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Waves Aligning
Chinny learned at an early age that with her background and heritage, life does not simply hand you opportunities – especially not when you’re a girl child living in Eastern Nigeria. With only the meagre resources hewed out of her parents’ low-income jobs, the decision to send either Chinny or her male, unenthusiastic sibling to school is inevitable... and defeating. The only bright spot in the tempest of her life is her best friend, Ejiofor.
With every scrap of courage and conviction, Chinny faces her life’s storms as she encounters disillusionment and tragic losses, ill health and betrayal, and worse still a foreboding unwanted marriage, with each wave crashing her dreams down. Will she drown in life’s disappointments or can she rise above them to destinations only yet defined in dreams?
With every scrap of courage and conviction, Chinny faces her life’s storms as she encounters disillusionment and tragic losses, ill health and betrayal, and worse still a foreboding unwanted marriage, with each wave crashing her dreams down. Will she drown in life’s disappointments or can she rise above them to destinations only yet defined in dreams?
208 pages, Paperback
Published July 28, 2019
3 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 8, 2023
Have you ever read a book and gained valuable insights from leisurely reading? That's what happened to me when I picked up Waves Aligning, a fictional novel that introduced me to the non-fictional world of Eastern Nigeria.
The story follows the journey of Chinny, a young girl from Eastern Nigeria, whose life is a constant battle against poverty, inequality, and societal pressure. Despite the setbacks she faced, she never let them define her. She believed in herself and was determined to achieve her goals, even when it seemed like the odds were stacked against her. Her resilience and determination are inspiring, and I think readers will find her story uplifting.
What I loved about Waves Aligning is how the author was able to paint a vivid picture of Nigerian culture. From traditional customs to societal norms, the story provided a glimpse into the day-to-day life in Eastern Nigeria.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good story, anyone who is interested in learning about other cultures, and anyone who wants to be inspired to face their own challenges with courage and compassion. Waves Aligning is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
As I delved into Waves Aligning, my curiosity was piqued by several thought-provoking questions. And since no one is better equipped to answer them than the source herself, I reached out to none other than Author Adaora O! I’m happy to share those insightful revelations here.
Q: What was your primary motivation in writing Waves Aligning?
A: Growing up as a little girl, I observed, with puzzlement, how families who had only female children were regarded with pity and sometimes, scorn. I also observed how women were typically offered the larger portion of the blame cake. I naturally swing into defense-mode, in favour of women and girls. But as I grew older, I started to discover the existence of girls, boys, men, and women, who never would bow to the repressive and reprehensible notion that the Girlchild belonged to the bottom of the rung. I wanted to write a story that typified these beautiful people. I wanted to write a story that celebrated the power a little girl had to keep digging until she found the gold in her. I wanted to write a story that told the world that the path to a desired goal splinters into tributaries of unimaginable possibilities.
Q: Are there any elements of the story that are based on personal experience or events from your life?
A: Well, maybe one. I had two other siblings (girls) until my very early teenage years when my brother was born. The ensuing fanfare made us girls wonder (with amusement) if we were mere appendages waiting for his arrival... Other than that, Waves Aligning was birthed from my rather adventurous imagination.
The story follows the journey of Chinny, a young girl from Eastern Nigeria, whose life is a constant battle against poverty, inequality, and societal pressure. Despite the setbacks she faced, she never let them define her. She believed in herself and was determined to achieve her goals, even when it seemed like the odds were stacked against her. Her resilience and determination are inspiring, and I think readers will find her story uplifting.
What I loved about Waves Aligning is how the author was able to paint a vivid picture of Nigerian culture. From traditional customs to societal norms, the story provided a glimpse into the day-to-day life in Eastern Nigeria.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good story, anyone who is interested in learning about other cultures, and anyone who wants to be inspired to face their own challenges with courage and compassion. Waves Aligning is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
As I delved into Waves Aligning, my curiosity was piqued by several thought-provoking questions. And since no one is better equipped to answer them than the source herself, I reached out to none other than Author Adaora O! I’m happy to share those insightful revelations here.
Q: What was your primary motivation in writing Waves Aligning?
