Books Reviews
Dispatched in 20 to 30 working days
- Price
- R 426
- RRP
R 485- (-12%)
Amazing
Reviewed by Cornelius N on
Part autobiography, part guide to the world of music. This book is an absolute must for fans of Mr. Byrne or music in general.
Pre-order
- Price
- R 258
- RRP
R 330- (-22%)
Interesting, superbly written, British police procedural
Reviewed by lurkykitty on
Unholy Murder is the seventh book in the series about the early career of Detective Jane Tennison. It is set in the 1980s. Detective Tennison is sent to a building site on the grounds of a closed Catholic convent and orphanage where a mysterious coffin has been unearthed. The casket contains the body of an unknown nun who has evidently been brutally murdered.
Jane and her colleagues race to identify the nun and find her killer. I liked the detectives and medical examiner and their interactions and dialogue. The forensics and police procedures are fascinating. Jane is growing as a person and a detective. She is mentoring a junior colleague and helps him out with the experience and wisdom she has gained over the years. She and her colleagues make mistakes and errors in judgment and are thus fallible and more believable as characters.
The 1980s setting adds interest to the story as we can look back on the way women were treated in the police force. Many of the aspects of the story can be drawn from today's headlines. Jane and her colleagues uncover abuse of younger nuns and children perpetrated by more senior priests and nuns. This does not surprise those of us who have read about the disturbing sexual abuse scandals and the horrifying mistreatment and murder of Native children in North American church schools.
There is an interesting juxtaposition of a seasoned author writing about the early life of one of her major characters. Her writing experience, knowledge about who this character will become and perspective on history really enrich the reader's experience.
Unholy Murder is a superbly written and carefully plotted British procedural with a well-paced trail of evidence, clues and red herrings. It is interesting, highly suspenseful and very hard to put down. I would love to read the rest of the series.
Jane and her colleagues race to identify the nun and find her killer. I liked the detectives and medical examiner and their interactions and dialogue. The forensics and police procedures are fascinating. Jane is growing as a person and a detective. She is mentoring a junior colleague and helps him out with the experience and wisdom she has gained over the years. She and her colleagues make mistakes and errors in judgment and are thus fallible and more believable as characters.
The 1980s setting adds interest to the story as we can look back on the way women were treated in the police force. Many of the aspects of the story can be drawn from today's headlines. Jane and her colleagues uncover abuse of younger nuns and children perpetrated by more senior priests and nuns. This does not surprise those of us who have read about the disturbing sexual abuse scandals and the horrifying mistreatment and murder of Native children in North American church schools.
There is an interesting juxtaposition of a seasoned author writing about the early life of one of her major characters. Her writing experience, knowledge about who this character will become and perspective on history really enrich the reader's experience.
Unholy Murder is a superbly written and carefully plotted British procedural with a well-paced trail of evidence, clues and red herrings. It is interesting, highly suspenseful and very hard to put down. I would love to read the rest of the series.
Dispatched in 8 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 307
Fantastic, epic, queer retelling of Treasure Island
Reviewed by lurkykitty on
A Clash of Steel is a gripping and fantastic queer retelling of Treasure Island based on the legendary pirate queen Zheng Yi Sao. This book lives up to its beautiful cover promising an epic adventure. The two main characters, Xiang and Anh, are intelligent and brave, their romance a beautiful slow burn. Xiang grows from a naive, sheltered girl living in a quiet village to a strong, confident, skilled, high seas adventurer. The world building was lush, vivid, detailed and meticulously researched in its portrayal of 19th century China and Vietnam. The characters were complex and interesting with engaging and amusing dialogue. The pacing was perfect with scenes of high action combined with emotional moments. The themes of found family and pursuing the life you want are pervasive. C.B. Lee's writing is lyrical, fluid and immersive. A Clash of Steel stands alone from Treasure Island and deserves to become a new classic. Highly enjoyable and impossible to put down. #BookishFirst
Dispatched in 8 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 279
A powerful story of emancipation and transition
Reviewed by lurkykitty on
So Many Beginnings by Bethany C. Morrow is a remix of Little Women with a Black March family, who has settled in the Freedmen's Colony of Roanoke Island after their recent emancipation from slavery. This book can be read and enjoyed on its own without previously having read Little Women.
