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A Broken People's Playlist
A Broken People’s Playlist is a collection of short stories with underlying themes so beautifully woven that each story flows into the other seamlessly. From its poignant beginning in “Lost Stars” a story about love and it’s fleeting, transient nature to the gritty, raw musical prose encapsulated in “In The City”, a tale of survival set in the alleyways of the waterside. A Broken People’s Playlist is a mosaic of stories about living, loving and hurting through very familiar sounds, in very familiar ways and finding healing in the most unlikely places.
The stories are also part-homage and part-love letter to Port Harcourt (the city which most of them are set in). The prose is distinctive as it is concise and unapologetically Nigerian. And because the collection is infused with the magic of evocative storytelling, everyone is promised a story, a character, to move or haunt them.
The stories are also part-homage and part-love letter to Port Harcourt (the city which most of them are set in). The prose is distinctive as it is concise and unapologetically Nigerian. And because the collection is infused with the magic of evocative storytelling, everyone is promised a story, a character, to move or haunt them.
255 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2020
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9785 people want to read
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April 18, 2023
In a Nutshell: I am dazzled by this collection! One of the best anthologies I have ever read, EVER! Touching, realistic, well-written. Great character development. Captivating beginnings and perfect endings. Grab this ASAP!
The only reason I had grabbed this anthology was that gorgeous cover and the title. Music has a great role to play in my life, a close second to books. Therefore a collection titled ‘A Broken People’s Playlist’ was bound to enter my agenda. I am so glad it did!
This anthology has twelve stories, all matching the theme set out by the title.
1. Each story has a ‘broken person’ as its key narrator. The brokenness could be due to a broken heart or a fractured relationship or a dysfunctional family or a shocking life experience. The reasons are varied, but the impact on the character is profound, making the story enthralling.
2. Each story has been ‘inspired’ by a song. The musical glossary at the end provides the name of the songs that provoked the author into writing the tale around it, and what a varied playlist it makes for! The titles of the stories are taken straight from their respective songs. (This makes the story titles sound somewhat cheesy; don’t let that dissuade you!)
In all honesty, I didn’t know most of the songs that were mentioned as catalysts for these stories. As such, I have no idea if the stories matched up to the feelings laid out in the song’s music or lyrics. But even without this knowledge, my enjoyment of this collection wasn’t impaired one bit!
The language in the stories sounds so authentic that we are immediately transported to Port Harcourt, the place where most stories are set and where the author grew up. I didn't understand some of the local words but that didn't hamper my understanding much. The stories stay true to the Nigerian theme, and depict the positives and the negatives of the culture in equal measure. (The depiction appeared quite authentic to me, but only a local would be able to confirm the genuineness of the portrayal.)
All the stories have a common foundation of love, family, and of course, music. In fact, music plays a more direct role in some of the stories, but even the ones without open instances of music were heart-touching. (Don't miss out on the author's note at the end, that highlights the role of music in more detail.)
The character development is outstanding, which is a feedback I cannot give for most short story anthologies. The broken people in a few stories search for fulfillment, to fix themselves, or to move on. In other stories, they use violence, cheating, and adultery. In either case, the central character is detailed out so well that you will understand their emotions. You might love or hate the characters, but you won’t be able to feel apathetic towards them. A couple of the characters come in multiple stories but no need to remember them, as the stories are not interlinked.
What surprised me was the number of stories that are written in the second person pov. This is the toughest voice to write convincingly, and even if authors use it, they don’t write more than one story of an anthology using this grammatical voice. This collection however has a majority of the stories written in this point of view. Even better, the voice is brilliantly written, and never sounds fake or forced.
As always, I rated the stories individually. Of the twelve stories, ONLY ONE story went below the 4 star mark. (Actually, that was also a 3.5 stars for me, so it definitely wasn’t bad.) I don’t want to list out eleven stories here, so will just mention my top favourites with 5 stars each:
🌷 Hurt – A man arranges a funeral for himself. Not as morbid as it sounds! Loved how realistic this sounded despite such an unrealistic premise.
🌷 I Put a Spell on You – Men talking about something that scares them most. You wont ever guess the reason behind the events. Hilarious!
🌷 You Suppose Know – The last story of the collection, and the best one to end it with. Left me with a teary smile. Simply beautiful. Don’t want to reveal anything. Discover it for yourself.
Honorable mentions with 4.5 stars:
🌷 Music – A teenager gets back at his father. Enjoyed how this story didn’t play the typical way.
🌷 I'd Die Without You – Do past sins come back to haunt the present? Poignant!
🌷 Desperado – Can a couple still be friends after a divorce? Such a sensitive portrayal of this topic. Wow!
This is one collection I would recommend with all my heart. Even if you read it as a general anthology and not as one inspired by songs, you will find it impactful. At the same time, if you aren’t fond of the second person pov (some readers don’t seem to be comfortable with this voice), be warned in advance that it is almost omnipresent in this collection.
4.45 stars, based on the average of my ratings for the individual stories.
(If your knowledge of maths is even a little good, you will realise how rare it is for the average of twelve numbers to cross 4.4 when the range possible is 0-5!)
Dear Mr. Garricks, if you ever get frustrated with that second novel you are struggling to complete right now, please do not give up on it, because this reader is eagerly waiting to read more of your works.
My thanks to HarperVia and NetGalley for the DRC of “A Broken People's Playlist: Stories (from Songs)”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Note: The content and the language makes this collection suitable only for adults.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
The only reason I had grabbed this anthology was that gorgeous cover and the title. Music has a great role to play in my life, a close second to books. Therefore a collection titled ‘A Broken People’s Playlist’ was bound to enter my agenda. I am so glad it did!
This anthology has twelve stories, all matching the theme set out by the title.
1. Each story has a ‘broken person’ as its key narrator. The brokenness could be due to a broken heart or a fractured relationship or a dysfunctional family or a shocking life experience. The reasons are varied, but the impact on the character is profound, making the story enthralling.
