Lauren Beukes on Sci-Fi
'The Space Race' by Alex Latimer
This is a kick-ass thriller with deceptively lovely insights into human
relationships, about a secret apartheid space programme in the Karoo that gets
hijacked.
'The New Girl' by SL Grey
The third in the series of a disturbing downside world that overlaps our own in
the liminal spaces of a glossy mall, in a government hospital and now, an
exclusive private school. Smart horror with a scathing moral conscience.
Beukes's latest novel is the critically acclaimed novel 'The Shining Girls'
Imraan Coovadia on literary fiction
'The Whispering Muse' by the Iceland writer Sjon, or Sigurjón Birgir Sigurðsson
I really like this book. It's not a book I can explain. It's light, strange,
related to Homer's Odyssey and Viking ballads, and sees the centrality of fish
in the universe.
'A Map of Tulsa' by Benjamin Lytal
It's a perfect New York literary exercise set in Oklahoma, or wherever Tulsa
happens to be, which is also a coming-of-age story.
'All That Is' by James Salter
I know I shouldn't like it but I do. It's the best novel written by someone in
his 80s. In fact, it's better than any novel written by anyone in his or her
60s. And there's also something eminently distasteful in its views of women and
life and its wandering story.
Coovadia's essay collection 'Transformations: Essays' recently won the
South African Literary Award for Creative Non-fiction
Pieter-Dirk Uys on political non-fiction
'My Big Fat Gupta Wedding' by Zapiro
The one genius whose cartoons can make you laugh through your tears.
'The Zuma Years' by Richard Calland
Especially good for his wonderful suggested cabinet of South African women.
'A Passion for Freedom' by Mampela Ramphele
To help flesh out the extraordinary profile of a potential national leader.
Uys's publication 'Panorama' is in its second printing
Andrew Donaldson on thrillers
'Someone to Watch Over Me' by Yrsa Sigurdardóttir
The guff about Sigurdardóttir being Iceland's answer to Stieg Larsson is
regrettable, for the Thóra Gudmundsdóttir novels are way better than The Dragon
Tattoo trilogy and this, the fifth, is the best yet. A young man with Down's
syndrome has been convicted of torching his care home, killing five people, and
lawyer Gudmundsdóttir has been hired to prove his innocence. This is superior
entertainment.
'City of Blood' by MD Villiers
The crime debut of the year, this enthralling, provocative evocation of
Johannesburg's underworld has been longlisted for the CWA John Creasey (New
Blood) Dagger. It's a fast-moving rush, and most of the action unfolds in the
eyes of an orphaned youth whose life is thrown into considerable turmoil when
he goes to the aid of an elderly gogo who is being attacked by a Nigerian
knifeman. Villiers has given her coming-of-age thriller a cast of memorably
menacing characters, but it's the city itself that is most threatening.
Donaldson is The Times book columnist.
Jade Zwane on erotica
'Slow Sex' by Nicole Daedone
Slow Sex encompasses OM, orgasmic meditation which is a 15-minute partnered
sexual practice that refers to orgasm not in the circular. Orgasm may or may
not include climax and includes everything from sweaty palms to faster
heartbeat, etc.
'My Romantic Love Wars' by Betty Dodson
I consider myself a sex-positive feminist and feel that Dodson is one of its
leaders. Her memoirs discuss how she came to be sexually liberated and non-
monogamous after being repressed about sex.
'A Girl Walks into a Bar' by Helena S Paige
I haven't yet read this highly anticipated book, but I'll be packing it in my
beach bag.
Zwane is the author of 'aDICKted'
Sihle Khumalo on travelogues
'The Last Train to Zona Verde' by Paul Theroux
Theroux, already on his 70s, is as cranky and grumpy as ever. He calls Africa,
the very continent he is trying to explore northwards along the Western shore,
"violated Eden of our origins". His rich, true-to-life and picturesque
descriptions of places, transport and circumstances are legendary and make one
want to rough it up in Angola yesterday.
'City of Myths River of Dreams' by James Marr
Comical writing for a not-for-sissies adventure: overlanding through West
Africa. Run-ins with police, a ruptured fuel tank and other endless problems
are quickly forgotten when the team (author, wife and two friends) stop for yet
another alcoholic refreshment.
In 'Almost Sleeping my Way to Timbuktu', Khumalo shares his own ambitious
journey through five West African countries
Laurence Brick on coffee-table books
'Interiors Now' edited by Margit J Mayer
Interiors Now is a visual indulgence of the world's best contemporary homes,
from world-renowned potter, home furnishings guru and decorator Jonathan
Adlers's retro-inspired colourful Shelter Island home to architect and designer
Shamir Shap's modernist interiors in a former printing press in Chelsea.
'Vanity Fair - 100 Years' edited by Graydon Carter
The best gift I received for my birthday, this book reflects the last 100
years, telling the story of a century of modern culture and society. Art and
interiors are part of this and beautifully documented, my favourites being on
architect and furniture designer Florence Knoll, whose furniture became design
icons of the 20th century, as well as highlights from the phenomenal 2006 Art
Issue.
