A lot of us have been looking forward to this time of year. 2018 has been a long year and we could all do with some downtime. This time of year is a time to unwind, reflect and recharge. Reading is the perfect way to give your mind exactly what it needs to wind down and prepare itself for the new year.

Read to Unwind

These Things Really Do Happen To Me – Khaya Dlanga

A great way to unwind is to immerse yourself in an easy read that keeps you interested without requiring too much mental labour. In this light-hearted account of the things that actually happen to him, Khaya Dlanga expands on his oft-hilarious social media posts. In his latest book, These Things Really Do Happen To Me, Khaya shares a wide array of entertaining stories; from his lunch with William Shatner; how he fell asleep next to President Thabo Mbeki; how he got hit on by a deaf girl; how his dreadlocks didn’t get the expected reaction from his mom; the greatest pick-up line ever used on him; awkward encounters with exes; what happens when you parallel park in Parkhurst, to what he has learnt in the course of his eventful life.

Read to Reflect

And Then Mama Said – Tumi Morake

For many of us, the end of 2018 has necessitated some reflection time. To help you reflect on your year, a great book to read is Tumi Morake’s And Then Mama Said. Reading about other people’s life stories often forces one to reflect on their own lives and this is a good book to get you started on that journey. In this book, Tumi shares aspects of her private life as well as a behind-the-scenes perspective of a pioneering South African star that has been both deeply loved and viciously hated by her audiences. From the race incident at Jacaranda to her relationship with her husband, Tumi bares it all.

Read to Recharge

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind – Yuval Noah Harari

If you want to learn more about humans and our collective ingenuity, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari is the perfect book to pick up. This book is full of enlightening information about the past and present of humanity. New knowledge is a great way to get recharged and ready for a new year.