The time and place of So Many Beginnings make this story very interesting. We see the perspective of a Black family as they transition from slavery to freedom, but still face prejudice and racism which affect their healthcare, living circumstances, education, wages and social status.
The March girls have distinct personalities, strengths, interests and goals, yet are united by a strong bond of love and sisterhood. I appreciated how Morrow hinted that one of the sisters was asexual and portrayed another's chronic illness, which presumably Sickle Cell Anemia. I enjoyed these engaging, strong characters as they navigated momentous changes in society, personal relationships, and the transition to adulthood to find their place in the world.
So Many Beginnings is well-written and meticulously researched and thus brings to light a setting and perspective in history about which we have not been taught. I appreciated the author's note in which she sounds the alarm about how racism and white supremacy have caused the teaching of propaganda rather than history, and how these biases influence the treatment of Black people today.
The time and place of So Many Beginnings make this story very interesting. We see the perspective of a Black family as they transition from slavery to freedom, but still face prejudice and racism which affect their healthcare, living circumstances, education, wages and social status.
The March girls have distinct personalities, strengths, interests and goals, yet are united by a strong bond of love and sisterhood. I appreciated how Morrow hinted that one of the sisters was asexual and portrayed another's chronic illness, which presumably Sickle Cell Anemia. I enjoyed these engaging, strong characters as they navigated momentous changes in society, personal relationships, and the transition to adulthood to find their place in the world.
So Many Beginnings is well-written and meticulously researched and thus brings to light a setting and perspective in history about which we have not been taught. I appreciated the author's note in which she sounds the alarm about how racism and white supremacy have caused the teaching of propaganda rather than history, and how these biases influence the treatment of Black people today.
Out of Stock
- Price
- R 236
- RRP
R 265- (-11%)
Is this really where we want to be heading?
Reviewed by Reinhard V on
In Persuasion Nation is an odd collection, not because it is filled with lacklustre stories but because the stories themselves are so often truly and wonderfully odd.
When you read the opening story "I CAN SPEAK!™", you know you're in for a ride. And when you reach the finale "CommComm", you know these stories will be with you long after.
By creating these not-so-distant futures George Saunders very successfully asks "Is this really where we want to be heading?" And that is why George Saunders has become such a vital voice for our times.
When you read the opening story "I CAN SPEAK!™", you know you're in for a ride. And when you reach the finale "CommComm", you know these stories will be with you long after.
By creating these not-so-distant futures George Saunders very successfully asks "Is this really where we want to be heading?" And that is why George Saunders has become such a vital voice for our times.
Dispatched in 5 to 7 working days
- Price
- R 183
- RRP
R 230- (-20%)
Which Story Do You Prefer?
Reviewed by Reinhard V on
I have to admit, I am somewhat at odds with Yann Martel's booker Award-winning religious journey and tale of survival. Martel achieves a rare feat in Life of Pi, successfully combining a truly breathtaking study on religion and zoology, a thrilling tale of survival when faced with the elements of nature, and a gut-wrenching finale that achieves in almost entirely wiping clean the sense of wonder the previous 200 pages created in the reader.
Life of Pi is a book that will stay with you long after you have read it. But most importantly, it leaves you with a choice: which story do you prefer? And which story will you prefer outside of the pages fo the book?
Life of Pi is a book that will stay with you long after you have read it. But most importantly, it leaves you with a choice: which story do you prefer? And which story will you prefer outside of the pages fo the book?
Dispatched in 8 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 289
Review - A Court Of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Reviewed by Vaithika S on
One word. Phenomenal!
Truth be told this novel was always highly recommended to me and boy am I glad that I read the series. If it seems too good to be true, it probably isn't in this case!
