The first six months of 2025 have come and gone. Through them, many can sing of all they have managed to conquer, while others may feel they have fallen short of achieving the things they set out to.
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But just as there are still six more months to experience, so too is the opportunity there for you to continue, with pure unadulterated belief in yourself. Be that as it may, should you find yourself running low on the motivation you need to see the rest of the year through, maybe the words of African writers will help navigate you back towards that path of success you have endeavoured to follow.
Published author and owner of Book Circle Capital, a bookstore that sells African Literature for adults and children, based out of Melville’s 27 Boxes, Sewela Langeni offers a list of her top picks for books whose words can inspire you for the rest of the year. “My selection is mainly made up of memoirs, books where the writers were vulnerable enough to share their stories in a deeply personal way,” she said, adding that the only fiction title on the list is Dream Count, which was much anticipated in March this year.
Here is her list:
Disciple by Rorisang Thandekiso
This book takes the reader deep into the author’s relationship with faith, with her describing her love for the Word of God and for Jesus. She lays out some of the defining stories of her life, contextualising them through the teachings gleaned from what she calls her ‘blueprint scripture’: 1 Timothy 4:12–15.
How Did we Get Here by Mpoomy Ledwaba
The book is described as the writers coming-of-age story. One that looks back on the writer’s upbringing, major milestones and challenges she’s faced. Mpoomy takes us on her journey of self-discovery.
Positively Me by Nozibele Mayaba
This book is said to explore the writers brave account of what it means to live and love beyond HIV.
Life is like that Sometimes by Khaya Dlanga
The book is said to be one that tells of the unforgettable personal experiences that have shaped Khaya Dlanga’s world. Weaving heartfelt, and often hilarious, tales from his rural Eastern Cape childhood, to the profound losses he has faced as an adult, Dlanga reflects on life’s unpredictability with warmth and wit.
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This book is described as a deep exploration of human desires. The search for love and identity, and the struggle of integration in America.
Led by Shepherds by Jeffrey Rakabe
This book has been described as a powerful memoir by its writer, which traces his harrowing experience as a twelve-year-old undergoing a traditional Koma initiation ceremony, a rite he believed would mark his passage into manhood.
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