The Just Curious Book Club: Who’s In?

August 3, 2011 by  

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The Just Curious Book Club is the brainchild of Dumi Gwebu. Young people don’t read, black people don’t read and actually South Africans in general don’t read. We cannot change this dramatically but we can try make a difference and that’s why we are going to do this.

In a recent Quantitative Research Survey conducted by the South African Book Development Council, it was deduced that a whopping 51% of South African households did not have a single book in their homes and that only 14% of South Africans are active readers. Sadly, only 5% of South Africans read to their children.

Another significant finding is that 45% of the poll felt that books were too expensive, while 27% said they do not read because there is no library nearby, and 22% said that books are too difficult to read.

In support of National Book Week objectives, we are launching the JC Book Club and the suggestion is simple: We pick a book to read in the beginning of a month, we read it throughout the month and at the end of that month we set up a forum to discuss the book on JC. We will obviously discuss what we thought of the book, lessons we took from it and any other thoughts we have nje. Where possible, we will also try to get a comment from the author and see if they are able to join in on the discussions.

Next step? Well, Dumi has suggested that we put this brilliant idea on trial with Angela Makholwa’s Red Ink as our August 2011 Book.

Going forward there will be more input from the Book Club members on what books we read so each person who joins needs to keep in mind that we can’t always be reading their kind of books, so it’s important that we are open minded about what we will read.

About The August Book:

Synopsis
Who is the serial killer, and what motivates him? When public relations consultant Lucy Khambule, young, beautiful and ambitious, receives a call from Napoleon Dingiswayo – a convicted serial killer, nicknamed “The Butcher” by the media – she sets out to fulfil her childhood dream of writing a book by answering this question. Napoleon is an all too obliging subject, but Lucy discovers that her choice of topic is not for the faint-hearted. Soon after meeting him in Pretoria’s notorious C-Max Prison her world is turned upside down by a number of violent and disturbing events. Napoleon is behind bars, but Lucy cannot shake the thought that the brutal killings have something to do with him. Can she uncover the method and the madness behind this monster? As she learns that people have their reasons for being who they are and doing what they do, Lucy must decide what price she is willing to pay to pursue her dream.

Picador Africa

ISBN: 9781770100688
Publication date: June 2007
Weight: 233g
Edition: New title
Pages: 240

If you would like to join the #JCBookClub (let’s use this hashtag on twitter) then please send us your Name to bookclub@justcurious.co.za so that we can let you know what book is decided on each month, as well as to notify when we are discussing a book.
If I have left out anything, please ask questions in the comments section and Dumi will reply there.
So for now, we read Red Ink and discuss it at the end of this month. If you have any other suggestions on how we can make this work, holla back.

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Comments

80 Comments on "The Just Curious Book Club: Who’s In?"

  1. candy-coated on Wed, 3rd Aug 2011 10:56 pm 

    Me

  2. MsButterfly on Wed, 3rd Aug 2011 10:57 pm 

    I am definately in… I have a problem of reading 2 books at once so this will add on as my 3rd book.. Hope I find and finish it in time

  3. facebook on Wed, 3rd Aug 2011 11:18 pm 

    I’m in

  4. MashDiva on Wed, 3rd Aug 2011 11:21 pm 

    I quit fb a few weeks ago so I can dedicate my time to reading books so I’m quite excited abt this one! #JCBookClub thank u Dumi

  5. MashDiva on Wed, 3rd Aug 2011 11:24 pm 

    What happened to my comment kanti?

  6. Exclusive on Wed, 3rd Aug 2011 11:29 pm 

    Love the idea, I’m currently reading #Diepsloot by Anton Harber, one of the books Eric Miyeni refused to read saying he can’t read about Africans from a white mans perspective. Anyway, I think it’s an interesting read, will mail my name forward.

    Big ups

  7. GA on Wed, 3rd Aug 2011 11:37 pm 

    The title of the article just tickled me more than the ‘Happy’ articles did.

    Because I’m trying to cut down my web activity and cultivate the real activities more, I am inspired to start a book club with my friends, out of the many of them, out of the core friends, I’m sure atleast 6 will be keen.

    PS: Big shoutout to my JC big sis Lwandie..xoxo, and MissAn you gem! No make that a precious metal! And Ouboet.
    BS..Continue to grow even as JC does Sucre. The day I hear or read that you guys are getting payed big for this ill dance around like I have shares in JC. U come so far, you’ve done great work and there is room for you to go mega big.