A: Growing up as a little girl, I observed, with puzzlement, how families who had only female children were regarded with pity and sometimes, scorn. I also observed how women were typically offered the larger portion of the blame cake. I naturally swing into defense-mode, in favour of women and girls. But as I grew older, I started to discover the existence of girls, boys, men, and women, who never would bow to the repressive and reprehensible notion that the Girlchild belonged to the bottom of the rung. I wanted to write a story that typified these beautiful people. I wanted to write a story that celebrated the power a little girl had to keep digging until she found the gold in her. I wanted to write a story that told the world that the path to a desired goal splinters into tributaries of unimaginable possibilities.
Q: Are there any elements of the story that are based on personal experience or events from your life?
A: Well, maybe one. I had two other siblings (girls) until my very early teenage years when my brother was born. The ensuing fanfare made us girls wonder (with amusement) if we were mere appendages waiting for his arrival... Other than that, Waves Aligning was birthed from my rather adventurous imagination.
February 26, 2023
✨️Book Review 🌟
📖 Waves AIigning By Adaora Oqunniyi 📖
Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
My Thoughts ~ I really felt moved by this book it is a great woman's fiction about education,poverty, male privileges. It is a heartfelt storyline about a girl growing up on the African continent and her life overcoming the odds she was given early in life. Highly recommend giving it a read, It is captivating from start to finish.
I do want to note that I absolutely adore the cover it's so beautiful 🖤
📚About The Book 📚
Chinny learned at an early age that with her background and heritage, life does not simply hand you opportunities – especially not when you’re a girl child living in Eastern Nigeria. With only the meagre resources hewed out of her parents’ low-income jobs, the decision to send either Chinny or her male, unenthusiastic sibling to school is inevitable... and defeating. The only bright spot in the tempest of her life is her best friend, Ejiofor.
With every scrap of courage and conviction, Chinny faces her life’s storms as she encounters disillusionment and tragic losses, ill health and betrayal, and worse still a foreboding unwanted marriage, with each wave crashing her dreams down. Will she drown in life’s disappointments or can she rise above them to destinations only yet defined in dreams?
📖 Waves AIigning By Adaora Oqunniyi 📖
Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
My Thoughts ~ I really felt moved by this book it is a great woman's fiction about education,poverty, male privileges. It is a heartfelt storyline about a girl growing up on the African continent and her life overcoming the odds she was given early in life. Highly recommend giving it a read, It is captivating from start to finish.
I do want to note that I absolutely adore the cover it's so beautiful 🖤
📚About The Book 📚
Chinny learned at an early age that with her background and heritage, life does not simply hand you opportunities – especially not when you’re a girl child living in Eastern Nigeria. With only the meagre resources hewed out of her parents’ low-income jobs, the decision to send either Chinny or her male, unenthusiastic sibling to school is inevitable... and defeating. The only bright spot in the tempest of her life is her best friend, Ejiofor.
With every scrap of courage and conviction, Chinny faces her life’s storms as she encounters disillusionment and tragic losses, ill health and betrayal, and worse still a foreboding unwanted marriage, with each wave crashing her dreams down. Will she drown in life’s disappointments or can she rise above them to destinations only yet defined in dreams?
May 13, 2023
Waves Aligning is a story of a young African girl from a poor background fighting against all odds. I enjoyed reading this book and it discussed the challenges faced by a young black girl and how the African society perceives every female should be. Chinny the main character strives to be educated in a society where they don't believe a female needs an education when her roles are more of raising a family once they are of child bearing age. Her resilience and determination throughout the book shows her strong resolve to achieve her goals.
I particularly like how each character had a role to play no matter how small, none of them were insignificant.
I particularly like how each character had a role to play no matter how small, none of them were insignificant.
May 2, 2023
A recommendation:
Waves Aligning by Adora O
I absolutely loved this book.
Chinny, a young girl born into an unfavourable role simply for being female. Her fate threatened by poverty, gender and a lack of education are overcome by her bright intelligence, courage and determination to overcome every ‘no’ she was ever handed.
Alongside this important story, the writer fills the pages with real African culture, making the reader really feel, see and smell the array of vibrant colours, beauty and cuisine.
Filled with fraught adventure and realistic events, this story will no doubt take the reader from laughter to tears within pages.
Such a thought provoking, empowering, educational journey of a book, I couldn’t put it down.
I can’t wait to follow this new and talented author and see what she releases next.
Highly recommended!
Waves Aligning by Adora O
I absolutely loved this book.
Chinny, a young girl born into an unfavourable role simply for being female. Her fate threatened by poverty, gender and a lack of education are overcome by her bright intelligence, courage and determination to overcome every ‘no’ she was ever handed.