2. Each story has been ‘inspired’ by a song. The musical glossary at the end provides the name of the songs that provoked the author into writing the tale around it, and what a varied playlist it makes for! The titles of the stories are taken straight from their respective songs. (This makes the story titles sound somewhat cheesy; don’t let that dissuade you!)
In all honesty, I didn’t know most of the songs that were mentioned as catalysts for these stories. As such, I have no idea if the stories matched up to the feelings laid out in the song’s music or lyrics. But even without this knowledge, my enjoyment of this collection wasn’t impaired one bit!
The language in the stories sounds so authentic that we are immediately transported to Port Harcourt, the place where most stories are set and where the author grew up. I didn't understand some of the local words but that didn't hamper my understanding much. The stories stay true to the Nigerian theme, and depict the positives and the negatives of the culture in equal measure. (The depiction appeared quite authentic to me, but only a local would be able to confirm the genuineness of the portrayal.)
All the stories have a common foundation of love, family, and of course, music. In fact, music plays a more direct role in some of the stories, but even the ones without open instances of music were heart-touching. (Don't miss out on the author's note at the end, that highlights the role of music in more detail.)
The character development is outstanding, which is a feedback I cannot give for most short story anthologies. The broken people in a few stories search for fulfillment, to fix themselves, or to move on. In other stories, they use violence, cheating, and adultery. In either case, the central character is detailed out so well that you will understand their emotions. You might love or hate the characters, but you won’t be able to feel apathetic towards them. A couple of the characters come in multiple stories but no need to remember them, as the stories are not interlinked.
What surprised me was the number of stories that are written in the second person pov. This is the toughest voice to write convincingly, and even if authors use it, they don’t write more than one story of an anthology using this grammatical voice. This collection however has a majority of the stories written in this point of view. Even better, the voice is brilliantly written, and never sounds fake or forced.
As always, I rated the stories individually. Of the twelve stories, ONLY ONE story went below the 4 star mark. (Actually, that was also a 3.5 stars for me, so it definitely wasn’t bad.) I don’t want to list out eleven stories here, so will just mention my top favourites with 5 stars each:
🌷 Hurt – A man arranges a funeral for himself. Not as morbid as it sounds! Loved how realistic this sounded despite such an unrealistic premise.
🌷 I Put a Spell on You – Men talking about something that scares them most. You wont ever guess the reason behind the events. Hilarious!
🌷 You Suppose Know – The last story of the collection, and the best one to end it with. Left me with a teary smile. Simply beautiful. Don’t want to reveal anything. Discover it for yourself.
Honorable mentions with 4.5 stars:
🌷 Music – A teenager gets back at his father. Enjoyed how this story didn’t play the typical way.
🌷 I'd Die Without You – Do past sins come back to haunt the present? Poignant!
🌷 Desperado – Can a couple still be friends after a divorce? Such a sensitive portrayal of this topic. Wow!
This is one collection I would recommend with all my heart. Even if you read it as a general anthology and not as one inspired by songs, you will find it impactful. At the same time, if you aren’t fond of the second person pov (some readers don’t seem to be comfortable with this voice), be warned in advance that it is almost omnipresent in this collection.
4.45 stars, based on the average of my ratings for the individual stories.
(If your knowledge of maths is even a little good, you will realise how rare it is for the average of twelve numbers to cross 4.4 when the range possible is 0-5!)
Dear Mr. Garricks, if you ever get frustrated with that second novel you are struggling to complete right now, please do not give up on it, because this reader is eagerly waiting to read more of your works.
My thanks to HarperVia and NetGalley for the DRC of “A Broken People's Playlist: Stories (from Songs)”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Note: The content and the language makes this collection suitable only for adults.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
November 27, 2023
An exceptional collection of short stories that will leave you breathless.
Friends, I am still unable to put into words how profoundly moving this entire collection is. Chimeka Garricks is a master storyteller who deserves to be read widely. I need to see more people talking about this book that left me speechless.
A BROKEN PEOPLE’S PLAYLIST is a collection of twelve stories from song. At the start of each story the author lets you know the song inspiration, which I think is truly unique. Of the twelve stories my favorites are:
LOST STARS
HURT
SONG FOR SOMEONE
I’D DIE WITHOUT YOU
BEAUTIFUL WAR
RIVER
DESPERADO
Yes, I am aware I kinda just rewrote the entire tracklist (I mean list of stories) but that is to show how many of these stories were actual bangers!
Each story covers themes of love, lost, regret, heat-break, redemption and desire. From the musician who is faithful and will do everything except get married, to the childhood friends turn lovers who reunites after years of playing around, to the man who cheats on his wife and having to deal with the consequences, to the guy who calls the girl on a her wedding day and tells her not to get married. All of the characters are layered, deeply flawed, beautifully human and you cannot help with fall in love with them.
Here's how I know Garricks is a master storyteller, they are able to write a robust story in less than ten pages and I did not once think, “I want more..”. Each story could stand on their own, each character gave me just enough.
Friends, if this book is not on your list of books to read, I need you to change that. Chimeka Garricks is a master storyteller, how is it possible for him to convey so much with so little pages. I cannot recommend this collection enough.
Here’s a quote I truly love: “My mother was so proud of her temper that she wore frowns like medals of honours”
Friends, I am still unable to put into words how profoundly moving this entire collection is. Chimeka Garricks is a master storyteller who deserves to be read widely. I need to see more people talking about this book that left me speechless.
A BROKEN PEOPLE’S PLAYLIST is a collection of twelve stories from song. At the start of each story the author lets you know the song inspiration, which I think is truly unique. Of the twelve stories my favorites are:
LOST STARS
HURT
SONG FOR SOMEONE
I’D DIE WITHOUT YOU
BEAUTIFUL WAR
RIVER
DESPERADO
Yes, I am aware I kinda just rewrote the entire tracklist (I mean list of stories) but that is to show how many of these stories were actual bangers!