    Where the goodbye energy comes from I dunno coz I’m silent blogging, probably will for a long time. Goodness!!

  8. Thabiek on Wed, 3rd Aug 2011 11:55 pm 

    I’m definitely in

  9. Zeal on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 12:04 am 

    I’m definitely in!! Whoop!! Cant wait!!

  10. Lela on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 12:19 am 

    This should force me to read other books outside of christian books,im joining!

  11. Azuree on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 12:58 am 

    yesss definetly i’m in!!

  12. Hasting Moeng on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 1:52 am 

    I love this space…

  13. cherrypops on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 1:54 am 

    Bookclub it is.

    Hope it opens my mind to reading other types of books, besides my usual christian genre. Shooo…. Already got heart pulpatations from term SERIAL KILLER!

  14. pastor chic on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 2:04 am 

    I’m also in and I agree with lela about reading other books cos I only read Christian books!

  15. simple on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 2:20 am 

    This is my favorite,I love reading…am in!

  16. Nerlee on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 2:47 am 

    I lv the idea:)

  17. Maka-Khanya on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 5:35 am 

    I’m definitely in.
    I luv reading bt ndigqibele kudala futhi ndiyonqena lately except reading ama newspapers n magazines

  18. SilentBloggar on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 7:08 am 

    Yes guys I’m in, I’m currently reading Young Blood by Sifiso Mzobe. I read Red Ink last year so I need to refresh before the end of the month discussions. This is good news. Questions:
    Will we be choosing SA literature only?
    Will we be concentrating on fiction/novels only? Or will we do autobiographies and stuff like that?

  19. Palacepalesa on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 7:14 am 

    I read the book last year my friend borrowed me, it took me two days to finish the book. Fantastic book.

  20. buchie on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 7:21 am 

    this is a fantastic idea.im definately in!

  21. Brown Shuga on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 7:54 am 

    @SilentBlogga we won’t only read SA Books, that would be boring so we’ll mixx it up and seeing that we love discussing people, I would say autobiographies are a definite.
    Nothing is cast in stone yet so suggest from the members are welcome.

    Dontt forget to send ur name so we know how many members we got. This will help if we approach a bookseller to give the club members discounts etc

  22. Amo on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 8:07 am 

    I am loving this. I am so so in. Now here’s to hoping that our EB has the book. Happy reading folks.
    Thank you BS and DG for realising there are book worms out there who may enjoy this initiative. Never done a web book club before and I am hoping to have a fun yet informative time.

  23. Makgotso on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 8:11 am 

    I’m in but I will be active in January but I will register my name so that I can buy these books and read them while I rest from my SAICA books……..

  24. Tellytubby on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 8:12 am 

    Count me in too!!
    Questions:
    1. Where can we find the books and at what price?
    2. If I can’t afford to buy books every month, which libraries can you recommend in Joburg?

    Can’t wait *book worm happy dance*

  25. Nonkuku on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 8:16 am 

    Yayness!!!
    Love reading!
    Let’s also do the christian books in the future (if no one objects with valid reasons ofcoz) coz some of us are embarking on the spirtual journey

  26. BlindFold on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 8:46 am 

    Its so amazing because i read that book last year already, fascinating…..i’m so innnnnnnnnnnn

  27. DrDee on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 8:52 am 

    I would love to be in,but Aunty BS is there any way the Club can post the books to me,say when a new book is chosen and I am not here at home to get it.I can arrange Fedex fees.

  28. Toni on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 9:15 am 

    Excellent idea!! Count me in :-) Grew up a bookworm and have always wanted to be in a book club.

  29. Amo on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 9:25 am 

    Tellytubby check this link: http://www.exclus1ves.co.za//books/Red-Ink-a-Novel-AuthorAngela-Makholwa/000000000100000000001000000000000000000000000009781770100688/

  30. blaque on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 9:45 am 

    I’m in.

