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13 Most Popular Christmas Gifts For Book Lovers, That Aren’t books

Oh but I can be fussy over anything, hey! Choosing a simple meal or an outfit is a struggle. What’s even worse is having to choose a gift whether for myself or for my friends and family.

The problem is that I never have an idea of what I want or what to get. However, for this year’s holiday season of giving and receiving gifts, I decided to shift my perspective and see things from a fresh point of view.

I browsed Google, Pinterest, and other websites for Christmas gift ideas. After being on the net for ages I narrowed my search down to, “Most popular Christmas gifts for book lovers, that aren’t books.”

And yep, you’ve guessed it, I found things that I didn’t know I needed. Thanks to my family and friends I have an updated workspace. My literary office gifts included a collapsible laptop stand, a desktop bookshelf, and a wireless keyboard.

Perhaps you are also struggling to find the perfect gift and in need of some ideas. What if I told you there are plenty of other gifts out there that are perfect for your book-loving friend? Here are 13 Christmas gifts for book lovers that aren’t books!

PS: This post has no affiliate links to them which means I WILL not receive any commission should you make a purchase through a provided link.

Let’s start with the obvious but awesome Gifts

1. A Literary Tote Bag

Bookworms can never have too many tote bags. They’re super-light and easy to pack, the perfect size to carry a few essentials when attending book festivals, book clubs or even going to the beach. This one from Cotton On comes with a side pocket as a drink bottle holder and can fit your laptop case too!

Shop: Literary Tote Bag

2. Reading Journal

If you like having a place to note all the books you have read and books you want to read, a reading journal is a great gift.

The other day I went book shopping with my three-year-old at Bargain Books, Cavendish Mall. While browsing, I noticed Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta. I had completely forgotten that I read this awesome book many years ago.

Am I the only one battling with this? You know the many times you forget the title of a book you loved and then must try to find books again from a vague description? And that’s why we need a reading journal or a reading tracker!

You can get a reading journal from Balakudu online. The journal is separated into 12 months and allows the reader to list all the books they have read each month as well as write down their review of each book.

Shop: Reading Journal

3. Rechargeable Reading Lights

With SA’s electricity crisis, rechargeable LED reading lights are a no-brainer. A Tiny Book Light from Wordsworth is the trimmest and easiest way to light up your page. According to the website, you just clip it onto the back cover of your book, and come fitted with batteries.

Then there’s the LED Neck Bendable Reading Light.

This won’t work for me; I don’t like things around my neck, but this light is ideal for several applications. This light is not just for bedtime bookworms. You can also use it for knitting, repair, or maintenance work. You can also use it while out for a night-time run and it is perfect to take camping, to name but a few. And available in three vibrant colours.

Shop: Rechargeable Reading Lights

4. Functional Book Sleeve

Book sleeves are most useful when between home and on trips. They’re slim and lightweight enough to toss your book along with the rest of your belongings basically anywhere. Check this one from Fruggo online, The Moon and Star Book Sleeve.

It is made with cotton canvas/polyester material and features a smooth zippered closure for added protection. The moon and star sleeve protect your book from dust and the cover from tearing, splashes, rain, and wet hands.

Shop Book Sleeve 

5. Bookshop Gift Card

Make a reader’s day with the perfect present. Send them an eGift for the amount of your choice or buy a Digital Card at a retailer near you for a gift amount or an audiobook subscription.

Shop Gift Card

Literary Home and Office Gifts

6. Wooden charging station and nightstand organiser

This accessory could be great as a Father’s Day or birthday gift for your dad/partner. Mantality online calls it the Man Stab Organiser & Charging Station. A Cape Town hand-made wooden docking station to use at the home office or as a desktop organiser. Your dad/partner can use it as a place to keep and charge their cell phone, a place to hang reading glasses, and house keys.

Shop: Wooden Charging Station

7. Portable Wooden Book Rack Tablet Stand Bookstand for Reading

These are great as a reading bookshelf and tablet support and feature four adjustable reading positions. They’re light and foldable, perfect fit in a backpack to use at a library or office.

