By Uche Amunike
A Nigerian-American physician and author, Nneka Oluoha, is set to release her debut novel, ‘Live for Me, Nkem’, a work that explores mental health, marriage, cultural expectations, and the immigrant experience.
The novel, scheduled for release on September 9, 2026, examines the emotional burden of depression and the societal pressure to appear resilient even while struggling internally. Drawing from her experiences as a physician, immigrant, and storyteller, Oluoha presents a narrative that sheds light on emotional wellbeing and the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within immigrant and diaspora communities.
According to the author, Live for Me, Nkem goes beyond telling a story about depression by highlighting the challenges many people face in silence and encouraging conversations about seeking help without shame.
The book has already attracted early praise from Cynthia Posner, author of ‘It’s Messy in Here’, who described it as a moving portrayal of people who appear strong on the outside while privately battling emotional pain.
According to Posner, the novel captures ‘the exhausting performance of seeming okay when you’re drowning beneath the surface,’ adding that it serves as a reminder that asking for help can be one of the bravest decisions a person makes.
Born and educated in Nigeria before relocating to the United States, Oluoha works as a hospitalist in Southern California. She says her writing is shaped by her Igbo heritage and a longstanding interest in family relationships, identity, cultural expectations, and the silent struggles that often remain hidden behind closed doors.
Live for Me, Nkem is currently available for pre-order through major online retailers and independent bookstores ahead of its official release. Readers seeking more information about the author and the novel can visit her official website www.nnekaoluoha.com
