Confessions of Nairobi Men by Joan Thatiah
For the month of July, I read Confessions of Nairobi Men, a raw and powerful collection of true stories penned by Joan Thatiah. After seeing it trending on TikTok, I decided to give it a try, and let me tell you—it seriously tested my emotions.
The book offers a glimpse into the real-life experiences of men from Nairobi and beyond, with each of the fifteen chapters unveiling a different tale.
Joan does an incredible job of capturing these stories in all their messy, raw, and sometimes even inspiring details.
I wasn’t prepared for the emotional rollercoaster this book would take me on. While it’s a great eye-opener to the realities of life in Nairobi—particularly in the dating scene—I’d be cautious recommending it to anyone who’s easily triggered or still processing their own traumas. Every chapter intensifies, and just when you think things can’t get worse, the next story proves you wrong.
One of the major takeaways for me was that there’s always more beneath the surface, especially when it comes to relationships. The book taught me that no amount of precaution can prevent certain situations from unfolding—and there are people out here living through them, hiding it all too well.
The stories call for empathy, not judgment, as they reveal the struggles men endure—struggles we often overlook.
Joan masterfully shares their perspectives without bias, making this a read that’s sure to resonate with many. If you’re ready for a deep dive into raw, emotional stories, definitely check it out from a text book center near you.