Shirlene

Obuobi

Ghanaian-American Novelist

Cartoonist, Artist, Doctor

Travels from: Chicago, IL

“Humor and honesty leap off the pages of this addictive read. A binge-worthy romance with a hilarious and relatable heroine that will steal your heart from the first sentence.” — Jane Igharo, author of Ties That Tether

Shirlene Obuobi is a Ghanaian-American physician, cartoonist, and author who grew up in Chicago, Illinois, Hot Springs, Arkansas and The Woodlands, Texas.

Born in Ghana, Obuobi came with her family to the United States when she was 6 years old and attended Washington University, St. Louis, MO, for undergrad. She has always had a passion for creating and is a self-taught artist and writer. Obuobi was drawn to the field of medicine, and specifically cardiology, because of the connection she could have with patients and their families.

Her comics, which have focused on the challenges of being a Ghanaian-American woman in medicine and the challenges of medical school, have gained nearly 38,000 followers on her Instagram account. Her comics have been featured in UChicago Medicine, Proto Magazine and the Medical University of Vienna’s Art, Action, Attitude/Body exhibit.

When she’s not in the hospital (and let’s be honest, even when she’s in it), she can be found drawing comics, writing on her phone, and obsessing over her three cats. She currently lives in Chicago, where she is completing her cardiology fellowship. Her debut novel, On Rotation, has been featured on national outlets such as Teen Vogue, the Washington Post, and Good Morning America. Her next novel, Between Friends & Lovers (July 2024) is a story of love and friendship in the age of social media—where what you see might not be all you get.

Shirlene's Featured Titles

Between Friends & Lovers

Avon |

July 30, 2024

Romance

Talia Hibbert meets Carley Fortune in this swoon-worthy story of love and friendship in the age of social media—where what you see might not be all you get.

To her countless Instagram followers Josephine Boateng is the dazzling Dr. Jojo—and her opinions on health, growth, and self-love matter. Her message: be smart (she has a medical degree after all), be significant, and do not put up with foolish men.

But behind the camera, Jo’s story is more complicated—she finds her influencer career underwhelming; her potential career in medicine overwhelming, and she’s hung up on her best friend, nepo-baby and romcom heartthrob Ezra Adelman. When Ezra shows up to his thirtieth birthday party with her childhood bully on his arm, however, Josephine realizes that it’s time to take her own advice and prioritize herself for once.

No one is more shocked than Malcolm Waters when his debut novel turns him into a critic’s darling. When he’s invited to a swanky penthouse party to discuss turning his book into a film, he knows rubbing elbows with the elites of entertainment will be great for his career. The only problem: he’s not good with people, and even worse at networking.

Just when he’s about to throw in the towel, he’s rescued by none other than Dr. Jojo. He’s been following her on social media for years, and she’s even more impressive in real life. And to his bewilderment, the feeling is mutual.

But in a world where the lines between private and public are as blurred as those between friendship and love, can they risk it all for something real?

BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Fiction, Romance & Romantacy

On Rotation: A Novel

Avon |

June 21, 2022

Fiction

ONE OF TEEN VOGUE’S 25 BOOKS BY BLACK AUTHORS THEY CAN’T WAIT TO READ THIS YEAR

ONE OF BETCHES’ “22 BOOKS YOU NEED TO READ THIS YEAR”

“As a fan of Grey’s Anatomy (and Chicago Med!), I couldn’t put down On Rotation, and you won’t be able to, either. Shirlene Obuobi makes you feel as if you’re actually right there with the lovable Angie, and I personally couldn’t get enough.”—Meg Cabot, New York Times bestselling author

For fans of Grey’s Anatomy and Seven Days in June, this dazzling debut novel by Shirlene Obuobi explores that time in your life when you must decide what you want, how to get it, & who you are, all while navigating love, friendship, and the realization that the path you’re traveling is going to be a bumpy ride.

Ghanaian-American Angela Appiah has checked off all the boxes for the “Perfect Immigrant Daughter.”

