Prof Amuda-Kannike (SAN) reviews ‘Legend of the Go-Getter’ By Fareedah Adeshina

TITLE OF THE BOOK: “LEGEND OF THE GO – GETTER”
AUTHOR: FAREEDAH, ADESHINA
PUBLISHER: ………………………………………
PAGES: 100 PAGES
PRICE: NOT STATED.

THE BOOK WAS REVIEWED BY PROF. ABIODUN AMUDA-KANNIKE, SAN FCARB, FCE, DEAN, FACULTY OF LAW, KWARA STATE UNIVERSITY, MALETE, VIA ILORIN, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA, AT MUSTAPHA AKANBI LIBRARY & RESOURCE CENTRE, AGBA DAM, G.R.A – ILORIN, KWARA STATE, ON SATURDAY, 10TH OCTOBER, 2020; BOOK REVIEWER EMAIL ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER ARE; amudakannikeabiodun@gmail.com, 08033256756.

INTRODUCTION
The Author of the book under review is Adeshina Fareedah, a 400 Level student of Kwara State University, Malete, via Ilorin, Kwara State. She is also the General Secretary of the Kwara State University Student union body.

The oldest known book written was around 2100 BC, but some scholars believe that these could be transcriptions of earlier Sumerian texts. Integrated version have been found dating from around 2000 – 1700 BC. The most complete “standard” version was written on 12 clay tablets sometime between 1500 1200 BC.

BOOK REVIEW
A book is said to be reviewed when there exist a thorough description, critical analysis and evaluation of the quality, meaning and the significance of a book, often seen in relation to prior research on the topic. Review generally are between 500-1000 words, but could be more or less, as the this depends on the length and complexity of the book being reviewed
The most important purpose of review is to carefully analyse the complex scholarly text and to assess the ability of effectively synthesizing the research in order to arrive at the stage of conclusion about the book or research
There are two (2) general approaches to reviewing a book and they are as follows:

DESCRIPTION REVIEW: This is a situation where the contents and structure of a book are presented objectively as possible, describing the essential information about the purpose of a book and authority.

CRITICAL REVIEW: This is a situation where the reviewer describes and evaluate the book in relation to accepted literary and historical standards and supports this evaluation with evidence from the text and in most cases, in contrast to and in comparison with the book/researches of others

There are about six (6) steps to review a book and they are as follows;
Begin with a summary of the book.

Pick out the most important aspect of the book

Include brief quoting as examples

Write a conclusion that summarizes everything

Find similar book

Give the book a star rating

The followings are books similar to the book under review:
The Go-Getter; by Peter .B. Kyne, (a story that tells you how to be one. This is a story of William Peck. He was a war veteran and amputee who will not be refused what he want. Peck not only fight to find employment but continually proves himself more than competent at the many difficult test that are through his ways in the course of his early days with Ricks Lumber company)

The choice; by Og Mandino (choice, the Key is choice. You have option. You need not spend your life wallowing in failure, ignorance, grief, poverty, shame and self-pity but, hold on! If it is true, then why have so many among us apparently elected to live in that manner? The answer is obvious. Those who lived in unhappy failure have never exercised their options for a better way of life because they have never been aware that they had any choice.

Acres of Diamonds; by Russel Conwell (This book describes success as a spiritual idea and also as being the result of spiritual principles. Though not a get rich guide, it explains how to find for fortune if you know where to look for it. You must find it first in your conscience. The core belief is that each of us is placed here on earth for the primary purpose of helping others. A man sold his farm to travel far and wide in search of diamond.

The legend of the Monk and the Merchant; principles for successful living by Terry Felber; (A fantastic adventure of personal growth-set in 16th century Italy. Young Julio, who was taken on a quest into adulthood as his grandfather reveals mysterious family secrets Wooven through the story are 12 principles of success including; work hard and God will prosper you. Be meek before God but be bold before men, live debt-free and below your means, set aside the first 10% to honour God.)

Becoming a person of influence; How to positively impact the live of others; by John .C. Maxwell (this book shows that America’s Leadership expert teaches that if your life in any way connects with other people, you are an influencer. Whatever your vocation or aspiration is, you can increase your impact with Maxwell’s simple, insightful ways to influence interact more positively with others.