At the start of the story we are introduced to a human named Feyre - Who is gone hunting deep into a winter forest to provide for her poverty stricken family of three. With a twist of fate she finds herself captive by a high fae named Tamlin.
And as everyone knows, a human and a fae duo is disastrous.
From the time of her capture Sarah J. Maas expertly describes Feyre's inward feelings. Thus the reader can distinguish exactly how drastic the change is from her lowly human life to living the life of a fae in the lap of luxury. Tamlin and Feyre's relationship realistically progresses from one of loathing to one of love and adoration over time. Eventually as time passes fate catches up with the duo and only one question remains...
Will their love be strong enough to change destiny?
Every emotion,experienced.
Every scent, smelt.
Every texture,felt
Praise to Sarah J. Maas!
Truth be told this novel was always highly recommended to me and boy am I glad that I read the series. If it seems too good to be true, it probably isn't in this case!
At the start of the story we are introduced to a human named Feyre - Who is gone hunting deep into a winter forest to provide for her poverty stricken family of three. With a twist of fate she finds herself captive by a high fae named Tamlin.
And as everyone knows, a human and a fae duo is disastrous.
From the time of her capture Sarah J. Maas expertly describes Feyre's inward feelings. Thus the reader can distinguish exactly how drastic the change is from her lowly human life to living the life of a fae in the lap of luxury. Tamlin and Feyre's relationship realistically progresses from one of loathing to one of love and adoration over time. Eventually as time passes fate catches up with the duo and only one question remains...
Will their love be strong enough to change destiny?
Every emotion,experienced.
Every scent, smelt.
Every texture,felt
Praise to Sarah J. Maas!
Dispatched in 5 to 7 working days
- Price
- R 139
- RRP
R 195- (-29%)
Review: Ember Queen - Laura Sebastian
Reviewed by Vaithika S on
The princess is dead. Long live the Queen.
In the chilling conclusion to the trilogy of Ash Princess arises Ember Queen.
In the batted land of Astrea, Theodosia has one thing left to do. Take back her throne and avenge her loved ones. In a tale of love, revenge and duty will Theodosia Eirene Houzzara lose herself in the persuit of her happiness or can she forsake everything to reclaim her rightful kingdom?
In the chilling conclusion to the trilogy of Ash Princess arises Ember Queen.
In the batted land of Astrea, Theodosia has one thing left to do. Take back her throne and avenge her loved ones. In a tale of love, revenge and duty will Theodosia Eirene Houzzara lose herself in the persuit of her happiness or can she forsake everything to reclaim her rightful kingdom?
Out of Stock
- Price
- R 291
Great!
Reviewed by Resegofetse M on
You will definitely learn to be kind to yourself and see how your life transforms once your mindset and self talks changes. Jennifer is very humorous and makes the journey to knowing how to talk to yourself so blissful.
Out of Stock
- Price
- R 203
- RRP
R 285- (-29%)
A great read
Reviewed by Resegofetse M on (Verified Buyer)
You will feel like you personally know Trevor after reading this. I love how his humor comes through even when he narrates not so funny stories. You will be caught up between tearing and bursting into laughing...
Not available
- Price
- R 149
- RRP
R 190- (-22%)
My All Time Favorite
Reviewed by Resegofetse M on (Verified Buyer)
A must read! This is the best book I have ever read. There is so much wisdom in this easy to read book. I could not put it down until I was done...
Dispatched in 5 to 7 working days
- Price
- R 231
- RRP
R 295- (-22%)
Great book
Reviewed by 3rguy on
This is a great book. Easy to read and full of good advice. I will highly recommend it to anyone in their 20s and 30s.
