Books, Glorious Books!

September 6, 2011 by  

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In the past few months I got into the habit of reading books. It’s been in small doses but I’m proud to say that I’ve read 4 books in the past 6 months. In tune with everything I do, the books are from a variety of genres and speak to totally different audiences but I enjoyed them.
I’ll share the titles and what I liked about each .

The Carrie Diaries &  Summer And The City both by Candace Bushnell
I think I finished reading these two books in one week.

If you are a Sex and The City fan then you will enjoy reading these books.

Candace Bushnell is the same lady who wrote Sex and The City and instead of continuing, she went back to Carrie’s life as a high school senior, this is covered in Carrie’s Diaries and we get to know how she got into writing and about Sebastian, her first love. This book is intended for young adults and I would be careful giving it to my teen coz it makes smoking, drinking and making out seem so cool.

In its sequel Summer And The City, Carrie moves to New York temporarily to attend a summer writing course and from her first day nje in NY when she hooks up with Samantha Jones, it’s wham bam action, non-stop! I fear because it is very easy to read this book and want to go NY (I wanted to) thinking you’ll meet those celebs and get invited to all those fab events she went to on her first week. I bet real life is different. It’s a thrilling read though, we get to find out how she meets Miranda and with each woman she meets afterwards, you keep wondering if it’s Charlotte.. I loved it. There are discrepancies between these books and the series, one of them being that the young Carrie can cook but we all know she and Mr Big had to eat out because she couldn’t cook. The minute I finished reading Summer And The City, I wished I had Sex and The City the book but had to settle for whipping out my boxset to watch from Season 1. I love this show!!!

There is a Summer And The City movie in the works, a move which I hear the Sex and The City actresses aren’t happy with because they felt there is more that can be done with their characters. I think they should find other work and forget about Sex and the city because nje even the second one was a stretch. They are old now.

The Shack – William P Young
The book is about a guy, Mackenzie Philips who is dealing with the abduction and subsequent murder of his young daughter, Missy. Even though Missy’s body was never found, evidence of her death was found in some abandoned shack in the woods and the book is about Mackenzie’s experience in The Shack.
He spends a weekend at the Shack with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The twist is that all 3 are humans, God (referred to as Papa) is a black woman, Jesus is a middle aged man of middle east descent and the holy spirit (Sarayu) is an Asian woman. You can imagine what noise the “Christians” made about it all but yazi this is by the best book I’ve read in my entire life. Actually when I’m done with my current book I’m gonna read it again. It takes a lot, while reading, to remember that the book is just fiction because you will feel like it is the bible being made practical and said by God as the black woman, so that we can understand it. You don’t have to be a staunch Christian or even believe in God to enjoy the book, well, Mackenzie didn’t believe in God because he asked where God was when all those horrible things happened to his baby and the answers he gets from his conversation with the holy trinity will change your life. This book is just so powerful and it will change whatever perception you have of God and most importantly relationships.

Some of the powerful statements from the book:

 

  • Sarayu (Holy Spirit): “Relationships are never about power, and one way to avoid the will to power is to choose to limit oneself- to serve.

 

  • Papa: “There are millions of reasons to allow pain and hurt and suffering rather than to eradicate them, but most of these reasons can only be understood within each person’s story. I am not evil. You are the ones who embrace fear and pain and power and rights so readily in your relationships. But your choices are not stronger than my purposes, and I will use every choice you make for the ultimate good and the most loving outcome”.
  • Sarayu: “Both evil and darkness can only be understood in relation to Light and Good; they do not have any actual existence. I am Light and I am Good. I am Love and there is no darkness in me. Light and Good actually exist. So, removing yourself from me will plunge you into darkness. Declaring independence will result in evil because apart from me, you can only draw upon yourself. That is death because you have separated from me: Life”.

 

  • Jesus (in response to Mack’s question about why he spends a great deal of time worrying about the future): “It is your desparate attempt to get some control over something you can’t. It is impossible for you to take power over the future because it isn’t even real, nor will it ever be real. You try and play God, imagining the evil that you fear becoming reality, and then you try and make plans and contingencies to avoid what you fear.”

 

  • Jesus: “Seriously, my life was not meant to be an example to copy. Being my follower is not trying to ‘be like Jesus’, it means for your independence to be killed. I came to give you life, real life, my life. We will come and live our life inside of you, so that you begin to see with our eyes, and hear with our ears, and touch with our hands, and think like we do. But we will never force that union on you. If you want to do your thing, have at it. Time is on our side”.

 

  • Jesus: “As well intentioned as it might be, you know that religious machinery can chew up people! I don’t create institutions- never have, never will.”

 

  • Jesus: “Who said anything about being a Christian? I’m not a Christian”

 

  • Sarayu: “Mackenzie, religion is about having the right answers, and some of their answers are right. But I am about the process that takes you to the living answer and once you get to him, he will change you from the inside”.
  • Sarayu: “It is true that relationships are a whole lot messier than rules, but rules will never give you answers to the deep questions of the heart and they will never love you” .
  • Sarayu: “Mack, if anything matters than everything matters. Because you are important, everything you do is important. Every time you forgive, the universe changes; every time you reach out and touch a heart or a life, the world changes; with every kindness and service, seen or unseen, my purposes are accomplished and nothing will ever be the same again”.

 

Deep neh? I loved it. If this doesn’t make you wanna read it then angazi…

A book that I bought but still haven’t read is The Four Agreements. I’ve paged through it and heard it’s an amazing book which teaches the following lessons or agreements which you need to make with yourself:

THE FOUR AGREEMENTS:

1. Be Impeccable with Your Word

Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally

Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstances, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

One of the reasons why I actually haven’t set down and read this book is because I don’t like motivational books where someone is telling me to do this and that. Our lives are different and work out differently, I prefer reading a story and then taking whatever lessons from it that may apply to me.

I also have A New Earth which I got as a birthday gift last year and I’m hoping that I will find the motivation to read it because apparently it’s amazing.

At the present moment, I’m struggling to finish Sex On The Moon by Ben Mezrich, the author of the Facebook story “ Accidental Billionaire”.

Just as he retold Mack Zuckeberg’s story in his own way, he also does the same with Thad Robert. In real life, Thad Robert is a guy who aspired for a career at NASA and became an intern at the Johnson Space Center. Thad later stole a 661-pound safe that contained Moon rock samples. He was caught by the F.B.I. when he tried to sell this loot to mineral collectors and was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison. The book is described as a love story, “Thad Roberts, a fellow in a prestigious NASA program had an idea–a romantic, albeit crazy, idea. He wanted to give his girlfriend the moon. Literally.” … .and all I’ve been reading so far is moon rock this, NASA this and NASA that, I’m yet to get to the love part. Hope I’ll finish soon.

So, it’s your turn, what books are you reading? What is your favourite book of all time and why?

Happy National Book Week!

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Comments

124 Comments on "Books, Glorious Books!"

  1. coolcaz on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 5:17 pm 

    (((((Phaaaa)))))

  2. Russian_Duchess on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 5:42 pm 

    Went book shopping izolo and almost bought that “Sex on the Moon” book, glad I didn’t buy it now! Ended up buying “If you mert the Buddha on the road, Kill Him!” Will definitely buy “The Shack” just because of those quotes!