Shop: Wooden Book Rack Stand

8. Desktop Bookshelf Organiser

This is one of my fav gifts I got for my birthday/Christmas present. My husband’s hobby is DIY woodworking projects. So he did not hesitate when I showed him what I wanted for my birthday present. It only took him two days to buy the wood and assemble it. What’s left is deciding on which colour to paint it.

This organiser helped me save some space on my desk but also makes a great accessory. We got the dimensions from the one at Amazon. It is easy to assemble and adjustable. It can be used in your office, kitchen, or bedroom to display books, ornaments, potted plants, and other stationery.

Shop: Desktop Bookshelf Organiser

9. Floating bookshelves (with LED Lights)

A perfect housewarming gift for a book reader to show off all their treasured book titles. Floating shelves can be a nice storage space to organise items such as vases, candles, and so on. LED strips are becoming quite the popular trend due to their efficiency and ease of installation however, the correct installation will require an electrician. The lights on shelves can be used to showcase your favourite books, artwork, or other objects.

Shop: Floating Bookshelf 

10. Multi-purpose Bathtub tray caddy with a Reading Stand

Uhm so I’m not sure about this one. Every search I made; this caddy came up. The other day (for the first time in ages) I had three hours to myself. While on my (DIY) spa treatment, I thought perhaps a bathtub tray caddy would’ve been ideal. I would light up my scented Candles, bubbles in the bath, and in my champers glass, with a book to read.

According to Reliable Online Store, their bathtub tray is waterproof, sturdy, and durable. It is equipped with a rustproof metal reading rack that holds tablets and books safely. It includes a cell phone tray and wine glass holder. The caddy sounds perfect and excellent gift idea.

Shop: Bathtub Tray Caddy

Now on the Pricey Side..

11. Waterproof Kindle Paperwhite

This is an option for the e-book reader. Kindle has no glare and a built-in light feature for night-time reads. The nice thing about the Kindle is that you can read in the pool or bathtub. Water is no longer an issue.

Shop: Kindle  

12. Creative Writing MasterClass

I’ve signed up for three classes at Udemy online. They are totally affordable and flexible. This course is for anyone who wants to write, who has stories to tell, and looking to learn the process, tips, and rules of creative writing. The great thing about this course is that you do not need any writing experience but should at least have an interest in writing anything from short stories, to essays, and fiction novels.

Shop Creative Writing Class

13. Writing retreat

Ok! Ok! This is more on the expensive side, but it is worth the money. Most writing retreats are in awe-inspiring locations offering a combination of workshops and interaction with a small writers’ group.

There are many types of writing retreats. Some are focused on offering writing time alone so that you can unlock your creative thinking while others are structured more like a class with guidance from instructors.

There is one coming up hosted by Sarah Bullen in Cape Town. Sarah Bullen is the founder of The Writing Room and Kent Literary. She is a multi-published author, international writing coach, and literary agent and has mentored over 2,000 authors around the world through her masterclasses, mentorships, and events.

On her website, The Writing Room you’ll find the current list of upcoming retreats in special locations.

Shop Writing Retreat

And there you have it! 13 Popular Christmas Gifts for Book Readers. Try mixing it up this year with one of our other Christmas gift ideas for book lovers. Your mooching reader will be forever grateful if not, get them a book.

Related post, Christmas Gift Guide: 9 Books We Recommend Gifting Your Bookworm Friend

Happy Shopping and Merry Christmas my Bookish Friends.
Angy
Xx

 

Coffee With Children’s Book Author, Kariema Taliep Davids 

A week ago, Kariema Taliep Davids, a children’s book author and entrepreneur invited me for coffee at her house in Wetton, Cape Town. We spoke about her journey to becoming a self-published author, her love for reading, and how her first grandchild, Haniyah, led to her publishing a children’s book.

After two hours of chit-chat, we finally settled down over coffee and freshly made donuts baked by her daughter-in-law.