Dispatched in 8 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 437
An inspiring and unforgettable basketball story
Reviewed by lurkykitty on
Brothers on Three is the riveting story of the Arlee Warriors Boys Basketball team from Montana's Flathead Indian Reservation and their state championship win. Abe Streep interviewed players, coaches, families, and teachers to be able to create a three dimensional picture of the community. He was conscious that he was an outsider and took care to avoid inserting himself into the story. He took time to know and understand the people and their values, and ask tribal members how they wished to be identified. Thorough research provided a historical and social context and shed light on the effects of intergenerational trauma and racism. Native American athletes in Montana experience racism which can take many forms including an ugly slur uttered during a game and their low recruitment rates by Montana colleges. I appreciated learning more about these admirable young people, their community, and the joys and struggles they experienced. The Arlee Warriors are inspiring, not only for their hard work and achievements on the basketball court, but also because they came together to create viral videos which raise awareness about depression and suicide. The boys were deeply affected by a suicide cluster that had occurred which involved both teens and adults.
Brothers on Three is an unforgettable, well-written, real-life story of hope, resilience, family and community that will interest basketball fans and those, like me, who know little about the game, but love to learn about the human experience. Thanks, to @CeladonBooks and @AbeStreep for an ARC. #CeladonReads #BrothersOnThree #partner
Brothers on Three is an unforgettable, well-written, real-life story of hope, resilience, family and community that will interest basketball fans and those, like me, who know little about the game, but love to learn about the human experience. Thanks, to @CeladonBooks and @AbeStreep for an ARC. #CeladonReads #BrothersOnThree #partner
Dispatched in 4 to 7 working days
- Price
- R 73
- RRP
R 95- (-23%)
Goeie Afrikaanse kinderboeke!
Reviewed by WDZ on (Verified Buyer)
Ons kleuter hou van al die Tjoppie boeke, so ons het al die Tjoppie boeke gekoop :)
Dispatched in 4 to 7 working days
- Price
- R 73
- RRP
R 95- (-23%)
Goeie Afrikaanse kinderstorie!
Reviewed by WDZ on (Verified Buyer)
Ons kleuter hou van al die Tjoppie boeke, so ons het al die Tjoppie boeke gekoop :)
Dispatched in 7 to 12 working days
- Price
- R 194
- RRP
R 221- (-12%)
Impressed.
Reviewed by Portia B on (Verified Buyer)
I've searched everywhere and I couldn't find the dictionary written in my own language but Raru had my back and I am so grateful for this. I am surely going to recommend &/ refer it to everyone including other tribes that Raru have everything they need because YES they truly have them.
Dispatched in 8 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 288
Tight gripping thriller with important themes
Reviewed by lurkykitty on
They'll Never Catch Us is a tightly written, gripping, suspenseful YA thriller which explores some important issues. It takes place in Edgewater, a small Catskills town with a star high school-cross country running team.
Stella and Ellie are two sisters on the team, with very different personalities, both highly competitive. A new girl and runner, Mila, moves to Edgewater, joins the team and becomes competition for Stella and Ellie. Ellie is immediately drawn to Mila's friendliness. Shortly thereafter, prickly Stella starts to open up to Mila as they have much in common. Then Mila vanishes on an early morning run. Stella is blamed as she allegedly had a violent incident with another runner the previous year. The mystery is complicated by the town's legacy of a series of unsolved murders of female runners that happened over 10 years ago.
The characters are really well developed, interesting and complicated, especially the sisters. The story, told in Stella and Ellie's points of view, moves quickly with twists, turns and an unexpected ending.
Relevant themes such as sexism, racism and addiction are addressed. The female athletes face misogyny and are treated like a stable of race horses, their purpose to bring glory to the coach and the town, yet are denigrated for being competitive and driven. It is the women who must alter their behavior in the face of violent crime. Ellie's boyfriend is a lying, gaslighting, abuser. The incompetent police department does not take the murder of the first victim, years ago, seriously because she is Black. One of the characters has the perspective of being one of the only Black people in a small town. The main characters are profoundly affected by the substance abuse of a parent. The portrayal of these important issues adds depth and substance to the motives and events of the story. They'll Never Catch Us, although categorized as YA, is a compelling read for adults as well.
