I Would Begin With Normally - by Odera Macfoy Akachukwu (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

I Would Begin with Normally: ATOM's Journey to Soaring Heights, is a reflection of author Odera Macfoy Akachukwu's life. It's not just a retelling of events but a journey through struggles, triumphs, and the lessons he's learned along the way. At its heart, this book is about resilience and the beauty of embracing what makes us different. It weaves together several layers: the author's own story, the biblical journey of Joseph, and a collection of poetry and introspective thoughts that give it a deeply personal touch. It's part memoir, part fiction, and part self-discovery.

The story begins by exploring Akachukwu's early years in Nigeria and challenges in academics. Not knowing he had dyslexia, the author felt like an outsider and often questioned his worth, intelligence, and place in the world. Despite the struggles, he always had a strong family support system. Books became his refuge, a place where he could escape and imagine a world where he wasn't limited by what others thought he couldn't do.

In the book, Akachukwu uses the story of Joseph from the Bible as a parallel to his own journey. Joseph faced betrayal, hardship, and so many setbacks, but he never let go of his dreams. Like Joseph, the author had moments where he felt like he was in a pit, wondering how he'd ever climb out. But those moments taught him resilience and showed that even in the darkest times, there's a way forward if you keep pushing.

The story also touches on universal themes: overcoming adversity, the importance of self-belief, and the power of community. It's about taking the challenges life throws at you and turning them into stepping stones instead of stumbling blocks. It's about dreaming big, even when the world tells you to play small.

"By the end of the book, the message is clear: no matter where you start, no matter what obstacles you face, you can soar. You can take the very things that people say make you "less than" and use them to become more. That's what I've done, and it's what I hope readers will take away from my story." Odera Macfoy Akachukwu

Review Quotes

Odera Akachukwu takes you on a wonderful journey as he intertwines the story of his life Joseph from the Old Testament. This book teaches you to overcome setbacks and win in life. Adding prose and poetry, his beautiful words inspire and captivate. Dr. Jeff Backer PhD, Senior Pastor, Great Faith Church

I Would Begin with Normally reminded me of Jeremiah 6:16 "This is what the LORD says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.' With this book, Odera Akachukwu seems to have reached a place of rest and maps out a path for others to follow. It's a book about a man's journey of self-discovery, charting his thirst for wisdom and understanding, his desire to live a rich and meaningful life. Through the honest and tender retelling of his life's experiences, we catch bright and beautiful glimpses of the good way. Gazelle Mba Mphil Cantab, Award winning writer, speaker and consultant