Moenie dink nie, doen net

“Moenie dink nie, doen net’ is an Afrikaans phrase Kariema heard while watching a TV program, ‘BALLADE VIR N ENKELING.’ One of the main characters who was a writer said ’Moenie dink nie, doen net!’

“This phrase stuck in my mind forever. And it works for me. Like if one writes down a To-do list, you get only a few things done on that list. But when you want to do something, just do it.That works wonders for me.’’

Meet Author and Entrepreneur, Kariema Taliep Davids

Children's Book Author
Kariema Talipe Davids

Kariema is a 55-year-old mother of two boys and two grandchildren. Her love for reading and writing started more than 30 years ago. As a child, she belonged to the Jellybean Journal (a Weekend Argus initiative) and the Junior Argus. She would send in her drawings and poems on a weekly basis.

During the COVID Lockdown 3, Kariema spent much time with her grandchild Haniyah. She noticed Haniyah’s fascination for books and animals. It was then that Kariema realized that this was what she wanted to do all along to write her first children’s book.

Haniya and the Pink Rabbit: Book 1

Haniyah and the Pink Rabbit

In November 2020, Kariema wrote Haniyah and the Pink Rabbit and did all the illustrations herself. She needed the book to be an original hand-drawn book and not digital images and computer graphics. This would be her greatest achievement.

The Blurb

Haniyah and the Pink Rabbit is inspired by grandchild Haniyah who loves her “pink rabbit’’ toy that she takes with her everywhere. It is a delightful tale full of Love and Compassion with adorable illustrations of Haniyah and her special friend. It is a warm story that children will adore keeping little readers entertained and helping them to learn about Caring and Sharing.

“By March 2021, I self-published my first book ‘Haniyah AND THE PINK RABBIT’. In May 2021 I started to write my second book, ‘Haniyah GOES TO SCHOOL’. I finished in August 2021 and self-published in November 2021.’’

Haniya Goes To School Book 2

Haniyah goes to School

The Blurb

Haniya Goes to School is a book about a little boy who is different and who stretches himself to succeed and earn self-esteem. He was bullied and taunted. He accepted his imperfections and his Courage to face fear and move forward, has turned him into a brave little heart, who everyone looks up to. The story is Comforting and Inspiring.

Her theme for the books is life lessons for kids. Her plan is to get the books into the school’s curriculum.

As we are chatting, her phone keeps beeping. The design company needed to confirm the layout of her released book, Haniyah Discovers Identity, book 3 of the Haniyah book series. The launch was on November 5, November 2022.

Haniyah Discovers Identity: Book 3

Haniyah discovers diversity

The Blurb

We celebrate the story that opens the hearts and minds of children from all walks of life. It is the story that encourages enthusiasm for learning and respect for the World’s Diversity. Representing ‘Universal Love’ and it seeks to educate children to be the leaders of tomorrow

Treating Her Books As A Business Investment

As a self-published author, Kariema explained how exhausting and costly publishing your own book can be. Her first book was published in 2021. It was at the time our country’s national Coronavirus Command Council had decided to enforce a nationwide lockdown. The accumulated costs of publishing, marketing, and distribution skyrocketed.

“Financing your book is a lot of money. There’s a lot of money involved, the graphic designer, the printer, the editors, and the proof-readers. The whole printing of the book is expensive. And then there is printing of flyers, people to do social media for you, and the fuel of driving up and down.’’

However, it is not all gloom for the indie publisher. Kariema adds with self-publishing you should be able to wear many hats. Going solo means having 100% creative control over the book publishing process and being involved in many aspects of the publishing process.

And when it comes to book marketing, Kariema is her own brand ambassador. She put up her own website and created social media accounts for her customers to have easy access to her. On different days Kariema visits schools and libraries for book readings.

Newspaper clip from Kariema Davids Book Launch

Most of her sales are generated through her own efforts. Her customers buy books directly from her. And has managed to list the books at Takealot and Amazon including Clarke’s bookstore in Cape Town.

What’s next for Kariema Taliep Davids

“My family has an author in the family now. I need to go for an overseas holiday to celebrate as I am climbing the ladder of success. I am not there yet, however the feeling is great.’’