  31. Pummy on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 9:56 am 

    Im in.Ive already sourced the book from my local library :-)

  32. Savanah Dry on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 9:57 am 

    @ DrDree you can buy the book online i have tried kalahari and they have it they will quote you including post to wherever you are and i am sure with the advancement of technology you can order an electronic copy that you can just download

  33. Pule on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 9:57 am 

    I’m not in.
    For a few reasons;i am out of town and buying books here is a bit hectic,i am a moody reader,i have a truckload in my waiting list etc.
    However,i guess this will be fun and i will pop in to join in the discourse.If a book i have on my shelf is mentioned i will read and join the discussion and i could even suggest one when the time comes for that and finally, i will be tracking whatever you guys are reading and adding it to my long waiting list.

    a quick question – are the discussions going to be strictly on Twitter?

    one last thing, very god initiative.well done BS and Dumi.

  34. fabulicious on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 10:01 am 

    sorry bt i had to kwaaaaaaaaa @this…… BS a re—> ”’seeing that we love discussing people….” K mna i’l wait for them biographies ke

  35. promisez on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 10:02 am 

    I have to be in,,, hoping that my freind Tshepi is in too!

  36. CremeBlu on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 10:14 am 

    I’m in! I’m in! I’m in! Nothing in this world makes me happier than reading (well except music and writing). So excited :D already. Leggo!

    Hi everyone. I’m new here. *waves to all the cool people* :)

  37. Brown Shuga on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 10:26 am 

    Pule the discussions are going to be here. But we are expecting that there’ll be those wanting to continue chatting on Twitter, hence #JCBookClub.

    Can you guys please like our FB Page too? Maybe we’ll add some notes there too.
    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Just-Curious/168521059588

    DrDee you will have to get the book yourself for now. PLease try amazon.com as well, coz you don’t mention where in the world you are.

    Can someone answer Teletubby on the library question… thanks.

    Please don’t worry if I don’t acknowledge your BookCLub mail today, I am receiving them.

  38. lonah on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 10:33 am 

    I’m def in. Yepppppi*
    Well done BS and Dumi.

  39. khululeka on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 10:40 am 

    I’m def in !
    Used to be a bookworm when I was younger, lost it somewhere along the line with technology and gadgets. Nice 1 JC !

  40. J-Girl on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 10:47 am 

    :) :) :) :)
    Sooper excited!!!

  41. @JoneighGALAXY on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 10:50 am 

    Count King Joneigh in, I love this a lot. I mostly read books that deal w/ biographies, business matters, entrepreneurship, spirituality, and current / global affairs and haven’t had the opportunity to branch out to explore other genres of literature. I also have loads of books that I still need to go through as I have impulsive reading habits.

    @TellyTubby here are links to other reputable bookstores & libraries:

    You can also email info@xarrabooks.com if you’re not having luck with the phone (011 832 3069).

    Protea Bookstore 1067 Burnett Street Hatfield, Pretoria 0028. Antiquarian
    Queries, antiquarian@proteaonline.co.za. Book Orders, info@proteaonline.co.za

    Sandton library in Nelson Mandela Square stocks the latest publications. Try Brooklyn library in Design Square Pretoria.

  42. Lustagp on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 10:50 am 

    sorry i would love to but i hate reading fiction to me it’s a total waste of energy, so your first choice kicks me out! i prefer self help books so guys enjoy!!!

  43. @JoneighGALAXY on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 10:55 am 

    Haaaa what swagg is JC pulling @ this? “… Your comment is awaiting moderation…”

  44. Pule on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 11:11 am 

    DrDee, i doubt Amazon will deliver to Ghana.
    Speak to Kalahari before you leave town.I hear they have expanded to a few other African countries,they may be doing stuff in Ghana.

  45. dejane on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 11:15 am 

    I also love reading biographies. Great initiative. Thanks Dumi.

  46. Monei on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 11:32 am 

    I’m in. Eish, but i gotta get back into the groove of reading. need to finish a book i havnt touched since festive in Swaziland. It wudnt please Eric miyeni either, Black Mulberries set in northern Botswana written by a white lady i think. hey, i buy the story not the author. And this bookclub will help me expand out of my usual escapist, thus fiction genres.

    BS, u saying we shud kp tabs of whose suggestions and the titles chosen or suggestions as well…?

  47. Brown Shuga on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 12:00 pm 

    Red Ink is available from Exclusive Books, Kalahari.com, Loot.co.za, takealot.com and the price ranges from R83 – R99.

    Monei, I’m still tryna figure out how we are gonna get suggestions and decide on what book we’re reading next. Ideas welcome

  48. sliqdiva on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 12:01 pm 

    Am in, dnt knw when ws da last tym I read a book except ezeskolo bt ts would b interesting.

