Shelf-Esteem: Ẹniafẹ Isis Adewale

Inside 'an archive of understanding'.

Welcome to Shelf-Esteem; the Substack series in which I interview Substackers I’ve never met about their bookshelves.

When I put the call-out for Shelf-Esteem someone else tagged Ẹniafẹ, and after a little stalking on my part I knew I had to ask her to be a part of this series (one look at her bookshelves and you’ll see why), and kindly she agreed.

Here, my fellow Substacker outlines her reading ethos (“I can read, savor, digest and finish, slowly”), and talks us through the books she returns to time and time again. Find Ẹniafẹ on Substack here:

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Tell me a little about yourself and your bookshelves.

My name is Ẹniafẹ Isis Adewale and the truest description of who and where I am at this time and place is a woman breaking into herself. A year ago I scribbled down in a journal, "just trying to become my favorite place" and this thought, this endeavor and intention has informed so much of my growth and journey. Nneka Julia, a fellow writer and Substacker, has a phrase which I cherish, 'an archive of understanding'. This is what my bookshelves are for me, an archive of history, familial and otherwise, and understanding; a cannon of wisdom for life seen through the lens of literature and art. 

Now tell me about your taste in books, what genres/texts/writing styles are you drawn to?

My taste has changed over the last decade. Historically I have been drawn to fiction—mysteries and mystical stories but the last few years have invited me to delve more into non-fiction and texts that push the boundaries of my knowledge and perspective specifically as it relates to the history of nations, cultures and movements. I am also very keen on texts that provide insight into the creative process whether it be writing, photography, visual design etc. 

What are the oldest and the newest books you have laying on your shelves?

The oldest book on my shelves is The Promise of a New Day, The Classic Book of Daily Meditations. The first paperback edition was published in 1984. I inherited this book from my maternal Great Aunt. For as long as I knew her, she kept this book on a table in her kitchen nook and read from it every day. Its pages helped me through 2020.  Newest is a birthday gift from my Mother, Stories From A Place Where All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt by Raven Jackson. 

What book do you always recommend?

There are a few. Top three (in no particular order):

1. Insightful: The Source of Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditations by Toni Morrison.

2. Heartful: The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker.

3. Moving/Awakening: This Here Flesh by Cole Arthur Riley.

What was the last book you couldn’t finish?

It's less that I couldn't finish it and more that I believe this is a book you read over the course of your life—Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Ph.D. This is a book I pick up, put down, leave and come back to, over and over again.  I am learning that I can savor books, and take my time with them, I don't have to rush and devour. I can read, savor, digest and finish, slowly. 

What’s your favourite non-book item on your shelves?

An imperfect black and white picture of my Mother, taken by a friend. When I printed it, I blew it up so it is framed tightly on her face. It's slightly blurry and grainy. It captures her spirit and essence so beautifully. It's one of those pictures that tells a story and holds memory. 

If you had to leave your home with only one thing from your bookshelves tomorrow, what would it be?

This is such a hard question because my bookshelves hold so many precious treasures. The loudest answer is the Kinkos bound collections of poetry written by my Mother. The other answer is The Source Of Self-Regard by Toni Morrison. This question actually makes me think I need to start hiding pictures, and important letters, and pieces of my own writing, within book pages so when I take a book, there are other artifacts which lie within.

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