Like Water is for Fish: The Power of Story in Our Lives is the first book by medical doctor, co-founder of Soul City Institute and founding CEO of Heartlines, Dr Garth Japhet – out in January from Pan Macmillan!

The book explores the power of story in our lives, how story has influenced him and how his used it to influence others.

‘An inspiring read that shows how stories and storytelling can change lives.’ – Lillian Dube

The Soul City and Soul Buddyz series are memorable for the way in which they integrated health topics into compelling storylines on TV, radio and in print, creating stories so popular that they entertained and informed millions of people. And the Heartlines’ ‘What’s Your Story?’ programme and films such as Beyond the River, continue to provide witness to the transformative power of story.

As a young boy, Garth Japhet found his life radically shaped by the Jungle Doctor series of books. The stories so enthralled him that, against all advice, he set his heart on medicine. He could see his future – with a backdrop of savannas, golden sunsets, adventure and accolades – as a romantic figure, a healer, a hero.

This fantasy sustained Garth through the challenges of medical training, but finally he arrived. He was Dr Japhet, living the dream. Except the dream was a nightmare. The reality of medicine was not the life he had hoped for. There were times when he cursed the power of the story that had so completely messed up his life. Having struggled with anxiety most of his life, he was catapulted into a deep depression.

And then it happened. Garth stumbled upon the healing power of story – fictional, factual and his own. What magic was at work here? If stories had changed him, could he use story to change others? This question set him on the journey described in Like Water is for Fish; a journey that led to Garth co-founding Soul City and Heartlines, and to an understanding that story, in its multiple forms, is as essential for our lives as water is for fish.

When you share your story with others and they share theirs with you, barriers break down, hardened attitudes shift, and healing begins.

Watch the book trailer here:

https://twitter.com/PanMacmillanSA/status/1350031819413008384

Categories Non-fiction South Africa

Tags Garth Japhet Like Water is for Fish New books New releases Pan Macmillan SA