Each story covers themes of love, lost, regret, heat-break, redemption and desire. From the musician who is faithful and will do everything except get married, to the childhood friends turn lovers who reunites after years of playing around, to the man who cheats on his wife and having to deal with the consequences, to the guy who calls the girl on a her wedding day and tells her not to get married. All of the characters are layered, deeply flawed, beautifully human and you cannot help with fall in love with them.
Here's how I know Garricks is a master storyteller, they are able to write a robust story in less than ten pages and I did not once think, “I want more..”. Each story could stand on their own, each character gave me just enough.
Friends, if this book is not on your list of books to read, I need you to change that. Chimeka Garricks is a master storyteller, how is it possible for him to convey so much with so little pages. I cannot recommend this collection enough.
Here’s a quote I truly love: “My mother was so proud of her temper that she wore frowns like medals of honours”
June 12, 2020
I am blown away. I am not typically a consumer of short stories or short story collections. I either feel like they’re trying to do too much in a short amount of space. Or trying to do too little and you’re left thinking “and then what happened.” Or they’re uneven and you get one or two bangers and the rest “when will it be over.” Not HERE!!!! ALL of these stories are so perfectly balanced in simplicity, accessibility and meaning and nuance and emotion that you wonder if the author wrote 40 stories and picked just the 12 5-star ones.
The stories are similar in the author’s commitment to celebrating pop culture especially through music but also in the writing of these simple, incredibly accessible, yet supremely meaningful stories that are written simply to place the reader in the safe hands of a compelling storyteller whilst also being realistic to contemporary Nigerian and Port Harcourt society. I love that he wrote this unapologetically for Nigerian readers in language, style and vibe but it has global appeal and really important contemporary themes and is eminently readable for any level of reader (although these ALL have adult themes so reader discretion is advised).
The unifying character of all 12 stories in this collection is in line with the title. These are stories about broken people who are broken in different ways- there are stories with addiction, and infidelity, and child sexual assault, loss, grief, university cultism, abandonment. It’s a collection of eff-boys and “ain’t 💩” behaviour, women holding on long after they should have said enough, imperfect love, toxic relationships, hopeful relationships and the general messiness of life. And yet somehow in all that brokenness, there’s hope. My favourite thing about this is that even in the saddest moments, the author manages to infuse some lightness and wit and humor into these stories and this is the most Nigerian thing of all about this book- the laughing through the pain, the music, the survival, the making it through until you don’t. There is an irreverent humor in these tragically dysfunctional, contemporarily dystopian stories.
I’ve made notes on every story and was going to give a synopsis of each story but I can’t think of how to do so without spoiling it. How do I speak of what happens between two childhood best friends in “Lost Stars,” or a young music-lover with a dysfunctional family who escapes through music in “Music.” How can I convince you that you need to read “Hurt” without talking about a brother attending his own funeral and another brother picking up his pieces, or warm you about the damaged heroine with daddy issues in the “Song For Someone.” The stories are relevant to the contemporary global context with “In The City” discussing police brutality, “I Put A Spell On You,” “Beautiful War” and “Desperado,” deal with infidelity and toxic relationships, whilst “You Suppose Know” is a story of love and inevitability. And I’ve not even spoken about the pain and heartache and loss and lessons in “I’d Die Without You,” “River,” and “Love’s Divine.” It’s hard to identify a favourite story when all of them are bangers, none of them is phoning it in. They’re universally great. Perhaps if there really must be on “You Suppose Know” is my favourite, but that’s feels somewhat like picking a favourite child and even as I say it, there are several others clamoring in my head to be my favourite.
It would be irresponsible not to mention that this is a collection about broken people. ALLL the content warnings apply: addiction, grief, miscarriage, child sexual assault, forced abortion, LGBTQ stigmatization. In this category, I would also add the trauma of dealing with toxic masculinity and eff-boys and “ain’t 💩” men and the lengths women have had to go to deal with their damaged men. But the characters are self-aware and there is an awareness about their 💩-y behaviour and cultural and individual complicity in allowing it, and whilst not a cautionary tale, it’s a collection that is real and leaves you thinking of people you know exactly like that. What I will say is that this book has heavy themes, but it is not a heavy book. The stories are properly short and easy to get through on a lunch break or bathroom 💩 break👀 , and I literally CANNOT recommend this enough. I’m literally pushing it on everyone I know.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but that in no way influenced my review! If anything, I’m going to buy an e-version of this as well when it comes out because there are so many moments to highlight and relive and re-experience wherever I go.
The stories are similar in the author’s commitment to celebrating pop culture especially through music but also in the writing of these simple, incredibly accessible, yet supremely meaningful stories that are written simply to place the reader in the safe hands of a compelling storyteller whilst also being realistic to contemporary Nigerian and Port Harcourt society. I love that he wrote this unapologetically for Nigerian readers in language, style and vibe but it has global appeal and really important contemporary themes and is eminently readable for any level of reader (although these ALL have adult themes so reader discretion is advised).
The unifying character of all 12 stories in this collection is in line with the title. These are stories about broken people who are broken in different ways- there are stories with addiction, and infidelity, and child sexual assault, loss, grief, university cultism, abandonment. It’s a collection of eff-boys and “ain’t 💩” behaviour, women holding on long after they should have said enough, imperfect love, toxic relationships, hopeful relationships and the general messiness of life. And yet somehow in all that brokenness, there’s hope. My favourite thing about this is that even in the saddest moments, the author manages to infuse some lightness and wit and humor into these stories and this is the most Nigerian thing of all about this book- the laughing through the pain, the music, the survival, the making it through until you don’t. There is an irreverent humor in these tragically dysfunctional, contemporarily dystopian stories.
