Books Reviews
Unreleased
- Price
- R 501
Relevant historical fiction
Reviewed by lurkykitty on
The Rib King is set in Chicago in the early part of the 20th century. The first half of the book tells the story of the upper class white Barclay house, and its African American servants including Mr. Sitwell, the groundskeeper, Mamie the cook, and Jennie Williams the maid. Out of desperation Mamie the cook and Mr. Sitwell create a delicious barbeque sauce which is later named Rib King. The businessman who markets the sauce takes Mr. Sitwell's image and puts it on the label.
Halfway through the book, a tragic event occurs, which influences the course of the rest of the book. The story changes perspective, and tells the story of Jennie, 10 years later, who now owns a beauty salon and is trying to market a healing salve that she has invented.
Jennie is a brave, hard working and tenacious character who survives and overcomes the many obstacles that have been thrown in her way. I really admired Jennie. Jennie's story converges with that of The Rib King's, Mr. Sitwell.
The Rib King examines the treatment of African Americans, the indignities, exploitation and abuses to which they are subjected and the stereotypes which persist to the current day. This novel is disturbing, thought provoking and addresses the trauma of racism. The themes addressed in the Rib King are relevant today.
Halfway through the book, a tragic event occurs, which influences the course of the rest of the book. The story changes perspective, and tells the story of Jennie, 10 years later, who now owns a beauty salon and is trying to market a healing salve that she has invented.
Jennie is a brave, hard working and tenacious character who survives and overcomes the many obstacles that have been thrown in her way. I really admired Jennie. Jennie's story converges with that of The Rib King's, Mr. Sitwell.
The Rib King examines the treatment of African Americans, the indignities, exploitation and abuses to which they are subjected and the stereotypes which persist to the current day. This novel is disturbing, thought provoking and addresses the trauma of racism. The themes addressed in the Rib King are relevant today.
Unreleased
- Price
- R 596
Bittersweet post WWII historical fiction
Reviewed by lurkykitty on
The Children's Train takes place in post WWII Italy. Amerigo Speranza, the child of a emotionally distant, poverty stricken single mother in Naples is sent to northern Italy with a group of children to live with communist families for six months. The north was more affluent than the south and the goal was to feed and educate the children. Amerigo's northern family is supportive and encouraging, and he can envision an entirely different life from that he had in Naples. When he returns to his mother and the grinding poverty and hunger, she is jealous of his northern family and takes away a wonderful gift he had received from them. He then makes a decision, the consequences of which cannot be understood by a small boy. He flees Naples back to his northern family and decides to live with and be raised by them. The book then flashes forward to Amerigo, a successful adult, returning to Naples because his mother has died. The Children's Train is well-written and the author does a great job of writing from the perspective of a small boy, and then later, from the perspective of an adult man. The reader understands much more about what is happening than Amerigo does during the first part of the novel. The story is emotional, both sad and hopeful. One of the minor characters asks the question as to why the resources weren't directed to the poor parents of Naples to help them, rather than separating them from their children. It is a good question. The story explores the consequences of economic disparity, of poverty, hunger and of family separation.
Dispatched in 20 to 30 working days
- Price
- R 451
Hilariously funny and insightful rom-com
Reviewed by lurkykitty on
Super Fake Love Song is about Sunny Dae, a Korean American teenager who is a mega-nerd trying to survive at his wealthy, white California high school. He is introduced to Cirrus Soh, a very cool, worldly, beautiful girl. To impress her, he impulsively tells her he is the front man of a rock band. He starts wearing his rocker older brother's clothes. He ropes his friends Milo and Jamal into forming a rock band to maintain the deception. Along the way, Sunny's perception of himself and those around him changes. He gains confidence. His relationship with his older brother and family improves.
Super Fake Love Song is hilariously, cleverly funny. Gut busting, roll-on-the-floor funny. David Yoon definitely has a way with words. Because I am an ancient, pre-internet fossil, I was a huge fan of the John Hughes movies from the 80s. In many ways this book echoes the themes of those movies: breaking down stereotypes, dysfunctional families, being true to, and standing up for yourself. Super Fake Love Song goes further and also addresses racism and diversity. The characters were relatable. I loved Sunny's friends Milo and Jamal. I thought they were the big heroes of the story in terms of standing by Sunny throughout all the insanity. Super Fake Love Song is a funny, fast-paced entertaining read that also makes the reader think.
Super Fake Love Song is hilariously, cleverly funny. Gut busting, roll-on-the-floor funny. David Yoon definitely has a way with words. Because I am an ancient, pre-internet fossil, I was a huge fan of the John Hughes movies from the 80s. In many ways this book echoes the themes of those movies: breaking down stereotypes, dysfunctional families, being true to, and standing up for yourself. Super Fake Love Song goes further and also addresses racism and diversity. The characters were relatable. I loved Sunny's friends Milo and Jamal. I thought they were the big heroes of the story in terms of standing by Sunny throughout all the insanity. Super Fake Love Song is a funny, fast-paced entertaining read that also makes the reader think.
