Minna is one of those towns in Niger State where you see everything. In a place called Abayi Close, you will find all sorts of people living together. There are rich people with big houses and poor people living in small rooms. There are Muslims and Christians, and everyone just goes about their business. One night, a very heavy rain started falling. It was the kind of rain that makes the whole world feel cold and quiet. The only sound you could hear was the water hitting the zinc roofs and the loud thunder that could make anyone jump. The wind was blowing hard, and everywhere was just freezing. While most people were sleeping comfortably under their blankets, one young man named Al-Ameen was going through something very painful.
Al-Ameen was lying in his small room near the entrance of their house. He was on a small mattress, wrapped in a blanket, but he wasn't really sleeping. Even though it was so cold outside, he was sweating and breathing like someone who just finished a long race. You could tell just by looking at him that he was in deep trouble. He has been dealing with this strange pain in his lower belly for about four years now. It started when he was eighteen, and it always gets worse when the weather is cold like this. He hasn't told anyone about it, not even his mother who he loves more than anyone in the world. He just keeps it all inside and fights the pain alone.
The pain was so bad that he couldn't even move. He saw his bag hanging on the wall where he hid his medicine, but he couldn't reach it. One part of the book says — "He kept looking at the bag, feeling like if he had the power, he would just call the bag to come to him where he was lying, but he knew that wasn't possible." (translated from Hausa). He just stayed there, praying to God to help him. After a long time, maybe an hour and a half, the pain started to go down a little bit. He managed to get up, shaking and holding his belly, and finally took his medicine with some water. This guy's life is really hard, and you can see more stories about people facing tough times on Taskar Novels where you can find many interesting books.
While Al-Ameen was struggling in his small room, the story takes us to another house in the same town. This house is completely different. It is big and beautiful. This is where a girl named Joy James lives. Her morning is nothing like Al-Ameen's. When her alarm went off at 6 AM, she woke up in a big, comfortable bed. She didn't have to worry about pain or medicine. She just stretched her body and said "in Jesus name" before getting up. Joy is a very pretty girl with long hair, and her parents treat her like a little queen. Her room is full of expensive things, from her body lotions to her perfumes. She has so many clothes and shoes that it looks like she wants to open a shop. She is definitely living the soft life.
Joy spent a long time getting ready for school. She dried her hair, put on nice cream, and dressed up in her school uniform, which is a white shirt and a tight sky-blue skirt. She looked very smart. When she went downstairs, the whole house was already clean and smelling good. Her parents, who she calls Mom and Papa, were waiting for her. They are the kind of parents who really love each other. They were even holding hands as they walked down the stairs. They all sat down to a big breakfast with so many different types of food. It’s the kind of luxury you see in novels like YAR NOLLYWOOD where everything is flashy. You can download Hausa novels like this to see how the other half lives.
Even though they have a driver named Peter, Joy’s mom decided to drop her off at school herself that morning. Her dad gave her a big hug and a kiss on the cheek, telling her to take care of herself. Joy acted like a typical pampered child, giving them attitude in a sweet way. But there is something Joy is hiding. As soon as her mom dropped her off at the school gate and drove away, Joy didn't go inside. She stood there for a few minutes to make sure no one was looking. The book says — "She stood at the gate for five minutes, and when she saw nobody was watching, she turned around quickly and started running away from the school gate." (translated from Hausa). She was trying to sneak away to somewhere else.
But someone saw her. A boy named David saw her and shouted her name, "Joy James!" He tried to stop her, but Joy didn't even look back. She just gave him a bad look and kept running. This part of the story makes you wonder what Joy is up to. Why is she running away from school when she has everything? She has a car, a rich family, and a good life, but she is still acting out. It reminds me of the drama in MAFARI HARGITSIN RAYUWA where things are not always what they seem. Aysha Nalado really knows how to make you curious about her characters. You can find more best Hausa novels that talk about this kind of teenage rebellion.
Back at Al-Ameen’s house, even though he was still feeling weak, he got up for the early morning prayer. He is a very dedicated young man. He took his plastic kettle to get water for ablution, even though the cold air was hitting him hard. He is trying so hard to be a man and handle his problems without bothering anyone. The difference between his life and Joy’s life is just too much. He is fighting for his health and survival, while she is playing games with her education. If you like reading about deep life struggles, you should check out MABARACIYAH. It’s another great story about life’s ups and downs.
This book, JOY, is full of drama from the very first page. You have a boy who is suffering in silence and a girl who seems to have everything but is looking for trouble. I wonder if their paths will ever cross. The way the author describes the rain in Minna and the feeling of the cold makes you feel like you are right there with them. I love how the story shows both the rich and the poor sides of the town. It makes the story feel very real. You can read many Hausa novels online that show this kind of reality in our society today.
Aysha Nalado did a great job with the characters in this first book. Joy is a character you might like and be annoyed with at the same time because she is so spoiled. And Al-Ameen is someone you just want to help. The mystery of his illness is also very heavy. Is it something spiritual or just a medical condition he doesn't understand? He is only twenty-two, but he carries the weight of an old man. This kind of emotional story is what you get in books like TUKUICIN SO 1 or RAYUWARMU A YAU. They really touch your heart.
I also liked how the author showed Joy's family. They are Christians, and they seem very happy and modern. Her mom doesn't even wear a headscarf at home, and they speak English to each other. It’s a very different vibe from Al-Ameen’s house where everything is more traditional and quiet. This contrast is what makes the drama so good. If you want to read more about different family dynamics, AAMINAT Bazawara is another one you should look for. It's really interesting to see how different people live their lives in the same country.
So, what is going to happen to Joy now that she has run away from school? Will David tell on her? And will Al-Ameen ever find a cure for his pain? There are so many questions after reading just the beginning. The drama is just starting, and I can't wait to see where it goes. You really need to get this book and read it for yourself. It’s the kind of story that keeps you thinking even after you put the book down. You can get Joy Book 1 and many other amazing stories on Taskar Novels. They have all the best stories that will keep you entertained for a long time.
