I Write What I Like- Book Review

Steve Biko; I write What I Like is the best book I have read in 2021 (so far). I was skeptical about reading it, mostly because I am inclined to be more current in my book choices. But then again, a book as old as time, well written, can be thematically forward.

The cover of the copy I read has a black and white picture of Biko- a lover of people, mid-sentence. The grey-scale freezes his vibrancy, a testament to a legacy curtailed by death too soon.

I wasn’t too eager to pick it up except for; This is Steve Biko! Father of the Black Consciousness movement.

I watched Cry Freedom severally growing up and reading the book, I could not remember much of the movie except the gallons of tears I shed.

I gave the book a chance on the fact that I would be looking at a historical authority with current and adult eyes, and also the very exciting fact that I would be getting into Biko’s mind. The latter motivation ended up being the bedrock upon which my love for the book and praise for the man now lies.

He was undoubtedly a brilliant mind; unapologetic, articulate, and hard-hitting. His writing alludes to his purposefulness and strategic mindset. His prose packs hefty punches, antagonizing only the perpetrators of evil and injustice while being refreshingly devoid of the mudslinging characteristic of political discourse.

Every piece is anchored by a purpose and a structure that enhances contemplation. He takes time with setting the foundation for the big idea and doesn’t take the nuts and bolts for granted.

You cannot take a passive approach reading him.

The book captures his writings from 1969–1972 with a lens that flexes from contextual issues like Apartheid, and the Black Consciousness movement, to broader thematic areas like Human Rights. He gets philosophical concerning humanity; pain, suffering, value, evil, and so on, leaving you with more questions than answers in a progressive way; a restlessness of heart that stems from wondering why we repeat cycles expecting different results.

While reading him, I wondered why despite the pace set by the Black Consciousness movement in its early stages in South Africa; the world is yet to catch up to the truth of inherent human worth, not dependent on race as evidenced by the increasing racial unrest. Why is Africa relegated to a 3rd party in its affairs? Why do Kenyans continue to be willing pawns in a political game where there’s only debt to gain?

In the short memoir presented at the end of the book, a vivid picture is painted of the man, magnifying the sense of loss of a great man of Africa. The irony of his banning and subsequent death is that we can forever savor his mind.

I highly recommend this book.