5 Must-Read Books By South African Authors
It’s almost time to light the fire and celebrate Heritage Day on 24 September. While you wait to tuck into the chops and wors, there’s plenty to do — like read a few good books by local authors! This month, Exclusive Books is making it easy to find great local reads with its Homebru collection featuring books for every interest. With over 80 approved local titles making the Homebru list, there’s bound to be something to whet your appetite on the shelves at Exclusive Books.
Need some help deciding? Here are my picks for the top 5 must-read books by local authors. All 5 I’ve read and loved, and highly recommend popping into your local Exclusive Books to pick up.
Recipes for Love and Murder: Sally Andrew
This mesmerising murder mystery series combines delectable recipes with a thrilling narrative as the protagonist, Tannie Maria, a South African amateur detective, uncovers dark secrets while exploring her culinary heritage. There’s no better read to pick up as we celebrate Heritage Day this September. The series starts with Recipes for Love and Murder, a book you won’t be able to put down once you start. The characters are lovable, funny, and so relatable I can guarantee you’ll be hooked from the first few pages. Sally Andrew has a knack for describing South African food, landscapes, and people through a lens of deep love and admiration. If you’re South African, this book will make you fall in love with our country all over again, if you’re not a native, it will entice you to visit and experience the magic of South Africa for yourself.
Buy it online here.
Rise: Siya Kolisi
There have been many comments made and books written about Siya Kolisi, captain of the Springboks, Rise is his story, in his words. This wonderfully intimate memoir charts his journey from being born into the impoverished Zwide township, to leading his nation to victory at the Rugby World Cup in 2019. Not just for rugby fans, Rise is a masterclass in attaining a positive mindset, and an inspirational reminder that it is possible to defy the odds, no matter how they are stacked against you. This is a great read for anyone who loves an inspirational story. It’s not just a story about rugby, it’s a story about the resilience of the South African spirit, and it’s one with which we can all relate. The title Rise is inspired by Siya’s mother – Phakama – which translates to the book’s name, as well as a celebration of his Xhosa heritage.
Buy it online here.
Game Ranger in Your Backpack: Megan Emmett
Ever wondered how much a hippo weighs? Want to know the difference between a chameleon, gecko, and lizard? Curious about how tall a Mopani tree grows? This useful guide has all the answers! This comprehensive guide does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s packed with information that is usually only available if you have a game ranger or field guide by your side in the bush! Not only is the book filled with practical, interpretative information on the most commonly encountered animals and plants of the Lowveld, but it also teaches the reader how to observe, identify and interpret what they see in the bush in a meaningful way, without having to wade through the reams of technical information found in most other field guides. Its reader-friendly mind-map layout, and beautiful photographs, makes pertinent information easily accessible at a glance and helps with easy recall of the information later. This fantastic colour-coded guide is just the thing a wildlife enthusiast needs to broaden their knowledge of the geology of the Lowveld, its animals, insects, plants and tracking.
Buy it online here.
A Food Love Story: Onezwa Mbola
Home cooks, this one’s for you. More than just a collection of recipes, this book is a narrative journey through food, memory and heritage. In A Food Love Story, Onezwa Mbola traces her culinary journey, from her mother’s kitchen in her Eastern Cape seaside village, to destinations around the world, and back home again. Mbola’s simple, hearty and delicious dishes connect people to the land, to each other and to ancestral traditions. Rooted in her upbringing in the Eastern Cape, her cooking reflects an authentic, sustainable and deeply personal approach to South African cuisine. The book delves into the power of home-cooked meals to connect people and create lasting memories. It speaks to using the kitchen as a space for bonding, learning and nurturing. Her wholesome recipes will inspire her social-media followers as well as newcomers to explore the joys of cooking.
Buy it online here.
Wanda: Sihle Nontshokweni
“I love my hair and one day I will be brave enough to say so!” Meet Wanda, with her beautiful hair. She is unhappy because the boys on the bus tease her. But Grandmother Makhulu has the answer…Through Makhulu’s stories and hair secrets, Wanda realises that her hair is her crown; an important part of her and something to be very proud of. This local children’s book is a heartwarming, inspiring story about beauty and identity, and being proud of who you are. The broad themes of the story (which include self belief and kindness) matched with its vibrant illustrations, make this a ‘wandaful’ book to share with primary school-aged children wherever they are.
Buy it online here.
Ready to get stuck into local reads? The full Homebru selection is available in Exclusive Books stores nationwide and online.
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