This Thing In My Head By Jessica Aike Acts As A Mirror And A Map For Women’s Self-Empowerment

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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, This Thing In My Head by Jessica Aike is a compelling narrative that serves as both a mirror and a map for women’s self-empowerment, challenging cultural expectations and offering a lifeline to break free from invisible chains.

This Thing In My Head

In a world where the weight of cultural norms and unspoken expectations can feel suffocating, Jessica Aike’s This Thing In My Head – Break Free, Stand in Your Power, and Self-Actualise emerges as a beacon of hope and defiance. Drawing from over a decade of advocacy, this British Nigerian author and advocate delivers a raw, thought-provoking narrative that transcends the boundaries of a traditional memoir. It’s a literary lifeline—a mirror reflecting the struggles so many face and a map guiding readers toward reclaiming their power and rewriting their own stories.

Aike’s book is a masterful blend of personal reflection and insightful commentary, tackling difficult and culturally sensitive subjects with unflinching honesty. She lays bare the chaos often imposed on children by rigid traditions and societal pressures, while illuminating the universal journey toward self-actualisation. Her words resonate deeply, offering solace and strength to readers across generations who have felt unheard, unseen, or trapped in lives shaped by others. This is not just a collection of stories; it’s a call to action—a revolution sparked within the pages and carried forward into the lives of those who dare to listen.

At its core, This Thing In My Head is about balance and common sense. Through streams of consciousness, Aike delves into the intricacies of culture and the internal battles that shape us. Her compelling narratives, honed over ten years of advocacy, challenge readers to confront their own invisible chains and embrace the possibility of breaking free. What sets this book apart is its practicality—Jessica doesn’t just share her ideas; she invites readers to put them into practice, transforming inspiration into tangible change.

For anyone navigating the winding path of self-discovery, Aike’s voice is a powerful companion. It’s a reminder that empowerment begins with understanding, and that rewriting one’s narrative is not only possible but essential. With every page, she builds a sense of solidarity, connecting readers to a shared struggle and a collective strength. This Thing In My Head is more than a book—it’s a movement, urging every person to stand in their power and self-actualise, no matter the odds.

In a time when so many are searching for meaning and agency, Jessica Aike’s work stands out as both timely and timeless. Her words are a rallying cry: break free, rise up, and claim the life you were meant to live.

Jessica Aike

This book shares my journey to self-actualisation, navigating culture, cultural ills, child abuse, taking back your power, and the backlash that accompanies having uncomfortable conversations.

–Jessica Aike

Jessica Aike, a British Nigerian writer, has spent her life weaving stories and sparking conversations that challenge the status quo. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, she moved to London, England at the age of two, where she was raised and continues to call home. From an early age, Aike’s connection to the written word was undeniable—she often jokes that she arrived in the world clutching a pen and notebook in one hand and a book in the other. Her childhood was steeped in the joy of reading, a passion that soon blossomed into a prolific writing career encompassing fiction, stage plays, and non-fiction.

As a teenager, Aike’s inner conviction to become a writer took root, guiding her toward a path of storytelling and advocacy. She turned to social media platforms to ignite discussions—often uncomfortable but always necessary—on issues close to her heart. Over the past decade, she has campaigned tirelessly on a range of topics, with a particular focus on breaking the culture of silence surrounding the sexual, physical, and verbal abuse of children. Her advocacy is not just a mission; it’s a reflection of her belief in the power of words to heal, empower, and transform.

Aike’s voice has reached far beyond the page. In June 2020, she appeared on Dr. Bola Adebayo’s podcast, A Deep Look Into The Issue of Rape, where she contributed to vital conversations about sexual abuse, mental health, and emotional intelligence. More recently, in January 2025, she featured on Power Ace Radio and Heart to Heart with Abagaba, delving into the themes of her debut book, This Thing In My Head – Break Free, Stand in Your Power, and Self-Actualise. These appearances underscore her commitment to amplifying the narratives explored in her work and connecting with audiences on a deeper level.

Her published works span an impressive array of platforms, including Afritondo, The Eyes of African Women, Literally Stories, Ariel Carter, Down In the Dirt Magazine, Fiction on the Web, and Book of Matches. Through these outlets, Aike explores a rich tapestry of themes, from identity and culture to resilience and self-discovery. One notable achievement came in February 2024, when her piece Multiple Faces of Keke was shortlisted and published in the Down In the Dirt Magazine issue titled “Where Icarus Went,” cementing her reputation as a compelling and versatile storyteller.

With This Thing In My Head, Aike has solidified her place as a writer and advocate who not only reflects the struggles of her readers but also lights a path toward empowerment. Her journey—from a book-loving child in London to a powerful voice for the unheard—embodies the very essence of her work: breaking free, standing in one’s power, and inspiring others to do the same. Jessica Aike is more than a writer; she is a catalyst for change, wielding her pen as both a mirror and a map for those ready to rewrite their own stories.

Find more from Jessica Aike now:

Kindle: https://amzn.to/42hHZlX

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3R172Vc

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