Palesa Vilakazi, Beauty Editor
Unbecoming to Become by Ayanda Mangubane Borotho is fast becoming one of my favourite reads. She writes beautifully about her journey through womanhood and her fight to not lose herself in motherhood, marriage or the entertainment industry. It’s an inspirational read that many women can relate to, and reminds us to stand in our truth and who we are.
I have read The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy more than once, and each time I fall in love with the poetic and magical way the author tells the story. The book explores how the small things affect people's behaviour and their lives.
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Khathu Thusi, Production Manager
How Not to Die by Michael Greger is my go-to for healthy plant-based eating. I enjoy how informative it is in terms of what vegetables and edible plants contain, and how the body benefits from them. It’s honestly changed my eating habits and lifestyle.
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Lineo Leteba, Journalist Intern
I’m not much of a reader, but out of all the books I’ve tried to read, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf by Edward Albee is the only one I almost finished because I enjoyed it so much. I’ll bring myself to finish it, eventually [chuckles].
Buhle Mbete, Digital Editor
Be passionate in following your dreams; failure is a part of the journey; don’t concern yourself with what others think of you, and be grateful are some of the powerful lessons I took away from The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. A forever fave.
The Goddess Bootcamp by Kagiso Msimango offers inspiration to live a more purposeful and passion life. This book is all about loving yourself, thus attracting the love you desire and the right partner for you.
Although I’ve just started reading the crime novel, I can already tell it’s going to be a favourite. Nairobi Heat by Mukoma wa Ngugi is an action-packed read that delves into the cultural divide between Americans and Africans.
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Tumelo Mushi-Sebopa, Food Editor
I’ve used the lockdown period to better understand my son’s condition, thanks to Autism: A Practical Guide to Improving Your Child’s Quality of Life by Jonathan & Polly Tommey and Saving My Sons: A journey with Autism by Ilana Gerschlowitz with Marion Scher. These books both give thorough insight into autism, and are helpful to me as the main caregiver. Great reads if you’re in need of knowledge about the condition; plus they provide parents with much-needed support, advice and encouragement. Thanks to these books, I’ve embarked on a project to help other parents.
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Kemong Mopedi, Deputy Editor
The Next Person You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
This prequel is a continuation of a tear-jerking story that author and humanitarian Mitch Albom started in The Five People You Meet in Heaven. Both books convey how interconnected all human beings are, and how every person that we encounter is meant to teach or save us from something. This insight is so vivid now during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Anyone that knows me will tell you that Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is my Bible and literary crush — I literally eat, breathe and quote her in every second sentence [chuckles]. I discovered her while interviewing some learners at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in 2013. For the first time, I read a book where I wasn’t agreeing to be in love with the author because it was the ‘cool the thing to do’. I genuinely fell in love with how peculiarly she described things, how relatable her anecdotes were and how unapologetic she is in a world that still hopes to tame the ‘cool, calm and stylish’ feminist in her.
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Stay With Me by Ay?`ba´mi Ade´ba´y?`
I’d been hearing great things about this author for years. This year, I decided to acquaint myself with her work. I picked up the book on Sunday, 19 April 2020, read the first line and felt it ignite a new appreciation for writing inside me. I love how Ade´ba´y?` has made writing accessible.
Vida Li Sik, Copy editor
The Stress Code – from Surviving to Thriving, by Richard Sutton
Stress, in the short term, is great as it pushes you to do your best in whatever you’ve put your hand to. Chronic stress is not so good. In this book, the author explains what stress is, and how to deal with it by changing your thinking and behaviour, and how to repair your brain and body. It is very useful during the lockdown.
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All Sorts of Salads, by Chantal Lascaris
I only know how to make a few different salads, and as the weather gets colder, this book is very helpful in providing new ideas on how to feed the family. Not all the ingredients are accessible, but I like the warm salad suggestions.
Been There Done That by David Bristow
Now that travel is severely restricted, I quite enjoy ticking off the places in Mzansi that I’ve visited, and dream of the ones I still want to see. It covers almost every nook and corner one can think of, and it is a light and enjoyable read – a great distraction.
The Power of Praying by Stormie Omartian
Reading my Bible every day is an easy thing for me to do as I love reading. But, being stuck in the house with your family members is a big challenge. This book combines the author’s three books – The Power of a Praying Wife, The Power of a Praying Parent and The Power of a Praying Woman. Let’s just say that there is lot to pray about [chuckles].
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Matshidiso Nkokou, Chief Copy Editor
One Night in Winter by Simon Sebag Montefiore
I read this book after deciding to stop watching TV for a while, and it was worth it. It’s an intriguing novel with a plot that I didn’t see coming – children having to testify against their friends and family following a day that ended with bodies of two other kids lying around. But, those were no ordinary kids – their parents were very important and powerful politicians. Was the tragedy a murder, suicide pact or conspiracy against the state? An absolute page-turner that I have read three times already.
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Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch
If you believe in God, then you won’t read this trilogy with a judgemental eye. Much like anyone else, Walsch was going through depression with struggles that never seemed to end. He was angry at God because he couldn’t understand why things were just not going according to plan in his life. So, he asked questions, and God answered. That turned into a great dialogue and the subject of this book.
The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian
In this book, you’ll find short easy-to-read chapters on how you can pray for your child over all the stages of their lives. A beautiful present from a dear friend that I will always cherish.
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The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
I am still reading this book, which is about an actress who is haunted by a shocking crime she witnessed when she was 16 years old. Secrets, murder and love – all the drama I need in my life!
