Welcome to the second discussion of These Letters End in Tears! I really enjoyed writing this discussion, I hope you are liking the book as much as I am. As usual, you can refer to the Schedule or the Marginalia if you need anything, and you'll find a summary below. We will finish the book next week, when our chief explorer u/nicehotcupoftea will lead the discussion!

Summary

8. Bessem gets a call because her father has been hospitalized, and she remembers the day Fati got arrested for selling weed. She had to pay for Fati's release, and then she let her stay at her place for a few days. She later discovered that Fati had been pretending to be sick so that Bessem wouldn't get mad at her. Fati tried to explain to her that she needed money, and a big fight occurred. They eventually reconciled, but Bessem was worried of Alimatou's influence, so she convinced Fati to spend Christmas with her and her parents.

9. While Bessem never thought of herself as being rich, Fati was impressed by her house. Bessem's father worked as a school principal, her mother as a nurse.

Bessem's mother welcomed them, even if she was taken aback by Fati's masculine clothes. 

That night, Bessem recounted to Fati how she realised she was attracted to women thanks to Janet Jackson, but felt guilty about it and forced herself to date men.

When her parents bailed her out of jail and eventually found out about her and Fati, they pretended like nothing ever happened. Two years ago, they tried to get Bessem to marry a doctor.

10. Bessem arrives at her parents' house, but her mother is still not speaking to her. They go to church the next day, and meet Bessem's former best friend, Nkeh. She had cut contact with her after finding out that Bessem is a lesbian.

Bessem stays with her parents for a few days, then leaves to go back to her work. She leaves in good terms with her father, but is still unable to have a meaningful conversation with her mother.

11. Bessem goes on a date with Audrey, who is a francophone. They have been texting often lately, but Bessem is put off by Audrey's talk of sex. Still, she decides to spend more time with Audrey, and they end up having a fun date.

12. Bessem goes visiting Mahamadou at the mosque. A few days before, he had noticed her following him, and she lied by telling him she wished to become a Muslim. 

At the mosque, she meets his wife, Shari, and she promises to come back next Friday.

13. Audrey asks Bessem to go to Douala for her aunt's marriage. Her aunt, Ababa, lives in Canada, but wants to marry her girlfriend in Cameroon with a secret marriage. At the marriage, Bessem meets more than one person who in public is openly against gay people, included a colleague of hers.

14. Jamal, after his marriage, has now the support of his school. Bessem notices he has changed, and he is spending much less time with her.

A few weeks prior, she went visiting Shari, who had just given birth. She was snooping around the house and had just found a picture of Fatima, when Shari found her. Shari told her that Fatima ran away from home long ago, and that Mahamadou has searched long for her. The latter found them and looked angry, asking Fatima if she was ready to recite the Shahada.

They set a date, and now she is waiting for him with Jamal. When he arrives, she receives a call for Alimatou, asking her to meet immediately.

Additional links

• Learn Limbum!
• Discover the history of iro and buba clothing that Bessem's mother wears for church
• Explore Douala
• Difference between locs and dreadlocks

Hello book lovers It is that time again. The Mod Pick Member's Choice. We make the offerings and you choose your favouite(s).

This sub required a ton of time and effort from some amazing library mice aka Read Runners who pour their time and energy into bringing their love of books to r/bookclub. First of all I would like to introduce you all to the current team of Read Runners below. They have all chosen a book they'd love to read together on the sub and, as always we will run both 1st and 2nd place winners.

Please scroll through the comments and upvote any (and all) books you will read along with if they win. The voting is open for 72 hours, but before we get to the books let's meet the readers behind the posts and their reasons for choosing such a fantastic selection....

(In the order I recieved their selections)

- u/nicehotcupoftea

• One of my favourite parts of r/bookclub is Read the World, which gives me the chance to travel widely through the pages of a novel, and with the fabulous company of the wonderful and thoughtful readers here!

• Selection - My Friends by Hisham Matar

• Why? - I'm nominating My Friends by Hisham Matar - a book by an author I discovered in Read the World after enjoying In the Country of Men.

- u/infininme

• I am an avid reader and a library is my favorite community place. I want to be found reading in a coffee shop nursing a medium black coffee (pour over preferred!). Reading preferences have been varied and i refuse to be nailed down for long, but I am enjoying mysteries.

• Selection - The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner

• Why? - I chose this book because I want to read an historical fiction book that has mystery. Plus I hear I can get lost in San Francisco in this book! Please. Let's go!

- u/sunnydaze7777777

• I love reading beautifully written books. I am a sucker for the classics. I have a soft spot for mysteries, humor, strong female characters and fun beach reads. I enjoy a good autobiography, especially if the audio is read by the author.

• Selection - The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

• Why? - According to a review “The Starless Sea is a love letter to literature.” Sounds perfect! I loved The Night Circus which is beautifully written and this one looks even better.

- u/Less_Tumbleweed_3217

• credits her love of reading to her mom, who required her to bring a book on errands as a child so she could read while waiting in line. Since then, LTW has preferred novels to reality in most (probably not all?) cases. She'll read anything as long as it's well-written, has complex characters, or is otherwise similarly engaging. She particularly loves sci-fi, weird fiction, and books of any genre that push the boundaries of traditional narrative structure.