Chapter one describes the youthful upbringing of a lady called “Basyla, she was a big girl, because she was an adolescent gradually reaching adulthood. Courage, determination and calculated, risk-taking made her different from her sister Dorosa. From her tender age, she loved involving herself in actions which seems difficult for kids to endanger themselves. The love to learn various skills perfectly always trouble her mind till she learnt one skill after the other. A horse-trainer came to the community, Basyla did well in training and this made some boys hate her as she was the only female who volunteered to be trained in horse riding.

Chapter two, describes the behavioural pattern of Basyla as a lover of nature and poetry. She studies the nature, and composed poems on this, including envisaging what she is expecting in life, vis-a-vis her dream of future marital life. This culminated in her Aunt requesting her to come to another town to help her in her trading activities since the Aunt was to travel. Basyla was not ready to leave her parents and only her sister, but had to accept the request to travel upon being persuaded by her mother. She eventually left her community for her Aunt community.

Chapter Three introduced us to the palace and Royal setting. The description of Ladim Rahag, the King of Regauri who exhibits royalty always and was in the process of celebrating the arrival of another mistress whom Ladim wish to marry, making the new entrant the fourth wife. However, the first wife of king Ladim was “Lajara” who was the mother of the heir-Apparent, Mohab, Rajah. On this special day, instead of attending the lavish ceremony, the Heir-Apparent took out several horses and guards, he decided to go for fun till night fall, finding himself in the community where Basyla travelled to see her Aunty, coincidentally, her Aunt husband was the one who met the Heir Apparent inside the bush where he went out hunting.

Chapter Four of the book introduced us to Basyla’s journey to meet her Aunt at Karo community, They got to the railway station before Karo and decided to buy some snacks with her friend she met on the train, they were attacked and kidnapped by the hoodlums who usually attack the train station, the Aunt and the husband, the Heir Apparent who just entered Karo community; looked everywhere for them, they eventually escaped and ran through the bushes until they got to the river at Karo, where they met with the Heir-Apparent and his guards, they were taken to their respective homes.

Chapter Five of the book introduced us to Mohab (The Heir Apparent remaining behind in the bush, but in between this time, “all of a sudden, the thought of the young defiant lady who hit him ran across him. He tried so hard to fathom the type of person she was”.
The character of Basyla which she brought from her parents town, became well known now in Karo Community, she assisted her Aunt excellently, she was dedicated to her duties, her Aunt had every cause to be happy with her.

Chapter Six, here the Heir apparent was in deep thought about Basyla, the mother advised him to look for a woman to marry but not the lady he grew up together whom everyone jokingly called his wife but who is a pompous and arrogant lady. The story line moves on to Basyla and her friend. The comparism of attitude of selling/trading between kudra her friend incidentally the daughter of the market leader who would not trade for her mother to Basyla who has persuasive ways of convincing customers to buy goods. A dumb child missed her way, Basylia took her to the traditional ruler place while her friend helped her to stay at the shop, she abused several customers and sold little.

Chapter Seven, talks about preparations for the “Great Rauguri” market on each twenty-fifth crescent moon when different communities come to buy as well as displayed talents. Announcement were made in various towns making up the kingdom. But before the occasion, the Heir – apparent felt that the horses should be warmed up by going far distances and catch fun as part of the exercise. He was persuaded to choose karo community where he and Basyla had met, he had thought about how she had earlier given her fist blow. At the same time, Basyla and her friend, Kudra were preparing to leave the town to catch fun. They went to the field, outskirt of Karo Community and enjoyed horse riding. They eventually met at the field within the bush of Karo and recognized each other. Mohab took his time to announce to them about the upcoming event at Rauguri kingdom.

Chapter Eight, shows us a captivating story of how Basyla’s Aunt eventually became the market leader after the plot of Basyla friend’s mother who out of envy planned against her by reporting that her Aunt husband is sleeping with her (Basyla) and also plotting to drop illegal stolen goods on Basyla’s bag. It was the Heir – apparent, Mohab who stayed behind after his troop had left that exposed the market, leader who incidentally happened to be Kudra’s mother.