Enroll in an elite medical school
Snag a suitable lawyer/doctor/engineer boyfriend
Surround self with a gaggle of successful and/or loyal friends

But then it quickly all falls apart: her boyfriend dumps her, she bombs the most important exam of her medical career, and her best friend pulls away. And her parents, whose approval seems to hinge on how closely she follows the path they chose, are a lot less proud of their daughter. It’s a quarter life crisis of epic proportions.

Angie, who has always faced her problems by working “twice as hard to get half as far,” is at a loss. Suddenly, she begins to question everything: her career choice, her friendships, even why she’s attracted to men who don’t love her as much as she loves them.

And just when things couldn’t get more complicated, enter Ricky Gutierrez—brilliant, thoughtful, sexy, and most importantly, seems to see Angie for who she is instead of what she can represent.

Unfortunately, he’s also got “wasteman” practically tattooed across his forehead, and Angie’s done chasing mirages of men. Or so she thinks. For someone who’s always been in control, Angie realizes that there’s one thing she can’t plan on: matters of her heart.

BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Fiction, Friendship & Community, Immigrant & Refugee Perspectives, Romance & Romantacy

Narrative Medicine and Identity

Shirlene will discuss the role of narratives in medicine, and how understanding patient narratives can improve patient care and commitment to the path.

Comics as a Tool for Self Reflection and Advocacy

Shirlene describes comics as an art form and the ways they can be utilized for persuasion, advocacy, and commentary.

School Visits

Shirlene discusses her path to medicine.

“Dr. Obuobi was lovely to work with, she was wonderfully personable and clearly very passionate about the work that she does. I enjoy following her work and loved getting to meet her in person. We had wonderful feedback on the talk in general as well.” — Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries, 2024

“Shirlene’s devotion to her work is evident through the way she presents it. She connected well with the audience by engaging with them and explaining her work thoroughly. Students were fascinated, the wave of chatter and excitement as they exited the lecture hall was a testament to Shirlene’s amazing presentation!” — USC HEAL Program, 2023

“Smart, funny, and utterly swoonworthy, On Rotation is a layered and deeply compassionate novel of navigating life and love in your twenties. Angie Appiah will be your new best friend.” — Grace D. Li, New York Times bestselling author of Portrait of a Thief

“On Rotation is a charming story from start to finish. The ending will melt your heart!” — Tracey Livesay, award-winning author of American Royalty

“On Rotation by Shirlene Obuobi is part rom-com, part coming-of-age story—a book so full of life that I badly missed Angie, Obuobi’s protagonist, the moment I finished. It’s been a rough couple of years for all of us, so scoop up this completely delightful debut for a shot of joy.” — Marie Claire

“Obuobi’s debut features a winning cast of characters who alternatively help and hinder Angie, whose first-person narration is warm and relatable…Obuobi ably navigates plot twists and emotional turns while addressing millennial angst and issues facing Black women. A funny, emotional page-turner that will have readers rooting for Angie.” — Booklist (starred review)

“A genuine delight from start to finish, On Rotation will appeal to fans of Rainbow Rowell, Talia Hibbert and Ali Hazelwood, and resonate with any reader who enjoys multicultural, multi-faceted, inclusive love stories starring unapologetically strong and complex women.” — BookPage

Fresh, romantic, and hilarious… The story of a Ghanian-American medical student, On Rotation is whip-smart and sharply observed, filled with laugh-out-loud moments while not shying away from heavier issues. With On Rotation, Shirlene Obuobi establishes herself as a writer to watch.” — Brenda Janowitz, author of The Liz Taylor Ring

“Narrated by a strong lead with an unforgettable voice, On Rotation is an original romance novel bursting with charm, humor and the most loveable characters. I’m besotted with Angie and her posse!” — Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?

“If you’re looking for a swoon-worthy beach read, you’ve found it.” — Good Housekeeping

“Obuobi offers a thoughtful storyline that just about every young person can relate to.” — Popsugar

“Author Obuobi, a physician and cartoonist, is in her wheelhouse chronicling the hectic, and sometimes solitary, life of a medical student. The often witty footnotes, frequently describing medical jargon or Ghanaian traditions, add an amusing flair to Angie’s personality, but the novel’s true strength shines in its more serious moments… Guaranteed to make your heart beat faster.” — Kirkus Reviews

“This effervescent story is a treat.” — Publishers Weekly

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