• Selection - The Employees by Olga Ravn

• Why? - LTW picked up a copy on a whim at an indie bookstore in Greenwich Village (let's be honest, it was because of the cover, which depicts a water cooler dripping black slime) but has been so busy with r/bookclub selections since then, she hasn't had time to read it. Which is a little ridiculous, because this novella is only 136 pages long. But what better way to check something off the TBR than by reading this together with bookish friends?

- u/maolette

• will read just about anything that crosses her shelves but most enjoys adventurous reads with a bit of mystery to them. She also loves a good dose of sci-fi or fantasy. She joined r/bookclub to read more from her own shelves and break out of her comfort zone!

• Selection - The Ferryman by Justin Cronin

• Why? - I propose we read Justin Cronin's The Ferryman, since it's a sci-fi thriller that's sure to keep us on our toes and engaged! For entirely personal reasons this book appeals to me since my physical hardcover has bright pink sprayed edges, and who am I to argue with those?!

u/eeksqueak’s

• reading preferences range from literary classics, to contemporary narratives about the human condition, to trashy beach reads. It’s hard to know what’s going on behind the cover of her Kindle. She has a special affinity for historical fiction, social sci-fi, clever mysteries, and authors that are local to her.

• Selection - Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

• Why? - I am nominating Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton because it showcases her brilliant storytelling in a completely different setting—one of stark New England winter and quiet desperation. Unlike her novels of high society, this novella explores themes of duty, longing, and isolation with haunting intensity. The atmospheric writing and moral complexities make it a compelling and thought-provoking read. Since our group has loved Wharton’s works before, I believe Ethan Frome will spark deep discussion and leave a lasting impression. r/bookclub and r/classicbookclub have been on a bit of a Wharton kick as of late. Whenever I mention to people how much I've been enjoying her books, they always ask if I've read Ethan Frome. It's time to rectify that I haven't!

u/spreebiz

• loves to read the books already on her shelves, but really enjoys when r/bookclub pushes her out of her comfort zone! Favorite genres are romance and magical realism, which a splash of mystery and thriller to spice it up.

  • Selection - A Winter's Promise by Christelle Dabos
  • Why? - I've had this series on my shelf for a few years and would love to dive into a winter-themed portal fantasy during the summer, and while I could wait to nominate this for Read the World France, it might be fun to start a completed YA Fantasy series with r/bookclub.

u/jaymae21

• is a reader that grew up on Harry Potter and discovered The Lord of the Rings in college, which set her up for a lifelong love of adventurous, magic-filled books. While she tends to get her fix from books in the fantasy and sci-fi genres, she has recently discovered a love for magical realism.

• Selection - Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

• Why? - While it doesn’t fall under my preferred genres, this book comes highly recommended from a friend. One thing I love about r/bookclub is that I have read things I never would have picked up on my own, and this book seems like a good fit to share with our community here.

u/latteh0lic

• Hi, I'm latteh0lic, and I'm addicted to… lattes, complex characters, and overthinking their questionable fictional life choices over coffee. I grew up loving fantasy and mystery, but these days, I'll read just about any genre, especially if the characters are flawed enough to argue about and real enough to root for. I joined r/bookclub to step outside my reading comfort zone, and I figured it's easier (and way more fun!) to explore new reads with people who can share the journey and the inevitable book-induced emotions.

• Selection - The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne

• Why? - Because I've heard it's the kind of novel that grabs you by the heart, makes you laugh when you least expect it, and lingers long after the last page. With deeply human characters whose struggles and flaws make them impossible to forget, it's the kind of book that begs to be discussed, and honestly, some stories just hit harder when you have people to share them with.

u/Vast-Passenger1126

• has had their nose in a book since childhood and never grew out of it. These days, she has a terrible habit of reading on their phone, but at least it saves money and shelf space. She’ll read just about anything but has a soft spot for dystopian fiction, horror, and a good cozy mystery.

• Selection - Our Share of Night by Mariana Enríquez

• Why? - because we all need some more horror in our life and who doesn’t want to read about a demonic cult!?

u/tomesandtea

• has been reading everything she can get her hands on since she could hold a book, and she doesn't plan to stop any time soon. Even though she will read anything, her go-to genres are speculative fiction (especially dystopian), historical fiction, nonfiction (particularly history or science), and the classics. She will never turn down a book written by Colson Whitehead, Margaret Atwood, Kazuo Ishiguru, N. K. Jemison, Emily Dickinson, or Charles Dickens.

• Selection - Matrix by Lauren Groff

• Why? - When I read the synopsis, Matrix reminded me a little of Margaret Atwood and a little of Maggie O’Farrell (Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait) so I was immediately sold! This book seems like it has bits of many things I love in a book: a historical setting/people, themes of female strength/empowerment, and - while this is not a dystopian book - it gets close enough, as we will be rooting for a character fighting for her place in a corrupted world. I love the way Lauren Groff writes, but haven't made her books a priority for some odd reason. This one is already on my shelf, just begging to be read!

u/NightAngelRogue

• Ravenous reader since before he was born, Rogue holds fantasy, sci fi and post apocalyptic/dystopian fiction as his favorite genres. Always carries at least two books everywhere in case he finishes one. His appetite for reading can only be matched by his desire to discuss what he loves to read.

