Everything's not what it seems -- Richard Ikedi

I am Richard Ikedi, a medical professional, and also a loving father to my little girl Carlotta (A.k.a Feddie Girl).

 Am I a loving and faithful husband? You decide.

In the recent novel Feddie Girl by Nona David, I was portrayed as a notorious womanizer, one who could hardly ever keep his pants zipped up. Yeah, right...

But did I really do anything wrong? You decide.

You see, it's all a matter of perspective and personal judgment. The fact that one chooses not to discuss certain marital topics with one's spouse hardly makes one unfaithful, does it? You tell me.
How then can I be labeled "The Unfaithful Husband" if there's no physical proof that I had any intimate relations with a woman other than my loving wife?

Let's take Tiger Woods for example, a fellow multicultural and married guy just like myself. Would you label him "unfaithful" before you had enough physical evidence? Hardly.

Well then, why me?  

'Cause my wife (Shelley) says so?

Very well then, you tell me: Is Shelley really the angel she's been making herself out to be? See what I mean? Who is the actual victim here? Me, or my wife?

One of the good things my profession as a physician has taught me is that life is not always mapped out in white or black. Sometimes we get shades of gray here and there. Whether you decide to see a shade of grey as white or black totally depends on you.

Sometimes, we, as human beings, see things that are not there. We force ourselves to read complex meanings into the simplest of things. We burden our marriages with a lot of what-ifs so much so that we fail to see that which is genuine and borne out of love.

However, no matter what stand we take concerning life's gray areas, we should always remember that everything is not what it seems. 

Read excerpts of this novel (Feddie Girl) and obtain a copy, visit: https://bernardbooks.com
To buy in Nigeria, please visit https://bernardbooks.com/gpage1.html for more info.

Watch out for the sequel, Feddie Girl 2. Coming soon to Bernard Books Publishing.

Feddie Girl's Mom Speaks Out -- Judge me not...

"Until you have been in my shoes, you have no right to judge me..." says Shelley Ikedi, mother of the renowned Feddie Girl.

I understand my peers are skeptical of my reasons to send my only child off to a boarding school located in Nigeria. But I wonder, is your skepticism rooted in dislike for the country, the boarding school of choice, or just the idea of boarding school?

Tell me, what have you got against Nigeria? I am a Caucasian, married to a guy of Nigerian-American descent. Based on this, if I were to choose a country to send my daughter to school in, is it a wonder that Nigeria tops the list? Her dad being from there? Where she has family and blood relations?

As for the chosen school itself, if you attended one of the Federal Schools in Nigeria and think there are more prestigious boarding schools located anywhere within the country, please do not hesitate to call my attention to them.
From what I know, the Federal Government Colleges are highly recommended and the well-placed social status of most veterans of Nigerian Federal Schools definitely speaks for itself. That being the case, is it a wonder I want my daughter to be one of them? To hone good behavior and secure a prestigious place in the society of tomorrow?

How about the idea of 'Boarding School'? Why would anyone have a problem with that? As a parent, if you have an un-ruly child on your hands and have tried pretty much everything else to get her back on the right track and failed, what else can you do?

"Have you tried showing her love?" you ask, raising a quizzical eyebrow. 

Love?

And I ask you: Do you have a teenage kid? Have you ever tried dealing with a rebellious teen who has no regard for you and others, or has absolutely no compunction for the pain she has caused others? No? Well then, until you get to that stage and pass it with flying colors, I reserve the right to remain silent.

Carlotta's father and I are very nurturing, loving, and proud parents. But there comes a time in every parent's life when a difficult decision has to be made. If you have a thirteen year old who suddenly turns violent and starts smoking and stacking up condoms in her bedroom dresser, then the time may have come for desperate measures.

I love my daughter without reservation. I did what I could to turn her from the rebellious teen she was fast becoming into a responsible human being. It was difficult, but I had no other choice. Nothing else seemed to work.
Now, having spent close to a year in a good boarding school in Nigeria, my daughter returned to the United States a changed person. So tell me:

Does not the end justify the means in this case?

And what's more? Carlotta loved the school, made new friends, and is itching to return to boarding house, and nothing her dad or I can say will make her change her mind. 

So, unless you have been in my shoes and experienced what I did, and in the same circumstances, please judge me not.

