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VOLUME 5 WILD WORDS South Africa’s natural world and the stories it tells COMFORT IN A BOWL Three local curry recipes that bring the heat DIGITAL DILEMMAS No-nonsense advice for teens (and their parents) ON MY MIND Popina Khumanda and the superpower all girls need BIRTHDAY! THE MAGAZINE ABOUT BOOKS FOR BOOK LOVERS THE PENGUIN POST IT’S OUR YOUR FREE COPY! WIN R30 000 IN BOOKISH PRIZES!THE POWER WITHIN Unlock your potential one page at a timeD ear reader Welcome to the latest edition of , a space where we celebrate the books we love, the stories that move us, and the readers who make it all worthwhile. In proud collaboration with Penguin Random House South Africa, this special edition brings together some of the most exciting new and upcoming releases on the literary scene. From bestselling names to fresh local voices, this collection is one of our most dynamic yet. Be sure to check out Healing is the New High by Vex King, a powerful guide to emotional wellbeing and self-discovery, available now. We're also excited about the upcoming Gone Before Goodbye, co-authored by Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben – available now for pre-order. Local storytelling shines in Preacher, Let My People Go by Zakhe Mazibuko, and in the enchanting children's title My Unicorn Speaks Zulu by Makhosazana De Wette Dludla, a joyful celebration of language, imagination, and identity. At Loot.co.za, we remain committed to connecting readers with books that spark curiosity, ignite conversation, and inspire personal growth. This issue of The Penguin Post is one way we bring that mission to life. Thank you for being part of our vibrant reading community. We hope this edition leads you to your next unforgettable read! contents 02 BOOKSCAPE A Harlan Coben and Reese Witherspoon collab, the book dominating the bestseller lists and five minutes with Ntombifuthi Nkabinde 06 COVER Five years of stories and standout books, plus over R30k in prizes to be won 12 FICTION Columns from Joanna Miller and Emma Nanami Strenner, the latest novels and a collection of classic magic realism reads 17 AFRIKAANS Marie Lotz vertel meer oor die pad tot by haar nuutste boek, en ons drink ’n koppie koffie met Leon van Nierop en Hendie Grobbelaar 21 FAITH Zakhe Mazibuko challenges deeply rooted church traditions around tithing 22 HOMEGROWN Gripping non-fiction reads from South African authors 23 ADVICE No-nonsense advice on the online dilemmas that teens (and their parents) face 24 NATURE The stories that lie in Southern Africa’s landscapes, skies, and creatures 28 FOOD Three curry recipes that bring the heat and the comfort 32 ON MY MIND Popina Khumanda on education as a superpower Johannesburg | Growthpoint Business Park, Unit 12A, 162 Tonetti Street, Halfway House Ext 7, Midrand, 1685 | 011 327 3550 Cape Town | Estuaries No 4, Oxbow Crescent, Century Avenue, Century City, 7441 | 021 460 5400 © Copyright Penguin Random House South Africa (Pty) Ltd. The Penguin Post is published by Penguin Random House South Africa. All rights reserved. Reproduction without the written permission of the editor is strictly forbidden. Editor Lauren Mc Diarmid Designer Sean Robertson Sub Editor Frieda Le Roux Contributors Jacques de Villiers, Ntombifuthi Nkabinde, Sven Axelrad, Onke Mazibuko, Zanele van Zyl, Penny Haw, Popina Khumanda, Karin Mitchell, Marie Lotz, Leon van Nierop, Hendie Grobbelaar, Zakhe Mazibuko, Emma Sadleir, Rorke Wilson, Dianne Stewart Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Martin Bekker Loot.co.za MartinVOLUME 37 2 bookscape news | snippets | what’s new Get excited for an unforgettable collaboration between award-winning actress Reese Witherspoon and the number one international bestselling writer, Harlan Coben. Combining their storytelling talents into one masterpiece of suspense fiction, Gone Before Goodbye is the unforgettable story of Maggie McCabe, an indomitable woman, trapped in a conspiracy she helped create but can’t understand. Her harrowing search for the truth could expose a plot woven throughout the exclusive world of the global ultra elite – but at an unfathomable cost. Maggie is teetering on the brink. A highly skilled and renowned Army combat surgeon, she has always lived life at the edge, where she could make the most impact. And it was all going to plan … until it wasn’t. Upside down after a devastating series of tragedies leads to her medical license being revoked, Maggie has lost her purpose, but not her nerve or her passion. At her lowest point, she is thrown a lifeline by a former colleague, an elite plastic surgeon whose anonymous clientele demand the best care money can buy, as well as absolute discretion. Halfway across the globe, sequestered in the lap of luxury and cutting-edge technology, one of the world’s most mysterious men requires