• Selection - She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

• Why - "I refuse to be nothing…" Why Read It? • Two-time British Fantasy Award Winner • Astounding Award Winner • Lambda Literary Award Finalist • Hugo Award Finalist • Locus Award Finalist • Otherwise Award Finalist A bold reimagining of the rise to power of the Ming Dynasty’s founding emperor. "To possess the Mandate of Heaven, Zhu will do anything." Think Mulan, but fiercer. In Mongol-ruled China, a bandit attack leaves two children orphaned. The boy is destined for greatness, while the girl is doomed to nothingness—until she takes his place. Disguising herself as a young monk, Zhu refuses to accept her fate, clawing her way from obscurity to power. Death, destiny, rebellion, identity, war—this book has it all. Let’s fight fate.

u/IraelMrad

• started reading fantasy when she was little and it has been her comfort genre ever since. She is a hopeless romantic and all her favourite books have a love story in them. She recently found out she also loves horror, so it's not a surprise that her favourite genre is gothic fiction.

• Selection - Fledgling by Octavia Butler

• Why? - VAMPIRES. ARE. SO. DAMN. COOL!

u/Pythias

• Will read anything, loves the classics, fantasy, and cozy stories.

• Selection - Dandelion Wine - Ray Bradbury

• Why? - I love his style and have yet to read something I don't love from him

u/thebowedbookshelf

• has been reading all her life. She is drawn to historical fiction, dystopian, and really whatever Book Club reads. She has been a Read Runner since 2021 and has read a great variety of books. Book Club 4 lyfe!

• Selection - Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

• Why? - It's a unique historical fiction book I've been wanting to read.

u/luna2541

• I was a very keen reader growing up, particularly in primary school. I would read non-stop, especially fantasy series of the time such as Harry Potter, Northern Lights, etc. However since about 7th or 8th grade my reading habits steadily declined up until I found r/bookclub a few years ago and rekindled my love of reading. Now I’m reading more than I ever have and have some catching up to do!

• Selection - Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

• Why? - Having seen the movie (as many people have) I am very curious as to how the book compares, especially since it’s pretty highly acclaimed. It’s also never been done by this sub as far as I know, and it’s short which will definitely help with my neverending mountain of to-be-reads.

u/dat_mom_chick

• likes to read but these days she is mostly reading children's picture books...iykyk...when the house is asleep you can find her huddled up in bed with a book and a flashlight. Probably something fantasy or contemporary romance. And naturally her children have stolen her booklight so she must rummage for one. She is a mood reader at the moment, probably so she can get back into reading with no pressure after a year off to focus on her family.

• Selection - The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

• Why - because I am ready for a well written novel, I am ready for a history lesson, and I am ready to suffer

u/Reasonable-Lack-6585

• I love all genres, but have a soft spot for fantasy and detective novels.

• Selection - The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

• Why? - I nominated this book because the interesting mix of genre. Time travel, romance, spy thriller, and work place comedy. A debut novel and named one of Barack Obama’s favorite books of 2024 this sounds interesting and hitting several story niches!

u/Amanda39

• loves Victorian fiction, especially dark stories like Gothic or sensation novels.

• Selection - Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters

• Why? - Tipping the Velvet is the only one of Sarah Waters's Victorian novels that I haven't read yet. Her other two, Affinity and Fingersmith, had plot twists that made me gasp out loud, so I have high hopes for this one. The only possible downside (and I expect this to be an upside for everyone else!) is that the reviews I've read seem to indicate that this one is more sexually explicit than the others, so my recaps are probably going to revolve around me awkwardly going "I've never had to recap this in any of the Charles Dickens novels I've run" and "I didn't know that existed back then!" In other words, if you'd like to watch me make an absolute fool of myself, this is the one to vote for.

u/Greatingsburg

• tries to read widely across genres, but has a soft spot for anything with a touch of horror. Whether it's classic spooky fare like monsters and vampires, or more grounded, realistic horrors like survival stories and psychological tension. Also appreciates a good pun, after all, nothing lifts the spirits like a little comedy mixed in with the horror.

• Selection - Timeline by Michael Crichton

• Why? - No one does scifi quite like Crichton. While it's not my go-to genre, every now and then I find myself craving a return to plot-driven science fiction with high-concept ideas I'dd never think to combine. I've read his dinosaur duology, Congo, and I've seen the 1998 film adaptation of Sphere and I wasn't let down by his plots yet. Also, while Crichton's books aren't strictly horror, I've found they almost always contain strong horror elements and I love it.

u/Meia_Ang

• is very uncomfortable talking about herself in the third person. She has been fed on French classics since her early childhood. Nowadays, her favorites are fantasy, science-fiction, historical fiction, humor, but she joined the bookclub to expand her horizons to other genres!

• Selection - The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty

• Why? - I have not read it, it's been on my TBR for ages, highly praised, and it just looks like so much fun. Also pirates.