Unreleased
- Price
- R 351
A young lawyer's story of social justice and finding her place in the world
Reviewed by lurkykitty on
Yolanda Vance is a young African American recently graduated lawyer. Yolanda has had to single-mindedly strive and achieve to survive in a world that has left her essentially orphaned. In her first job as an attorney at a prestigious corporate New York law firm, she is asked to shred documents in the middle of a raid by the FBI. The firm is guilty of securities fraud and Yolanda does the right thing and becomes a whistleblower. She is offered a position with the FBI, which she thinks will be a desk job. To her surprise, Yolanda is sent undercover to infiltrate an eco- and social justice activist group in California, who are taking on a large energy corporation with a defense contract. The activist group is seen as a threat by the FBI, but Yolanda quickly realizes that all is not that it seems and begins to question who the real criminals are. Yolanda starts as a narrow, focused and, in some ways, naive character who grows and empowers herself throughout the story. A Spy in the Struggle explores a lot of interesting and relevant issues such as how racial, community, environmental and social justice all intersect. Like Yolanda, we, as readers, are led to contemplate and question what we see in our world and investigate what is occurring beneath the surface.
Dispatched in 5 to 7 working days
- Price
- R 203
- RRP
R 260- (-22%)
This book is a must have!
Reviewed by Sarah O on
Finally, a book that opens your eyes to the criminal and medical side of death in Africa. I finished this book in a day – it was an easy read and kept you wanting to turn the page. This book illuminates the reader to what it is like practising forensic pathology in South Africa but also creates a new way of thinking about death and life. Highly recommended.
Dispatched in 5 to 7 working days
- Price
- R 75
- RRP
R 95- (-21%)
Lovely Book
Reviewed by Tali B on
Bought this for a friend and she loves it! The cover is gorgeous and there's a nice foreword at the start of the book.
Dispatched in 20 to 30 working days
- Price
- R 526
Fast paced WWII cozy mystery
Reviewed by lurkykitty on
Olive Bright is a pigeoneer, veterinary student and Hercule Poirot fan. She has had to come home from school to her small village in Hertfordshire because it is World War II. She is determined to help the war effort and make a difference. Just as she contemplates leaving home to participate more actively in the war effort, Jameson Aldridge shows up wanting to involve Olive's pigeons in carrying messages for a covert British intelligence operation. Around the same time, one of the local villagers, a known busybody, is murdered, her body found right outside Olive's pigeon loft. Olive must juggle her new responsibilities providing pigeons for the war, solving a murder and a budding romance with the gruff, handsome Aldridge. Olive is an intelligent, strong and forthright character who stands up for herself. The story is well-written and moves quickly, with the murderer revealed only at the end, keeping the reader guessing. The romance takes more of a second place to the pigeons and the mystery. Olive Bright, pigeoneer is an entertaining and well-researched book.
Out of Stock
- Price
- R 150
Exciting book
Reviewed by BERYL C on
Challenging and satisfying book
Dispatched in 6 to 10 working days
- Price
- R 250
- RRP
R 325- (-23%)
13 uur
Reviewed by Gerard J on
His best book. Excellent from start to finish.
Out of Stock
- Price
- R 1,072
- RRP
R 1,349- (-21%)
Incredible!
Reviewed by Johann K on
What a mammoth task to complete this work! One would expect with such a big task that quality would fall by the wayside, and yet this work is an improvement on the quality of the Mpumalanga-Kruger book by the same authors.
You will not be disappointed to buy this book!
Sidenote: I love the authors decision to stick to Acacia in favour of Vachellia and Senegalia.
You will not be disappointed to buy this book!
Sidenote: I love the authors decision to stick to Acacia in favour of Vachellia and Senegalia.
Dispatched in 20 to 30 working days
- Price
- R 324
- RRP
R 380- (-15%)
not a review
Reviewed by Kevin L on
This cover reminds me of the Tintin character, if you looked quickly you would swear this is a Tintin book...am i wrong?
strangely enough i cannot stop looking at now.
strangely enough i cannot stop looking at now.
Out of Stock
- Price
- R 155
- RRP
R 195- (-21%)
Good quality puzzle book
Reviewed by Keith N on
Solid build puzzle book at a great sale price, my kid loves it
Out of Stock
- Price
- R 269
- RRP
R 350- (-23%)
Not just an ordinary cookbook!
Reviewed by Lindi-Lee B on
Tested recipes and many helpful hints. A must to anybody who loves Cooking and Baking.
Out of Stock
- Price
- R 225
Amazing
Reviewed by Morgan M on
One of the best purchases I have ever made. The book is amazing and it's the correct edition to finally complete my collection
Dispatched in 5 to 7 working days
- Price
- R 160
- RRP
R 205- (-22%)
Highly recommended!
Reviewed by Wade H on
Fan or not, this book is packed with interesting stories of a man whose life has been incredible since growing up in Austria. A go-getter who's realized all of his goals, proving that anyone can achieve what they put their mind to.
