews

[Eugene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giving it 4 ⭐ largely because of how things, places, people were explained in detail. To the little details. Well written.

Reading the stories on the backdrop of Book 1, one would have expected them to be more moving. However, some of them feel "made up" (or it's just me) and pieces were not adding up. This, make no mistake, does not invalidate the experiences of the brave men who shared their stories.

Also, kudos to the author for keeping the series going.

[Maganda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voices we don't often hear


Vulnerability is a natural part of being human, and I think the world would be a better place if men were given the freedom to express their feelings

The stories are heavy, dark, haunting and very eye opening but also very redeeming and hopeful

This book is heavy. You need to take it in little doses, I highly recommend

If you're looking for a light and happy read, I am afraid this is not for you

Sending love and virtual hugs to all men out there, you too deserve to be listened to, you're not alone ❤️

[Gesare · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this one didn't work for me because many of the stories felt exaggerated, which made it hard to stay fully engaged or emotionally invested. I think the book may resonate with readers who enjoy dramatic, over-the-top storytelling, but for me, I was hoping for something more grounded and believable.

[Monet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book in the Confessions series and nothing could have prepared me for the raw stories that lay ahead. There is a vulnerability in knowing what people truly go through that makes you wonder what you or the people close to you might be hiding.

[Mercy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 deepens the conversation started in the first volume, feeling more introspective and in some cases, more emotionally revealing. While the themes remain familiar, the confessions here carry more weight, complexity and self-awareness.

What stood out was the subtle shift from mere disclosure to reflection. Some narrators begin to acknowledge consequences — emotional, relational, and psychological — even if accountability still feels incomplete. The stories explore vulnerability, loneliness and the cost of emotional avoidance in ways that felt more layered than in Book 1.

Although the discomfort remains, Book 2 feels more mature and nuanced. It invites the reader not only to observe behaviour but to interrogate its impact on women, on relationships and on the men themselves.

Together, the two books create a compelling social commentary on urban masculinity in Nairobi. If Book 1 shocks, Book 2 stays with you, lingering in the questions it raises long after the final page.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Desperation has a way of making even the most reckless ideas seem like salvation "

Book Two closely mirrors Book One, exploring deep and emotional themes such as longing for parental affection and approval, the search for belonging, loss, masculinity, vulnerability, the often-overlooked experiences of men who have faced abuse and the silent struggles men face . The book also sheds light on the stigma surrounding male vulnerability—how some men remain silent out of fear, while those who speak up are often dismissed. It challenges perceptions and forces readers to reflect on how our environments shape the people we become.

Would definitely recommend. The book has eleven different stories all from different people. Each offers a different perspective. But be prepared with tissues. I had to take a break after every chapter because wueh!!!

[Wesley Sitati · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hesitated before trying out this series, but Confessions of Nairobi Men Part 2 won me over completely. Every story is short, sharp, and deeply visceral, raw human experiences told with an honesty that lingers. Joan Thatiah has a gift for painting people’s lives in incredible detail, making you feel like you’re holding pieces of their truth in your hands.

I especially loved the final story, “Time of Birth, Time of Death,” which left me shaken and in disbelief long after I finished. Not every story hits with the same intensity, but together they form a striking mosaic of Nairobi life, masculinity, love or the idea of it and loss.

I’m glad I finally gave this series a chance. I’ll definitely be picking up more.

[Mrs Mangoa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took a minute to get through because I was reading with my husband. But he liked the way it was written and the twists and turns to every story.

I wish there was something done for the abused boy who became a grown man’s carrying all that pain. Sadly it’s something many children deal with in this day and age, whether boy or girl. We need to really ensure we teach our children about stranger danger and to never fear to speak out when someone tries to intimidate or harm them.

Men also go through struggles and we must be considerate and create a safe place and a home for those we love always.

[Lyzzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the 'Confessions' collection by Joan paint humans in their rawest form, the good, the bad, the ugly and the murky in between. Some stories will gut you and have you cussing out the characters. Others will shine a quiet but steady light of hope.
It is unsettling how a moment of joy can easily spiral into a nightmare or something we firmly believe can unravel into a life long trauma.
It's scary what's perceived as trivial to one is the breaking point of another. A constant reminder of the invisible weight people carry.
I particularly like the stories of the characters that were able to pivot and reinvent themselves, the resilience shown even in the darkest of moments is incredible.

[Laura Lusiji · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has been my first book of 2026. As always Joan Thatiah's books will have you at the edge of your seat - but this particular one did not do it for me. I didn't find the stories to be as heart wrenching as the first one. Maybe its because I now knew what to expect as opposed to when I read the first book. Nevertheless these true stories have been captured well. Also a great light read as the font is great, the stories short, making it easy to read if you are on maternity leave busy with a little one like me.

[Nkechi⋆✿ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that oh, since I've read both the confessions of women and the first confessions of men, I'd be prepared....I would be immune to the pain and emotional ache - YOH.......I am honestly beyond broken. I just wish I would reach out to each person in all the books and give them a long hug cause, yoh......We need to be kinder, better people be willing to list and take action abd ugh just get better as a society!

[Patty Mbua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this whole series and I have one more book in the series left! Every time I read these stories , I'm stuck between wanting to devour everything, to jump ahead and know what happens to each character. And also to read the words slowly, savor each one of them ,give all the emotions and experiences in the stories time to soak in. @Joan Thatiah Crushed it with these books

[Frank Olwenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

You need a strong stomach as some of the stories are pointers of abuse - physical, psychological and sexual. Some of the themes are recycled from the previous book but most of the stories are unique.

On the other side of it. I appreciate the directness of the author and the effort she took in writing this

[Willis Kabora · Rating 4 out of 5]

A proper tear jerker based on real life experiences. This is one of those books that you have to pause and reflect after every story due to the gravity of some of the experiences those featured have gone through.

[Dennis Mwai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well told/written stories. Some would make full books.
There was a mix up of pages (between 236 and 250) in the copy I got but otherwise a fantastic read.

[Pendo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was an emotional one to be honest...

[Bellz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Men are really going through the most. This book will increase empathy levels for men. The author should recommend tips on how to heal after reading the book.

[Martha Bernard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of an emotional read and it just shows us how men really don't have a safe space to break down or express their innermost feelings of shame, emotional trauma and pain.

[Essie K · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many heartbreaking stories, my heart also breaks for the men in the stories. I don’t know if men talk to fellow men about what they are going through like women do, but I hope they do.

[Keagan Kirumba · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Elisya Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read this book, you will understand that none of us gets it easy in life. Men go through a lot, and they have no safe spaces to share their struggles. I am glad I picked this book; I got to see the other side of the coin.

[Samuel Chege · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Confessions of Nairobi Women Book 1 was triggering, then men's confessions 2 fanned the flames. Book 2 started with a bang, provoking every possible emotions with 'A Mess of Chaos and Crimson'. Ted's painful betrayal by those closest to him was simply beyond my understanding. Most of the confessions were intriguing, making Book II a major step up from Book I. The 'Chief of Staff' was bewildering, making me wonder the kind of life people go through. The woman of god fetish was crazy, unbelievably crazy. I sincerely hoped for a gracious end for Benji's 'Scrap of Affection'. His wounds are too deep to even comprehend. And the mother died before atonement. Whoever said ahera ni hesabu tu may have not envisioned this man's life. The mother, stepdad and the biological father needed to face justice even in afterlife. 'Some Horrific Painting' was it for me. This true story of Owiti was just sad, distressing. I actually read it twice just to clear the bad feeling I had, this never helped.
Though most men are yet to rediscover and reinvent themselves, telling their story is a beginning and in the right direction.
A highly recommended book.