Spend your summer reading these South African bestsellers!
Whether you're on the couch, lounging by the pool, or chilling on the beach, there's nothing like getting stuck in a good book to complete the experience.
2020 is finally coming to its long-awaited end, and we couldn't be happier.
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No-one could have predicted how this year would have turned out (except maybe the Simpsons), so most of us probably began the year making some New Year's resolutions.
It is generally quite common, no matter what year we might be entering: read more!
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Although you might be having to juggle a career, a personal life, or maybe you have a family that needs your almost constant attention, it can be hard to find time to settle down with a good read.
And just because the country has been in lockdown for months doesn't mean you necessarily had all the time in the world to get through those books you've been eyeing for a while.
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So if you have some time during the last week of 2020 and would like to tick some local and international bestsellers off your list, we have a list of the best of the best right here.
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Unbecoming to Become by Ayanda MaNgubane Borotho
This personal memoir gives you a look into the life of popular actress Ayanda MaNgubane Borotho.
From growing up on the outskirts of Durban, in Ntuzuma, to taking on roles in both 'Nomzamo' and 'Isibaya' and becoming a household name, while also opening up about her pregnancy, this book follows Ayanda's incredible journey every step of the way.
By unlearning and reflecting on the untrue narratives girls and women are told and taught about themselves and learning a different truth, girls and women can begin the 'Unbecoming To Become' journey of restoring their identity, reclaiming their power and redefining their self-worth.
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The Lazy Makoti's Guide to The Kitchen by Mogau Seshoene
In 2014 Mogau Seshoene up and left the corporate world to pursue a culinary career focusing on South African cuisine and culture, and she hasn't looked back since.
'The Lazy Makoti', which means the lazy daughter-in-law, started as cooking lessons for her "culinary-challenged" friend and later took off and became the fully-fledged business it is today.
The book is filled with easy, uncomplicated recipes that call for delicious and seemingly "basic" ingredients, that will turn into mouthwatering dishes.
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A Promised Land by Barack Obama
Even years after his time as president came to an end, Obama is still a name on everyone's lips. and that won't be changing anytime soon.
From the man who made presidential history, comes this introspective and intriguing personal account of his journey from young man to leader of the free world, which has made this one of the most highly-anticipated memoirs of its time.
And it's only the first volume with another set to be released in the near future.
There’s no feeling like finishing a book, and I’m proud of this one. I’ve spent the last few years reflecting on my presidency, and in A Promised Land I’ve tried to provide an honest accounting of my presidential campaign and my time in office: the key events and people who shaped it; my take on what I got right and the mistakes I made; and the political, economic, and cultural forces that my team and I had to confront then—and that as a nation we are grappling with still.
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Donkerdrif by Deon Meyer
Award-winning crime fiction novelist Deon Meyer is back with another gripping tale filled with greed, murder, and mystery.
The story involves two disgraced cops, a missing Stellenbosch student, a real estate agent, and the Cape Town Waterfront.
And that's only the beginning. We wouldn't want to reveal any spoilers so you'll have to read it yourself.
It is currently only available in Afrikaans, but other translations will be available from 2021.
Cape, Curry & Koesisters by Fatima Sydow and Gadija Sydow Noordien
From growing up in the Cape Flats to releasing this book of delicious, easy-to-follow, affordable recipes, it follows the personal journey of twin sisters Gadija and Fatima.
Linking the Cape Malay recipes to their childhood memories adds a special touch to the book while providing you with a quintessential guide to the cuisine and culture.
A definite must-have for any true foodies!
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You're Not Broke, You're Pre-Rich by Mapalo Makhu
Mapalo Makhu is not only a City Press columnist, but she's also a public speaker and award-winning personal finance coach.
And her goal with this book is to help millennials learn to invest their money, get out of debt, and remain debt-free by focusing on day-to-day money management issues and other money-related issues.
From Black Tax, budgeting, financial scams, savings, and emergency funds, to retirement planning and everything in between, this is going to become your how-to guide for all things cash money.
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The Stellenbosch Mafia by Pieter Du Toit
A telling insight into the opulent lives, and the shadier side, of the "billionaires' club" which consists of some of the richest men in South Africa.
While studying one of South Africa's wealthiest towns, Du Toit, assistant editor at News24, delves into a world dominated by the likes of Johann Rupert, Jannie Mouton, Christo Wiese, the politics involved, and even touches on Markus Jooste's Steinhoff corrupt collapse.
Although released in 2019, this book is still at the top of everyone's reading list.
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And we didn't forget about the kids, in case you want them to join in on the fun, this is one of the bestselling kid's books this year.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Deep End by Jeff Kinney
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series has proven a complete hit with children, with 'The Deep End' marking the 15th book in the series and four of the books having been turned into just as successful movies!
The latest offering follows Greg Heffley and his family as they embark on a cross-country camping trip, but the adventure takes a wild turn as they get stranded at an RV park.
Will they be able to save their vacation?
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Now it's time to sit back, relax, and read away!
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Main image courtesy of iStock