Libray: Kobra, Deon Meyer

 

Die volgende boek in die Bennie Griessel-reeks. Só geniet. Ek kon dit nie vinnig genoeg lees nie.

Dit is die een waar ’n Engelse wiskundeprofessor ’n algoritme uitwerk wat internasionale finansiële anomalieë ontbloot. Hy word in Franschhoek ontvoer deur ’n sluipmoordenaar wat koeëldoppies met ’n kobra daarop gebruik.

Terselfdertyd ontmoet ons die sakkeroller (pickpocket) Tyrone, wat steel sodat hy sy sussie se universiteitsfooie kan betaal. Soft spot vir hom.

5/5

Libby: The Happiest Man on Earth, Eddie Jaku

I initially thought this was a novel. The writing has that gentle, reflective quality that feels almost fictional. It was only as I read on that I realised it was a true account, which made it all the more powerful.

There are echoes of Viktor Frankl’s Man's Search For Meaning, but Eddie Jaku’s story stands firmly on its own. After surviving Auschwitz and losing almost everything, he chooses not bitterness, but kindness. Not as a platitude, but as a deliberate way of living.

What struck me most was the simplicity of his message. Happiness is not found in possessions or status, but in decency, gratitude, and how we treat one another. Kindness. 

A profoundly humane book, quietly devastating, and ultimately uplifting.

5/5

Here is what I learned. Happiness does not fall from the sky; it is in your hands. Happiness comes from inside yourself and from the people you love.

Children will go on, and have their own struggles, and their own triumphs, and will grow, and build, and give back to this society that has given us so much. This is why we live. This is why we work, and strive to pass on the best in us to the next generation.

Kindness is the greatest wealth of all. Small acts of kindness last longer than a lifetime.

This lesson, that kindness and generosity and faith in your fellow man are more important than money, is the first and greatest lesson my father ever taught me. And in this way he will always be with us, and always live forever.

And if you are healthy and happy, you are a millionaire.

And happiness is the only thing in the world that doubles each time you share it.

Libby: The Rabbit Factor, Antti Tuomainen

 

I really enjoyed this dark Finnish thriller and its dry, unexpected humour. In The Rabbit Factor, actuary Henri inherits his brother’s adventure park, and things spiral quickly. The interactions with the staff, and the creeping involvement of the underworld, are sharp, funny, and oddly endearing. Clever, quirky, and quietly tense. A strange delight, in the best way.

Libby Audiobook: The 6 Types of Working Genius, Patrick Lencioni

 

Good book. Interesting to learn more about the different strengths we all have; important to focus on the areas that give us energy not drain us.

I definitely enjoy starting a project and thinking of solutions. Implementation to a certain degree, but I definitely am not the one to finish it. 

The book got a bit tedious towards the end.

4/5

Kindle audiobook: The Night watcher, Tariq Ashkanani

 

I enjoyed this audiobook. I enjoy listening to a Scottish accent.

First of a series, Callie Munro, a private investigator.

4/5

Kindle audiobook: Targeted, Kendra Elliott

 

Really enjoying this series.

The audiobook cast is so good.

In this one police officers are being killed.

4/5

Libby Audiobook: Slaying the Dragon Antonio Iozzo

 

I had not realised that this is a South African businessman. 

It was interesting to hear about his battle with oxy after breaking his back in a motorcycle accident. 

There were sections that were a bit repetitive, but overall an interesting quick read. 

3.8/5