Read excerpts of the novel (Feddie Girl) and obtain a copy: https://bernardbooks.com
To buy in Nigeria, please visit https://bernardbooks.com/gpage1.html for more info.
Or buy from Amazon.com.


Watch out for the sequel, Feddie Girl 2. Coming soon to Bernard Books Publishing.

SOLD OUT!!! And The Feddie Gist Continues...

Now that the first series of Feddie Girl is completely sold out, we are ready to move on to the next stage: A sequel!
Yes, of course, the sequel (Feddie Girl 2) and The Poker Legend (Read Preview) will be hitting the shelves later this year.

First of all, a big thank you to all those who read and/or reviewed this novel, both in Nigeria, US, UK, Canada, and all other countries. The novel was in very high demand, and the copies sold a lot faster than anticipated, with readers still asking for more. Wow!!!

For those of you who couldn't grab copies before it sold out, you may still be able to get the emergency copies kept on reserve by the Publisher for situations such as these. (Price $19.99; Only at the publisher's website. Not available anywhere else! https://bernardbooks.com)

To mark the start of a new season on this blog, we shall be hearing a bit from my parents (Shelley and Richard). They have some issues that definitely need addressing. Don't you just love it when parents have "issues"?

Did I just catch you rolling your eyes to high heavens? Jeez!

Yeah, Shelley and Richard (ehm, sorry, I meant Mommy and Daddy) definitely have something to iron out, right here... Lol! Be sure to hang around 'cos this is one saga you don't wanna miss.

Till then, I'd like to say "Thank you" once again for the attention - you all are the reason for my being here.

And, yes, you got that right. I'll definitely be going back for seconds--back to boarding school with me. Kinda looking forward to it, too.

Crazy, right? Yeah, I know. I gotta have my revenge!

Lotta Luv,

Carlotta

Book Review: FEDDIE GIRL by Nona David

Review written by Tayo Sogbanmu; UK  

With an amazing ability to capture the very vibrant detail in the culture of the Nigerian people, Nona David takes you on a journey with Feddie Girl.

Carlotta, a mixed-race American teen sent to Nigeria at the demand of her also mixed-race father with Nigerian heritage, is opened up to a whole new civilization, which she deems a far cry from what she calls home. Given her situation and what she sees as a severe predicament, she gives up on any hope of being able to survive, but just in time discovers newly found friendships, an instinct of adaptation and a strength filled with maturity she never believed she had.

As the story unfolds it matures in a way one may not have expected, as both Richard and Shelly (Carlotta’s parents) must also take a journey of their own, that if not traveled with caution, could cost them both the very family they are trying so hard to keep together.

Nona gives great and accurate insight into the life of boarding school in Nigeria, the character and humour of the Nigerian people, and a detailed scope into the diversity that resides in the country.
From the description of the vibrant streets of Lagos; and the constant chatter of Carlotta’s class mates that will have you laughing away; to the mention of some of Nigeria’s well known delicacies; Feddie Girl will allow you to explore and visualize the very ground of Nigeria, doing so in a way that is true and definitely not sugar coated.

An extract from “Feddie Girl”:

Lagos, Nigeria.

Everything and everyone make up the beauty of Lagos!

It’s no wonder everyone wants to come to Lagos.

A true mix of different people of different Nationals:

Different traits, tribes, races and languages;

The Igbo’s, Yoruba’s and Hausa’s.

This is the mystery of Lagos;

A city we call home.

Eko for sure!

Eko for life!

Eko o ni baje!

How to purchase this novel:

1. From publisher (Bernard Books Publishing):
https://bernardbooks.com
{Currently offering a Buy One Get One FREE Promo -- Ends Feb 28th 2010. }

2. From Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com

3. Buy in NIGERIA:
See details and contact info for our Sales Agents in Nigeria:

https://bernardbooks.com/gpage1.html

Feddie Girl Book Review by Susan Cook

Posted by Susan Cook to the blog site "Stay At Home Mom"
http://www.sahmsue.com/2010/02/book-review-feddie-girl-by-nona-david.html

The book is about a thirteen year old girl named Carlotta, who because of some bad behavior in school, is sent to a boarding school. Her parents send her to a Nigerian Federal School.

The author writes with such clarity that you feel as if you are there with them, and you know how Carlotta feels as a teen trying to adapt to living in a boarding school in another country.

When her mother drops her off at the boarding school she tells her that if she does well after one year she can return home. Carlotta realized very early into her boarding school stay that when one mistake is made the consequences can last for a long time. She chose to work hard so she could go back home at the end of the year.