Alongside this important story, the writer fills the pages with real African culture, making the reader really feel, see and smell the array of vibrant colours, beauty and cuisine.
Filled with fraught adventure and realistic events, this story will no doubt take the reader from laughter to tears within pages.
Such a thought provoking, empowering, educational journey of a book, I couldn’t put it down.
I can’t wait to follow this new and talented author and see what she releases next.
Highly recommended!
Read
August 18, 2025This is a great book about female resilience and the drive to become successful.
Chinny fought against all odds and the journey was interesting to follow.
A great book to teach women about resilience
Chinny fought against all odds and the journey was interesting to follow.
A great book to teach women about resilience
April 4, 2023
A very interesting story that captures the struggles of the girl child in the contemporary Nigerian society and how she has to fight twice as hard as the male child for recognition. It however offers hope that with ingenuity and perseverance she can make it.
April 29, 2023
I loved the common issue the book addressed an while it might have gotten better it’s still a problem in Africa. And by “it” I mean the preferential treatment given to a male child over a female child when it comes to education. In the city it seems everything is fine but some people are still struggling, however we’ve come a long way.
First, thank you Adaora for giving me this book to read. I had a lot of comment on this book. And it was clear to me that it was set in the 90’s because 25 naira is just laminated paper.
Quick synopsis: Basically follows the life of a girl who struggles to be something and someone important despite a major stumbling block aka her gender. We follow Chinny through her childhood to adulthood, her tragedies, her hapiness, little success, complications and then the HEA. Think of “from Grass to Grace” when you pick this book up.
My only problem was that it was a sloww start. It was a rollercoaster, but instead of suddenly dropping you stay level for a while and then drop. It was not bad, but it felt like the nollywood movies I watched growing up . I didn’t dislike that, just flashback. This is an enlightening read. And it just shows you what other countries are like because sadly everywhere isn’t and can’t be like the US 😅
I recommend ♥️
“Time has taught me that fate is no respecter of gender. Male or female, calamity, anguish and misfortune will befall you if fate so desires.Male or female, love, fortune and success through hard work can decide to pick you as a candidate.”
First, thank you Adaora for giving me this book to read. I had a lot of comment on this book. And it was clear to me that it was set in the 90’s because 25 naira is just laminated paper.
Quick synopsis: Basically follows the life of a girl who struggles to be something and someone important despite a major stumbling block aka her gender. We follow Chinny through her childhood to adulthood, her tragedies, her hapiness, little success, complications and then the HEA. Think of “from Grass to Grace” when you pick this book up.
My only problem was that it was a sloww start. It was a rollercoaster, but instead of suddenly dropping you stay level for a while and then drop. It was not bad, but it felt like the nollywood movies I watched growing up . I didn’t dislike that, just flashback. This is an enlightening read. And it just shows you what other countries are like because sadly everywhere isn’t and can’t be like the US 😅
I recommend ♥️
“Time has taught me that fate is no respecter of gender. Male or female, calamity, anguish and misfortune will befall you if fate so desires.Male or female, love, fortune and success through hard work can decide to pick you as a candidate.”
September 26, 2022
This book gives insight into the Eastern Nigerian culture and how females are set on a path of struggle from birth. How females fight twice as hard to prove thier worth. In this story however, hope came in several ways that made this book so lively.
September 23, 2022
Amazing! A beautiful book that should be recommended not only for female folks but for everyone. The author will definitely go places.
September 22, 2022
This is an interesting book. It's a must read for everyone.....
#WavesAligning.
#WavesAligning.
October 15, 2019
So I went teary-eyed after i finished the last chapter! All I can say in summary is "Waves Aligning" is a book that offers hope!
December 4, 2022
Chinny is a young woman determined not to let the misfortune of being a girl get in the way of her future. This story is beautifully evocative, describing the misfortunes heaped on Chinny and her Nigerian family, and how they face life with grace and ingenuity. And then it really gets tough. The pace takes off like a rocket and Chinny's life takes a very dangerous turn. Will the family survive and will love triumph? You just have to read it!
October 8, 2022
Gender gap is a reality to us and there is need more than ever to take deliberate steps to bridge this gap. A girl child is entitled to her rights and should be treated with respect and fairness at all times.
Waves aligning showcases some of these gender gap... Please read it. Let's be deliberate to do what is right for all
by Vivian Omorogbe
Waves aligning showcases some of these gender gap... Please read it. Let's be deliberate to do what is right for all
by Vivian Omorogbe
July 21, 2019
Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.