    Best books ever for me must be Sun Tzu’s “The Art Of War” and Sue Miller’s “While I Was Gone”

  3. Mopedi thwi on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 5:51 pm 

    i am one of many S.Africns who dont read reason being i study,work,m a wive and a mother of 2 + staying with my inlaws.ga kena nako ya go bala and my school books r expensive.i promised myself to start reading ga ke fetsa my honours

  4. Julz on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 5:52 pm 

    I have two favorite books!

    The first is by Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie called “Purple Hibiscus”. Its written from the perspective of an teenage girl growing up with a religious fanatic for a father who actually uses the bible as a mask for the abuse he places on his family and it explores her coming of age. Brilliant story, simply written but powerful at the same time. The imagery and story is painted so vividly you can taste the blood running down her cheek after her father beats her up.

    The second is also by a Nigerian writer Elechi Amadi called “the Concubine”. In a nutshell its a haunting love story and brilliant social commentary on the role of a woman and how sexual or rather how chaste she is “entitled” to be. Loved it! Read it in like two days straight! Also the twist at the end is like woah, so you have to read it a second time just to understand the brilliance of the story.

    Right now reading “The secret lives of Baba Segi’s wives” by Lola Shoneyin. Its about a polygamous household and so far its proving to be a very interesting read.

    Sorry for a blog within a blog!

  5. Pule on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 6:03 pm 

    presently reading 100 YEARS OF SOLITUTDE by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.Not exactly my kind of book but a little diversity will do me no harm. Salman Rushdie called it the best book written in any language in the last 50 years and NYT says it should be made compulsory reading for every human on earth and Bill Clinton called him the most important fictional witer in any language.It does not come higher than that.
    If you loved THE FAMISHED ROAD by Ben Okri,then you must read 100 years of Solitude.

    I loved THE MIRACLE LIFE OF EDGAR MINT. i laughed,i cried and i laughed again.Same author has written the LONELY POLYGAMIST and it is waiting for me on my shelf.

    talking about laughs,no one does it better for me than Nick Hornby. A LONG WAY DOWN is a favourite of mine.

    I have read Fred Khumalo’s BITCHES BREW twice,i think it is due a third read.

    I don’t have a favourite of all time.like music,certain books remind me of a certain time in my life and evoke certain nostalgia,that either bring a tear,a smile or a frown.
    It all depends.

  6. Pule on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 6:09 pm 

    @Julz, all Nigerian authors???

  7. MashDiva on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 6:45 pm 

    I bought a new earth a few months back bt I hvnt finished it. I got lost in the ‘ego’ and the ‘being’ and whole lota things that seem complicated. I’m currently reading GOD IS MY CEO which looks at practical ways of doing business without compromising your Christian beliefs. Would love to read the life and times of fana khaba soon bt I’m struggling to get it. Can anybody help with that?

  8. RedVelvet on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 6:49 pm 

    I personally love motivational books, unlike the story tellers, though I read them too. When it comes to relationship trouble: Steve Harvey books always inspire me. Gilbert books are fantastic, committed, eat.love.pray to name a few. Lovely.
    Sex and the city books are just for the imagination nothing more, I’m not exactly a sex deprived kind of girl or a horny one, so I’ll read those IF and WHEN I get the time

  9. lbg on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 8:10 pm 

    K I loved welcome to our hillbrow by an s.a artist. Also love miss kwakwa its a cute read first nd second installment. Loved a midsummer nights dream by shakespeare. I also loved inspector hound by some author. My all time fav author is zakes mda I ddnt know much about him till I read a book by him nd I wz a fan ever since, I read ways of dying, the madam of excelsia and black diamond. I mostly love short stories I read six feet of the country nd othe s.a stories. I also love athol fugard I read the island nd other plays. I also loved the tempest by S.S nd animal farm is still a fav. Nd other books too r favz but I love the old stuff so recently iv been searching for stuff by naidine gordimer (sp)

  10. Julz on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 8:23 pm 

    @Pule, yeah all Nigerian writers lol. Its a coincidence really. I tend to read mainly African lit and for some reason the majority of the stories/writers that I love come from Nigeria,Ghana and Zimbabwe.

    PS loved Ben Okri’s ‘the famished road’ so will mos def check out 100yrs of solitude.

  11. Philile_N on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 8:57 pm 

    Ah! BS I love you for The Shack! Haven’t read it yet, but I’ve heard great things about it. So I’m definately buying it next week.
    I’m currently reading The Kite Runner by Khaledi Hosseini

    So far my all time favourite book has to be a book I read in matric a long long time ago, To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee.

    I also don’t like motivational or self-help books, I feel I’m being bullied into living my life a certain way. BUT I loved TD Jakes Woman Thou Art Loosed, it was birthday gift from a friend!

  12. Philile_N on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 9:00 pm 

    Oh I also wanna read The God of Small Things – Arundhati Roy and Some of My Best Friends Are White – Ndumiso Ncgobo.

    I LOVE READING!!! AND I LOVE YOU FOR THIS POST!

  13. Cya on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 9:45 pm 

    Currently readin The Seven Deadly Emotions. All time Faves- Woman Thou Art Loosed by TD Jakes, Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, Maters of the Heart by Juanita Bynum,Deal With It by Paula White, Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer,Good Morning Holy Spirit by Benny Hinn,Kingdom Parenting by Miles Monroe,Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Ayi my list is endless, i just need to start reading outside Christian books.

  14. Brown Shuga on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 10:14 pm 

    Julz, why is The Concubine so expensive though.. R209!

    Pule what is 100 Years Of Solitude about though?

  15. Brown Shuga on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 10:19 pm 

    Yes Cya… variety is good… spice it up.

  16. Brown Shuga on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 10:34 pm 

    Lela I’ve read enough Christian books yazi… I started back in the day with Stormie Ormation’s Power Of A Praying Woman, hayi, ndizawubabona.

    After your suggestions my Exclus1ves.co.za shopping bag is standing at R548. I need a sponsor…

  17. Brown Shuga on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 10:35 pm 

    You’re welcome Philile_N

  18. Addis on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 11:52 pm 

    Hey luv, awesome reviews:) although I have only read ‘The Four Agreements’…uhm,and wanted to say that I,too,detest those ‘how to…’ books mainly coz the authors are ‘condescending’ ‘experts’ on basically everything and usually write with total disregard to the vastly diverse human experience…but I appreciated this book,in particular, because Don Miguel is just SHARING an ancient Toltec wisdom/philosophy from Mexico and suggesting for us to challenge the way we do and look at things/to question our programming…I dont think it is a work of art (in terms of his use of the written word) but I think the message is worth hearing/reading (at least as a thing to nudge us from our slumber):)…Peace!

  19. Nthoentle on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 11:59 pm 

    Tjo! I’m embarrassed,need to start reading

  20. Addis on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 11:59 pm 

    Oops sorry I forgot to answer the question, I am currently reading ‘On the Road’ by Jack Kerouac…and too many favs to name one, maybe I should make a list :)

  21. Cya on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 12:03 am 

    Lol JC will really get me to spice up ngeke im so blinkered,i dnt even go to Exclusive Books i have a library all from CUM Books. I read Power of a Praying Woman,Wife,Parent as well.

