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Monday – 22nd January 2018
Call for members: IBBY SA – a non-profit organisation committed to bringing books and children together
At the start of a new year, the International Board on Books for Young People South Africa (IBBY SA) is looking to grow its membership numbers in South Africa.
Friday – 19th January 2018
Cover reveal: Award-winning author Nthikeng Mohlele’s new book, Michael K
Nthikeng Mohlele’s new book, Michael K, will be published in March by Pan Macmillan.
‘Behind the fun there is a person hurting’ – Angela Makholwa chats about her new book, The Blessed Girl
The Blessed Girl is the story of Bontle Tau, an absolutely gorgeous, 20-something blessee who has used her good looks and winning charm all her life to get exactly what she wants.
Alastair Bruce’s dystopian fantasy Wall of Days to be published in Spanish
Alastair Bruce’s novel Wall of Days will be published in Spanish by Armaenia Editorial later in January.
‘Her husband’s almost home. He’ll catch her this time.’ – Read an excerpt from the new smash hit, The Woman in the Window
I’ve noticed she likes a drink in the afternoon, as do I. Does she also like a drink in the morning? As do I?
Thursday – 18th January 2018
Children’s story by Zukiswa Wanner translated into all 11 official SA languages by Nal’ibali for World Read Aloud Day
A children’s story by author Zukiswa Wanner has been translated into all 11 official South African languages for 2018 World Read Aloud Day, in a Nal’ibali initiative.
Storied: A crowdfunding campaign to publish diverse fiction and push the publishing agenda in South Africa
Introducing: Storied – a Jacana Media initiative and private company that will publish local fiction!
Pseudonymous author Elena Ferrante named new Guardian columnist
Bestselling Italian writer Elena Ferrante is to write her first ever regular newspaper column, in the Guardian.
Wednesday – 17th January 2018
Penguin Random House South Africa acquires Hay House Agency
Hay House publishes self help, inspirational and transformational books and products.
Malebo Sephodi recommends Chwayita Ngamlana’s If I Stay Right Here as a top read of 2017
If I Stay Right Here by Chwayita Ngamlana. This experimental fiction had me crossing legs. Shifting. Crying. Triggered.
Out now from the Picador Africa Heritage Series: Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s 491 Days; Eight Days in September and Oliver Tambo Remembered
Three important South African books have been republished as part of the Picador Africa Heritage Series.
A Short History of Mozambique: Why has the country’s remarkable recovery shown signs of stalling?
A Short History of Mozambique seeks to distil this country’s complex history, and to understand why Mozambicans remain among the poorest people in the world.
Sunday – 14th January 2018
Read an excerpt from Wake Me When I’m Gone, the second novel by Nigerian author Odafe Atogun
The morning the letter arrived he was like a man in a shell, deaf to the voices in his head from a distant place, calling him, imploring him with old promises.
Listen to an audio book preview of The Demon Crown: The new Sigma Force Novel by James Rollins
Off the coast of Brazil, a team of scientists discovers a horror like no other, an island where all life has been eradicated, consumed and possessed by a species beyond imagination.
New poetry from Alice Walker in the ‘playfully imaginative and intensely moving’ Taking the Arrow out of the Heart
Mindful poems about tolerance, justice and hope for the future, by Alice Walker, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Color Purple.
Friday – 12th January 2018
What went so badly wrong with land restitution? A new book investigates
A new book titled Rights to Land: A Guide to Tenure Upgrading and Restitution in South Africa, by William Beinart, Peter Delius and Michelle Hay, is out now from Jacana Media and Good Governance Africa.
Thursday – 11th January 2018
Action-packed urban fantasy in Durban and London: Clockwork City by Paul Crilley
Clockwork City: Delphic Division 2 is the follow-up to Paul Crilley’s debut adult novel Poison City.
Today’s Google Doodle celebrates Alan Paton’s 115th Birthday
The Google Doodle for 11 January 2018 celebrates South African author and activist Alan Paton, marking what would have been his 115th birthday.
An unforgettable new voice: Don’t miss Wake Me When I’m Gone, the second novel from Odafe Atogun
The powerful second novel from Odafe Atogun, one of the most exciting new literary voices in contemporary African writing.
Wednesday – 10th January 2018
First look at Knucklebone, the debut novel from Nechama Brodie
‘A cracking novel. Brilliant original writing. The pace is insane – in a good way’
– Sarah Lotz, author of The Three, Day Four and The White Road.
First look for everyone on social media – here is the cover for ‘Knucklebone’ (Pan Macmillan). On sale February 2018. #knucklebonenovel