Her list for next year includes writing two more books. She will be doing a follow-up storybook on her grandson later this year. Adding to this Kariema says she has already started working on her next Book 2 of the Trilogy, “A Passionate Love’ – The Masqued Love series. Her first adult fiction called, A Passionate Love is a racy romance novel for adults only.

The Blurb

A Passionate Love is a story set in London and Paris. It is based on an English girl, Catherine Darcy Evans, and a French man, Jacques Dupont. They fall madly in love. Catherine is a widow who lost her husband and is unaware her new love was involved in her husband’s death.

A Passionate Love

Kariema Taliep Davids is inspirational. An hour date turned into three hours of laughter, real talk, and great coffee.

Last Words From Kariema Taliep Davids

‘’Don’t be discouraged by people, follow your heart, follow your dream. If your manuscripts are lying around for many years,send it for submission. Moenie dink nie, doen net!’’

For more information about Kariema Taliep Davids and should you want to purchase her books, visit her website https://ktdbooks.co.za
You can buy her books Online: Takealot and Amazon
Children’s books: R150 per book
Novel R300
Contact her on 063 864 1701

Related topic: Meet The Author: 10-Year-Old Award-Winning Author – Stacey Fru

Before You Go

If you liked this post, send a shout-out to Kariema by commenting below.

Thanks for stopping by.

Chat soon,
Angy

xx

Supporting Education In South Africa: 1 Kilometer At A Time

Community in Action founder Carla Annas will participate in her second (self-organized) Ironman 70.3 distance triathlon on Saturday, November 27, 2022. She aims to raise R500,000 by race day at Pringle Bay Route. All proceeds will cover a full seven-year primary tuition fee at the Stellenbosch Waldorf School.  

Read more about Stellenbosch Waldorf School 

Who is Carla Annas Ironman 70.3 Triathlete

Carla grew up in Stellenbosch and works as a Chief Stewardess on a 65m motor yacht overseas. She completed her first Ironman 70.3 distance race in June this year. An entire course was mapped out to ensure all official rules were followed. Her family and friends helped organize the sporting event.

Carla Annas

It was a tough race, battling strong wind and waves all day, but the support of those waiting to cheer me on around almost every corner was overwhelming. I felt honored and privileged.

The experience inspired her to set up the Community in Action (CIA) Scholarship to support education in South Africa through sports.

 “Already during my first solo race, I decided that I wanted to do more. The mere satisfaction of completing the race was not enough. I wanted my races to mean something, so I decided to start the CIA movement and create the CIA scholarship.’’

The triathlete works with her coach and trains six days a week. They have six days of training consisting of swimming, cycling, running, and strength training. On four of the six days, she has double sessions and the other two days have one long session built-in.

Photo Supplied

For her upcoming race on November 27, Carla shares her excitement that South Africa’s current top-rated full Ironman triathlete Bradley Weiss will also be participating in a section of the race to show support for the cause.

Bradley Weiss is the 2017 and 2019 XTERRA World Champion.  A full Ironman race is made up of a 3.9km swim, a 180 km cycle, and a 42,3km run. Weiss crossed the finish line 17th at the Kona, Hawaii in the World Champs earlier in the month. He was the first South African to cross over the line.

How Can You Help

You can help Carla raise  R500,000 for the Community in Action (CIA) Scholarship Fund to give one child a full primary school education using this link:  https://qkt.io/r5lrSv. 

Photo supplied

You can track Carla’s training by following her Instagram page, @carla.annas.

Read Carla Ironman 70.3 background story on her blog, Carla Annas: Triathlete

Before You Go

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and has inspired you to make a donation to the CIA Scholarship. My family and I have donated, will you do the same?

I would love to hear your thoughts, please share your comments below. We can discuss more on the quality (or lack) of education in South Africa.

Like us on our FB Page. Better yet share this post with a friend who needs to see this. They might want to make a donation no matter how small it is.

PS: There are many benefits that come with donating to a fundraiser. For one, you’ll be able to see how your money is being used and what impact it is having.