  22. Brown Shuga on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 12:07 am 

    Yes Addis, please make that list. Thanks for sharing re: Four Agreements, it’s the next one I’m reading.

    Nthoentle, start with something light to get into it… that’s why I read those Sex and the city books… I’m ready for the serious stuff now.

  23. BlindFold on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 7:45 am 

    I am reading Growing up Bin Laden by Omar Bin Laden, Najwa Bin Laden and Jean Sasson. Insghtful

  24. LeeM on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 8:35 am 

    i just finished reading Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho. SofnFree asked someone if she read it in one of the blogs. Great read, a page turner.
    Another one I read was reviewed by a blogger here on JC, “when a man cries by Siphiwo Mahala”

  25. LeeM on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 8:41 am 

    @Mopedi, at one point I used to buy magazines worth about R100 a month, which I never got to read anyway so I thought with the R100 I’d rather buy a book and so far it is working for me. i also work, am wife, am mommy, am studying – life is demanding but I try to readign a few pages before bed.

  26. Fezzy on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 8:42 am 

    Im a big fan ka Jodi Picoult. Her books are always interesting and thrilling.
    BS….can you send your old books to me. Last time I read a book was last year.

  27. LeeM on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 8:43 am 

    Now I want to revisit Steve Biko’s I write what i like, i read it before and it bored me mara I want to give it one more try.

  28. zealyanda on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 8:48 am 

    When i was coming back from Holiday early this year, i bought A New Earth at the airport and i haven’t even touched it. The Four Agreements has been sitting on my office desk since last year June. I just haven’t had the right mind to start these two books. At the Moment I’m currently reading “The Quiet Violence of dreams” by Sello Duiker… Amzing book i tell you!

  29. Julz on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 9:17 am 

    Brown Shuga: I actually have no idea why the book is so expensive. I was fortunate to find it in my God-Mothers collection so I didnt have to pay for it.

  30. MashDiva on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 9:26 am 

    I bought a new earth a few months back bt I hvnt finished it. I got lost in the ‘ego’ and the ‘being’ and whole lota things that seem complicated. I’m currently reading GOD IS MY CEO which looks at practical ways of doing business without compromising your Christian beliefs. Would love to read the life and times of fana khaba soon bt I’m struggling to get it. Can anybody help with that?

  31. Biskiti on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 9:46 am 

    Haayi, le me keep quiet.

    Agg, what the heck, I have a serious problem, i can never finish a book. Modimo, i tried to read A God of small things and i think i’m halfway there…lol..I read other books inbetween mara akusizi…

    Cyalela…lol..I was just wondering kuthi where’s Kenneth Copeland kuleyo list yakho…your list reminds me so much of my mother’s. SHe is the type that refuses to watch bo Generations and even the news because a re they only focus on negative things, mara she’s better now.

    I’m going to get The SHack neh, and it will be the only book i read, and i’ll make sure i start it on a saturday morning instead of when i’m about to go to sleep. Scout’s Pledge!

  32. miss_a on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 9:50 am 

    I’m currently reading THE GIRLS by Lori Lansens; it’s about conjoined twins. Really enjoying it so far but I’ve just been to exhausted to read more than I normally do. It’s a very beautiful story though, and I’ve shed a tear or 2 reading it thus far.

    My favourite books are anything by Patricia Cornwell – she’s amazing and I love forensic thrillers. Everything she writes is just sheer brilliance in my eyes.

    Also enjoyed:
    THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD by Zora Neale Hurston. Very touching story that made me cry.

    A DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT by Terri Macmillan. It’s a Soul Food like story which I read years ago when I was still in school and have never forgotten cos I enjoyed it so much.

    SPUD – I loooooooooove all three. Never laughed so hard while reading a book before! And the fact that it’s local and refers to things we know of makes it just that much more enjoyable.

    FORREST GUMP – Undoubtedly one of the most amazing books I’ve read in my life. I laughed, I cried, I did everything. Also read it years ago but have never ever forgotten it.

  33. Ndalenhle on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 9:53 am 

    I love anything by Nicholas Sparks, my all time favourite is Dear John and The Notebook come to a close 2nd. I’ll definetly try one or two of the mentioned books.

  34. sweetness on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 9:58 am 

    Wow, I read The Shack, and I always suggest it to everyone looking or a good read, fictional, yet enlightening… I love it!!!

    I think i want to read the 4 agreements and A new earth….

    Oh By the way, the Zahara – Loliwe album is amazing, only about 4 tracks from the 12 track album i still need to warm up to!!!

  35. sexymm on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 9:59 am 

    @BS U must read that book A New Earth,great book..I love reading,I’m reading Happiness project by Gretchen Rubin and Success Intelligence by Robert Holden,ohh!great stuff.

  36. Maihlomeihlasele on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 10:01 am 

    I’ve read two out of the list so far The Four Agreements & The Shack *Happy dance*
    I must admit The Shack you have to be in the right head space to go thru it , otherwise you will miss the most important lessons and oh keep your Kleenex ready for that “Oprah ugly cry moments”.

    The Four Agreements the biggest lesson for me was :If you take anything personally you simply are simply agreeing with what’s being said about you…. I have never felt so liberated in my life. The rest of the agreements sound simple yet are so powerful when you practice them.

    The other book which I enjoyed reading was After Tears by Nic Mhlongo I tell you every black South African will relate to most parts of this book and it is hilarious. I also the like authors style of writing it an easy read since most of our attention spans have dropped, I blame it on social networks and smartphones.

  37. Pule on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 10:05 am 

    @BS,i could get THE CONCUBINE for you through that source of ours.It is way cheaper.but it would have to be around Christmas.Let me know if the offer interests you.

    @Julz,try Helon Habilla.I recently read MEASURING TIME,though not a favourite,it was good.

    @LeeM,read ALCHEMIST.god read but not exactly my type.will get back to it in the next few months.

    @all,if you love the Candace Bushnell books,then you must read A DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT by Terry McMillian.Reading that book with Jill Scott playing in the background should be orgasmic for every woman.lovely book!!

    @lbg, you should check out his recent autobiography.a bit political both like everything bra Zakes touches,it is worth a read (according to the reviews).It is a bit too steep for me.Will buy it in the coming months.

    @BS,100 YEARS OF SOLITUDE is the history of the isolated town of Macondo and of the family who founds it, the Buendías. For years, the town has no contact with the outside world, except for gypsies who occasionally visit, peddling technologies like ice and telescopes. The patriarch of the family, José Arcadio Buendía, is impulsive and inquisitive. He remains a leader who is also deeply solitary, alienating himself from other men in his obsessive investigations into mysterious matters. These character traits are inherited by his descendents throughout the novel. More than a century goes by over the course of the book (there is a family tree at the begining of the book and you have to keep going back and forth to remember who is who).
    It has a tinge of magical realism and anything is possible.
    so far,so good.

