An awkward post to write
To be completely transparent, it feels so awkward writing this post.
The world is burning down all around us, people are fighting for their lives every single day, children are starving, and there's so much hate, bigotry, and apathy surrounding us.
It truly feels so weird.
In moments like this, I remember the parable of the talents and the servant who buried his talents. In addition to raising awareness, we must continue to live. On behalf of those who can't, we must continue to live in gratitude for the privilege and positions we've been given through grace.
There is no perfect duration to wait. We can't put our lives completely on hold while we continue to read the room.
I hope you're giving yourself grace too as we all figure out how to keep living and showing up against this surreal background of chaos and inhumanity.
As a storyteller, what I can do is continue to tell the human condition in all its complexity as raw and truthfully as I can through both fiction and non-fiction.
I am proud of these two books I've worked hard to bring into the world. I am grateful I get to do this, and I am also tremendously humbled to be able to write stories.
JOHAN: Now in eBook, Print, Audiobook
Reader reactions to JOHAN
"Your writing and storytelling continues to captivate me."
"The fact you wrote this in a week blows my mind!"
"I am once again captivated by your storytelling, Lola. Seriously, what do you put into your books?! I swear it's like a drug."
"You seriously have a writing superpower."
"Johan is unsettling — Johan makes me think. At times I feel almost sick while reading, yet I’m utterly captivated — I read the entire book in a single sitting. Disturbing and gripping at the same time, it’s a brilliant spin-off."
"Such an interesting read! You have a way with words that transfixes your reader. Highly recommend JOHAN to everyone who’s a lover of pure contemporary fiction."
For fans of In Every Mirror She's Black and Everything Is Not Enough, you asked for Jonny’s view.
Now you have it in JOHAN: A novella.
Spanning three decades, this coming-of-age story dives into the desires, deeds, and dark mind of one of the most controversial characters in Lola’s gripping book series - Johan “Jonny” von Lundin.
You can order it on any of your favorite booksellers including the audiobook.
BITTER HONEY now out in Nigeria via Masobe Books
Two women. Four decades. A lifetime of secrets. Spanning four decades and three continents, Bitter Honey is a story of mothers, daughters, and the importance of carving your own path.
Now out in Nigeria and available from masobebooks.com and leading bookstores near you across the country.
GET BITTER HONEY
(West Africa Edition)
Pre-Order - BITTER HONEY (US/North America)
"Bitter Honey is an urgent call for empathy, grace, and understanding." — Glamour (UK)
“Lọlá Ákínmádé Åkerström crafts sharply written and deeply moving characters, raising brutal questions and steering clear of easy answers.” — Taylor Jenkins Reid, New York Times bestselling author of Atmosphere
"Brilliant...Lola Akinmade Akerstrom has a sharp voice in the world of nuanced contemporary women's fiction." — Jennette McCurdy, New York Times bestselling author
"[Bitter Honey] is sweet and sour, layered and complex, showing us that secrets buried never stay buried." — Montecito Journal
Pre-order your copy today from any of your favorite bookseller. (Coming November 4, 2025).
For urgent inquiries
If you have urgent or time-sensitive inquiries for me and my team, please reach us directly at team@geotravelermedia.com.
Thank you.