This is a great way to ensure that your donation is going to a good cause. Education is one of the most important things a child can have, so by contributing to this fundraiser, you’ll be playing a role in helping to shape a better future.

Related topic: 5 Ways To Get Involved In Annual World Book Day

Chat soon,

Angy 

xx

3 Books That Helped Me Survive My Pregnancy Woes

Books have always been my safe place. 3 books made me feel better, helping me survive my pregnancy woes.  Reading has been my lifesaver since day one of this process.

 

Mhudi by Sol T. Plaatje

A wonderful book that was first published in 1940. It is an epic story of love, courage, determination, and the ability to face your innermost fears. This is a book that I would recommend to any young man who is just beginning to understand himself, his family, and those around him. It has many lessons of life that we can all relate to

 

 

The Gold Diggers by Sue Nyathi

Sue Nyathi’s recently launched her book, The Gold Diggers. I was certainly not expecting to read quite a sad story. Sad is not the right word, unfortunate maybe? I have friends who are from Zim, Ghana, and Nigeria. As I was reading The Gold Diggers I realized the contrast between my friends from Zim and the people I was reading about. Yes sure, my friends’ families came here way before Zim fell but still, I could not fathom any of them having to cross the crocodile-filled river seeking refuge and work in SA. All the characters that Nyathi narrated in this book, is someone’s story. The last part of the book was even sadder (for me), it just tore my heart. If only books like The Gold Diggers would stir enough emotion to change perceptions and the nonchalant attitude towards our brethren. Thank you, Sue, for writing these stories!

 

 

The Hairdresser of Harare  – Tendai Huchu

This book is amazing! It’s a really well-written story of a young hairdresser who is gay and falls in love with his friend. I know many people who have gone through similar experiences and it really hits home. It’s very interesting to see how others handle things differently from how I would handle them. It is important that children are taught that it’s okay to be different as well as accepted for who they are – no matter their sexuality! We still have a long way to go but things are getting better, there is hope in humanity!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Ways To Get Involved In Annual World Book Day

Today is the annual celebration of World Book Day. 

What is World Book Day?

In 1995, Unesco launched World Book Day and Copyright Day, which are observed in more than 100 countries on different dates. World Book Day is basically a ”fun day” for children to celebrate books and appreciate reading.

Children in the UK go to school dressed as their favourite fictional characters and heroes. In South Africa, campaigns are run with the aim of distributing books (in different languages) to children across the country.

This year, The National Library of South Africa (NLSA)  celebrated with a door-to-door reading campaign. Nal’ibali, the national reading-for-enjoyment campaign, is giving away books to the value of R250 000.

Why Should We Celebrate World Book Day?

To promote children’s literacy and reading culture. And it is the one day when authors are celebrated and appreciated for their creativity. That’s it really!

How Can You Get Involved?

  1. You can join hands with Nal’ibali, Exclusive Books, and SABA by purchasing selected children’s books from selected stores and placing them inside the Nal’ibali donation bins.
  2. Become a supporter, volunteer, or sponsor of initiatives like Read to Rise. Read to Rise is a non-profit organization committed to promoting youth literacy in schools in SA. It was founded by husband and wife team Athol Williams and Taryn Lock conducting classroom programs and school visits in Mitchells Plain and Soweto.
  3. Organise a fundraising event. Why not? Get in touch with oganisations like Help2Read.  They will give you tips on how to start a fundraising campaign.
  4. Buy Books in bulk and donate them to schools and literacy campaigns.
  5. An easy one could be joining a campaign on social media. Use these tags #BUYABOOK, #READ_A_BOOK to promote books or simply start a conversation.

Give us a shout if you want more information on how to get involved or perhaps to share some ideas. Better yet, buy your books online and donate them.

Before You Go

Here are some storybooks you could purchase.

1. Oaky and The Sun by Athol Williams and Illustrated by Taryn Lock
Oaky and the Sun is an inspiring story about an acorn who is searching for the right direction to grow – it’s about finding your true purpose.