Stella and Ellie are two sisters on the team, with very different personalities, both highly competitive. A new girl and runner, Mila, moves to Edgewater, joins the team and becomes competition for Stella and Ellie. Ellie is immediately drawn to Mila's friendliness. Shortly thereafter, prickly Stella starts to open up to Mila as they have much in common. Then Mila vanishes on an early morning run. Stella is blamed as she allegedly had a violent incident with another runner the previous year. The mystery is complicated by the town's legacy of a series of unsolved murders of female runners that happened over 10 years ago.
The characters are really well developed, interesting and complicated, especially the sisters. The story, told in Stella and Ellie's points of view, moves quickly with twists, turns and an unexpected ending.
Relevant themes such as sexism, racism and addiction are addressed. The female athletes face misogyny and are treated like a stable of race horses, their purpose to bring glory to the coach and the town, yet are denigrated for being competitive and driven. It is the women who must alter their behavior in the face of violent crime. Ellie's boyfriend is a lying, gaslighting, abuser. The incompetent police department does not take the murder of the first victim, years ago, seriously because she is Black. One of the characters has the perspective of being one of the only Black people in a small town. The main characters are profoundly affected by the substance abuse of a parent. The portrayal of these important issues adds depth and substance to the motives and events of the story. They'll Never Catch Us, although categorized as YA, is a compelling read for adults as well.
Out of Stock
- Price
- R 307
A thrilling read
Reviewed by Dwayne L on (Verified Buyer)
It's a suspenseful thriller with a big psychological component to it. Charlize Theron bought the rights to adapt this book into a movie so here's hoping it gets made. If it's anything like the book it should be a fun ride.
Dispatched in 20 to 30 working days
- Price
- R 591
- RRP
R 595
The Graphic Novel of the Year
Reviewed by Reinhard V on
When it was announced that Barry Windsor-Smith was releasing his magnum opus, an abandoned Hulk story that grew into a 360-page study on what a monster truly is, we all knew it would be the best comic book of the year hands down.
Fans of Windsor-Smith know how his detailed artwork brings life to a story. Lifeblood and Weapon X brought a detailed, artistic element to the X-Men universe, which bears comparison to Moebius's artwork in books such as The Incal. But in his previous works, the action and adventure can often overshadow the brooding emotions stirring underneath. In Monsters, however, Windsor-Smith captures not the science fiction of a different reality, but rather the depth of sadness and misfortune that exists on our own.
Monsters is a complete study of how people hurt those around them, and how we so often become the monsters we fear.
Fans of Windsor-Smith know how his detailed artwork brings life to a story. Lifeblood and Weapon X brought a detailed, artistic element to the X-Men universe, which bears comparison to Moebius's artwork in books such as The Incal. But in his previous works, the action and adventure can often overshadow the brooding emotions stirring underneath. In Monsters, however, Windsor-Smith captures not the science fiction of a different reality, but rather the depth of sadness and misfortune that exists on our own.
Monsters is a complete study of how people hurt those around them, and how we so often become the monsters we fear.
Dispatched in 8 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 122
Overall Good
Reviewed by The Prodigy on (Verified Buyer)
The cover and bindings were a bit damaged but considering that this was the only place where I could find this book, great! :D
Dispatched in 8 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 374
Mind-bending, thought-provoking and emotional
Reviewed by lurkykitty on
Maria, a busy psychiatrist, wife and mom of two girls, with a baby on the way, is overwhelmed and exhausted. She's nearing her due date and struggling to balance her family and her career. A patient, Sylvia, who she has never seen before claims that she has been sent back from the future with the purpose of saving Maria's life. Sylvia gives Maria a cryptic warning and Maria thinks she must be delusional. Sylvia subsequently commits suicide. Maria does not heed Sylvia's warning leading to a chain of events causing her to wake up in her teenage body in her childhood home over 20 years earlier.
Maria is confused and cannot convince anyone that she is a mother who desperately needs to get back to her husband and children. She is diagnosed with schizophrenia and committed to a psychiatric institution. She finds others like herself and discovers the reason she has been sent back. She is faced with the choice of saving a young girl's life and losing the life and people she has left behind in the future, or returning to her husband and children, but forever living with the guilt of failing to prevent the death of a child.