  49. Wild Island on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 1:14 pm 

    done:)….

  50. Biskiti on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 1:22 pm 

    Huu Bagaetsho, i’m such a bad reader hle, i always fall alseep when reading, to the point where in one week i’d have covered only 10 pages…lolest, that’s cause i read 2 pages and sleep and the following night i have to go back to catch the story again.

    2 months back someone mentioned “God of small things” by A. Roy, i bought the book and i’m on Page 65, mara it’s been a very slow process…kwaaa. And i used to love books growing up. I guess tertiary kinda messed me up.

    BIg-up Dumi & BS on the initiative. Let me finish this book and i’ll join in the next month.

  51. mysista on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 1:31 pm 

    Biskiti hayibo!!! #shockedface#

    Love, if you cannot get into ‘The God of Small Things” which in my not so humble opinion is the most flawless piece of literature since the alphabet was invented, then I do not know.

    Maybe love your the type of person audio books were invented for?

    Last night I actually thought of you Biskiti, I was watching Beyonce’s old video upgrade you, and you are right that child is six different kinds of pretty, mhle shem!

  52. miss_a on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 1:33 pm 

    I read this book, really enjoyed it. Her other book “Thirtieht Candle” is also great, JC should also pick it at some stage!

    I’m a bookworm of note so this is a brilliant idea I will definitely be a part of :)

  53. DexterSUPERIOR on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 2:33 pm 

    Brilliant idea. I’m kind of a T.D. Jakes and Joseph Prince retard. Those are the only authors I spend money on. I think I’m gonna sit this one out but I’ll pop in when you’re doing inspirational books and those tell-all biographies.

  54. dejane on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 2:46 pm 

    @ BS can Shantaram by Gregory Roberts be one of the books reviewed, pretty please. Its such a great book.

  55. Biskiti on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 2:55 pm 

    LOL Mysista. Don’t get me wrong, i laughout loud when reading some parts, but into the second page nje i’m gone ka boroko. I’ll start reading when i wake-up that way i won’t fall asleep…lol. In my prime, i read the second instalment ya Harry Potter in 2 days flat, mara these days, i guess work kinda takes it’s toll on the mind.

    As for Beyonce lolest, i’m sure you could imagine doing wicked things to her phyn booty, phela i know how kotsirrrlik you are…lol…wouldn’t leave you with my gf..kwaa kwaa kwaaaa. Life is funny mara neh.

  56. Biskiti on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 2:57 pm 

    Dexter i wouldn’t have thought. Like Lusta, You come across as the very serious type, those that read the financial mail, abo How the west was won…

  57. Monei on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 3:20 pm 

    ok, cool BS.

    So for those who have read this, is it a thriller or mystery or action…?excuse my bad descriptions- this not my type of genre. just making a mental note of level of blood and gore. I’m a sensitive viewer and and even more sensitive reader thanks to my imagination (too much crime series can play havoc with the way one imagines crime scenes).

  58. dejane on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 3:25 pm 

    Dexter does come across as the serious type.

  59. DexterSUPERIOR on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 3:52 pm 

    Ha! Lol, I’m far from serious.

    @dejane, I’ve heard about Shantaram but I’m yet to read it. Is it worthwhile?

  60. Pule on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 4:04 pm 

    I am not in but i will hang around here. *unless i am chased away*
    so can i ask unofficially for the house to bookmark 100 years of solitude by Gabriel García Márquez and Famished Road by Ben Okri.Reading both in sucession leaves you with a guaranteed literary high for weeks.

    A process for selecting the books to review must be the hardest task and should be discussed as soon as possible.Considering the differing interests and tastes,it will be a nut to crack.

  61. Brown Shuga on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 4:40 pm 

    We have 45 people that registered today. Thanks for all the emails guys.

  62. dejane on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 4:47 pm 

    It will be worth your while @ Dexter. Its an amazing book. I’ve read it twice with its thickness and all. It’s beautifully written and the author tells us of his very intriguing adventures.

  63. Pappy on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 5:36 pm 

    mina noBiskiti siyafana shem. Mina its even worse coz i jst find myself staring at the words nje thinking my own stuf. The book i remember reading lastyear nogal was Spud. After i havent touch any book. I do feel leftout when my friends go on and on about a book i neva read. Maybe this with get me up to speed with some liteture. I want to do this… LETS GO!!!