I’ve made notes on every story and was going to give a synopsis of each story but I can’t think of how to do so without spoiling it. How do I speak of what happens between two childhood best friends in “Lost Stars,” or a young music-lover with a dysfunctional family who escapes through music in “Music.” How can I convince you that you need to read “Hurt” without talking about a brother attending his own funeral and another brother picking up his pieces, or warm you about the damaged heroine with daddy issues in the “Song For Someone.” The stories are relevant to the contemporary global context with “In The City” discussing police brutality, “I Put A Spell On You,” “Beautiful War” and “Desperado,” deal with infidelity and toxic relationships, whilst “You Suppose Know” is a story of love and inevitability. And I’ve not even spoken about the pain and heartache and loss and lessons in “I’d Die Without You,” “River,” and “Love’s Divine.” It’s hard to identify a favourite story when all of them are bangers, none of them is phoning it in. They’re universally great. Perhaps if there really must be on “You Suppose Know” is my favourite, but that’s feels somewhat like picking a favourite child and even as I say it, there are several others clamoring in my head to be my favourite.
It would be irresponsible not to mention that this is a collection about broken people. ALLL the content warnings apply: addiction, grief, miscarriage, child sexual assault, forced abortion, LGBTQ stigmatization. In this category, I would also add the trauma of dealing with toxic masculinity and eff-boys and “ain’t 💩” men and the lengths women have had to go to deal with their damaged men. But the characters are self-aware and there is an awareness about their 💩-y behaviour and cultural and individual complicity in allowing it, and whilst not a cautionary tale, it’s a collection that is real and leaves you thinking of people you know exactly like that. What I will say is that this book has heavy themes, but it is not a heavy book. The stories are properly short and easy to get through on a lunch break or bathroom 💩 break👀 , and I literally CANNOT recommend this enough. I’m literally pushing it on everyone I know.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but that in no way influenced my review! If anything, I’m going to buy an e-version of this as well when it comes out because there are so many moments to highlight and relive and re-experience wherever I go.
May 13, 2024
This is the best collection of short stories I’ve ever read! Every story was a gem 💎 evoking laughter, joy, and tears, both happy and sad!
Chimeka Garricks, you have a way with words 🤩📚!
Chimeka Garricks, you have a way with words 🤩📚!
March 27, 2023
An excellent Nigerian short story collection about love, sex, relationships, fidelity and wrong choices.
A good short story is a beautiful thing and this collection is full of stories that have everything I want from them: they are well-structured, engaging and often touching, there is tension and every sentence matters.
A very nice special feature is that each story is 'written under the influence' of a song, hence the 'playlist' in the title. From the Afterword it appears music helped the author overcome a years' long writer's block. It made me discover some beautiful new songs (in particular River by Leon Bridges).
A bit too many of the stories were about cheating and adultery... I would be really interested to see this author move into more politically engaged territory.
A good short story is a beautiful thing and this collection is full of stories that have everything I want from them: they are well-structured, engaging and often touching, there is tension and every sentence matters.
A very nice special feature is that each story is 'written under the influence' of a song, hence the 'playlist' in the title. From the Afterword it appears music helped the author overcome a years' long writer's block. It made me discover some beautiful new songs (in particular River by Leon Bridges).
A bit too many of the stories were about cheating and adultery... I would be really interested to see this author move into more politically engaged territory.
October 6, 2023
Full review to come later with favourite quotes
But yh totally recommended 💯
But yh totally recommended 💯
September 10, 2020
4.5 stars rounded up!
This was one book I'd seen getting a lot of hype on Naija Bookstagram, and I decided to take the plunge and buy my copy. It was really worth it, and I loved it so so much. I'm not the biggest fan of short story collections, but this one really enchanted me.
A collection of 12 amazing stories inspired by songs (each story's title is the song that inspired it), and here are my faves (the number is story's number in the collection).
1 - Lost Stars: A tragic story of a love accepted too late. Being the first story, the fact that I loved it so much inspired me to gobble up the rest of the book!
3 - Hurt: A burial arranged for a brother that's dying, and the discovery of his checkered past. This one really hit me hard.
4 - Song For Someone: This one was really amazing cause I loved how free and fierce the main character was.
6 - I Put A Spell On You: Yes to jazzing Nigerian men LMAO. I laughed so hard at the end of this story (PSA: I don't jazz Nigerian men please).
9 - River: A warning tale about cultism and confraternities in Nigerian universities.
10 - Love's Divine: This was a very nice story, and I was able to predict one of the twists in this story. The way the author was able to connect it to Hurt (story 3) was so so amazing.
Chimeka Garricks had an amazing writing style that flowed so well, and I loved how he connected some of the stories to each other. There was one secondary character, Tonse, who kept popping up in various stories. I'd smile a little every time his name got mentioned.
This is an amazing book, and I highly recommend it.
This was one book I'd seen getting a lot of hype on Naija Bookstagram, and I decided to take the plunge and buy my copy. It was really worth it, and I loved it so so much. I'm not the biggest fan of short story collections, but this one really enchanted me.
A collection of 12 amazing stories inspired by songs (each story's title is the song that inspired it), and here are my faves (the number is story's number in the collection).
1 - Lost Stars: A tragic story of a love accepted too late. Being the first story, the fact that I loved it so much inspired me to gobble up the rest of the book!
3 - Hurt: A burial arranged for a brother that's dying, and the discovery of his checkered past. This one really hit me hard.
4 - Song For Someone: This one was really amazing cause I loved how free and fierce the main character was.
6 - I Put A Spell On You: Yes to jazzing Nigerian men LMAO. I laughed so hard at the end of this story (PSA: I don't jazz Nigerian men please).
9 - River: A warning tale about cultism and confraternities in Nigerian universities.
10 - Love's Divine: This was a very nice story, and I was able to predict one of the twists in this story. The way the author was able to connect it to Hurt (story 3) was so so amazing.