2.  Vivi and Oye and the Special Calf by Hallo Angala and Illustrated by Sara Nakalila
Daisy is a black and white calf who talks to Vivi and Oye about the effects of littering on farm animals. Also the importance of maintaining a clean environment.

 

 

Tshego Monaisa On Relaunching One of the Top Six Books of 2016, Three Sisters

We speak to author, Tshego Monaisa about her book “Three Sisters” and the creative process that it entails.

Three Sisters was launched in 2016 and was named one of the Top Six Books of 2016 by the digital media platform, OkayAfrica. A story based on Three women, Millicent, Lesego and Mpho who exist in parallel universes but are all in abusive relationships. The author and scriptwriter, Tshego Monaisa gives us an insight into her writing process and some of the challenges that play out.

Which quote do you live by?

I don’t have one single quote that I live by. All I know is that to live an unfulfilled life would be devastating to me. That alone scares me.

Who comes first, Tshego the novelist or Tshego the scriptwriter?

Tshego is the novelist, but unfortunately, the scriptwriter is the one who pays the bills.

How do you switch from Scriptwriter and Novel Writing?

it’s hard to do as it is essentially the same task. All three of my books, Poetry of Love, Three Dates, and Three Sisters were written whilst I had a full-time job. Back then writing was an outlet, but as a full-time writer, writing pays the bills. I’m struggling to find the time to write my fourth novel, but I believe it will be done.

Is writing talent or is it something that you can learn?

Creative writing, I believe is a talent that is harnessed by skill, but script-writing is a skill that is sharpened by talent.

What is your writing process?

I don’t have one, especially on Three Sisters. I wrote my first novel, Poetry of Love in three months, then I attempted to write Three Dates and Three Sisters in the same time frame but that didn’t happen. Poetry of Love was released and in the excitement of my first book being published, also came the pressure to produce a second.

I realized later on that, that pressure was what kept me from being able to write. Three Dates took me two years to write, and Three Sisters took me four! And the only reason I finished Three Sisters was because I was seven months pregnant and knew that sleepless nights were imminent, and not for writing!

Tshego Monaisa author of Three Sister

I trained as a Script Editor, but for a long time, I was scared to write as I would edit myself. I have since learned to let go and embrace the process. This allows me to write from the character’s authentic selves, and the pressure to not be stylistically perfect has been released. I write from a place of truth for the characters whose stories I’m writing, in order for the character’s journeys to be resonant with the reader.

Because the character’s journeys in Three Sisters are intertwined, I tried to plan each character’s journey but that failed. I wrote the book as my fingers fell on the keyboard, and I believe that this was the most authentic way I could have brought Millicent, Mpho, and Lesego’s journeys to life.

If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?

I don’t know. Perhaps work in radio or TV broadcasting?

Three Sisters Book Cover Imprinted under Porcupine Press

What is different about Three Sisters from the other books you’ve written?

Three Sisters is a novel that is about three different women facing abuse in their relationships, whereas my first two books, Poetry of Love and Three Dates, published by Kwela Books’ Sapphire Press, are romance novels. Three Sisters is self-published and imprinted under Porcupine Press and was named one of the top six books of 2016 by the online platform, OkayAfrica.

Does your book have a lesson/moral?

The biggest takeaway from Three Sisters, in highlighting stories of abuse, is that women, if faced with abuse, should speak up about it to someone they trust in order to seek help as this could potentially save their lives.

What was memorable that you’ve heard from your readers/fans?

I’ve never been recognized for my body of work before, so when I was at a lodge recently and one of the staff members recognized me as the author of Three Sisters, I have pretty blown away and humbled by that. It was awesome to realize that my work is getting out there as when I create it, I am alone with my laptop, so it was wonderful to see the firsthand response. My hope is that since the book has now been reprinted, that it will reach more people, and have more impact. Three Sisters is now available at Xarra Bookstores , Bridge Books, Afro Kulcha and of course, All African books.

Order your copy Three Sisters and Sapphire 3-in-1.