unconventional medical assistance. Desperate, and one of the few surgeons in the world skilled enough to take this job, Maggie enters his realm of unspeakable opulence and fulfils her end of the agreement. But when the patient suddenly disappears while still under her care, Maggie must become a fugitive herself – or she will be the next one who is … Gone Before Goodbye. Everyone’s talking about … Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben teaming up for a high-stakes thriller IT’S FREE! Visit www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za/ penguin-post and sign up to receive each new edition directly to your inbox. Gone Before Goodbye hits shelves November 2025. DOMINATING THE BESTSELLER LISTS The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins “[This] isn’t just a self-help book – it’s an invitation to reclaim your energy and live more intentionally. It’s not about giving up on people; it’s about letting go of the need to control them so you can focus on building a life that aligns with your values.” Rehana Rutti, IOLVOLUME 37 3 UPFRONT Jacques de Villiers, aka Mr. Pink Ink, is a Cape Town-based bookstagrammer, Sagittarius, and dog dad. As a creator and freelancer, he brings a touch of magic to every post. “The Spy Coast was my first Tess Gerritsen novel – but definitely not my last. It kicks off her new Martini Club series and, if this opener is anything to go by, we’re in for a thrilling ride. I’m a sucker for well-drawn, three-dimensional characters, and Gerritsen delivers them in spades. I’d happily endure a slow plot if it meant spending time with complex, relatable people – but thankfully, I didn’t have to. The story is gripping, cinematic, and told through multiple POVs. There’s just enough predictability to keep things cosy – but a plot twist near the end genuinely caught me off guard. And while I personally prefer my thrillers with a bit more action and adrenaline, there’s still plenty here to get the heart racing – including a quiet little swoon for the romance fans. This series is off to a strong start – and with book two, The Summer Guests, already on shelves, it’s the book I’m excited to immerse myself in next.” The Spy Coast is out now. MUST of the MONTH We have over R30 000 in bookish prizes to give away! To find out more, turn to page 10, scan the code using your phone camera, or visit www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za/ competitions. WIN! WIN! WIN! OUT IN PAPERBACK BY ANY OTHER NAME by Jodi Picoult In 1581, Emilia Bassano sacrifices her name for her words. Centuries later, Melina Green does the same. Have women been holding the pen all along – while history forgot their names? WE SOLVE MURDERS by Richard Osman A retired sleuth and his fearless daughter-in-law race around the world to solve a murder, protect a celebrity, and outwit a killer in this witty, fast-paced mystery adventure. 4.3k followers @mr.pink.ink #bookstagram HERE ONE MOMENT by Liane Moriarty We’re all busy living our lives – until one elderly woman’s eerie prediction intersects with six strangers, unravelling their carefully laid plans in the most unexpected, life-altering ways. Nick Maggiulli, author of The Wealth Ladder The most expensive thing some people own is their ego.VOLUME 37 4 UPFRONT Five minutes with … NTOMBI NKABINDE In the Late of Night is your debut novel. Could you tell us more about yourself, and why you chose to write this book? Sure! I’m a 41-year-old psychology graduate living in Johannesburg. What inspired me to write this book was a quote I once read that said, ‘If you can’t find the book you want to read on the shelves, write it’. So I set to writing about relationship woes – both my own and those of my friends. I thought that perhaps, by sharing these experiences, the women who read the book can see that they aren’t alone in what they’ve been through – and maybe even come to attach a bit of humour to it all! It kind of sounds like Sex and the City for grown-ups living in Joburg! In a way, it is. But more than anything, I wanted to showcase four smart black women who learn to live, laugh and cry together through life’s ups and downs. The story was specifically inspired by books from amazing black women authors I A group of four female friends navigating life and love in Jo’burg; author Ntombi tells us more about her debut novel, In the Late of Night. In the Late of Night is out now. admire – namely, Happiness is a Four-letter Word by Nozizwe Cynthia Jele, and Waiting to Exhale Terry McMillan. Similarly, they both write about the dynamics of friendship, and what it means to be a modern black woman. Who is the book for? All women should be able to resonate with the themes of female friendships, family dynamics as well as romantic relationships. I would love it if the book reached beyond ethnicity, background and age. Do you have