Chimeka Garricks had an amazing writing style that flowed so well, and I loved how he connected some of the stories to each other. There was one secondary character, Tonse, who kept popping up in various stories. I'd smile a little every time his name got mentioned.
This is an amazing book, and I highly recommend it.
July 11, 2020
A Broken People's Playlist is an exceptional collection of 12 wonderful short stories, inspired by some good, good music.
The stories are written in first and second person POV of which, I enjoyed because it's been a while I read something beautiful from these perspective of POV.
Rather than the regular writing in chapters, the different stories are named after a track list that inspired the creativity of each story.
With each music giving you a hint on what to expect in every story.
These wonderful stories cut across a wide range of themes from family to love, marriage, misdeed, forgiveness, anger, health, loss, abuse, rape, vindication and life's ups and down.
Each characters were really relatable and connectable. You could feel thier various emotions and sympathize with them.
•
_
There is something about short stories that made me not to be a big fan of it, which is how it leaves me with unsettled questions at the end.
But reading Manchester Happened and this book felt different.
I laughed (big time), felt boken, sad, happy and remorseful at different point.
Another beautiful thing about this book was how the characters were interconnected.
•
_
Garricks is such a good storyteller that I can't stop appreciating his works and talking about how his books should be read if you want to have a nice experience when it comes to African literature.
His style of writing (Father lord 🙌, I love it) is phenomenal.
📖
It was hard picking a favourite story because of how good each of them are.
•Lost Stars and In The City, left me broken and sad.
•I Put A Spell on You, left me wanting more and I can't just imagine, how it would all end.
•Hurt, left me thoughtful and questioning myself on what might have been my own decision.
•Song For Someone, Ukela made me screamed and laughed hard.
Girl,her attitude was the real deal.
•River, left me touched and felt what true friendship is.
•Desperado, was the most sensitive story to me because at some point it reminded me of an incident.
•You Suppose Know, 😥❤❤this particular story left me very emotional to the core.
The author's note made me learnt why finding something that motivates and inspires you is very necessary.
As a Garricks stan, I highly recommend you read his book and anticipate his second novel 🤗.
PS: Still wondering what you waiting for, before read his debut (Tomorrow Died Yesterday).
The stories are written in first and second person POV of which, I enjoyed because it's been a while I read something beautiful from these perspective of POV.
Rather than the regular writing in chapters, the different stories are named after a track list that inspired the creativity of each story.
With each music giving you a hint on what to expect in every story.
These wonderful stories cut across a wide range of themes from family to love, marriage, misdeed, forgiveness, anger, health, loss, abuse, rape, vindication and life's ups and down.
Each characters were really relatable and connectable. You could feel thier various emotions and sympathize with them.
•
_
There is something about short stories that made me not to be a big fan of it, which is how it leaves me with unsettled questions at the end.
But reading Manchester Happened and this book felt different.
I laughed (big time), felt boken, sad, happy and remorseful at different point.
Another beautiful thing about this book was how the characters were interconnected.
•
_
Garricks is such a good storyteller that I can't stop appreciating his works and talking about how his books should be read if you want to have a nice experience when it comes to African literature.
His style of writing (Father lord 🙌, I love it) is phenomenal.
📖
It was hard picking a favourite story because of how good each of them are.
•Lost Stars and In The City, left me broken and sad.
•I Put A Spell on You, left me wanting more and I can't just imagine, how it would all end.
•Hurt, left me thoughtful and questioning myself on what might have been my own decision.
•Song For Someone, Ukela made me screamed and laughed hard.
Girl,her attitude was the real deal.
•River, left me touched and felt what true friendship is.
•Desperado, was the most sensitive story to me because at some point it reminded me of an incident.
•You Suppose Know, 😥❤❤this particular story left me very emotional to the core.
The author's note made me learnt why finding something that motivates and inspires you is very necessary.
As a Garricks stan, I highly recommend you read his book and anticipate his second novel 🤗.
PS: Still wondering what you waiting for, before read his debut (Tomorrow Died Yesterday).
November 27, 2021
This book was surprisingly good. In this collection of 12 short stories (inspired by 12 songs), I was taken to Nigeria to experience the wonderful journeys of love, loss, relationship, friendship, self-discovery, forgiveness and redemption. It was such a roller coaster ride of beautiful and sad and broken things.
My top five stories:
🔖 You Suppose Know
🔖 Lost Stars
🔖 River
🔖 I Put Spell on You
🔖 Beautiful War
If there is a glossary of words and terms that I am not familiar with, I will give this book five stars. (At first, I Googled them but then got lazy and pretended I knew all the foreign words.)
My top five stories:
🔖 You Suppose Know
🔖 Lost Stars
🔖 River
🔖 I Put Spell on You
🔖 Beautiful War
If there is a glossary of words and terms that I am not familiar with, I will give this book five stars. (At first, I Googled them but then got lazy and pretended I knew all the foreign words.)
November 3, 2025
“Let lyrics or songs kick start a story, write the story, title it after the song. The formula wasn’t broken, and I wasn’t trying to fix it. Some stories were harder than others, but thankfully I’ve forgotten which ones now.”
And maybe that’s how the best stories are born, not out of perfection, but out of persistence, out of the quiet ache that refuses to stay silent.
I first picked up this book because of a rather unromantic reason: I am planning a trip to East Africa and decided to google “unknown African writers.” Garricks’ name appeared, even though he is not from the countries I am going to visit, he turned out to be exactly what I needed today.
With a title like A Broken People’s Playlist, it didn’t take much convincing. A fusion of music and books? Well, that is my weakness. I am, after all, a hopeless devotee of both, sometimes in that order, sometimes not. And on a day when I find myself revisiting every hour, minute, and second of something that happened in 2012, this book felt like the right companion.
I bought the audiobook and went for a walk. A long one. In Dublin, the city where Garricks was born (though he grew up in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A detail worth noting, to remind us how stories cross oceans, just as easily as songs do).