Boarding school life is something that takes some getting used to Carlotta soon finds. Carlotta had always depended on her mother for everything. She had never bothered to do her own laundry, do dishes, tidy her own room. She had left everything to her parents. She soon finds out that life is different in a boarding school.

As if the school rules, regulations, rising bells and other ways of dormitory life weren't enough, author Nona David takes Carlotta's story a step further. You find out through a sub-plot another reason her parents sent her to the boarding school.

I would recommend "Feddie Girl" from teens to adults, who like good fiction. This is a very exciting book, and was very interesting.

How to purchase this novel:

1. From publisher (Bernard Books Publishing):
https://bernardbooks.com/links.html 

2. From Amazon.com

3. Buy in NIGERIA:
Contact our Sales Agents directly in Nigeria:

LAGOS = 08023226389, 08023002049, 08098012049
ABUJA/JOS/KADUNA = 08066370106
PORT-HARCOURT/OWERRI/ABA = 08037974482
ENUGU/NSUKKA/ONITSHA = 08030908351

See the full review on "Stay At Home Mom"
http://www.sahmsue.com/2010/02/book-review-feddie-girl-by-nona-david.html

Read excerpts of this novel and other reviews at https://bernardbooks.com/gpage.html

Book Review: Feddie Girl by Nona David

Review posted by Susan Buetow on the blog site Scraps of Life

What an exciting book! I wanted to read this book to see if it would be appropriate for my teens to read. Well it is! The book is about Carlotta Ikedi, angry, pampered, spoiled, bored, attention seeing young teen who was kicked out of school, again. She was sent to a boarding school in Nigeria (Father is from there) to help straighten her out! Her parents were dealing with potential affairs and drinking problems. I felt as though they were responsible for the trouble their daughter was in. At first I thought that the decision to send her away was a bit extreme. The book goes on with a sub plot to explain why she was sent away so far from home.

This young lady was sent to a school where she would no longer have her clothes laid out for her! I thought she proved herself to be a very responsible young lady. She made good choices to stay out of trouble, control her temper and to try new things. She is a very determined and strong-willed girl. Carlotta realized very early into her boarding school stay that when one mistake is made the consequences can last for a long time. She chose to work hard so she could go back home at the end of the year.

She also learned that judging others, being cruel to others is not a good thing. She got a taste of this and came to realize this is the way she treated others, too. She was shocked by how pleasant people were to their parents and authority. She came to accept this way of life, too.

Before I say too much about this book and give away every thing in it, I do recommend this book for teens and adults. Once started I didn't want to stop reading the book! I was disappointed at how quickly the book came to an end. The last 10-12 pages quickly wrapped up all the loose ends and twist and turns. This is typical of me to not want a book to end. If the book has well developed characters I get attached to them and sad when a book ends! Feddie Girl has strong, developed characters. I enjoyed reading about the food and culture of Nigeria.

How to purchase this novel:

1. From publisher (Bernard Books Publishing):
https://bernardbooks.com
{Currently offering a Buy One Get One FREE Promo -- Ends Feb 28th 2010. }

2. From Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com

3. Buy in NIGERIA:
See details and contact info for our Sales Agents in Nigeria:

https://bernardbooks.com/gpage1.html

See the full review on "Scraps of Life"

Read excerpts of the novel and other reviews at https://bernardbooks.com/gpage.html

Feddie Girl — Review by Cindy Chan

Posted by Cindy Chan to the blog site "I Love Book Gossip"
http://juniperrbreeeze.blogspot.com/2010/01/feddie-girl-by-nonadavid.html

The moment I received this book, I dove right into it. The writing is well formed and the plot is very unique. I enjoyed reading this book very much.
The main character starts to grow on you and her progression grows as the book does. It was very interesting to see what Carlotta saw in the different culture and how she adapted to them. What was interesting to me was that, the author was able to show us a family that was ordinary but with there inner issues. You have the parent who doesn't have time for their child, and you have the child who isn't so perfect.
Overall, the author was able to capture what a real family looks like in present day. Also, the education in West Africa really captured my attention. The schooling is a bit different from education in America.
If you enjoy woman's fiction with a touch of adventure, then you would love Feddie Girl.

