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In a debut that’s as fierce as it is tender, British-Nigerian writer Jessica Aike invites readers into the layered world of her mind in This Thing in My Head, a poignant collection of reflections that fearlessly tackles trauma, culture, self-worth, and the messy beauty of becoming whole.

Jessica’s voice rings clear, unapologetic, and achingly human. With a style that blends sharp cultural critique and intimate storytelling, she strips back the layers we hide behind, exposing the silent wounds carried by many, especially within African and Black communities.

When Silence Hurts More Than Words

At its core, This Thing in My Head is a love letter to the wounded. The chapters, which cover themes like culture, boundaries, family, romance, and self-esteem, challenge the long-standing norms that often mistake pain for discipline, and silence for dignity. Aike calls out toxic cultural practices that glorify suffering, shame, vulnerability, and silence abuse, particularly in children.

She writes, “May you not use your own hands to desecrate your seed, in the name of culture.” Sentences like these don’t just hit home, they pierce through generations of conditioning.

A Voice for the Silenced, A Light for the Wounded

A survivor of bullying and a long-time advocate against child abuse, Jessica Aike has spent more than a decade speaking out on the culture of silence that surrounds sexual, physical, and emotional trauma. In This Thing in My Head, she doesn’t just speak, she roars.

Yet, her tone is never bitter. It’s empowering. The book is filled with grace, urging readers to embrace self-reflection, set boundaries, and unlearn the belief that love must be earned through pain.

Real Talk. No Masks. No Pretending.

Jessica’s writing feels like a conversation with a brutally honest friend, the kind who will lovingly call you out, but never leave you alone in the dark. From the battle of people-pleasing to the ache of friendships that no longer fit, she holds up a mirror to the reader and asks: “Who are you outside your trauma?”

She dismantles the myth that strength means never breaking, showing instead that healing often begins with admitting we’re tired of pretending. Whether she’s unpacking black identity, calling out performative loyalty, or mourning the friendships that crumble with growth, Jessica’s words are soaked in clarity and soul.

Why This Book Is Hitting the Right Nerve at the Right Time

This is more than a book, it’s a cultural wake-up call. Jessica Aike speaks into a world still struggling to connect identity with mental wellness, especially among Black communities and women of color. The urgency of her voice comes at a time when people are looking for something real, raw, and redemptive.

• Speaks directly to young adults, women, and marginalized voices craving honest dialogue

• Unmasks how cultural norms can normalize silence, abuse, and self-betrayal

• Offers practical wisdom on boundaries, emotional intelligence, and self-validation

• Affirms that growth isn’t selfish, it’s necessary for survival

Perfect for Readers Who Are Ready to Feel Again

This Thing in My Head is a safe place for the broken-hearted and a gentle push for those afraid of their own voice. It’s not afraid to ask hard questions or to leave room for healing answers.

• Ideal for women’s groups looking to connect over truth, healing, and growth.

• Written in a relatable, human voice that avoids clichés and pretense

• Encourages reflection, forgiveness, and inner strength

• A bold reminder that you are allowed to bloom beyond the trauma

Praise for the Book

While this is her first full-length publication, Aike’s work has already appeared in Afritondo, The Eyes of African Women, Fiction on the Web, and other platforms. Early readers describe This Thing in My Head as “a soul cleanser,” “deeply validating,” and “the book I didn’t know I needed.”

About the Author

Jessica Aike is a British-Nigerian writer born in Lagos and raised in London. From a young age, her pen became her voice. She has spent over a decade using social platforms to spark difficult but necessary conversations around abuse, emotional health, and cultural reform. Aike’s mission is clear: to write truthfully, live authentically, and challenge the systems that keep people silent.

Availability

This Thing in My Head is available now on Amazon and other major online retailers.

Media Contact
Company Name: The Empire Publishers UK
Contact Person: Jessica Aike
Email: Send Email
Country: United Kingdom
Website: https://www.theempirepublishers.co.uk/