Teju Cole and a List of Books Written by Him
Teju Cole, a Nigerian writer and photographer, is commonly known by his book “Everyday Is for the Thief”.
The Author – Teju Cole
Teju Cole, born Yemi Onafuwa in 1975 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is the son of Nigerian immigrant parents. He is a prolific writer and photographer. As the eldest of four children, Cole spent his early years in Nigeria until his parents sent him to his father’s alma mater in Kalamazoo after completing high school.
His academic journey began at Western Michigan University (WMU), where he spent a year before transferring to Kalamazoo College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in studio art and art history in 1996. Although briefly enrolled in medical school at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Cole’s passion for the arts led him to pursue a Master’s Degree in art history at the University of London. He later relocated to New York City, where he completed another Master’s Degree in 16th-century Northern European visual culture from Columbia University. Cole has since taught at several esteemed institutions, including Bard College, Hofstra University, New York University, and Columbia University, where currently pursuing his Ph.D.
Cole’s literary career began with his debut book – Every Day Is For The Thief (2007). The book is a fictional travelogue exploring the return of a Nigerian man to his homeland after years in the United States. “Every Day Is For The Thief” was first published by Cassava Republic Press. Its success prompted a reprint by Random House after the acclaim of Cole’s subsequent work – Open City (2012). This critically acclaimed novel, primarily set in New York City, follows protagonist Julius as he navigates the streets of the city, earning Cole recognition such as being a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle, winner of the Hemingway Foundation/Pen Award, and recipient of the prestigious Windham-Campbell Literature Prize.
In “Known and Strange Things” (2016), Cole presents a collection of essays originally published in esteemed publications like The New Yorker, Granta, and The New York Times. This compilation, covering a diverse range of topics from literature to politics, was a finalist for both the PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay and the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award.
Teju Cole’s literary works are poignant reflections on the human condition, offering profound insights into themes such as identity, displacement, memory, and cultural interconnectedness. Through his evocative prose, Cole invites readers on immersive journeys that traverse physical landscapes and the inner landscapes of his characters’ minds and emotions.
In “Every Day is for the Thief” (2007), Cole explores the complexities of returning to one’s homeland after a long absence, capturing the nuances of Nigerian life with deep detail and introspective reflection. Through the eyes of his protagonist, Cole navigates the intricacies of memory, nostalgia, and the ever-shifting dynamics of a changing society.
“Open City” (2012) further showcases Cole’s mastery of storytelling as he leads readers through the streets of New York City alongside the introspective protagonist, Julius. Through Julius’ encounters and reflections, Cole dives into themes of loneliness, alienation, and the quest for connection in a busy metropolis, blending a tapestry of human experiences that resonate deeply with readers.
In “Known and Strange Things” (2016), Cole demonstrates his versatility as a writer, offering a diverse collection of essays that span literature, art, politics, and culture. With intellectual prowess and eloquent prose, Cole engages readers in thought-provoking analyses and insightful commentaries that challenge perspectives and invite a deeper reflection on the world around us.
“Blind Spot” (2017) showcases yet another dimension of Cole’s artistic vision as he turns his lens to the world of photography. Through captivating images, Cole invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions of reality, offering glimpses into moments of beauty, ambiguity, and human connection that resonate long after the pages are turned.
Teju Cole has written fascinating novels, essays, and poems worth reading. Below is the list of his famous books:
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Books Written by Teju Cole
1. Every Day is for the Thief (2007)
2. Open City (2011)
3. Known and Strange Things (2016)
4. Blind Spot (2017)
5. Black Paper (2021) – a collection of essays and photographs
6. Freetown Sound (2017) – a photo book in collaboration with Dev Hynes
7. Human Archipelago (2019) – a photo book in collaboration with Fazal Sheikh
8. We Need New Names: A Brief Biography of Neoliberalism (2020) – a collection of essays
9. Golden Apple of the Sun (2020) – a collection of essays
10. Radical Vision (2021) – a photo book in collaboration with John O’Connor
11. Space Without Rockets (2021) – a collection of essays
12. Black Paper (2021) – a collection of essays
13. Black Paper: A Brief History of Neoliberalism (2021) – a collection of essays
14. Leaf Plate (2022) – a collection of essays
15. Mirrorland (2022) – a novel