'Living with the Light' by Axel Vervoordt
Beautifully photographed, Belgian designer Vervoordt's urban and rural
interiors showcase his passion for art and design.
Brick is creative director of 100% Design South Africa
Andrew Donaldson on Music Books
'Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Story of Modern Pop' by Bob Stanley
For 50 years or so, pop music - full of the potency that held Noel Coward in
such thrall - was consumed like this: you heard a song on the radio, you read
about it, you bought the record, you lent it to friends, they lent you theirs,
and thus you not only built a cultural network, but you provided a soundtrack
to your life. What's changed? The recording industry may now be in dire
straits, thanks to the digital revolution, but our love affair with pop culture
is as strong as ever. Erudite, funny, informative, here is the history of it
all in 750 enthralling pages. Absolutely indispensable.
'The Beatles - All These Years: Tune in, Volume One' by Mark Lewisohn
The first volume in an ambitious trilogy. It's 900 pages long and only covers
the group's career up to 1962, when they were on the brink of stardom. The
obvious question, given everything that's been written about The Beatles, would
be: what more can possibly be said? Well, lots, it would seem. Much of what's
here is the pre-Fab stuff - that is, it's unfamiliar and comes across as
revelatory and fresh. Lewisohn spent 10 years on this project, and it shows.
Best for kids
'Lion vs Rabbit' by Alex Latimer
This is a delightful book. It's about a lion who is a big bully (such a
relevant theme for children, no matter what age they are) and the poor animals
that just can't get him to stop. Then one day, rabbit comes along and manages
to beat this bully (using brain not brawn). The illustrations are beautiful and
the story is so smart. I loved the clever clues in the pictures so that
perceptive readers can figure out for themselves how rabbit is outsmarting
lion. I think the author's playfulness with words and his superbly subtle
humour are such a boon for adults, who may be reading this book over and over
again to their children.
'If You Want to See a Whale' by Julie Fogliano and Erin E Stead
I so enjoyed this book for its simplicity, serenity and subtle messages about
mindfulness and patience in life. The words are so lyrical and rhythmic that
reading aloud is almost like a meditation, I thought. How beautiful for bedtime
reading. The illustrations are muted and soft, yet have surprising details,
like the little bird that appears on every page.
And the message, well, little ones may not get it totally, but surely will feel
the patience and calmness that the book inspires. These are virtues that we all
tend to forget in our rushed, busy world, so I think it's refreshingly
worthwhile to find a book to remind us.
'The Space Race' by Alex Latimer
This is a kick-ass thriller with deceptively lovely insights into human
relationships, about a secret apartheid space programme in the Karoo that gets
hijacked.
'The New Girl' by SL Grey
The third in the series of a disturbing downside world that overlaps our own in
the liminal spaces of a glossy mall, in a government hospital and now, an
exclusive private school. Smart horror with a scathing moral conscience.
Beukes's latest novel is the critically acclaimed novel 'The Shining Girls'
Imraan Coovadia on literary fiction
'The Whispering Muse' by the Iceland writer Sjon, or Sigurjón Birgir Sigurðsson
I really like this book. It's not a book I can explain. It's light, strange,
related to Homer's Odyssey and Viking ballads, and sees the centrality of fish
in the universe.
'A Map of Tulsa' by Benjamin Lytal
It's a perfect New York literary exercise set in Oklahoma, or wherever Tulsa
happens to be, which is also a coming-of-age story.
'All That Is' by James Salter
I know I shouldn't like it but I do. It's the best novel written by someone in
his 80s. In fact, it's better than any novel written by anyone in his or her
60s. And there's also something eminently distasteful in its views of women and
life and its wandering story.
Coovadia's essay collection 'Transformations: Essays' recently won the
South African Literary Award for Creative Non-fiction
Pieter-Dirk Uys on political non-fiction
'My Big Fat Gupta Wedding' by Zapiro
The one genius whose cartoons can make you laugh through your tears.
'The Zuma Years' by Richard Calland
Especially good for his wonderful suggested cabinet of South African women.
'A Passion for Freedom' by Mampela Ramphele
To help flesh out the extraordinary profile of a potential national leader.
Uys's publication 'Panorama' is in its second printing
Andrew Donaldson on thrillers
'Someone to Watch Over Me' by Yrsa Sigurdardóttir
The guff about Sigurdardóttir being Iceland's answer to Stieg Larsson is
regrettable, for the Thóra Gudmundsdóttir novels are way better than The Dragon
Tattoo trilogy and this, the fifth, is the best yet. A young man with Down's
syndrome has been convicted of torching his care home, killing five people, and
lawyer Gudmundsdóttir has been hired to prove his innocence. This is superior
entertainment.