  38. LeeM on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 10:20 am 

    @BS the Concubine is R120 at Kalahari

  39. danny on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 10:21 am 

    My favourite book of all time is The other side of midnight by Sidney Sheldon. The story focuses on 2 women.1st the pretty noelle page ,2nd is the smart but shy catherine alexandra.cathy is embarrased about the fact that she is a virgin. Noelle ws born as a result of an extra marital affair bt her mother never told her husband the truth.her foster father decided to exploit her beautyby takin moneyfrm a shop owner in exchange fr sex with his daughter. Noelle falls in love with a pilot Larry Douglas when she escapes to paris,he promises to marry her but dissappers. Noelle devastated finds herself pregnant bt terminates at five and a half months(in an attempt to hurt Larry). Cathy ia an aloof virgin,sometimes called a lesbian.she finds a job with Bill Fraser and they start dating,but she falls in luv with Larry. Larry and cathy get married unaware of noelle’s plans for vengenance. Larry’s lies gradually turn these 2 ladie in a dazzling story of passion,vengenance,power and greed. With larry and noelle ultimately being executed for catherine’s murder,who is not really dead but saved by a man in noelle’s list of people she used to get to larry,and put into a convent unaware of who she is and the trial going on in her name.

  40. mysista on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 10:22 am 

    @BS I love the God Of Small things by Arundhathi Roy, That book I have read like 30 times, no kidding and each and everytime I’m totaly blown away by the sheer genious( sp) of the author, to think that she was only 30 when she started the book, her insight is just magical, She weaves words with such perfection!

    Books have been my first love I started reading fluently @ the age of five, reading is just about the only competent thing I can do . AruNdathi’s book makes me weep for those who cannot read!

    That book is set in India & tracks the lives of an Indian family,When I first heard about the book in 1998 I thought , count me out, I can’t relate to amandiya mna kodwa she speaks about such universal truths shem. It makes you cry, like as in weep each time, there are parts that make you so scared for the characters & parts that make you laugh out loud, and the one love scene made me wake my sleeping husband & once more confess & show my love.

    And the ending shocked me ! like WOW!!!!

  41. Lustagp on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 10:31 am 

    Now you talking my laungage…yipeeee i love this artcile keep them coming Boss Lady!!

    BS says: One of the reasons why I actually haven’t set down and read this book is because I don’t like motivational books where someone is telling me to do this and that. Our lives are different and work out differently, I prefer reading a story and then taking whatever lessons from it that may apply to me.

    No author or writer enforces their message onto you, you just take what works for you or leave it dear, because sometimes you find out wht they tell you is the way you been living but you wre unawre of it!!

    i have been reading New Earth for the past 2 years now, i keep going back to pages, it is those books you have to keep in your car, purse, handbag just close to you, i promise you tht, the book is too powerful and not evryone gets it and i think you should be in some level of conscoiusness to be balt to get the message!!!

    OTHER BOOKS ”motivational”TO READ:
    48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
    The Secret by Rhonda
    Capitalist Nigger by Chika Onyeani
    Power of Now and hw to practise it by Echart Tolle
    DR PHILS’S BOOKS
    Sister Soulja’s books
    etc etc..will update you i ahve read books since i was a high school boy, i have so many to share with you!

  42. Maihlomeihlasele on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 10:34 am 

    @Mysista a friend bought me that book 5 years ago, I still can’t bring myself to page 20 at least *sigh*
    To think I’ve heard such good reviews about it…maybe I need to fast for it.

  43. Pule on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 10:43 am 

    spent half an hour typing an entire blog and it just disappeared.

    @BS, I can get THE CONCUBINE for you through our usual sources.It is way cheaper than what you quoted but it would have to be around Christmas.Let me know if you are interested.

    @Julz,i guess you should see MEASURING TIME by Helon Habilla. A good read about a set of twins in Northern Nigeria. good read but not exceptional.

    @lbg,try Bra Zakes autoboghraphy.recently released.a bit too steep for me at the moment,i will buy it next year.it might be a bit too political but like everything Bra Zakes

  44. mysista on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 10:45 am 

    @Maihlomeihlasele, you are lucky to have a friend who likes you enough to get you that book!

    Just give it another go love, trust me you’ll be glad you did, plus the book is well written without being too high brow,the book is written from the perspective of seven year old twins, so the language is pretty simple & straightforward.

    So maybe it is just not your kinda book :( That sometimes happens, but for me… and this is not me bragging just facts,

    I have read hundreds of books, maybe close to a thousand, I can access any book ( part of my job) The God Of Small Things , is without doubt the book I would take for company if I was to be stranded on a desert Island,

    But Arundathi has veered into politics, the God Of Small Things is the only work of fiction she has produced, this book won her the Booker prize!

  45. Pule on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 10:46 am 

    spent half an hour typing an entire blog and it just disappeared.

    @BS, I can get THE CONCUBINE for you through our usual sources.It is way cheaper than what you quoted but it would have to be around Christmas.Let me know if you are interested.

    @Julz,i guess you should see MEASURING TIME by Helon Habilla. A good read about a set of twins in Northern Nigeria. good read but not exceptional.

    @lbg,try Bra Zakes autoboghraphy.recently released.a bit too steep for me at the moment,i will buy it next year.it might be a bit too political but like everything Bra Zakes writes the wits conveys loads of message and provokes deep thoughts.

    @Lela,a little spice will go a long way.in your kind of books, try UNDERSTANDING CHRISTAINITY by C.S. Lewis. he wrote Narnia’s

  46. LeeM on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 10:48 am 

    I like I like, keep them coming mabloggers – my kalahari basket’s gpot 4 books since this morning!! Thank you guys

  47. dejane on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 10:48 am 

    @LeeM i tried reading Steve Biko’s ‘I write what i like’ TJO i had to sit with the a dictionary and find the definition of every second word. I would’ve loved to finish mara hayi..I’ll try again soon.

    My favourite book Shantaram by Gregory Roberts. Its thick but a great read. Its about the author’s life. He was a drug addict turned criminal. He then escaped from prison and fled to start a new life with a new identity in India. There he falls in love, meets new friends, joins a mafia, becomes a doctor in his village, fights in a war..Its an intriguing read. You wont want to put it down.

  48. sexymm on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 10:54 am 

    @Lungsta New Earth is great I red it 5 times already.Capitalist nigger is nice.Power of positive thinking,The only Black at a dinner table – Eric Myeni,Chicken Soup for the soul..also nice

  49. sexymm on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 10:56 am 

    OHH!and all the Robert Kiyosaki books…

  50. Fezzy on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:00 am 

    @mysista…can you pls pass your old books to me?
    I still havent read Jodi Picoults latest book cos I just cant fit it in my budget.

  51. Lela on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:03 am 

    I love u Pule,u are such a blessing to us. Thank you in advance for The Concubine since I’m the one with a serious need to read outside CUM Books. I will buy the C S Lewis one cause I haven’t read any of his books.

  52. Maihlomeihlasele on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:04 am 

    @Pule I always type on my email page or word doc then copy and paste onto JC it works for me, if my comments disappear I can always paste again… sounds like a lot of admin but try it.

