Akwaeke Emezi Reading Order
5 series · 19 books
Akwaeke Emezi is a Nigerian-American author and artist whose work blends memoir, fiction, and philosophical inquiry to explore identity, spirituality, and the complexities of existing between worlds. Known for lyrical, introspective prose that challenges conventional narrative forms, Emezi draws on their background as a visual artist to create densely layered stories that interrogate consciousness and belonging. Their body of work spans intimate personal essays and imaginative fiction, establishing them as a distinctive voice in contemporary literature that refuses easy categorization.
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Collections Series
Complete1 book (2022–2022)
Memoirs Series
Complete1 book (2021–2021)
Pet Series
Likely Complete2 books (2019–2022)
Akwaeke Emezi's Pet series comprises two books published between 2019 and 2022. The series appears to be complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Pet followed by Bitter. This two-book collection explores themes through Emezi's distinctive narrative voice and storytelling approach.
Start with Pet and read in order.
Start this series with Pet
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Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete8 books (2013–2020)
Akwaeke Emezi's Short Stories/Novellas series comprises eight works of creative nonfiction published between 2013 and 2020. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with How to Hide a Child and concluding with My Spirit Burns Through This Body. This finished collection includes the titles Burial, Sometimes the Fire is Not Fire, The Texture of Joy, Welcome, Who Is Like God, and Transition among its eight entries.
Start with How to Hide a Child, the first of 8 books in the Short Stories/Novellas series.
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | How to Hide a Child 2013 |
| 2 | Burial 2015 |
| 3 | Sometimes the Fire is Not Fire 2015 |
| 4 | The Texture of Joy 2016 |
| 5 | Welcome 2016 |
| 6 | Who Is Like God 2017 |
| 7 | Transition 2018 |
| 8 | My Spirit Burns Through This Body 2020 |
Standalone Novels Series
Ongoing7 books (2018–2027)
Akwaeke Emezi has published six standalone novels between 2018 and 2025, with the series still ongoing. These books should be read in publication order, beginning with Freshwater. Each novel stands alone and can be enjoyed independently, though reading them in the order they were released provides insight into the author's evolving work.
Start with Freshwater, the first of 6 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Start this series with Freshwater
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Akwaeke Emezi written?
- Akwaeke Emezi has written 19 books across 5 series. Their published works span from 2013 to 2027.
- What is the first book in each Akwaeke Emezi series?
- Here are the first books in Akwaeke Emezi's series: Pet: Pet; Short Stories/Novellas: How to Hide a Child.
- What order should I read Akwaeke Emezi's books?
- We recommend reading Akwaeke Emezi's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Akwaeke Emezi still writing new books?
- Yes, Akwaeke Emezi has 1 ongoing series: Standalone Novels.