General

by Mark Watson (Picador) ISBN: 9781447243359 Mr Watson enjoys acclaim in a variety of literary fields but is best known for his stand-up comedy work. This is evident in his pithy dialogue injected with empathy. Advertising agency creative, Tim Callaghan, is thrilled when he wins the pitch on a lucrative TV commercial for an international […]

Holding My Breath by Ace Moloi (Blackbird Books) ISBN 9781928337294

by Maxine Case (Kwela Books) ISBN 9780795707117 The boy with the short skinny stature lines up the golf ball, and bends his knees into the shot. He checks his hold on his makeshift club, sniffs the air, and deftly takes the shot. ‘Look Pa, a hole in one!’ as the ball lands in the buried tin

The Salmon Who Dared To Leap Higher by Ahn Do-hyun (Pan) ISBN: 9781447269991 The beautiful cover made me pick up this book. The illustrations are exquisite. This lovely fable is about a salmon who is different because of his silver scales, but also maybe because he questions everything and thinks about the meaning of life. It

by Hannah Tunnicliffe (Macmillan) ISBN 9781742612416 This beautifully and tenderly written novel is about love, family, loss, betrayal and finding peace. Hannah Tunnicliffe describes the slice of life in such a vivid and gentle manner. Have your tissues handy though – this is not a fairy tale. Francesca “Frankie” Caputo is an Italian American who is

Mzansi Zen by Antony Osler (Jacana) ISBN 9781431423224 Mzansi Zen is Osler’s third book about the distinct flavour of Zen practised in South Africa and more than in his previous Stoep Zen and Zen Dust, he steps up as the wise teacher that South Africans in these confusing, painful times so sorely need. Using stories, memories,

by Susin Nielsen (Andersen Press) ISBN: 9781783443765 In alternating chapters, nerdy, 13-year-old Stewart and one year older Ashley have to come to terms with their new lives after Stewart’s dad moves in with Ashley’s mom. Stewart was looking forward to getting a new (step) sister, although he dreaded leaving his old home that was still

by Bee Wilson (Fourth Estate) ISBN: 9780007549702 This is the fifth food-related book from award-winning British food writer, Bee Wilson. The book is a delightful agglomeration of scientific research, case studies and Bee’s experience as a food journalist and parent. The book explores the complex factors that influence our affinity to certain foods and disgust

by Lucy Corne (Struik Lifestyle) ISBN: 9781431702893 Lucy Corne has combined her two greatest loves in this part-travel, part-anthological literary journey around South Africa’s craft breweries. Beer Safari is more a travel book about beer than a beer book that travels.  The book brings together the truly rich and fascinating beer brewing culture of South Africa. 

by Joanna Rees (Pan) ISBN 9781447266648 Lace Island, a seemingly exotic fictional island off the coast of India is the focus of this story. Beyond the white sandy beaches and alluringly warm seas lurks a dark secret. Definitely ‘chick lit’ steeped in romance, the story moves at a fast and mainly believable pace. The characters are