February 27, 2023
🌸🌸Non-Spoiler review 🌸🌸
*ebook for Honest Review- Thanks Adaora!*
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
What its about:
A young girl’s extraordinary journey of self-building, hardship, and overcoming against all odds to prove her worth and chase her dreams.
My Thoughts
I loved the authors poetic writing! This story definitely gave me another insight to the African culture, gender gap struggles, and the strong willpower of women in those situations.
Tropes:
*Childhood Best friend
“Education is developing mutual respect for individuals – male or female. It is religious, cultural and ethnic tolerance.” - Chinny
📖 (Plot)
This is probably the first book I read in a while with very little to no romance… and it was definitely an interesting read. It was fascinating to read about the African culture and the stigmas and issues that comes along with it. Forewarning: definitely has some heavy themes such as ‘child’ marriage, and gender inequality. I LOVED Adaora’s poetic writing style. Her style was so easy and fluid. The story and characters themselves were well written. I felt like I was well introduced into the Eastern Nigerian Culture within the first 2 chapters.
👤 (Characters)
Chinny: Despite all odds, Chinny was just a beautiful soul with a fighting spirit. I loved her positive views of her world. The gender gap definitely played a huge part of this unfair story which is different from the western female views of society. Females have to work twice as hard with such an unfair disadvantage. That alone made me feel quite angry with the cruel reality of the world. She is literally the definition of “you gotta do what you gotta do with what you have” … such huge respect! 👏
Side Characters: Im not sure where to start because there were alot of side characters introduced. Dede and Ama were just adorable despite their tough situation. They represent everything about being a parent: trying to provide, doing your best, and making mistakes. 😅 There were alot of other colourful characters whom were also interesting to read about. ☺️
*ebook for Honest Review- Thanks Adaora!*
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
What its about:
A young girl’s extraordinary journey of self-building, hardship, and overcoming against all odds to prove her worth and chase her dreams.
My Thoughts
I loved the authors poetic writing! This story definitely gave me another insight to the African culture, gender gap struggles, and the strong willpower of women in those situations.
Tropes:
*Childhood Best friend
“Education is developing mutual respect for individuals – male or female. It is religious, cultural and ethnic tolerance.” - Chinny
📖 (Plot)
This is probably the first book I read in a while with very little to no romance… and it was definitely an interesting read. It was fascinating to read about the African culture and the stigmas and issues that comes along with it. Forewarning: definitely has some heavy themes such as ‘child’ marriage, and gender inequality. I LOVED Adaora’s poetic writing style. Her style was so easy and fluid. The story and characters themselves were well written. I felt like I was well introduced into the Eastern Nigerian Culture within the first 2 chapters.
👤 (Characters)
Chinny: Despite all odds, Chinny was just a beautiful soul with a fighting spirit. I loved her positive views of her world. The gender gap definitely played a huge part of this unfair story which is different from the western female views of society. Females have to work twice as hard with such an unfair disadvantage. That alone made me feel quite angry with the cruel reality of the world. She is literally the definition of “you gotta do what you gotta do with what you have” … such huge respect! 👏
Side Characters: Im not sure where to start because there were alot of side characters introduced. Dede and Ama were just adorable despite their tough situation. They represent everything about being a parent: trying to provide, doing your best, and making mistakes. 😅 There were alot of other colourful characters whom were also interesting to read about. ☺️
June 17, 2023
Waves Aligning tells the story of Chinny, a Nigerian girl desperately dreaming of a higher education. She’s taught herself using a friend’s books and passes the tests needed to move forward, but her family can’t afford to send both her and her brother to school. As the boy in the family, Dubem is chosen to further his education over Chinny, to her devastation. Though life continues to put Chinny and her family through hard times, she never gives up on creating an amazing life for herself and works tirelessly to achieve that dream.
I think one of my favorite parts of this book was how immersive it was in Nigerian culture. I really felt like I was learning something as I was reading, even though the characters and story are fictional. I loved how strong, optimistic, and resilient Chinny was. She was faced with incredible challenges and continued to push forward, rising above the circumstances she was dealt as a young girl from a poverty-stricken family in Africa. While I found a few parts of the story slow or monotonous, I thought the second half did pick up in pace. A LOT happened in those last few chapters. The way all the small characters and plot happenings came together in the end was very satisfying to read.