Ten minutes in, somewhere between the city and the sea, I was already crying.
There are twelve short stories, each orbiting a song, each centered on someone that is a little, or a lot broken. Men and women cracked open by love, loss, family, or life’s unrelenting unfairness. Some mend their fractures, others simply learn how to live with them. But every single one feels real, alive. Bleeding, breathing, reaching through the page (or in my case, through my headphones).
Garricks’ writing is raw, honest, precise and tender, all at once. With a precision that cuts, but with the compassion of someone who has suffered quietly and learned to listen.
His words carry weight, rhythm, and dust. And though steeped in Nigerian life and language, they somehow felt familiar, as if pain and music speak the same language everywhere.
And I want to write like that someday. Raw and unfiltered. Honest enough to sting. Brave enough to talk about sex like coffee, because it is something ordinary, human, essential. And Garricks reminds me that writing isn’t about being smart, it is about being real.
And maybe that is the magic of his writing, it reminded me that people are playlists too. Some tracks are joyful, some are messy, some we don’t even understand until years later.
Note to the author: Dear Mr. Garricks: I loved your writing. And now, after a six-hour walk, with knees that are burning I am “just a girl standing in front of a phone” writing down this review with one small request: please release your other book on Kindle or Audible.
I have made a solemn promise not to buy physical books for a while, and I’d rather not break my own rule… but for you, I just might.
And maybe that’s how the best stories are born, not out of perfection, but out of persistence, out of the quiet ache that refuses to stay silent.
I first picked up this book because of a rather unromantic reason: I am planning a trip to East Africa and decided to google “unknown African writers.” Garricks’ name appeared, even though he is not from the countries I am going to visit, he turned out to be exactly what I needed today.
With a title like A Broken People’s Playlist, it didn’t take much convincing. A fusion of music and books? Well, that is my weakness. I am, after all, a hopeless devotee of both, sometimes in that order, sometimes not. And on a day when I find myself revisiting every hour, minute, and second of something that happened in 2012, this book felt like the right companion.
I bought the audiobook and went for a walk. A long one. In Dublin, the city where Garricks was born (though he grew up in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A detail worth noting, to remind us how stories cross oceans, just as easily as songs do).
Ten minutes in, somewhere between the city and the sea, I was already crying.
There are twelve short stories, each orbiting a song, each centered on someone that is a little, or a lot broken. Men and women cracked open by love, loss, family, or life’s unrelenting unfairness. Some mend their fractures, others simply learn how to live with them. But every single one feels real, alive. Bleeding, breathing, reaching through the page (or in my case, through my headphones).
Garricks’ writing is raw, honest, precise and tender, all at once. With a precision that cuts, but with the compassion of someone who has suffered quietly and learned to listen.
His words carry weight, rhythm, and dust. And though steeped in Nigerian life and language, they somehow felt familiar, as if pain and music speak the same language everywhere.
And I want to write like that someday. Raw and unfiltered. Honest enough to sting. Brave enough to talk about sex like coffee, because it is something ordinary, human, essential. And Garricks reminds me that writing isn’t about being smart, it is about being real.
And maybe that is the magic of his writing, it reminded me that people are playlists too. Some tracks are joyful, some are messy, some we don’t even understand until years later.
Note to the author: Dear Mr. Garricks: I loved your writing. And now, after a six-hour walk, with knees that are burning I am “just a girl standing in front of a phone” writing down this review with one small request: please release your other book on Kindle or Audible.
I have made a solemn promise not to buy physical books for a while, and I’d rather not break my own rule… but for you, I just might.
September 1, 2024
A Broken People's Playlist - Chimeka Garricks
3،5/5⭐️
مجموعة قصصية من نيجيريا، خفيفة ومختلفة ومستلهمة من مجموعة أغاني.
عانت كاتبة هذه المجموعة القصصية من حبسة الكتابة طويلًا وذلك بعد توقفها عن كتابة روايتها الثانية لإكمال دراساتها العليا، ثم ساعدتها الموسيقى للعودة إلى الكتابة وكتبت هذه المجموعة من القصص والمستلهمة من أغاني استمعت إليها كثيرًا. وقائمة الأغاني التي ألهمتها موجودة على اليوتيوب.
3،5/5⭐️
مجموعة قصصية من نيجيريا، خفيفة ومختلفة ومستلهمة من مجموعة أغاني.
عانت كاتبة هذه المجموعة القصصية من حبسة الكتابة طويلًا وذلك بعد توقفها عن كتابة روايتها الثانية لإكمال دراساتها العليا، ثم ساعدتها الموسيقى للعودة إلى الكتابة وكتبت هذه المجموعة من القصص والمستلهمة من أغاني استمعت إليها كثيرًا. وقائمة الأغاني التي ألهمتها موجودة على اليوتيوب.
March 21, 2023
This was…just…beautiful. This collection of 12 short stories is a fantastic read! It’s all about love, loss, and forgiveness. Some stories hit me way harder than others, but each left an impression. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to each and every person who can decipher the alphabet. I’ve got to go back and see what else this author has written while silently praying this wasn’t a fluke!!
June 9, 2023
Anytime a book gives an appreciative nod to the gem that is High Life music, it already has my heart. This book is a lovely collation of several, short stories. Each one with a piece of music as its underlying theme. Listening to the song of each story before reading it, paired with studying the lyrics makes for the richest reading experience.
The stories evoked so many emotions: anger, joy, happiness, sadness…Some felt frustratingly short because they were so good and you’d want to keep reading the story for longer. This was made up for by some of the characters being intertwined, as we saw them appear again in other stories. That was refreshing and a lovely element.
The predictability of the first story was a con for me but the rest? *chef’s kiss*
The Author’s note was vulnerable and honest. Understanding the journey undertaken to write this book, made me appreciate it even more.
