Book Dash is a South African social impact, non-profit publisher of new African children’s books. Our vision is that all children should own one hundred books by the age of five.It sounds like a lot of books, but research indicates that owning many books can radically improve the chances of academic success for children living … Continue reading South African Womxn Writers – Day 5: More Books, to More Children, In More Languages – Dorette Louw of Book Dash.
South African Womxn Writers – Day 4: Reflections by Thabiso Mahlape, Publisher at Blackbird Books
In 2015, Evera Publishing went into a joint venture with Jacana Media to create a publishing imprint called Blackbird Books. It was exciting for me as a young black woman to take these strides. In 2020, Blackbird Books became an independent publisher, an even more exciting journey for me to embark on. But before Blackbird … Continue reading South African Womxn Writers – Day 4: Reflections by Thabiso Mahlape, Publisher at Blackbird Books
South African Womxn Writers – Day 3: The Johannesburg Review of Books editor, Jennifer Malec, reflects
South Africa has a rich literary history, but it hasn't always been representative. I feel very lucky to be editing a literary magazine at this point in South Africa's story. While we still have a long way to go, it's undeniably an exciting time to be in books. Our publishing industry is becoming more inclusive, … Continue reading South African Womxn Writers – Day 3: The Johannesburg Review of Books editor, Jennifer Malec, reflects
South African Womxn Writers – Day 2: Makhosazana Xaba – Writing on Black South African Women Poets, 2000 – 2018
ISBN: 9781869144128 Revisiting Our Words, Our Worlds: Writing on Black South African Women Poets, 2000 – 2018 edited by Makhosazana Xaba (GoodReads) I cannot myself To come to this country, my body must assemble itself into photographs and signatures. Among them they will search for me. I must leave behind all uncertainties. I cannot myself … Continue reading South African Womxn Writers – Day 2: Makhosazana Xaba – Writing on Black South African Women Poets, 2000 – 2018
A month of South African womxn writers – Day 1: Meet Jen Thorpe, this month’s editor
Hello! I'm Jen Thorpe, a South African novelist and feminist non-fiction writer. My First Time: Stories of Sex and Sexuality from Women Like You: GoodReads.The Peculiars: GoodReads.Feminism Is ISBN: 9780795708275. GoodReads.Living While Feminist ISBN: 9780795709418. GoodReads.The Fall ISBN: 9780795709579. GoodReads.The Peculiars and My First Time are currently out of print, but The Peculiars can be … Continue reading A month of South African womxn writers – Day 1: Meet Jen Thorpe, this month’s editor
Literature of Exile: Saying Farewell
I can't believe how quickly this month has passed! When I took on my guest editorship, I worried that I wouldn't find enough books and authors to promote, and I'm ending this month longing to promote dozens more. Thanks to all my readers for your comments and your enthusiasm. It is gratifying to know that … Continue reading Literature of Exile: Saying Farewell
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: A Winter’s Promise/ The Missing of Clairdelune
Set in a post-Rupture steampunk world, A Winter’s Promise and The Missing of Clairdelune by Christelle Dabos tell the story of Ophelia, a member of the Anima ark who can animate objects. Unassuming, clumsy, and shy, Ophelia has two major talents and life passions. First, she is a superb object “reader,” i.e., she can view … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: A Winter’s Promise/ The Missing of Clairdelune
Literature of Exile: Viet Thanh Nguyen and the Vietnamese Refugee Experience
Unlike some of the other exiles mentioned on this blog, the story of the Vietnamese refugees is generally well- known in the United States, since the US was so directly involved in creating the crisis. After the fall of Saigon, over 130,000 Vietnamese with ties to the South Vietnamese government or the United States, escaped … Continue reading Literature of Exile: Viet Thanh Nguyen and the Vietnamese Refugee Experience
Literature of Exile: Burundi’s Gaël Faye
I used to think I was exiled from my country. But, in retracing the steps of my past, I have understood that I was exiled from my childhood. Which seems so much crueler. Exile is always a profoundly traumatic experience. But what of those exiled twice? While the world is largely aware of the Rwandan genocide … Continue reading Literature of Exile: Burundi’s Gaël Faye
#WorldKidLitWednesday: The Sages of Chelm and the Moon
There was once a town filled with people so wise that a body of Jewish folklore developed around their wisdom. Except, of course, they weren’t wise at all. Indeed, they were absolutely, thigh-slappingly, heart-stoppingly foolish—which is where much of the fun lies in the Chelm stories.* In The Sages of Chelm and the Moon**, Shlomo … Continue reading #WorldKidLitWednesday: The Sages of Chelm and the Moon
