Kindle Audiobook: The Birthday Party, Shalini Boland

 

The Birthday Party by Shalini Boland

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

I am a fan of Shalini Boland’s work—her thrillers usually deliver those lovely, juicy twists that keep me hooked. The Birthday Party had all the right ingredients, but this one stretched credibility a bit too far for me.

(Spoilers ahead!) Jo, the Mom of Elle that disappears' decision not to tell the police about Mateo felt inexplicable, and the DNA test twist just did not hold water. These plot holes made it harder to stay fully invested.

That said, I listened to the audiobook version, and the narrator did a great job—engaging, well-paced, and added to the overall atmosphere.

A twisty tale with potential, but not quite as satisfying as her other books.

Libby Audiobook: Caster Semenya, The Race to be Myself

 

Beautiful. Great insight given.

5/5

Kindle Audiobook: The Lying Man, Andy Maslen

 

Book Review: The Lying Man by Andy Maslen

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

I can’t believe I’m already on the fourth instalment — these books feel like catching up with old friends. The Lying Man is not a literary masterpiece, but it’s thoroughly enjoyable. Fast-paced, entertaining, and filled with familiar faces, it’s the kind of read that keeps you turning the pages without overthinking it. A solid 3-star read if you’re after something sharp, snappy and satisfying.

Libby Audiobook: For My Country, Themba Maseko

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not put it down.

What stood out most for me was the theme of integrity, and the reminder of why governance structures exist in the first place. State capture, as Maseko so clearly shows, takes root when people are driven by greed and disregard the rules.

He shares his journey with honesty and depth — from his early years as an activist, through the hopeful days of our new democracy, and into the harsh reality of state capture. I’m deeply grateful to him for having the courage to be the first whistleblower. It could not have been easy, especially being ostracised by former friends and social circles. His entire family felt the impact.

The book is sensitively written and genuinely moved me. It reminded me that there are still people who have fought — and continue to fight — for the soul of our beautiful country.

That said, I am still left wondering: how is it that the Guptas have not been brought to book?

Libby Audiobook: The Pathway to Success, Joyce Meyer

Always such great wisdom shared.

3.8/5
 

Libby Audiobook: Like Sodium in Water, Hayden Eastwood

 

Book Review: Like Sodium in Water by Hayden Eastwood
Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Two stars—and that’s being generous.

The book begins with promise. Hayden Eastwood paints an evocative picture of his childhood in Zimbabwe during the 1980s and 90s. For anyone who grew up during that era, there’s a nostalgic familiarity in his anecdotes and pop culture references. It’s easy to feel drawn in and curious about where the story might lead.

Unfortunately, it veers off in a deeply uncomfortable direction. What begins as a memoir morphs into what feels like a public airing of intensely private family matters. The amount of personal, painful “dirty laundry” shared about his family is staggering—and quite honestly, unnecessary. It leaves the reader questioning the intent behind the book. There’s a faint glimmer of remorse, especially in relation to his father, but it’s fleeting and overshadowed by what often feels like bitterness rather than reflection.

One can appreciate that writing about trauma and truth can be cathartic. But storytelling—particularly memoir—comes with a responsibility: to handle shared histories with sensitivity and care. In this case, that balance is sorely lacking. 

Proceed with caution if you value discretion, healing, and empathy in memoirs.

Libby Audiobook: Deadly Pretender, Karen Kingsbury

 

Had no idea what to expect. Was 11hours long listen, was worried that I wouldn't get through it in the two week period. Binge listened to it with time to spare.

So good! David Miller is a bigamist. Tells wife one he is in the CIA. Rolled my eyes si many times during the book at how he duped everyone around him.

He ends up killing wife two!

Very good book.

5/5