  53. Fezzy on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:06 am 

    I just cant read motivational books. I only read fiction. There are some books which are so interesting so much that you feel as if you in teh book itself and find it hard to put it down.

  54. mysista on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:12 am 

    @ Fezzy, I can lend you the Jody Picoult books love, kodwa you’d have to pinky swear to return them!

    I have access not ownership to them.

    So how would you get them, give me your contscts so we ca arrange something!

    You must promise to return them though!

  55. Lustagp on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:13 am 

    sexxymmm you sure you not my wife phofu, i love Robert too!!

  56. sexymm on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:18 am 

    @Lungsta funny cos I was also worried that you might be my husband,when i saw “48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene”…LOL

  57. Lustagp on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:27 am 

    heheheh….sexxxymmm hey if it happens you are, we are even and loev each other love!!!*getting worried now*

  58. Pule on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:30 am 

    Eish! my internet connection seems to have a life of its own.imagine posting my incomplete comments without my consent??
    @lbg, check out Bra Zakes autobiography. It is a bit political but having read and loved 3 of his books, you will find it worthwhile. It was published few months ago, so the price is a bit too steep for me now. I will get it in the new year.

    @lela/cya, one more for your spiritual library – MERE CHRISTIANITY by C.S. Lewis (there was a typo in my previous post). That book humbles my soul. In my view and the view of more esteemed readers and writers, the greatest Christian apologist that in the literary world. CUM books always have it. check it out.

    @all, if you like the Candace Bushnell books mentioned above, then you should try NOT A PENNY LESS OR A DOLLAR SHORT by Terry Mcmillian. Soul food at its best. I imagine reading that book with Jill Scott in the background should be orgasmic for most females, Just my thought.

    @BS, 100 YEARS OF SOLITUDE is a generational story that spans over a century. It is a magical realism tale in which anything is possible. it is the history of the isolated town of Macondo and of the family who founds it, the Buendías. For years, the town has no contact with the outside world, except for gypsies who occasionally visit, peddling technologies like ice and telescopes. The patriarch of the family, José Arcadio Buendía, is impulsive and inquisitive. He remains a leader who is also deeply solitary, alienating himself from other men in his obsessive investigations into mysterious matters. These character traits are inherited by his descendents throughout the novel. More than a century goes by over the course of the book, and so most of the events that García Márquez describes are the major turning points in the lives of the Buendías: births, deaths, marriages, love affairs. Some of the Buendía men are wild and sexually rapacious, frequenting brothels and taking lovers. Others are quiet and solitary, preferring to shut themselves up in their rooms to make tiny golden fish or to pore over ancient manuscripts.
    Still on it. It is hard work but seems worth it.

    I never read motivational books. the same reason why i never watch Oprah and her friend Dr. Phil

  59. Vesa on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:31 am 

    I’m like Cya/ Lela……always reading Christian books. Used to be into reading, and dunno how I stopped.

    This blog is bringing back the interest. Will definately consider it….just need something light, to ease me into it

  60. sexymm on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:33 am 

    ha ha haaa..Lungsta,tell me if you have read this book The decline and fall of the Roman Empire?If you have ,u definatly my hubby.If yo uare my husband,Im still crazy bout you ne side dish yakho…kwaaaaa

  61. Brown Shuga on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:42 am 

    “… @BS the Concubine is R120 at Kalahari .. ” They refused to sponsor our book club so I was hoping to avoid them… nx.

  62. Mathaz on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:44 am 

    I am so jealous that you all have the time to read, my life is so busy, but i must mention that i collect books for when i will finally have the time to read. I mostly read christian and political books, my favourite would be Dinner with Mugabe…very insightful.

  63. Brown Shuga on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:45 am 

    “… I love u Pule,u are such a blessing to us. Thank you in advance for The Concubine since I’m the one with a serious need to read outside CUM Books.. ”

    LOL Mara Lela, you are such an opportunist! First it was when Pule offered me Naija CDs, you got 3, I only got 2 and now you want books too? LOL

    Pule, thanks so much, I’ll appreciate that. Lemme know if you need money.

  64. Fezzy on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:46 am 

    @mysista…Are u on twitter? BBM?
    I have read My Sisters Keeper, House Rules, Vanishing Acts and Perfect Match.
    I promise I will bring them back. I used to swap books with a friend of mine but we broke up cos we were just not on the same levels.

  65. Fezzy on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:52 am 

    @mysista…email me at fezzyt@gmail.com

  66. Brown Shuga on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:57 am 

    Which one do you want Fezzy?

  67. Lustagp on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:58 am 

    Edward Gibbon – sexxymm NO maan, we just moved to a new house, with our three boys…you cnat be my wife maan!!

  68. mysista on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 11:59 am 

    @BS getting sponsorship for book club can be frustrating, you kinda have to think outside the box, avoid the obvious sponsors. think Unesco ,rotary club,national lottery,international lotteries the actual publishers & & whatnot, maybe propose to the sponsor that once the sponsored book is read by us it will be donated to a needy school in the form of literacy project…Possibilities are endless, cause the funding is there, you just need to know how to tap into it!

  69. Fezzy on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 12:10 pm 

    He he heeee so if Lusta and sexym are hubby and wifey babambene manje?
    Sexym now knows that Lusta has a side dish and sexym naye has a makhwapheni too? Konje she’s into gals as well? Cant remember.
    Loving this post?

  70. Lustagp on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 12:17 pm 

    eish Fezzy nawe wase ubal yonke ihistory, no i dont she is my wife…Sexxymm where are u now, which book are you reading now?

  71. sexymm on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 12:33 pm 

    Lol at Fezzy nokubala i-history yethu….
    @Lungsta,i’m reading Moody to Mellow by Stephen….Lungsta we moved to a new house as well but with our two girls,”whew” besengithukile.U not my husband *dissappointed* lol..

  72. Lustagp on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 12:37 pm 

    shuuuuu zehla izibilini sexymmm, she is reading Brian Tracy’s ‘eat tht frog’ this week so i am relieved you no her!!!
    small world nhe!!

  73. Fezzy on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 12:48 pm 

    But Lusta, if she’s here, usubanjiwe futhi.
    U have just mentioned that u moved out to a new house with ur boys and now usho ukuthi ufunda eyiphi incwadi.
    Be careful man.

  74. Lustagp on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 12:56 pm 

    no Fezzy this is not her scene trust me!!!use lab ngoku busy as hell!!

  75. sexymm on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 1:16 pm 

    I was actually reading “Goals” by Brian Tracy..Yoh!small world wena Lungsta,phela besengicabanga ukuthi how are we gooing to handle this cheating business…

  76. Wild Island on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 1:19 pm 

    @LUNGSTA>>The Secret by Rhonda…it was over publicised yaz and mina nyaithola i ordinary nje nothing major nor an impact for me…by far this is the best book ever:If Life Is a Game, These Are the Stories by Cherie Carter-Scott..was recomended by my dad..

  77. Lustagp on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 1:22 pm 

    sexymmm but i had this thing uba we drive together to wor every morning it is our us time, and she kept telling me about her friends husband who cheated!! Her line of work is too hectic, maar bendizibuza uba where/when would she have time to blog?

