EB RECOMMENDS – OCTOBER 2023
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Mahatma Ghandi’s famous quote reminds us of our unique human agency in creating the kind of world we want. The power of the pen has always been able to instigate change, in the biggest and smallest of ways. Whether it’s a story, a project, a movement or concept, Exclusive Books Recommends for October celebrates how books can change the world, one page at a time.
In fiction, a stand-out title is Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, by Gabrielle Zevin. This book has topped the UK and US bestseller charts for months, but has yet to break through in the South African market. Stylish and openhearted, this is a very different kind of love story, elevated and energized by being set in the world of creativity and video gaming. But it’s a story that begs the question – if I could design a new world, what would I want it to be?
Another fiction highlight is Sebastian Faulks’ The Seventh Son. When Talissa Adam offers to carry another woman’s child, she has no idea of the life-changing consequences. This book is all about stretching the boundaries of ethics as never before, and a spectacular examination of what it means to be human. Just because you can do something, does it mean you should?
Sipping Dom Perignon through a Straw – an inspirational and truly intersectional memoir from global humanitarian and social justice advocate Eddie Ndopu – a queer, black, wheelchair user and one of the UN Secretary-General’s 17 advocates of the Sustainable Development goals. This is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder to never let anyone else define our limits.
Wandile Sihlobo’s A Country of Two Agricultures examines the subsistence, primarily non-commercial, back farming segment in contrast to the predominantly white and commercial farming sector with access to domestic and international trade networks. With a passion to change the current status quo, he highlights the disparities, the challenges, and ultimately the possible solutions, to not only level the playing fields but enable a framework for growth
for all.
Status and Storms – Leading through Change is Max Price’s reflections of the change challenges he faced during his time as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town – including transformation, rights of artistic expression, institutional culture, restorative justice and ethical decision. Part memoir, part insider view of history, and part leadership guide, Price highlights the importance of values in an increasingly polarized world.
Zoya and Naru, by Caroline Montague with a foreword by Tim Rice is an African story of a boy and baby elephant, and their unexpected friendship as they journey to reunite Zoya with her elephant herd. Their conversations are filled with beautiful African proverbs and life lessons, and the story is illustrated throughout with soft, beautiful illustrations – raising awareness of the plight of elephants and our role as custodians to protect them.
In 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day The Knitting and Crochet Revolution, a decade of phenomenal growth of an international non-profit organisation is recorded. With a Foreword by Sello Hatang, former CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and a letter from Graça Machel in the Preface, the book shows how the simple gift of a handmade blanket has had a profound effect on the lives of many. Accompanied by the story of Nelson Mandela’s life, the experiences and views of those who made the blankets are recorded, as well as those who received them and the many organisations and people who contributed to the project over ten years. This beautiful coffee table book is testament to how an individual can impact lives, one stitch at a time.
Find these, and other life-changing, world-changing books on October’s Exclusive Books Recommends selection, in front of all stores.
More on Exclusive Books
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Visit www.exclusivebooks.co.za for their new and improved gift voucher offering – beautiful
templates for every occasion and the ability to personalise messages and time delivery.
Ways to order books from Exclusive Books include phone in, uber eats, instore of course and online via the website www.exclusivebooks.co.za and delivery to your doorstep in 36 hours.(free delivery for orders R450 and up).
Exclusive Books is one of South Africa’s largest bookselling chains with stores throughout South Africa, and one store in Gaborone, Botswana and in Namibia.
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