A lovely lovely read.
The stories evoked so many emotions: anger, joy, happiness, sadness…Some felt frustratingly short because they were so good and you’d want to keep reading the story for longer. This was made up for by some of the characters being intertwined, as we saw them appear again in other stories. That was refreshing and a lovely element.
The predictability of the first story was a con for me but the rest? *chef’s kiss*
The Author’s note was vulnerable and honest. Understanding the journey undertaken to write this book, made me appreciate it even more.
A lovely lovely read.
April 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this read! Generally, I enjoy reading short stories because each reading session can start and end with each story. They’re always so satisfying to get through.
This collection was so tragic. And beautiful. And thought provoking. And deeply deeply moving. And painful. And heartbreaking. And so very HUMAN at its core. I love how the characters are connected through each story, I love the focus on family and love and relationships, I love the easy and conversational writing style the author uses. Definitely worth the tears. 🥹
This collection was so tragic. And beautiful. And thought provoking. And deeply deeply moving. And painful. And heartbreaking. And so very HUMAN at its core. I love how the characters are connected through each story, I love the focus on family and love and relationships, I love the easy and conversational writing style the author uses. Definitely worth the tears. 🥹
March 2, 2022
A beautifully written, utterly poignant and devastatingly heart wrenching collection of short stories. This is one of those books that grabs your attention from the very first page. Some of the stories made me laugh, most of them made me want to crawl into bed and remain there forever. I was undone by all of these stories. The characters are deeply flawed, problematic even, yet the way their stories intertwined was flawless. These characters feel real. I feel like I know them on a personal level. I could just have drinks with Arese or link up with Takwashi. My doctor could even be Tonse. This doesn't read like fiction, it feels real. And I realize that while the characters may be fictional, their stories are very much real.
I feel raw and hollow. I want to rock myself in a corner while contemplating life's existential dilemma.
Reading this book felt like I was listening to haunting music. This book IS music.
Highly recommend!
P.s: The "Nigerian" english used felt natural and not overdone or forced like in some other books I will not mention 💀
I feel raw and hollow. I want to rock myself in a corner while contemplating life's existential dilemma.
Reading this book felt like I was listening to haunting music. This book IS music.
Highly recommend!
P.s: The "Nigerian" english used felt natural and not overdone or forced like in some other books I will not mention 💀
February 10, 2024
Don’t take my ⭐️⭐️⭐️ to mean I wasn’t feeling this. I was. Some of the stories way more than others. It immediately caught off guard. I was immediately invested. I listen to each song after the story was over to see how it related. I’m glad I thought to do that because it definitely added another layer.
The first and last stories totally choked me up. River was also good, especially after I listened to the song when I was finished. If ALL the stories would have hit me like the 1st and last, this would have been my first ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read of 2024.
The first and last stories totally choked me up. River was also good, especially after I listened to the song when I was finished. If ALL the stories would have hit me like the 1st and last, this would have been my first ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read of 2024.
April 26, 2023
3.75 🥹Some of the stories sucker punched my heart and had me bawling then staring into nothingness. They include:
1. The very first story in the book.
2. The one about white sneakers and police brutality.
3. The womanizer DJ
4. The couple in the last story who came to hospital for treatment...
Hon. Mention - The one about John
You'll forgive me because I don't remember the titles of the stories, but hopefully if you've read this book, you know what I mean.
1. The very first story in the book.
2. The one about white sneakers and police brutality.
3. The womanizer DJ
4. The couple in the last story who came to hospital for treatment...
Hon. Mention - The one about John
You'll forgive me because I don't remember the titles of the stories, but hopefully if you've read this book, you know what I mean.
May 24, 2023
I stared to get a bit bored halfway through but the writing was pretty good. It was also majority straight people, the only LGBT character in the book was graphically hate-crimed which left me not wanting to finish this. It would have been nice for a bit more diversity, but the stories I liked most were the ones without romantic plots.
December 21, 2025
I was surprised by this book, one of the best anthologies I’ve read
I’m still not done crying because of some of the stories
I’m still not done crying because of some of the stories
November 12, 2023
Another book club selection....This was such a lovely read! It's a collection of short stories that largely highlights the experiences of men, well, in life. There's childhood experiences, a lot about adulting - I was happy that we had a story on male friendships - and two stories also talked about old age, which I think is important.
Going by the name of the book, it's obviously a sad one but still manages to be an easy read and very entertaining! Some stories were also very funny.
My two favourite things:
✨Some stories are written in second person.
✨Some characters in one story appeared in others! The stories felt like puzzles and it was my job to find the connecting strings!
I must confess that I didn't manage to get through the playlist that comes with the book...it just didn't work out. I however love that music inspired the stories.
💯 would recommend.
Might even re-read 🤓
Going by the name of the book, it's obviously a sad one but still manages to be an easy read and very entertaining! Some stories were also very funny.
My two favourite things:
✨Some stories are written in second person.
✨Some characters in one story appeared in others! The stories felt like puzzles and it was my job to find the connecting strings!
I must confess that I didn't manage to get through the playlist that comes with the book...it just didn't work out. I however love that music inspired the stories.
💯 would recommend.
Might even re-read 🤓
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
10/10 one of the best short story collections I've ever read!
so sad but so good with storytelling that makes you feel like you're getting a birds eye view into these characters' lives.
A stunner! literally!
so sad but so good with storytelling that makes you feel like you're getting a birds eye view into these characters' lives.
A stunner! literally!
January 3, 2021
I was excited to read this because I’ve been a fan of Chimeka Garricks ever since I read ‘Tomorrow died yesterday’ and I just needed something light to end the year with. This is a collection of 12 short stories set in port harcourt, Nigeria. These stories were inspired by songs and titled after the songs that inspired them.