She Wouldn't Change a Thing portrays a unique perspective of time travel with a thought-provoking moral dilemma. It is well-written, suspenseful and mind-bending. The characters feel real and relatable and the events and circumstances of their interwoven lives keep the pages turning. The ending was satisfying and emotional and I wish there could have been more of the book dedicated to it. Likewise, there were some unanswered questions for which it would have been worth expanding the book. #BookishFirst
Maria is confused and cannot convince anyone that she is a mother who desperately needs to get back to her husband and children. She is diagnosed with schizophrenia and committed to a psychiatric institution. She finds others like herself and discovers the reason she has been sent back. She is faced with the choice of saving a young girl's life and losing the life and people she has left behind in the future, or returning to her husband and children, but forever living with the guilt of failing to prevent the death of a child.
She Wouldn't Change a Thing portrays a unique perspective of time travel with a thought-provoking moral dilemma. It is well-written, suspenseful and mind-bending. The characters feel real and relatable and the events and circumstances of their interwoven lives keep the pages turning. The ending was satisfying and emotional and I wish there could have been more of the book dedicated to it. Likewise, there were some unanswered questions for which it would have been worth expanding the book. #BookishFirst
Dispatched in 7 to 10 working days
- Price
- R 134
- RRP
R 185- (-28%)
Outstanding
Reviewed by Ntombenkosi M on
I enjoyed this book so much. It has inspired me to review my own life and believe in my own journey.
Well done to the writer!
Well done to the writer!
Out of Stock
- Price
- R 291
A College Admissions Game Changer
Reviewed by lurkykitty on
Dr. Aviva Legatt has years of experience in the academic world including her work in college admissions. She is well qualified to give advice about college selection, the admissions process, the college years and beyond. Her approach is logical, practical and creative. Applicants are encouraged to lean into their own strengths and interests, to be authentic, rather than completing a checklist that makes them appear to be the perfect student. Likewise, students should examine their values and priorities to find colleges that are a good fit. The real stories of recent applicants and people with established careers made this book even more interesting and valuable. If you are applying to college, you need to read this book. If you know someone who is, putting this book in their hands would be doing them an enormous favor. Get Real and Get In is a game changer. #BooksForwardFriends
Dispatched in 8 to 15 working days
- Price
- R 399
Well-crafted emotional family drama
Reviewed by lurkykitty on
Sunday is the only daughter in a big, close knit, Irish American family living near NYC. Five years ago, she suddenly and mysteriously ran off to LA, abandoning her fiancé and family. She is forced to return home, after a DUI leading to an accident, in which she is badly injured. She must confront the secrets and consequences that she was hoping to avoid by running away years ago.
She is not the only member of the family with something to hide, whether it is a long buried secret or a current deception. The story flows smoothly from chapter to chapter through multiple points of view, so that the reader experiences the unfolding of events through each character's eyes. These perspectives help build the tension and allow the reader to connect and empathize with the characters. The storylines were intense and emotional with unexpected twists and turns, creating a real page-turner. It is hard to believe this well-crafted family drama is written by a debut author. @CeladonBooks #partner #CeladonReads #WeAreTheBrennans #BookishFirst
She is not the only member of the family with something to hide, whether it is a long buried secret or a current deception. The story flows smoothly from chapter to chapter through multiple points of view, so that the reader experiences the unfolding of events through each character's eyes. These perspectives help build the tension and allow the reader to connect and empathize with the characters. The storylines were intense and emotional with unexpected twists and turns, creating a real page-turner. It is hard to believe this well-crafted family drama is written by a debut author. @CeladonBooks #partner #CeladonReads #WeAreTheBrennans #BookishFirst
Dispatched in 7 to 10 working days
- Price
- R 134
- RRP
R 185- (-28%)
I don't think there's anyone who wouldn't benefit from reading this book.
Reviewed by Kingsley O on
This book is inspiring, captivating and motivating. To put your life out there as an example for somebody else is brave, and the way the author has described his experiences is refreshing and truly one of a kind. I recommend this book to anyone who’s looking to make a new beginning.