 

Tshego Monaisa

 

Follow Tshego Monaisa on Twitter and Instagram. You can also find her on Facebook.

 

The Madams by Zukiswa Wanner

 

The first thing that catches your eye when buying a book is obviously the cover, right? Correct! A few years ago while visiting a local bookstore, I walk past a book titled The Madams with the ‘A wildly provocative novel’ below the title.  With this, I think mmmm an erotic, naughty kind of story. Turning the book to read the blurb, I realize I was duped! Joke on me and my filthy mind – sies on you Angy! In my defense the book cover is suggestive. Nevertheless, I left with the book since I had never read a book by Zukiswa Wanner.

The Madams is about three girlfriends (the madams) and aren’t brothel madams as I thought. They are what one can imagine how rich wives live in the Joburg suburbs. All three have demanding schedules of being superwomen at work and at home. Thandi, the narrator of this story is the only one who does not have a maid to assist with pressures at home.

She gives in and decides to hire a maid – a white maid. Thandi found her maid, Marita at a halfway house for reformed convicts. She hires specifically a white lady to unnerve her white friend Lauren. This would later cause friction between the three friends.

The white domestic is not necessarily the gist of the story but more on the familiar stories. The abusive husband, the husband who cheats because his independent wife does not give him enough attention and that husband who will cheat even after his wife accepts his other children and their mothers.

The Madams is a surprisingly comical and well-written story. It was published in 2006 by Oshun and me being nice, I have this copy as a second-hand. Here is the link: The Madams – Zukiswa Wanner.  I recently saw on I think Facebook that there’ll be a relaunch of the book with the new cover by April 25th, 2018.

I am looking forward to reading Zukiswa Wanner‘s new book, Hardly Working: A travel memoir of Sorts published by BlackLetter Media. 

 

Christmas Gift Guide: 9 Books We Recommend Gifting Your BookWorm Friend

Are you searching for great books to gift your bookworm friend this Christmas? We came up with 9 books we thought you should give and receive for the holidays.

  1. South Africa at Liberty   by Yasser Booley
    Yasser Booley showcases photographs taken over 22 years. South Africa at Liberty is his debut. It is a collection that features text contributions from renowned photographer Pieter Hugo. The curation is by Ingrid Masondo and art historian Tambudzai La Verne Ndlovu.
  2. General History of Africa Volume 1-3
    The UNESCO General History of Africa reflects how the different peoples of Africa view their civilizations. The books also show the historical relationships between the various parts of the continent. Historical connections with other continents demonstrate Africa’s contribution to the development of human civilization. Each volume is lavishly illustrated and contains a comprehensive bibliography.
  3. The Sporting Madiba: 50 Famous Photos  by Gallo Photos
    In this book, you will see over 50 photos of memorable moments of the sporting Madiba, as well as sports stars paying tribute to Madiba after his death.
  4. Hiking Trails of South Africa  by Willie Olivier
    Brought fully up-to-date, with new trails included and all booking information revised, this fourth edition of Hiking Trails of South Africa is the essential guide for every hiker. Written by well-known author Willie Olivier, this comprehensive guide describes more than 500 trails, offering something for everyone – from the casual ambler to the experienced hiker.
  5. Star Maps for Southern Africa – An Easy Guide to the Night Skies by Albert Jansen
    Divided into 12 sets, the maps cover all eight principal views of the sky (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, and NW) for each month of the year and for different times during each night. For each set of star maps, the reader is alerted to prominent stars and constellations visible during that period of viewing. In this newly released edition, connecting lines have been applied between the stars to help map out the constellations for easy identification.  Terms and concepts are explained and frequently asked questions are addressed.
  6.  200 Women – Who Will Change the Way You See the World edited by Ruth Hobday
    200 women from a variety of backgrounds are asked the same five questions. Each woman shares her unique replies to questions like “What really matters to you?” and “What would you change in the world if you could?” Interviewees include Graça Machel, Caster Semenya, Zelda la Grange, Mpho Tutu van Furth, Hlubi Mboya, Sahm Venter, Joanne Fedler, Ingrid le Roux, Gillian Slovo and Zoleka Mandela, among others
  7. Reweaving the Soul of the Nation by Mmatshilo Motsei
    The book writes about the political economy of Africa and tackles the breakdown of values in communities, politics, and other social movements. Taking lessons from the patience and dedication of a weaver finch, the book is an invitation to the reader to reweave the fractured soul of the nation.
  8. Vaya: Untold Stories Of Johannesburg – The People And Stories That Inspired The Award-Winning Film by Harriet Perlman, et al.
    Film tie-in book with Akin Omotoso’s latest film Vaya, national release 27 October 2017. Through personal stories that are intimate and hard-hitting, Vaya will both surprise and shock you. It offers a rare lens into life in Johannesburg and amplifies the voices of people who live on the city’s margins.
  9. Poetry Potion Bundle: The Language Issue; This Woman is; Poems of Freedom by Various Writers
    Poetry Potion was founded in 2007 as a free platform for poets to publish their poetry and for poetry lovers to discover new poetry. This online poetry journal features poet profiles of known and established poets, Q&As with up-and-coming poets, reviews, videos, podcasts and lots of poetry.  Poets come from South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Ireland, the USA, and many other countries.

