I grew up around books

Sauda Simba Kilumanga was a popular figure on our television screens, especially during the days when she anchored news bulletins for ITV and also featured on a South African soap, Egoli.

Sauda also has a passion for literature where she began writing books and short stories, such as ‘The Locked Door’ and ‘The Letter’ which were both published in the national newspaper. Being an avid book reader, she shares with us her passion for literature.

Can you share with us your favourite books and those that you have read so far?

That is a tough question because I have read so many books to date and each one has had its own merits.

I am not sure I have a favourite book as such, just a mountain of books that have touched me in one way or another and which I have enjoyed immensely.

Growing up I read a lot of the Moses series by Barbara Kimenye, Enid Blyton of course and the classics like ‘The lion the witch and the wardrobe, Black beauty etc.Naturally a lot of African folktales and Hans Christian Anderson went into the mix.

A book that was lighthearted and also very consuming was JD Salinger’s “Catcher in the rye” which led me to get the sequel as it were – Franny and Zoey. I wasn’t disappointed.

I am also totally hooked to Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, I have read all her books except Americanah which I have purchased. I am now waiting to curl up on my couch one of these weekends and simply relish in the story.

Any particular reason these books are your favourite?

I love them for the stories that just suck me in, for the quality of writing and questions they raise in my head. They make me stop and be grateful that I have discovered them.

Can you suggest books for fellow Tanzanians to read?

I would say there are books for anyone who is interested in reading and the topics are endless. All literature students no doubt have read Chinua Achebe and Ngugi.

As part of the African Writer series there are wonderful titles and in my own journey of discovery of African writers, I have come across books which I would love to share with others including Mariama Ba – “The scarlet song” which was fantastic.

Camara Laye- “The African child” was funny, touching and raised questions of stereotypical upbringing of children according to gender in African societies. Our very own Elieshi Lema has also written a beautiful read ‘Parched Earth”.

How many books have you read so far?

I have not kept count but I would say it’s an impressive number because I was brought up around books and reading. My mother always bought us a lot of books and she is a reader herself. I love libraries and bookshops. The pleasure of a good book in my hand always makes me feel great.

Which book are you holding now?

I am currently reading Livingstone’s Tribe – a journey from Zanzibar to the Cape by Stephen Taylor. It is an account of a journey in search of what he refers to as Livingstone’s tribe – the whites of post independence. The book also traces the explorers’ routes in their search for the source of the Nile, with interesting commentary.

How many do you have in your library?

I would say close to 800.

What should be done to inculcate a reading culture among Tanzanians?

More reading at school, therefore more libraries; a drive, which some have already begun to create by establishing reading centres. In the lower classes especially, there should be reading corners.

Print media should continue to promote reading but include competitions and interviews with authors, publishers and people in the industry. This column for example is a great initiative by The Citizen.