Watch Birch Acres teen read from her new book

While most teenagers struggle with life’s challenges, 15-year-old Nontobeko Ngwenya decided to pen down her struggles and observations in life.

Little did she know that what started off as simple diary entries could turn her into a published author.

Nontobeko, with the help and support of her parents Eric and Nonsikelelo, published her book, titled Her Hidden Teenage Emotions, in May.

“I didn’t think I was going to write a book, it started off as something special and personal to me, but after I was done writing it I realised that I could use it as a life-lesson for me and maybe help others,” said Nontobeko.

“I am passionate about motivating people and wanted something that could show teenagers and young boys and girls that we all face challenges, but we don’t have to shy away from them. We have to deal with and overcome them.”

The book is about a young girl who goes through difficult situations in life. Notobeko told Express she scripted it in a way that all people can learn from as it also has messages that are intended to inspire people.

The Birch Acres resident started writing her 23-page book in June 2018 and says she wrote it in a creative way.

“I describe my book as ‘poetry meets your emotions’ because I wrote it in a creative poetic way. It is an interpretation of how I, as a teenager, view things,” said Nontobeko.

Nontobeko asked her parents to go through her book, which was in a form of scripts and papers at the time.

“I didn’t even know she was writing a book. As I was reading it, it was an eye-opener that no matter how old or young you are, everyone goes through challenges,” said Eric.

“She initially intended it to be for children from ages 12, but anybody can read it and relate.”

Nonsikelelo told Express she was shocked when she read the rough draft of her daughter’s book.

“She is not a child to show negative emotions and is always smiling, so when I read the book I asked if she went through all the things in the book and she said not all as some are what she has seen happen around her,” said Nonsikelelo.

“This also goes to show that we must not hide what we go through in life, but talk to our loved ones. With regards to motivation, I wasn’t surprised because she has mentioned how she wishes she could have a platform to change how learners treat each other at school and how people don’t realise that what you say to a person can actually be corrosive.”

The book might have opened a new career opportunity for the Grade 10 learner at Hoërskool Birchleigh, who initially aspired to become a doctor or accountant.

“I am considering becoming a full-time author and travel the world, motivating people,” explained Nontobeko.

“The book has received positive feedback and I was humbled by one of the comments from a woman who read my book and told my mother she feels that every teenage girl should read and have the book.

“Thank you to my parents who are my number one fans and always supporting me. My motivation to all is always try to be kind to other people because you don’t know what a person is really going through.”

Soft copies of Nontobeko’s book are available on Amazon or Smashwords, for hard copies contact Nonsikelelo on 083 684 9152.