Happy Holidays!

 

Africa Month Competition

In celebration of Africa Month we’re hosting a competition where you stand a chance to win a R1000 voucher to spend on any of our carefully selected African authored books!

To enter you will need to:
1) Follow us on Facebook (by clicking the like or follow button at the top of our page)
2) Share the competition post with your friends.
3) Comment below the post and tell us who your favourite African author is, or what your favourite African book is!

Competition ends 24th May 2017 and the winner will be announced on 25th May 2017 on Facebook. T&C’s apply.

Meet The Author: 10 Year Old Award Winning Author – Stacey Fru

I just cannot fathom how a 10-year-old writes books & poems; is a motivational speaker, storyteller, poet, guitarist, ballerina, TV host, chair lady, and teacher. At that age, I can’t think where I was or doing but I know I was naughty and always staying out later than my 6 pm curfew.

My friends and I were always playing games or mostly yapping the whole day about nothing really. Nothing motivational or inspiring nonetheless we all had fun. Victorine Mbong Shu contacted me a week ago about her 10-year-old, Stacey Fru.

Obviously, this caught my attention immediately. Stacey who is possibly the youngest African award-winning author wrote an illustrated 108 pages book titled; ‘Smelly Cats’ without her parents’ knowledge at the tender age of 7. She wrote a second book; ‘Bob and the Snake’ at 8 and before she turned 9, she had accumulated 3 awards for her books and her works.

Smelly Cats is about cats who are cousins. Even though the cats come from the same family, they are bound to have differences due to who they are.

This book is about different social, religious, and schooling backgrounds as well as challenges posed by the suburbs where the cats are staying. However, just like in real life, cats are naughty and behave badly. They fight a lot and even got into trouble in their school. According to Stacey, the constant fights are real reflections of daily life.

“Life is not a bed of hatred. You grow better when you fight to spread love and have fun in a child’s way”, says Stacey

Smelly Cats by Stacey Fru (Pic Supplied)

Her second book according to Stacey is that no matter how much they try, children will always be naughty and parents will always be hard. Bob the Snake is about Bob who loves snakes with his whole heart.

He is super happy because he heard his parents planning to buy him a real snake for his birthday.

A few weeks after he received the snake, he was crowned the neighborhood Hero for saving the family from a thief who broke into their house while they were asleep.

Ironically, Lob the snake is the same reason why Bob runs away from home for days. During school holidays, the family decides to travel to Disney Land.

The question is will Lob the snake be allowed in the plane or not and how will the story end…..

Stacey is apparently on her third book ‘Smelly Cats on Vacation’ which will be published in 2017.You can contact both Stacey/ her mom on the details below or get a copy of their book on our site.

Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 082 548 6385
Website: www.staceyfru.co.aza
Twitter: @staceyfru
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staceyfru