  78. @JoneighGALAXY™||Afrikan Star||No Limits Soldier||Observer||Rain Maker||Global Citizen||Carpe Diem - Seize The Magic||22CD64B6 on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 1:23 pm 

    God bless the man who really encouraged reading, my beloved dad. I still remember the 1st book he bought me when I was 8yrs old @ that time in grade 3 / 4 in ’96 / ’97, if my memory serves me right. The book was called ‘The Magical Adventures Of Little Tom Thumb’ about a little boy about the size of an adult thumb. It was so magical and it really broadened my comprehension levels at that age. Ever since then I’ve never looked back.

    From then on I’ve read numerous books (fiction / non fiction). It’s funny how as a young child (8yrs – 16yrs) I used to love reading fiction, but as I matured my taste in literacy also changed and I’m crazy about non-fiction publications (current affairs / biographies / Leadership / lifestyle / personal & societal development).

    I read not only to derive pleasure but also practical views / solutions that I can apply to the way I lead my life. I’ve read:

    Cry The Beloved Country – A Paton.

    Rich Dad / Poor Dad Series – R. Koyosaki

    The monk Who Sold His Ferrari – Robin Sharma

    The Ant & The Elephant: Leadership For The Self -Vince Ponscente

    Capitalist Nigger – Chika Onyeani

    Socrates & The Fox / Mind Of A Fox – Clem Sunter / Chantell Ilbury

    Richer Then Buffet / Become Your Own Stock Broker / Millionaire Portfolio – jacques Magliolo

    Democracy & Democratization: Dilemmas In World Politics – georg Sorensen

    The City – Tony Golding

    The Alchemy Of Finance – George Soros

    The Lords Of Poverty – Graham Hancock

    How The West Was Lost / Dead Aid – Dambisa Moyo

    The Education Of A Speculator – Victor Niederhoffer

    Chicken soup For The Soul Series

    Architects Of Poverty – Moeletsi Mbeki

    I write What I like – Steve Bantu Biko

    The New Leaders: Transforming The Art Of Leadership Into The Science Of Results – Daniel Goleman / Richard Boyatzis / Anne McKee

    The Open World: The Truth About Globalisation – Philippe Legrain

    Ways Of Dying / The Heart Of Redness – Zakes Mda

    When A Man Cries – Siphiwo Mahala

    After Tears – Nic Mhlongo

    Breakfast At Tiffany’s – Truman Capote

    … Happy lunch hour people. I’ll see y’all in a moment. *Stomach growling*

  79. Lustagp on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 1:24 pm 

    we were going to forgive each other cos besisaze siEVEN nje, iworse wena ubuzabe unazo ne gay tendencies ..LOL!

  80. Wild Island on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 1:24 pm 

    hheeeee hai stru fezzy besesithi sbhi batholene ag niyabora yaz lunga..lol but hey lungs ppl blog ngama free time wabo nje u never know angithi awumboni wenzani manje cos nawe ulapho nje..nawa manzi abandayo lmao

  81. Lustagp on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 1:34 pm 

    @LUNGSTA>>The Secret by Rhonda…it was over publicised yaz and mina nyaithola i ordinary nje nothing major nor an impact for me…by far this is the best book ever:If Life Is a Game, These Are the Stories by Cherie Carter-Scott..was recomended by my dad..

    WI..i disagree it was not over pubblicised, as you knw each and evry book ine target market yayo so wen amaybe she told you about the power of attraction so uyazi vele uyabona, i love the book cos it teaches you not to over-think/analyse things,

    JG–The monk that sold his ferrari was a gift from my professoer in Varsity, i still page through the book now and again!!

    ohh (Lela) i also read Christain book…i have Faith to Faith which i read everyday cos it has dates!!!

  82. sexymm on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 1:38 pm 

    Kwaaa @ nginama gay tendencies mara Lungsta… I’m sure we were going to forgive each other.

    I wonder if my husband is cheating,yesterday he was driving my car and forgot his phone in the car,I was so tempted ukuyichofoza ngabuye ngazikhuza.I’m glad i didnt.Yoh ngathi ngiyabona o N1 no n2

  83. Wild Island on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 1:59 pm 

    I DISSAGREE NAMI LUNGA>>>as you knw each and evry book ine target market yayo so wen amaybe she told you about the power of attraction so uyazi vele uyabona, i love the book cos it teaches you not to over-think/analyse things,

    I simply interpret “The Secret” as a self-help book which tries to convince the reader to be happy now and to think ama happy thoughts( the Law of Repulsion) all the time in order to attain any goal in life and hape I find it strange how the book presents the idea yokuthi u cannot help the world by focusing on the negative things. As you focus on the negative events of the world, you not only add to them, but you bring more negative things into your own life at the same time…so to me its was just informative nje target market or not dear..

  84. Lustagp on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 2:12 pm 

    the book simply teaches you not to dwell on the negatives as thy really wnt build you, we will certainly analyse it differently of course! as we both knoe those are not the rules of life, Rhonda simply shares what works for her, so millions bought the book and were not dissapointed, i am one of them. Try it kanti when you let go of negatis and focus on positives you will see how YOU will be at peace with yourself, choices…

    WTH is JC doing why funny pages now!!

  85. Wild Island on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 2:19 pm 

    i know…hence ngithi yi self-help-book angithi hence simamela no pastor zondo ekuseni for more zulu teachings yabo..mina i thought hey iyongifundisa ama deepest underworld secretes nani nani phela u oprah was going gaga abt it abantu all over hao kanti hai ikupha ama tips nje and a way of life simple things nje

  86. Mababez on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 2:20 pm 

    Cry The Beloved Country – loved it. “all roads lead to JNB mfundisi” so true, you can be anywhere in JNB Metropolitan and you will find taxis to JNB CBD.
    Rich Dad / Poor Dad – the author would be disappointed in me. I’m stuck in the Rat race.
    I write what I like – tried to read this book many, many times but I just didn’t understand it. Never finished it.
    The Alchemist – was just a book nje
    The Secret – the author should have given credit to the Bible.

  87. Lustagp on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 2:43 pm 

    WI….for evry book your read just look for a line you connect with, maybe me and Oprah got many lines to connect with hence we hold it at high levels…i borrowed one friend of mine, he hasnt given itback to me as he hold it as his ‘Bible’, so he had his ‘aha” moments by reading the book so i realay dont think the book was over-publicised tu, it had it’s moment like any other book… WI!

    Mababes…true dat, the Secret is an easy to read bible version, powerful On it’s own world, We lazy to read the bible so Rhonda so a space, maar she does qoutes soem Bible verses nje!

  88. Wild Island on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 2:59 pm 

    my aha moment was when i finished the book :) ..i studied theology (cos i wanted everything to be clear..to make daddy proud lol) so i get i point ka Rhonda ukuthi bekafuna ukusitjelani yabo..ngiyavuma yebo it had its moments vele…yaz i am busy trying to read this other book wil chek i tittle namhlanje thats how boring it is..frm pg1 iziyela le nje haiman..oooooh the book that has been doing the rounds la espanini cos kesebetsa jewish ppl..ke the rabai’s daughter(sp) nayo its ok we expected the unexpected ifana nje nomtwana waselokshini owenza umathanda then finds him/herself or i parth e right later in life..good read though.ke very zelious and read izinto ezingafundwa abantu been like this for years i am yet to find a book that will BLOW ME AWAY…true story..