'City of Blood' by MD Villiers
The crime debut of the year, this enthralling, provocative evocation of
Johannesburg's underworld has been longlisted for the CWA John Creasey (New
Blood) Dagger. It's a fast-moving rush, and most of the action unfolds in the
eyes of an orphaned youth whose life is thrown into considerable turmoil when
he goes to the aid of an elderly gogo who is being attacked by a Nigerian
knifeman. Villiers has given her coming-of-age thriller a cast of memorably
menacing characters, but it's the city itself that is most threatening.
Donaldson is The Times book columnist.
Jade Zwane on erotica
'Slow Sex' by Nicole Daedone
Slow Sex encompasses OM, orgasmic meditation which is a 15-minute partnered
sexual practice that refers to orgasm not in the circular. Orgasm may or may
not include climax and includes everything from sweaty palms to faster
heartbeat, etc.
'My Romantic Love Wars' by Betty Dodson
I consider myself a sex-positive feminist and feel that Dodson is one of its
leaders. Her memoirs discuss how she came to be sexually liberated and non-
monogamous after being repressed about sex.
'A Girl Walks into a Bar' by Helena S Paige
I haven't yet read this highly anticipated book, but I'll be packing it in my
beach bag.
Zwane is the author of 'aDICKted'
Sihle Khumalo on travelogues
'The Last Train to Zona Verde' by Paul Theroux
Theroux, already on his 70s, is as cranky and grumpy as ever. He calls Africa,
the very continent he is trying to explore northwards along the Western shore,
"violated Eden of our origins". His rich, true-to-life and picturesque
descriptions of places, transport and circumstances are legendary and make one
want to rough it up in Angola yesterday.
'City of Myths River of Dreams' by James Marr
Comical writing for a not-for-sissies adventure: overlanding through West
Africa. Run-ins with police, a ruptured fuel tank and other endless problems
are quickly forgotten when the team (author, wife and two friends) stop for yet
another alcoholic refreshment.
In 'Almost Sleeping my Way to Timbuktu', Khumalo shares his own ambitious
journey through five West African countries
Laurence Brick on coffee-table books
'Interiors Now' edited by Margit J Mayer
Interiors Now is a visual indulgence of the world's best contemporary homes,
from world-renowned potter, home furnishings guru and decorator Jonathan
Adlers's retro-inspired colourful Shelter Island home to architect and designer
Shamir Shap's modernist interiors in a former printing press in Chelsea.
'Vanity Fair - 100 Years' edited by Graydon Carter
The best gift I received for my birthday, this book reflects the last 100
years, telling the story of a century of modern culture and society. Art and
interiors are part of this and beautifully documented, my favourites being on
architect and furniture designer Florence Knoll, whose furniture became design
icons of the 20th century, as well as highlights from the phenomenal 2006 Art
Issue.
'Living with the Light' by Axel Vervoordt
Beautifully photographed, Belgian designer Vervoordt's urban and rural
interiors showcase his passion for art and design.
Brick is creative director of 100% Design South Africa
Andrew Donaldson on Music Books
'Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Story of Modern Pop' by Bob Stanley
For 50 years or so, pop music - full of the potency that held Noel Coward in
such thrall - was consumed like this: you heard a song on the radio, you read
about it, you bought the record, you lent it to friends, they lent you theirs,
and thus you not only built a cultural network, but you provided a soundtrack
to your life. What's changed? The recording industry may now be in dire
straits, thanks to the digital revolution, but our love affair with pop culture
is as strong as ever. Erudite, funny, informative, here is the history of it
all in 750 enthralling pages. Absolutely indispensable.
'The Beatles - All These Years: Tune in, Volume One' by Mark Lewisohn
The first volume in an ambitious trilogy. It's 900 pages long and only covers
the group's career up to 1962, when they were on the brink of stardom. The
obvious question, given everything that's been written about The Beatles, would
be: what more can possibly be said? Well, lots, it would seem. Much of what's
here is the pre-Fab stuff - that is, it's unfamiliar and comes across as
revelatory and fresh. Lewisohn spent 10 years on this project, and it shows.
Best for kids
'Lion vs Rabbit' by Alex Latimer
This is a delightful book. It's about a lion who is a big bully (such a
relevant theme for children, no matter what age they are) and the poor animals
that just can't get him to stop. Then one day, rabbit comes along and manages
to beat this bully (using brain not brawn). The illustrations are beautiful and
the story is so smart. I loved the clever clues in the pictures so that
perceptive readers can figure out for themselves how rabbit is outsmarting
lion. I think the author's playfulness with words and his superbly subtle
humour are such a boon for adults, who may be reading this book over and over
again to their children.
'If You Want to See a Whale' by Julie Fogliano and Erin E Stead
I so enjoyed this book for its simplicity, serenity and subtle messages about
mindfulness and patience in life. The words are so lyrical and rhythmic that
reading aloud is almost like a meditation, I thought. How beautiful for bedtime
reading. The illustrations are muted and soft, yet have surprising details,
like the little bird that appears on every page.
And the message, well, little ones may not get it totally, but surely will feel
the patience and calmness that the book inspires. These are virtues that we all
tend to forget in our rushed, busy world, so I think it's refreshingly
worthwhile to find a book to remind us.
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