friendships that are similar to those you describe in the book? Definitely! I have a best friend and a wonderful circle of other close friends. My cousin and sister are actually usually the first people I send all my writing to for first reads. Honesty and loyalty are paramount in my personal relationships, so I always hope that they will tell me exactly what they think – regardless of how harsh it may be! For the AUG 0-3 JUL 6-9 JUL 6-9 JUL 6-9 JUL 6-9 AUG 6-9 JUL 9-12 JUL YA AUG YAFive years of stories, spotlights, and standout books! From debut authors-turned-stars to titles that shook the shelves, this birthday issue celebrates the words – and the writers – who’ve defined our pages. HIGH FIVE! WHERE IT ALL BEGAN … Welcome …to the very first issue of The Penguin Post. A magazine born from this brave new world we find ourselves in. It is our way of sticking to our commitment of providing you with the very best from our world-class list of books. With access to brilliant authors locally and abroad, we’re able to give you, dear reader, juicy titbits from interviews with your favourite authors, such as Lesley Pearse, our delightful cover star for this issue, and Charlie Mackesy, artist and author of the touching book, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse. Our huge panel of experts on topics such as health, wellbeing and business will weigh in each month with useful advice, and you’ll get inside info from some of our hottest releases, like the latest edition of SASOL Birds. We’ve been waiting in anticipation for this one, and we are not disappointed – it’s met all expectations, with truly stunning illustrations to boot. And let’s not forget the food… mouth-watering recipes to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. Try Prim Reddy’s butterbean and potato curry on page 17. It is our great pride to bring you this first issue, and we hope that with each edition, we slowly work our way to the top of your reading pile. As the mole said to the boy, “One of our greatest freedoms is how we react to things,” so, onward and upward! Lauren Mc DiarmidCOVER WRITERS WHO MADE OUR DAY Authors, appreciating us? We’re blushing! “Congratulations to The Penguin Post for reaching this milestone. This is an important platform that gives us writers a special place in the light. It’s a magazine that gives its readers a taste of magic, curated by the people who treat us with the same care and dedication as our publisher. Thank you, and all the best.“ Onke Mazibuko, author of The Second Verse and Canary “The Penguin Post was the very first time I’d been in any kind of magazine. I’ll never forget seeing the cover of my book in print and a photo of me looking off into the distance like I knew someone no one else knew. It made me feel like maybe I really was a writer and that maybe, just maybe I really had a shot at this writing thing. Happy Birthday PP. Thanks for believing in me. Keep changing lives and showcasing writers. We love you.” Sven Axelrad, author of Buried Treasure , God’s Pocket and The Nicotine Gospel “Happy Birthday, Penguin Post! Congratulations on five fantastic years of storytelling, inspiration, and creativity. It’s been such a joy to be part of your journey. Here’s to many more years of spotlighting voices, sharing magic, and making an impact. I’m so proud to be associated with a publication that truly celebrates the power of words. Keep soaring!” Popina Khumanda, author of The Smallest Ones “Happy birthday, Penguin Post! The only thing book lovers enjoy (almost) as much as reading books is reading about books! So, thank you for waddling into our lives five years ago to liven up the literary scene with your beautifully written and presented scoops, back stories, and author exposés. Here’s to many more years of entertainment, engagement, and enlightenment!” Penny Haw, author of The Invincible Miss Cust, The Woman at the Wheel and Follow Me to Africa “Wow – one ‘full hand’ old! Happy Birthday to The Penguin Post! Thank you for creating a wonderful collection of literary fun. May you continue to include the voices of imagination, reflection, introspection, advice, and important historical and current events that shape our future. It’s been an absolute honour to be featured within these pages, and I hope to do so again in future! Love, Karin.” Karin Mitchell, author of The High Treason Club “Happy Birthday, Penguin Post! Wishing you continued success, growth, and inspiration as you celebrate another incredible year. Thank you for being a home to storytellers, dreamers, and voices that shape the world. I’m truly grateful to be part of your journey – your support has meant so much to me both personally and professionally. Here’s to many more chapters of brilliance, creativity, and impact. Have a fantastic celebration!” Zanele van Zyl, author of the cookbook Senidlile Kodwa?Next >