____
As a music lover, I was excited. Listened to the first song and settled in to read the first story only to end up crying at 2am. I couldn’t continue reading because my heart felt so sore. It was heart wrenching. I picked the book up again the next day and I swiftly read the next three stories and at this point I was starting to see it’s really a book about broken people and how they’ve learnt to cope and survive amidst the pain, loss and heartbreak.
____
All the stories left an impression on me and I found myself thinking about some of the characters a lot more than I should. I dunno whether I related with the characters because I am also somewhat broken ? I just know I felt their loss, heartbreak and pain so deeply. If you’re a music lover like me, you will appreciate how genius this is. I always imagine stories that inspire the music I listen to but what I never did was imagine it the other way round.
____
I appreciated the humor Chimeka infused in most of the stories which was very Nigerian and necessary. This book was definitely written for Nigerians as it was authentically and unapologetically Nigerian and I loved it.
The themes in this book ranged from grief, daddy issues, abuse, loss, family to love & heartbreak.
Some stories that stuck with me - Lost stars, hurt, in the city, I put a spell on you and you suppose know.
____
I also liked that characters featured in more than one story and that just made it feel less like a short story. Chimeka went as far as featuring characters from his debut novel. It was so heartwarming to read. Almost like he wanted us to know they’re doing okay.
____
This book was honestly everything and I hope Chimeka never stops writing. He makes it so effortless.
____
As a music lover, I was excited. Listened to the first song and settled in to read the first story only to end up crying at 2am. I couldn’t continue reading because my heart felt so sore. It was heart wrenching. I picked the book up again the next day and I swiftly read the next three stories and at this point I was starting to see it’s really a book about broken people and how they’ve learnt to cope and survive amidst the pain, loss and heartbreak.
____
All the stories left an impression on me and I found myself thinking about some of the characters a lot more than I should. I dunno whether I related with the characters because I am also somewhat broken ? I just know I felt their loss, heartbreak and pain so deeply. If you’re a music lover like me, you will appreciate how genius this is. I always imagine stories that inspire the music I listen to but what I never did was imagine it the other way round.
____
I appreciated the humor Chimeka infused in most of the stories which was very Nigerian and necessary. This book was definitely written for Nigerians as it was authentically and unapologetically Nigerian and I loved it.
The themes in this book ranged from grief, daddy issues, abuse, loss, family to love & heartbreak.
Some stories that stuck with me - Lost stars, hurt, in the city, I put a spell on you and you suppose know.
____
I also liked that characters featured in more than one story and that just made it feel less like a short story. Chimeka went as far as featuring characters from his debut novel. It was so heartwarming to read. Almost like he wanted us to know they’re doing okay.
____
This book was honestly everything and I hope Chimeka never stops writing. He makes it so effortless.
June 24, 2020
Can the DJ please play me Short and Sweet by @sautisol cause the stories in this collection are fun,lively as well as heartbreaking to read. A Broken’s People Playlist is a twelve short stories collection inspired by music which made me fall in love with the collection more since I heard of its release date. I read the author’s debut last year- Tomorrow Died Yesterday and i can say i am still blown away by his style of writing;descriptive,insightful and damn he knows how to write a good plot twist which I love. The collection weaves themes from family,love,mental health,friendship,rape into this short paged book which made it more insightful as well more detailed.This collection is refreshing and also has a lot of music reference which i would be listening to them soon. You should read it is such a good page turner.
April 11, 2021
I’m so glad I read “tomorrow died yesterday” before I read this and I love how the characters are interlinked in each short story. The book hits different when you listen to each song before you read the chapter.
The last chapter “you suppose know” hits different. I also loved that the author wrote in 2nd person.
Overall it’s a worthy read
The last chapter “you suppose know” hits different. I also loved that the author wrote in 2nd person.
Overall it’s a worthy read
June 15, 2023
D.N.F. It wasn't for me.
November 14, 2023
I liked it a lott. I loved how the characters kept recurring even though each story was different and about different people.
cheating is a disease sha. fear Nigerian men
cheating is a disease sha. fear Nigerian men
Want to read
July 6, 2024Do I think this book is amazing? Heck yeah.
Did I profoundly enjoy the first story? Heck yeah.
Am I continuing to read it? Not now. I cried at the end of the first story -- on hold 😭
Did I profoundly enjoy the first story? Heck yeah.
Am I continuing to read it? Not now. I cried at the end of the first story -- on hold 😭
May 22, 2024
Music. There is something about music. It's soothing, it hurts, it heals, it's a form of meditation and it speaks to most.
The stories in the book are about people and music. Broken people who are knowingly, or unknowingly, in search of healing, redemption and forgiveness (for both self and others). Stories about life, regrets, darkness and all the other things that are thrown at us in the short stint on earth. Music cuts all across.
Short stories that are wonderful to read and for some, beautifully heartbreaking. The author knew exactly where to start and end the stories. Recommended read.
"The things that really matter in this short life of ours are love and family (and music). We should stress less and make love more."
The stories in the book are about people and music. Broken people who are knowingly, or unknowingly, in search of healing, redemption and forgiveness (for both self and others). Stories about life, regrets, darkness and all the other things that are thrown at us in the short stint on earth. Music cuts all across.
Short stories that are wonderful to read and for some, beautifully heartbreaking. The author knew exactly where to start and end the stories. Recommended read.
"The things that really matter in this short life of ours are love and family (and music). We should stress less and make love more."
May 7, 2023
Thank you to Net Galley and HarperVia for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I was able to listen to the audiobook as well as read the ARC and I would recommend both. These are stories are beautifully written enhanced by their titled song. I listened to all the songs at the end of the book but I would recommend listening to them before and after you finish each story. They are all bittersweet in some way. These stories are so full even though they are short stories. They could stand on their own. Some of the stories are related through a common character but they are basically about life and relationships taking place in a certain town in Nigeria (same town that the author grew up in). People are looking for love, forgiveness for mistakes they’ve made, and want to have hope. 4.5 stars.
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