Dispatched in 20 to 30 working days
- Price
- R 443
Fun contemporary YA romance
Reviewed by lurkykitty on
Evie is a young actress living in L.A. and has a legacy to live up to. Her parents are famous documentary film makers and her grandmother, Gigi, is a legendary actress. She has dreamed of following in Gigi's footsteps her whole life. Evie is about to launch into superstardom in a thriller movie with a famous director, when her best friend Simone betrays her by posting an embarrassing drunken video of Evie on social media. Evie's trust is shattered and she loses the movie role. She has a chance to star in the remake of her grandmother's most famous movie. All she needs is Gigi's blessing. She visits Gigi in New York and meets Gigi's friend Milo an aspiring teenage musician. Gigi subsequently vanishes and Evie and Milo search NYC for Gigi. At the beginning of the book, Evie's behavior is selfish. She is thinking only of what her grandmother can do for her career. She does not start off on the right foot with Milo. She grows a lot during the story and comes to realize that people are complex and that self worth should not be based on what others think of you. Now That I've Found You is a fun, fast-paced coming of age story.
Out of Stock
- Price
- R 501
Very visual
Reviewed by Johann K on
Filled with pictures and illustrations. Good summaries.
Dispatched in 5 to 7 working days
- Price
- R 242
- RRP
R 310- (-22%)
A solid early Jane Tennison mystery
Reviewed by lurkykitty on
This is the first Jane Tennison book that I've read. I've seen the Prime Suspect show, so am familiar with the character. Blunt Force is part of a series set during Jane's early career in the 80s. This is the sixth book in this early series. Jane has been kicked off the Flying Squad and relegated to a station that primarily deals with petty crimes like purse snatching and shoplifting. Then the brutal murder of a high flying entertainment industry agent is discovered. The mystery keeps the reading guessing until close to the end. Jane faces a lot of sexism from her unit. She is excluded from important interviews and is expected to fetch drinks for other officers. The senior officers repeatedly underestimate her mind and capabilities. There is also a very engaging subplot in this novel. Blunt Force is an entertaining, suspenseful and solid police procedural.
Dispatched in 5 to 7 working days
- Price
- R 247
- RRP
R 310- (-20%)
Thank You
Reviewed by Kishan B on
Product arrived in perfect condition.
Thank you, very excited to start this book. :)
Thank you, very excited to start this book. :)
Dispatched in 20 to 30 working days
- Price
- R 225
Wow!
Reviewed by Mash on
Such an amazing read. 10/10 would recommend.
Dispatched in 5 to 7 working days
- Price
- R 203
- RRP
R 260- (-22%)
Truly captivating read
Reviewed by Tobie D on
This was a very interesting book and a must-have for any body interested in crime and medicine. The book is easily understandable and explains some very difficult topics without being overly complicated. It is truly gripping and although what could be a very somber topic, it is quite funny at times. I would recommend this book to anybody that wants to know more of what forensics in Africa is like.
Out of Stock
- Price
- R 499
Such a beautiful read
Reviewed by Mash on
I was both disturbed and mesmerized by this book. It's so well written. I think this has to be one of the most memorable books I've ever read. 10/10 would recommend.
Dispatched in 20 to 30 working days
- Price
- R 427
A compelling and original coming out story
Reviewed by lurkykitty on
Amir is an Iranian American teenager who is gay and in the closet. When another student blackmails him about his secret boyfriend, he absolutely panics and flees to Rome. He is terrified of his parents finding out he is gay. The story unfolds as Amir goes to Rome, but also at the end of the story, as Amir and his family are interrogated in the airport after an incident on the plane. The dual storyline ramps up the suspense.
He finds a community of gay men in Rome who accept and educate him. He finally feels that he can be himself. Amir is a sympathetic but flawed character. He makes some errors in judgment in terms of honesty and he also has a hookup with an older gay man, which results in some negative fallout.
Themes of prejudice run throughout - there is homophobia, of course, but also addressed is the systemic bigotry against Muslim people.
I really liked the characters. Amir's sister is amazing and tenacious in her search for Amir. It is heartening to see Amir's parents put their love for him above their prejudices.
He finds a community of gay men in Rome who accept and educate him. He finally feels that he can be himself. Amir is a sympathetic but flawed character. He makes some errors in judgment in terms of honesty and he also has a hookup with an older gay man, which results in some negative fallout.
Themes of prejudice run throughout - there is homophobia, of course, but also addressed is the systemic bigotry against Muslim people.
I really liked the characters. Amir's sister is amazing and tenacious in her search for Amir. It is heartening to see Amir's parents put their love for him above their prejudices.
Out of Stock
- Price
- R 393
Perfect Perfect
Reviewed by Kishan B on
Thank you so much.
Item arrived in PRISTINE condition.
Very carefully packaged.
The product looks gorgeous.
So happy with it. :)
Item arrived in PRISTINE condition.
Very carefully packaged.
The product looks gorgeous.
So happy with it. :)
Out of Stock
- Price
- R 261
- RRP
R 340- (-23%)
Mom loved it
Reviewed by Rudolph K on
My mother really likes it, was a good present to give.