How to purchase this novel:

1. From publisher (Bernard Books Publishing):
https://bernardbooks.com/links.html
{Currently offering a Buy One Get One FREE Promo -- Ends Feb 28th 2010. }

2. From Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0982452608/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&qid=1257266294&sr=1-1&condition=new

3. Buy in NIGERIA:
See details and contact info for our Sales Agents in Nigeria:

https://bernardbooks.com/gpage1.html

See the full review on "I Love Book Gossip"
http://juniperrbreeeze.blogspot.com/2010/01/feddie-girl-by-nonadavid.html

Read excerpts of the novel and other reviews at https://bernardbooks.com/gpage.html

Vicki Newell's review of "Feddie Girl"

Posted by Vicki Newell to the blog site "Reading at the Beach"
http://www.readingatthebeach.com/2010/01/review-feddie-girl.html

What a fun read this is! Some of the situations that come up very unexpected and are full of suspense, while others hilarious.
I loved how the author brought so many aspects of living at a boarding school in West Africa into the book.
The author writes with such clarity that you feel as if you are there with them, and you know how Carlotta feels as a teen trying to adapt to living in a boarding school in another country. Most of the other students treat her good, but 2 of them go out of their way to be awful to her.
This is a whirlwind of a book and you won't want to put it down until the last word.

How to purchase this novel:

1. From publisher (Bernard Books Publishing:
https://bernardbooks.com/links.html
{Currently offering a Buy One Get One FREE Promo --Don't miss this!}

2. From Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0982452608/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&qid=1257266294&sr=1-1&condition=new

3. Buy in NIGERIA:
Contact our Sales Agents directly in Nigeria:
LAGOS = 08023226389, 08023002049, 08098012049
ABUJA/JOS/KADUNA = 08066370106
PORT-HARCOURT/OWERRI/ABA = 08037974482
ENUGU/NSUKKA/ONITSHA = 08030908351

See the full review on "Reading at the Beach"
http://www.readingatthebeach.com/2010/01/review-feddie-girl.html

Read excerpts of the novel and other reviews at https://bernardbooks.com/gpage.html

Promo: Buy One Get One FREE!!!

Hi all,

You can't beat this deal! Check it out. For a limited time only, if you order a copy of "Feddie Girl" by Nona David directly from the publisher, you get a second copy absolutely FREE.

That means you get one for yourself, and one for a friend or family member or for me :)

"Yeah right," you say, "why would I wanna give you my free copy?"

Oh well, it was worth a try :) Give it to your sister, friend, cousin, or colleague. Forget about me...

Seriously, if you buy one copy, you'll get a second copy FREE. You won't get this deal anywhere else -- not on Amazon, not on Barnes & Noble, not on eBay. Only directly from the publisher.

All orders ship within 12hrs and it takes 3-5 days to get to US locations and 6-10 days for international locations.

*Please, this promo is not valid for purchases made in NIGERIA. Price for the novel in Nigeria is currently N2500 (already at 24% off. Was N3300). Click here for where to buy in Nigeria.

Now is your chance to save, so hurry!

Feddie Girl: The Hilarious Adventures of an American Teen in a Nigerian Federal School
An international adventure/thriller detailing the experiences of an American teenager in a Nigerian (West Africa) boarding school. This novel offers a unique reading experience--witty, fun, and exhilarating. The masterful suspense, action, and sub-plot will curl your toes, keep you reading all night, and leave you thirsting for more.

Author: Nona David
Publication Date: February 2010
Copyright: July 2009
Type: US Trade Paperback
Page No: 400
Price: $19.99 (US); £14.05 (UK); $26.10 (CAN); €18.82 (EUR); $28.80 (AUS)
ISBN: 978-0-9824526-0-8
SAN: 858-2041
Deal: Buy One Get One FREE (For a limited time only)

BACK BLURB:

Carlotta Ikedi (A.k.a Feddie Girl) has never liked school. Not in California. Not in Oklahoma. When her exasperated parents ship her off to boarding school–in West Africa–Carlotta faces a life, culture, and existence unlike anything she’s ever known.

School rules and regulations, rising bell, lights-out, manual labor, inspections, dining time, prefects, punishments, mean bunkmates, and visiting days–it’s all here. But author Nona David takes Carlotta’s story a step further when her adventures lead to unfortunate incidents that threaten to drive her American family into the clutches of infidelity and organized crime.

