Whether your Festive Season break is brief, or wonderfully extended, whether you’re homebound or on the road, there’s no time more suited to settling down with a great read than now. We asked ALA staffulty to share what’s on their holiday wish list…
Becoming, Michelle Obama
(Crown Publishing, 2018)
Nosipho Njomi: Being the first black (Africa) American First Lady, fighting for the rights of both women and children and her role in creating an inclusive White House at the time her husband served as the President, I dare to say she is one of thee most iconic women in history. I have followed her from when she was the First Lady to date and when I heard that Becoming is available in stores I knew I had to read it because she talks about the experiences that have shaped her to being the woman that she is today.
Period Pain by Kopano Matlwa
(Jacana Media, 2018)
Thuli Nkosi: Kopano is a talented South African author who wrote the acclaimed Coconut and Spilt Milk. Her books are great reads because she focuses on real issues that are faced by South Africans every day. This particular one is exciting for me because my sister insisted I read it, so I know it’s good. Also, with the plight of femicides and the other issues women in SA face, it’s interesting how she compares South Africa’s growing pains and the constant struggle of being a woman in this society – it’s like Period Pain.
Hippie – Paul Coelho
(Penguin Random House, 2018)
Dave Tait: Because I really like The Alchemist – and this is his story of when he was a young hippie. I’m hoping it’ll inspire me to travel across Africa in a Landrover.
Synopsis: ‘If you want to learn about yourself, start by exploring the world around you.’ Best-selling author Paulo Coelho offers a third-person account of his life as a skinny young aspiring author from Brazil who embarks on a journey in search of life’s deeper meaning. ‘My generation understood that once a hippie, always a hippie. Of course, I could not be a hippie today, sitting comfortably here in Geneva. But my values are still the same: simplify your life, eat healthy, respect women. My generation understood the mind and our desire to journey–but then it came time to support ourselves. And it became difficult to broker a peace between the two,’ he notes.
All About Love – Bell Hooks
(William Morrow, 2018)
Won Sun Mbengeni: If you’re thinking that this is a book about your clichéd romantic love stories, it is not. It is a book about all types love and what that means in all types of relationships – whether it be romantic or platonic. Love is the source of energy that creates happiness. This book touches on how we see love, and how we have grown to view love in our lives. It’s a wonderful read for anyone that is doing some soul searching – or just looking for a great book to read over the holidays.
Stormcaster by Cinda Williams Chima
(Harper Collins, 2018)
Kaylin O’Donnell: I am excited to read it because it is from my favourite genre (fantasty) and is magical.
It is the third book in the Shattered Realms series, about a tyrant and how the Seven Realms unite to use their powers to take her down – so it is very exciting.
7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
(Free Press, 1989)
Vijush Hariparsad: This is one of the most influential books ever written as it presents holistic, integrated, principle-centred approach for solving personal and professional problems. I would recommend the read to someone looking to develop oneself and whom wishes to become more effective and impact others. .