Chapter 9 is a story of how Mohab, (Heir – Apparent) had to tell his mother and father that he is in love with Basyla of Karo Community, and wish to marry her because of her character, and beauty, the mother accepted the request but the father Ladim (His Royal Majesty) was not supportive, asking him why he should no longer be interested in his childhood friend, Mauri. The wedding of Darosa, Basyla sister took place but she felt bad that her sister was not around to witness the wedding. At this stage, Basyla and her friend just like the whole of Karo were preparing for the great event of Rauguri kingdom.

Chapter 10 relate to us, how the great even took place at Rauguri Kingdom, Basyla participated and succeeded. Mohab concentrated fully in watching Basyla participated. However, the jealousness of Mauri who felt she should be the one, to be married to Mohab, instead of Basyla, increased. So she started planning how to deal with Basyla. She planned and sent a young girl to give Basyla poisoned water but one of the maid who overheard the plot gave her banana to reduce the effect of the poison. Mohab used the opportunity later in the night to propose love to Basyla.

Chapter 11 which is the last chapter of the bock dealt with, the conclusion of the event where “Kara town” was awarded the best in skill acquisition competition and with Basyla being declared as the overall best participant. Basyla became more popular in Kara and loved by the people.

The King requested Basyla to ask for whatever she desire apart from the gift already given to her. She wonderfully requested from King Ladim that she wants a skill acquisition school to be established for her, where she would train young boys and girls skills acquisition. A lot of people respect her more for not being self-centered but ready to develop humanity. Mauri, not happy that Baysla is now the new lover of the Heir Apparent planned and stole the necklace of the King of be kept in Basyla’s bag. This was kept in her bag. Her secret was eventually exposed. Eventually Mohab married Basyla, her skills acquisition center was built and she hired her horse trainer to be in charge of the centre, what an interesting story, notwithstanding the ups and downs for Basyla, her determination to succeed came to pass and really it is the story of “legend of the Go-Getter”`.

CRITIQUE
The writing is good but there are areas for improvement.
The Vivid language used by the author instantly transported me into the world but there are some that require modifications.

There are places where “coma” should come in specifically page 4 Line 1 after the word “could” among others.
Silent is a synonym for transquil. In chapter 2 page 8 Line 1 and 2, you should use silence instead of transquil.

There are words which were merged together instead of being separated such as pages 24 paragraphs 3 and 7 pages 42 paragraphs 4 and 5 page 46 paragraph 1, page 90 paragraphs 3 and 5.

POSITIVE
The Layout of the story and analysis are captivating, interesting and heart touching.
There is no doubt that after reading one chapter, there is the urge to read the other chapter continuously.

Chapter 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9 are is excellent especially with the metaphors and hyperboles used.
The Author work contains the essential features of good literature as the theme is good, it explains the theme, it has compelling idea, the style and grammars are unique, and the back book sound genuine.

EVALUATION
The Author in publishing this book has achieved her desired objective which is to make more books, to be available for the reading public.

The Author intention herein again is to make sure literary works are given their rightful place in the society with quality and quantitatiive work.
Furthermore, the Author intention can be seen in encouraging all us to desire the best in life, no matter the difficulties we have to go through, in achieving our aims and objectives.

CONCLUSION
We accordingly recommend this important book, the first of its kind in Kwara State University and in Kwara state in terms of its usefulness, to the reading public, most especially, the students, lecturers, the NGOs, those in government and the Society at large, including theatre Art practitioners who can pay the Author some money in order to use it for film production.
The few areas requiring corrections as discovered in the review are not new when a book such as this are published, there shall always be room for improvement accordingly, this book has passed the litmus test and is of high standard in the literary world.

Published By: Admin

Hon. CARL UMEGBORO is a legal practitioner (Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and human rights activist. As an advocate of conflict resolution through ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution), he has acquired intensive training and has been inducted into The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (United Kingdom) as an Associate. He is a prolific writer and public affairs analyst. Prior to his call to Bar as a lawyer, he has been a veteran journalist and columnist in all national newspapers, and has over 250 published articles in various newspapers to his credit. Barrister Umegboro is also a regular guest-analyst to many TV and radio programme on crucial national issues. He can be reached through: (+234) 08023184542, (+234) 08173184542 OR Email: umegborocarl@gmail.com

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