Boarding school doesn’t get any better than this…

For those who have experienced the boarding school life, the adventures of Feddie Girl will bring those memories crashing back… For anyone else, get ready to see the world as Feddie Girl.

Reviews and Praise for Feddie Girl:

~ I highly recommend the memorable and intriguing book Feddie Girl: The Hilarious Adventures of an American Teen in a Nigerian Federal School by Nona David, as a coming of age tale that takes on fairy tale proportions. Author Nona David weaves a fine story of character, friendship, and triumph over adversity. --Wayne Hulbert

~ FEDDIE GIRL is an adventure that will have you laughing until tears roll down your face, gasping in shock, or shaking your head back and forth, unbelieving what is happening. Character building, world development, and seamless writing have Nona David on the path straight to the top. --Wendy Hines

~ It is interesting to learn of the different cultures and behaviors, especially of teens. The colorful characters will keep you turning the pages, and I enjoyed the very fitting ending. --Jill Page

~ Nona David has created a well-written and entertaining work of fiction, with the story taking wild and complicated turns. Feddie Girl was unique with its multicultural blend, offering many readers a glimpse of another world many would rarely see. --Evie Alexis

~ I couldn't put it down! Really, who would have thought that a book about a Nigerian boarding school would be so interesting? --Weny Wallach

Read excerpts of this novel at https://www.bernardbooks.com/FeddieGirlExcerpts.html

Feddie Girl by Nona David -- Book Review by Wayne Hurlbert

Review posted by Wayne Hurlbert to Blog Business World

Feddie Girl: The Hilarious Adventures of an American Teen in a Nigerian Federal School

By: Nona David

Published: July 2009
Format: US Trade Paperback, 400 pages
ISBN: 978-0-9824526-0-8
Publisher: Bernard Books Publishing

Thirteen year old Carlotta Ikedi didn't like attending her American schools, and was in constant trouble, and was often expelled for her behavior. Seeking a solution to Carlotta's problems, her parents enroll her in a private girls school in Nigeria. Carlotta faces a culture shock unlike any that she has ever known, and faces the challenge of succeeding on her own in a strange environment. In the wonderful coming of age novel Feddie Girl: The Hilarious Adventures of an American Teen in a Nigerian Federal School, author Nona David weaves a fine story of character, friendship, and triumph over adversity.

Nona David develops several important themes in the book including the interaction of the girls attending the West African school. As an American, Carlotta is termed a Feddie Girl by the other students, and as such occupies a special niche in the school. The students do not always treat one another well, and as a result, friction does take place. Carlotta must learn how to navigate the unfamiliar customs and rigid rules and punishments practiced in the school. Her recognition that she must take care of herself, and not depend on others helps her to cope with the different culture. At the same time, she develops important friendships and shares mutual support with several other girls.

Carlotta begins her Nigerian school career with her bad attitude firmly in place. Over time, the spoiled American girl becomes independent and reaches out to others. Her character grows along with her acceptance of the school and its students, mores, and rules. The story follows the evolution of Carlotta from her beginnings as a troubled youth to responsible young woman. Her initial concern is only for herself, but as she gets to know and understand Nigeria and its people, she changes her opinion from intense dislike to one of understanding and love.

I highly recommend the memorable and intriguing book Feddie Girl: The Hilarious Adventures of an American Teen in a Nigerian Federal School by Nona David, as a coming of age tale that takes on fairy tale proportions. In the exile of Carlotta to her father's home country of Nigeria, leaving her parents and their troubled marriage behind, Carlotta is transformed as a person. She starts her journey of self discovery with bitterness and disappointment and becomes one with her new surroundings and the people of Nigeria. The scenes in the book are memorable, and the characters stay with the reader long after the book ends.

Read the fascinating and enjoyable adventure novel Feddie Girl: The Hilarious Adventures of an American Teen in a Nigerian Federal School by Nona David, and transport yourself in both place and time to a private girls school in West Africa. Become entwined in the main plot and in the many interwoven subplots that give this novel its richness. Spend some time with Feddie Girl Carlotta, and share her sorrows and enjoy her triumphs as she becomes part of the school social fabric.

How to purchase this novel:

1. From publisher (Bernard Books Publishing): https://bernardbooks.com/links.html

2. From Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0982452608/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&qid=1257266294&sr=1-1&condition=new

3. Buy in Nigeria: https://bernardbooks.com/news.html

See the full review on "Blog Business World"