Book: Dear Genius, A memoir of my life with Truman Capote, Jack Dunphy

I really battled to get into this book. It all got rather confusing with the inclusion of a priest who is supposed to represent Dunphy. I made the call not to finish the book, life is too short for books you don't enjoy reading.

Book: The Boer War Diary of Jan Leendert Moerdijk 1899 - 1902

Some time ago I met up with Chris Moerdyk for tea. We chatted about the books we were reading, and I mentioned that I had just finished The Boer War by Thomas Pakenham. He shared that his grandfather had kept a diary during the Boer War, and sent me a copy of the book a couple of days later. It was translated by his brother.  It was so interesting to get insight into that period, he had such a sharp wit, and it is endearing how much he cared for his horses. I am very grateful to have been able to get this sneak peek into our history of that time.

Book: Getting to YES, Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In, Roger Fisher and William Ury

This is a very generic book on negotiating skills, and as they say, each situation will require its own specific tactics.

Three things to consider:

• BATNA Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement
• Communication
• Be prepared

I think there are better books to rather consider reading.

Book: Geldwolf, Carel van der Merwe

Initially I thought the author had confused the names of the main character's wife and mistress, then I realised that it was his writing style. I do enjoy good Afrikaans writing, and it was a good read for the long weekend. 

Book: The Talking Parcel, Gerald Durrell

I remember first reading this book in Std 5 (grade 7) and it was absolutely magical. It was the first time I had ever come across the name Penelope and the idea of a phoenix. I had been looking for it in all the second-hand bookstores to no avail, and could also not find it on Takealot. After a recent visit to the local Hout Bay library, I found it! It was such fun to reread it. 

Book: SynchroDestiny, Deepak Chopra

It was quite a read to get into the first few chapters, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading more on meditation, sutras and mantras, which are discussed in the second part of the book. For some time I have been wanting to learn how to meditate better, so it's rather apt that this book came into my possession. It is a book that I will refer to often as there are fantastic daily mantras.

Book: Botswana Time, Will Randall

What a wonderful African adventure Will takes the reader on. He has a marvellous writing style and sense of humour. I will definitely look at getting my hands on his other books too.