  89. Savanah Dry on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 3:00 pm 

    I Have always been an avid reader but these days i have no strenght i started reading in Primary school, the Hardy boys, Nancy Drew and those High school thingy books, then graduated to mills and boon…and i read everything i mean everything …
    I always thought i would be a writer one day , but i guess i can still pursue it if i want you are never too old to try anything..
    My friend got me a copy of the Shack havent read it yet…

    Try reading the stoning of soraya…. try the movie if all fails its so touching how women are treated in some parts of the world…
    And then Who moved my cheese ….simple teachings on life …

  90. Lela on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 3:01 pm 

    Kwaaaaaaaaa BS khawume ngomona iyandisebenzela lento yam yoba yi go getter.

  91. RexonaABC on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 3:21 pm 

    @mababez, tjo cry the beloved country, taught me a lot about life, my literature teacher was a scottish man back then.

  92. fruitcake on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 3:57 pm 

    I first read Cry the beloved country in high school, i have since bought a copy for myself, I cant recall how many times i have read it and i still enjoy it.

    I bought overcoming seven deadly emotions a couple of months back, very profound reading. I now use it as my refernce book depending on what I am going through at the time.

    I just finished reading “Killing Kebble”, what a thriller, at some point I thought that it was fiction. I cant believe that some of the stuff in the book was happening in my hood, right under our noses.

    I should start reading more non-christian books.

  93. Pule on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 4:00 pm 

    @BS,100 YEARSOF SOLITUDE is a century long history of the isolated town of Macondo and of the family who found it, the Buendías. For years, the town has no contact with the outside world, except for gypsies who occasionally visit, peddling technologies like ice and telescopes. The patriarch of the family, José Arcadio Buendía, is impulsive and inquisitive. He remains a leader who is also deeply solitary, alienating himself from other men in his obsessive investigations into mysterious matters. These character traits are inherited by his descendents throughout the novel. His older child, José Arcadio, inherits his vast physical strength and his impetuousness. Gradually, the village loses its innocent, solitary state when it establishes contact with other towns in the region.It has tinges of magical realism,a town in which anything is possible.Some have even drawn comparisms with the independence of the author’s home country,Chile.

    @all, If you love the sex and city books listed above,then you must read A DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT by Terry Mcmilian. an absolutely lovely soul food of a book. Much more realistic than the Sex and the city stuff and with even more wit and more blackness.reading that book with Jill Scott in the background is almost orgasmic for the romantic at heart.Read it in 2004 and years lateer when i heard Jill sing ‘Family Reunion’ it sounded like a soundtrack for that book.

    Which i could read any of the Motivational books mentioned here,but i don’t do motivational books.same reason why i don’t watch Oprah and her friend Dr. Phil.

  94. Pule on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 4:10 pm 

    tired of typing and having my posts disappear.that is the fourth time and i feel foolish not following an advice i was giving earlier. to believe it has been lengthy response to those asking about 100 YEARS OF SOLITUDE.
    i give up.

    on a final note,if romance novel is your kind,then go find DISAPPEARING ACTS by Terri McMilian.Steal it,borrow it,buy it,whateverbut lay your hands on it. 15 years after reading it, i still get a hard on from remebering the exploits of Zora. A true black sister.
    If you read it and are unimpressed,I owe you one.Whatever it is (something reasonable).
    i guess this post will disappear too.

  95. Pule on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 4:23 pm 

    @Miss a, you are so right.A DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT is an absolute gem.
    A perfect soundtrack to that book would be Jill Scott’s Family reunion.

    @vesa, i think AFTER TEARS might be a good place to start.it seems highly recommended here.If it is the same guy that wrote DOG EAT DOG then you can’t go wrong.

    As soon as payday comes,i am off to get GOD OF SMALL THINGS. that is one thing i gained from this blog.
    good nite,all.

  96. Julz on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 4:35 pm 

    @Pule: I’m actually embarassed at the fact that I bought Measuring Time and its been laying around and I havent the slightest interest to read it. I think its coz my mother read it first and told me she didnt enjoy it. We have similar tastes so I figured if she didnt like it I wont like it.

    If I could remommend other African authors it would have to be:

    1. Tsitsi Dangarembga – “nervous conditions” and “the book of not”

    2. Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani – “i do not come to you by chance” – its about 419 but so funny!

    3. Anything by Shimmer Chinodya

    Try those you will love em

  97. Zin on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 5:32 pm 

    Great platform, my list of books to buy has gone from 5 to 20. I don’t know how I will get to 20 but it’s going to be one book at a time, my local library is not that up to date. It was better when I was still in varsity I read a lot and the libraries were packed with the greatest book ever. You could literally stay there and just read!

    I think I have read only 5 books this year,

    A man who is not a man- Thando Mgqolozana
    Gazing at the stars- Mamphela Ramphela
    The train of salt
    No 1 ladies detectives
    Heart of redness

    I have read and enjoyed The kite runner, A thousand splendid suns, The desert Flower, Tears of a desert. And countless books by Nicholas Sparks and Zakes Mda.

  98. Pule on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 6:22 pm 

    @julz,i agree that MEASURING TIME is not all that.but it is a good try all the same.i had it for almost two years before reading it. That is not proving much as i have loads of books that have stayed longer on the shelf. FAMISHED ROAD stayed longer.
    I respectfully disagree on that 419 book by Adaobi. I flipped through it,almost bought it before i read a review from a trusted critic. I will try one of your other recommendations.
    Which South African writer do you enjoy?just curious.

  99. Philile_N on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 7:00 pm 

    @Zin: YAY!!! Someone has read AND enjoyed A Thousand Splendid Suns! So in your opnion, which one is better between A Thousand Splendid Suns and The Kite Runner?
    I’m gonna finish The Kite Runner tonight.

  100. mysista on Wed, 7th Sep 2011 8:27 pm 

    @Pule when you finish reading The God Of Small Things let me know what you think,

    I hope you also love it or else my heart will break!
    Whenever people say they tried but cannot get into the book I feel hurt as if I’ve written the bloody book,so on second thought if you hate the book,don’t tell me

    spare my feelings, I might just hurt myself.

  101. Lustagp on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 8:39 am 

    i bought myself Four Agreements can’t wait to read it, it sounds like my kind of book, and will definetly buy more of the suggested books here!

    Julz i love your collection….

  102. Julz on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 9:03 am 

    Pule: The South African books I have enjoyed are “Disgrace” by JM Coetzee, thought it was quite riveting. I also loved “Down Second Avenue” by Ezekiel Mphahlele (hope I spelt his name right), Sindiwe Magona “Forced to grow” and I cannot for the life of me recall the author but the book is called “Chocolates for my wife”.

    But outside of those few books I havent really read a lot of SA lit but I would definatly be interested in expanding to new authors.

    Lustagp: Thank ya very much lol. I really enjoy reading, its the perfect escape for me.

