YEAR OF MEMORABLE READS
There is still a week and a bit to catch up on all the great books you didn’t get to in 2018
NONFICTION OF NOTE Becoming — Michelle Obama
Former US first lady Michelle Obama’s autobiography has sold over 3-million copies so far. It’s a fascinating, candid read and delves into her relationships, her career and her years in the White House.
Ma’am Darling: 99 Glimpses of Princess Margaret — Craig Brown
The UK’S Princess Margaret – not a popular gal. Mean and entitled, or just misunderstood? Either way, a fantastic, unusual biography.
Brief Answers to the Big Questions — Stephen Hawking
The late guru and cosmologist delves into some deep issues: Is time travel possible? Is there a God? Will we survive on Earth?
The Resurrection of Winnie Mandela —Sisonke Msimang
Award-winning writer Msimang casts a smart, fresh perspective on Mandela in a short, sharp book.
The Man Who Founded the ANC: A Biography of Pixley Ka Isaka Seme — Bongani Ngqulunga
This won the Sunday Times Alan Paton Award for 2018. It’s a fascinating look at the at times tragic life of the man who, in a whirlwind of overachievement and in record time, founded the ANC.
How to Change Your Mind — Michael Pollan
Pollan is back, this time taking a personal deep dive into the world of the mind, mental health and scientific and medical developments around psychedelic drugs.
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup —John Carreyrou
A mesmerising tale of corporate fraud, Silicon Valley-style, and the biggest of its kind since Enron. This is one of the FM team’s top reads of the year.
Everyone is Present: Essays on Photography, Memory and Family — Terry Kurgan
Joburg artist Kurgan has woven a fascinating tapestry of stories in text and visuals that is a commentary on history and seeing and on how we interpret both.
The Last Hurrah —Graham Viney
A smart and sexy snoop into the British royal family’s famous tour of SA in 1947 and the politics, people and culture of the country at the time.
Fear: Trump in the White House — Bob Woodward
Yes, the Woodward of Watergatereporting fame. In this book, he draws from many, many interviews with sources and documents to paint a picture of the US president. The result isn’t pretty.