Overall, I thought this was such an enlightening, hopeful read!
I think one of my favorite parts of this book was how immersive it was in Nigerian culture. I really felt like I was learning something as I was reading, even though the characters and story are fictional. I loved how strong, optimistic, and resilient Chinny was. She was faced with incredible challenges and continued to push forward, rising above the circumstances she was dealt as a young girl from a poverty-stricken family in Africa. While I found a few parts of the story slow or monotonous, I thought the second half did pick up in pace. A LOT happened in those last few chapters. The way all the small characters and plot happenings came together in the end was very satisfying to read.
Overall, I thought this was such an enlightening, hopeful read!
December 9, 2024
The author’s unique style, vivid imagery, and wit bring her characters and their relationships to life. Attention to detail makes the world feel real and lived in. The characters are likable and flawed, adding depth and emotional impact.
The story flows effortlessly between perspectives. The protagonist, Chinny, is a true heroine; resilient, courageous, complex, and relatable. She’s imperfect yet inspiring, defined on her own terms.
A funny, life-affirming read that makes you want to be better.
The story flows effortlessly between perspectives. The protagonist, Chinny, is a true heroine; resilient, courageous, complex, and relatable. She’s imperfect yet inspiring, defined on her own terms.
A funny, life-affirming read that makes you want to be better.
August 16, 2025
A HEARTWARMING STIRY OF RESILIENCE AND HOPE
I read this book in under 48 hours!
Where to begin? The characters were both brilliantly fleshed out and endearing. Except for one horrid one (no spoilers). This author placed me in the scene and made me see , feel and taste things I couldn't possibly have.
I identified with Chinny, Dubem, Dede, Ama and Chief Utah. And even Iyke. Every backstory made sense and no sentence went to waste.
The story left my heart blooming with hope. Friendship, love and hard work are such great companions.
This is a must-read.
I read this book in under 48 hours!
Where to begin? The characters were both brilliantly fleshed out and endearing. Except for one horrid one (no spoilers). This author placed me in the scene and made me see , feel and taste things I couldn't possibly have.
I identified with Chinny, Dubem, Dede, Ama and Chief Utah. And even Iyke. Every backstory made sense and no sentence went to waste.
The story left my heart blooming with hope. Friendship, love and hard work are such great companions.
This is a must-read.
September 5, 2024
This book was quite entertaining in my opinion. I wasn't too fully invested in the plot which may be why on my first read I found it unsatisfactory. But on my 2nd and 3rd read, I began to enjoy the way the characters. The language felt a bit too flowery for my taste, but I recommend this book if you like picturing scenery in your mind.
August 6, 2025
The story of Chinny combines harsh realities and the strong spirit enhanced by love &friendship to overcome them.
It is refreshing to meet a young woman that refuses to be a victim and that fight back to succeed against conventions.
It being an original point of view and the wonders of a different culture and is peppered with delightful humor.
It is suitable for younger people too.
It is refreshing to meet a young woman that refuses to be a victim and that fight back to succeed against conventions.
It being an original point of view and the wonders of a different culture and is peppered with delightful humor.
It is suitable for younger people too.
April 11, 2023
Beautiful! This is quite an interesting read as it highlights some of the daily struggles encountered by a female child. Highly recommended
April 6, 2023
A book written with so much love for the nigerian culture and tradition. I recommend this book for the young at heart, as it encourages them toward the right path to success.
December 17, 2023
There are book covers that make you stop and stare, and Waves Aligning has one of those. It is a well-written story with an interesting plot.
Adaora Ogunniyi's storytelling reminds of Buchi Emecheta's writing style. Because of that, I'd recommend this novel to lovers of African literature. If you enjoyed reading The Joys of Motherhood and Second Class Citizen, both books by Buchi Emecheta, then Waves Aligning would be an excellent choice for your reading list.
Adaora Ogunniyi's storytelling reminds of Buchi Emecheta's writing style. Because of that, I'd recommend this novel to lovers of African literature. If you enjoyed reading The Joys of Motherhood and Second Class Citizen, both books by Buchi Emecheta, then Waves Aligning would be an excellent choice for your reading list.
May 15, 2023
I just finished the book and couldn’t be more delighted. The writing is well done, and the story has layer upon layer which keep unfolding beautifully. Each of the characters is engaging. If you love a clean read about perseverance and overcoming struggle then this book is for you.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews