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Books for the Christmas stockingThis, and the forthcoming edition of Worth a Read, provides a list of some books to consider for the holiday season – both for avid readers and for those who put their noses in a book only once a year at the beach. The first four on our list are definitely aimed more toward the male of the species – from the placid sports fan to the desperado who needs to hire a hit man.
“Captain in the Cauldron” By Mike Greenaway, R233
For those who still have not had enough in the way of rugby books and biographies, there is John Smit’s autobiography, “Captain in the Cauldron”. Narrated to Mike Greenaway, an award-winning sports writer from “The Mercury”, the book tells Smit’s story from his childhood years in Polokwane with dreams of winning Wimbledon, through to his becoming the longest serving captain in Springbok history.
With an insider’s account of the ambushes of being a rugby celebrity, stories of change rooms and parties, a description of why Luke Watson had a "cancerous" effect on Springbok team members, an assessment of Springbok and Sharks coaches and, obviously, yet more on Kamp Staaldraad – “Captain in the Cauldron” is everything you would expect from a rugby autobiography.
“Rose of Soweto” By Deon Potgieter, R143
Described by some as the most naturally talented boxer ever to emerge from South Africa, this book tells the story of Dingaan Thobela, or "The Rose of Soweto".
With a humble upbringing in Chiawelo, one of the poorest parts of Soweto, Thobela struggled against all manner of adversity to become a two-time lightweight world champion by the age of 26. However, his fluctuating weight made it difficult for him to reach his full potential, and many believed that his boxing career was over.
“The Rose of Soweto” gives an account of those with whom Thobela crossed paths, both inside and outside the ring. From his intense rivalry with Brian Mitchell through to his love for Miss South Africa Basetsana Kumalo, Thobela is revealed to be a truly decent guy.
Then, in 2000 – against all odds and nearing the end of his career – Thobela made a comeback and became the first South African to win a World Boxing Council belt in his home country.
“Complete Kak! The Comprehensive Whinger’s Guide to South Africa and the World” By Tim Richman and Grant Schreiber, R130
If you missed the first two instalments of the "Kak" series, despair not: “Complete Kak!” provides a revised, updated and expanded version of the best of “Is it Just me or is Everything Kak?” and “Is it just me or is Everything Still Kak?”.
Providing an account of the general 'kakness' of our times, the authors take aim at everything from Afrikaans music, South African drivers, Twitter and the BMW X6 through to Eskom, the ANC and idiots in general.
With bite-sized chunks of hilarious and witty entries, this book will make for perfect beach reading.
“How to Drive a Tank … and Other Everyday Tips for the Modern Gentleman” By Frank Coles, R200
This fast-paced and funny homage to the ‘real’ man urges you to stop being the man everyone expects you to be and be the one you want to be.
Opposed to everything metrosexual about the 21st century, “How to Drive a Tank” harks back to the basics.
With entries on how to hire a hit man, how to hotwire a car, how to hide a dead body and how to disappear without a trace, this bible for the modern man also throws in some tips on love, sex, fatherhood and money.