  103. LeeM on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 9:34 am 

    @mysista I will let you know when I get my copy of The God of small things…

  104. Mababez on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 9:48 am 

    Has anyone read The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch?

  105. Pule on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 9:49 am 

    @julz,while i am still disappointed with you at your approval of that Adaobi’s book :-) ,i like your list. I could recommend a few SA books that fit your list.
    RIGHTS OF DESIRE
    BITCHES BREW
    WAYS OF DYING
    HOUSE GUN

  106. mysista on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 9:52 am 

    @LeeM please do love, but only if you love the book… I’m kinda biased!

  107. Biskiti on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 11:44 am 

    Mabhebeza, i read it…YAY!..but it’s such a quickie i’m sure it doesn’t even count as a book…lol. I loved the simple life lessons he shared throughout the book. Read it 3 weeks back.

    Mysista..lol..izolo before going to bed i had a choice to read Roy’s book further, but instead chose to read Anything Goes, seeing that i couldn’t open it at work…lol. JCers are crazy jong, abo “Peeptoe vjayjay” and your elaborate description of going down on a woman phewwww. Let me stop right here.

  108. Zin on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 11:56 am 

    @Philile

    The Kite Runner is still the bestest book I have ever read thus far, followed by Tears of a Desert.

    I read it in two days, less sleep and a wet pillow. It is too good for words.

  109. mysista on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 12:09 pm 

    @Biskiti wena shem just go get me a bowl filled with water & a towel so I can wash my hands like uPilato,

    Really I give up on you literary future!!!!

    How could you chose to read i anything goes that is filled with the likes of me, ngikhuluma ukusa instead of uMiss Roy yhe?

    Anyway if you persevere there is a scene near the end of the book, Might be the final chapter I’ll go look & let you know where Velutha loves Amu @ midnight near the river!!!

    That scene shem!

  110. Biskiti on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 1:30 pm 

    LOL…Mysista, i just love how passionate you are about the book. Velutha is the “slave” that was brilliant with his hands neh, the one that used to service the machinery at BabyK’s factory? And Ammu ke the mother wa the twins neh…lol. Iyho, Ms Roy can describe a scene hey, did you read that part where the little boy was molested by the hairy guy at the movies?…Sad but funny in a way. I’ll read further tonight…

  111. Nkey.. on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 1:59 pm 

    Bathong I feel so bad.seems like there’s few of us who are not reading.Mum inlaw keep on giving me the books and I pack them and read once in a while.I do keep one in my hand bag though yoku actor e airport or when Im waiting 4 someone.I use to go to Exclusive books with my Boo (Pavilion) He’d read and I’ll be having muffins and hotchololate @ Fego.
    Mabloggers y’all have inspired me,I’ve been thinking of going to apply for a library card so I can get my doughter started with the books @ a tender age.Because @mysister stated reading @ 5.Im deffinetly going nge weekend.

  112. mysista on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 2:05 pm 

    @Nkey hello wena!

  113. Nkey.. on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 2:08 pm 

    @ Mysister Mwaaaah!!!! wena

  114. Kusihlwa on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 2:12 pm 

    @Nkey and @My Sister,manani ni jole maan. following Softy’s advice and read 11 Minutes by Paulo Coelho, powerful stuff man

  115. mysista on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 2:15 pm 

    @Biskiti the scene @ the movies where the little boy gets molested scared me so much yhazi… as a parent I’m vigillant about my kids but the book taught me that no one can be on watch 24/7… that sometimes horrible , unspeakable things happen to kids, & they access the language to tell what has happened to them!

    I love that the twins have siamese souls, do you remember in the first chapter when Roy says the twins did not look like each other, that relatives could tell who was who, that the confusion of the identity lay in a deeper more secret place,

    It says in the first chapter the little girl twin Rahel, even though she was not around when her brother got abuse, and he never told, the sister still has memory of him being abused! like WOW.

    And it also says Rahel once woke up laughing @ a dream Estha had…

    Shem I would give up sex, go celibate forever if I could write like miss Roy, she is just sublime!

  116. nela_n on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 3:52 pm 

    I’m currently reading To the Point by Herschelle Gibbs…great stuff…its like sittng under a tree listening to the dude narrate his lifestory…..will have to raid Exclusive Books EL for my next read,coz I’ve read everything in my bookshelf

  117. Elenaz on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 4:43 pm 

    Hi.
    I am currently reading Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts and A thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.
    My all time favourates so far is Red Ink, 30th Candle, Men of the South, HRH, Black Diamond, Africa Dark continet my black arse and Tha Shack. . . I love to read anything by Danielle Steel – her style of writing just draws me into the books.

  118. Elenaz on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 4:55 pm 

    @mysista you sound like you enjoyed the God of small things, I need motivation to continue reading it. I gave up reading it, so I could my bookclub’s selections. . . *needs serious motivation*

  119. dejane on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 5:01 pm 

    @Elenaz how u finding Shantaram?

  120. Elenaz on Thu, 8th Sep 2011 5:06 pm 

    @dejane I’m at page 101 and I like it thus far. The size of the book is intimidating, but it’s a good read.

  121. MissAN on Mon, 12th Sep 2011 1:20 pm 

    LOL @ Lungsta and sexymm… That would have been quiet a scene…

    Ngilate maBloggers… I love reading but I have a small problem,I can never tell you exaclty what happens in the book,I enjoy it for the moment and recall it in my head but I can never articulate what I have read to someone else…

    Those that do not like reading please do,personally books teach you things other people won’t and your manner or thinking is different and not to mention it allows you to imagine places and create pictures in your head…

    That Nic Mhlongo guys is very funny I really enjoyed his books.

    The God of small things *I remember* was such a great book and sad one too…

    The four agreements was also nice but I am not into these self help books,but I enjoyed Tuesdays with Morrie (sp)

    Zakes Mda has nice books,last one I read was Black Diamond,not his best work but readable

    That Sello Duiker (think he is late) books someone mentioned about violent dreams,I enjoyed it at the beginning but got too much did not finish it…

    If I can recommend just one book,it would have to be A thousand splendid sun by Hossein Khaled *I think* my gosh what a wonderful book!!! It was the first time I read a book and I cried…

    I will read A 1000 years of solitude,keeps popping up.

    Has anyone read Say you one of them and The Help?

    Happy reading maBloggers!!

  122. Elenaz on Tue, 13th Sep 2011 11:30 am 

    @MissAN I started reading A Thousand splendid Suns last week. I have shelved Shantaram for the monent, because this book DEMANDS my attension and I love going through the pages. I can almost imagine seeing the people and the places. I also think it is a wonderful book (the bits that I have read so far).

    I love reading for the sake of reading (which led me to read and finish Nick Schuyler’s book Not Without Hope – I hated reading it), though one learns a lot from books – even if you don’t want to (or even if you don’t realise it).

  123. MissAN on Tue, 13th Sep 2011 3:57 pm 

    @ Elanaz… keep a box of Kleenex handy… I must also read this book that demands your attention.

  124. Elenaz on Wed, 14th Sep 2011 3:46 pm 

    @MissAN, I already have.

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