  64. dumigwebu on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 6:10 pm 

    I’ve never been more excited about anything than I am about this bookclub.it will be my second time reading this book I’m looking forward to the discussion knowing JC bloggers its gonna be the bomb.I just wanna encourage people to be open minded about the book genre’s. we will get into self help which is not my favuorite but I will be there,reading so that I can be part of these amazing discussions.

  65. Tellytubby on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 6:28 pm 

    Thanx for the info guys :)
    ((big hug))

  66. Litoh Manyoko Scholes on Thu, 4th Aug 2011 8:03 pm 

    A very spot on wake up call for me,I do brows on books at CNA and those selling at Centurion Mall at the passages but never gave myself a chance to reach out to my wallet and get a book.I take this as a chance to start buying and read.

  67. Philile_N on Fri, 5th Aug 2011 1:20 am 

    I’m in!!!!! Lemme send the email NOW!
    Can we please read Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga

  68. Philile_N on Fri, 5th Aug 2011 1:27 am 

    I also dont like self-help books, aboTD Jakes naboJoel Osteen, etc. I prefer listening/watching their sermons online.
    The only self help book I read is The Bible.
    BUT I’ll read them when they are suggested so I can take part in the discussions. Woooo this is so exciting!!!!!
    I’m gonna buy the book on Saturday!

  69. mysista on Fri, 5th Aug 2011 8:48 am 

    @BS Shuga, Noncasa love lam, about the idea of JC for seniors please tick the approriate response

    1. Yes
    2.No
    3.Never, take your geriatric behind elsewhere!
    4.Maybe,when I BS get to Mysista age & stage.!

    @Philile, I love i Nervous conditions, I think it should be compulsory reading for any black female child who has to go to a white school!

  70. Biskiti on Fri, 5th Aug 2011 8:54 am 

    Philile, nami i’ve decided to get the book kusasa, or even later today.

    Pappy, wena o worst case scenario…loler

  71. Biskiti on Fri, 5th Aug 2011 9:01 am 

    Have you guys read the quickie of a book – One flew over the cookoo’s nest? That was a hilarious read, well, if you have a crazyass imagination.

  72. Brown Shuga on Fri, 5th Aug 2011 9:58 am 

    63 members and counting

  73. Pappy on Fri, 5th Aug 2011 10:46 am 

    ha a Biskiti, im gonna get my act together and get the book.

  74. mysista on Fri, 5th Aug 2011 10:49 am 

    Yewena BS ndicela undihhoye tu ndikubuze umbuzo, ungandixeleli ukuba usandiqumbele, mna andinawo umdla wochuku, ndiyakuthanda qha!

    So deal with it!

  75. Pana on Fri, 5th Aug 2011 10:52 am 

    In please.

  76. Makami on Sat, 6th Aug 2011 12:06 pm 

    Im so in, i’v always wanted 2 b a part of a bookclub *excited*

  77. Amo on Tue, 9th Aug 2011 8:21 am 

    Sosad, cant find the book in my hood. Anyone has a PDF of it and share with me? Apparently the book is out of circulation and the Publisher has stopped printing it…

  78. MissAN on Tue, 9th Aug 2011 10:39 pm 

    Lol @ Pappy and Biskiti. Mybe just join the book club for the cyber wine during the discussions. I have unique problem, I have read many books and love reading but I can never tell you what the book is about if you ask me years later! I just have a vague memory! I enjoy the book for the moment.

    @mysista, I thought the God of small things was the best book ever until A thousand splendid suns! My gosh,I cried for the 1st time reading a book and if Dumi makes to the bookclub list,I will read it again! Nervous condition was a great book but as explained to @ Biskiti and Pappy don’t recall except the plot was in Zim.

    I love reading. How it makes you travel to places you have never been and chances are never will travel to,opens your mind,improves your train of thought and language skills,learn certain things not taught at schools and imagination!

  79. Brown Shuga on Wed, 10th Aug 2011 1:57 am 

    @Mysista, do you mean I should start another site? I’m not sure I understand…. uthini?

    Thanks to everyone who sent in emails. We are now sitting at 78 members. As soon as I figured out how to create contact groups on email, I’ll send a welcome email/confirmation of membership…

  80. Dinie on Wed, 10th Aug 2011 5:15 pm 

    I’m in. I’ve always wanted to join a book club…Whoop! Whoop!

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