Christmas Reading Recommendations from Penguin Books South Africa

8/8/2019 Christmas Reading Recommendations from Penguin Books South Africa

1/27

PENGUIN BOOKS SA

CHRISTMAS BOOKS2010


2/27

CHRISTMAS BOOKS

forGENERAL INTEREST


3/27

The Natural History Book (HB)

R450

ISBN: 9781405336994

5 years in the making, covering over 5000

species, this is the only book to offer a

complete survey of the Earths natural history.

Each geological and biological grouping isintroduced and explained in an engaging and

highly informative way, making it the perfect

addition to every family bookshelf, as well as

an ideal gift for every nature lover. Its packed

with thousands of stunning, specially

commissioned photographs and written by a

worldwide team of natural history experts.

Explorers (HB)

R380

ISBN: 9781405346900

Go on an extraordinary adventure with some of

the worlds greatest explorers from Pytheas to

Darwin. Written accounts in the explorers own

words, together with beautiful illustrations fromtheir journals, tell the stories of their

extraordinary adventures while special maps

show the explorers routes into the unknown.

Unique visual tours along with never-seen-

before photography of essential kits and

equipment recreate some of historys greatest

expeditions, their discoveries and why they

ended in triumph or tragedy.

G

ENERALINTEREST


4/27

History (New Compact Edition)

Adam Hart-Davis R300

ISBN: 9781405359337

From the origins of mankind to the 21st

century, spanning the globe and based on the

latest research the complete story of the

people, events, themes, ideas and forces thathave shaped human existence. Find out about

our historys turning points: eye witness

accounts and biographies give a personal angle

to major events. Explore humankinds legacy,

examine the effect weve had on nature, and

discover how the past has been unlocked. A

compelling look at human existence: perfect

for the family bookshelf.

In Search of Africas Great Tuskers (HB)

Johan Marais & Alan Ainslie R250

ISBN: 9780143026556

This is Johan Marais quest to find the greatest living

tuskers on the African continent. His journey takes

him from the Kruger National Park to the Ngorogoro

Crater in northern Tanzania, two National Parks inKenya and a remote park in Central Africa. Filled with

photographs by the author and illustrations by

renowned wildlife artist Alan Ainslie, this is a

beautiful book that captures the grace, dignity and

mystery of these extraordinary animals.

G

ENERALINT

EREST


5/27

Illustrated Superfreakonomics

Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner R320

ISBN: 9781846143038

Levitt and Dubner have spent four years uncovering

the hidden side of even more controversial subjects,

from terrorism to shark attacks, cable TV to

hurricanes. This freakquel is even bolder, funnier andmore surprising than the original. Mixing smart

thinking and great storytelling like no-one else, Levitt

and Dubner overturn received wisdom: looking more

deeply, asking more questions and above all, thinking

a little differently. With this illustrated edition, Levitt

and Dubner bring alive their unique analysis and

storytelling with an explosion of visual evidence to

reveal the world in a bold, new way. Seeing is

believing...

Being Wrong

Kathryn Schulz R210

ISBN: 9781846270734

Being wrong is an inescapable part of being alive.

And yet, we go through life tacitly assuming (or

loudly insisting) that we are right about nearly

everything. This book looks at why this convictionhas such a powerful grip on us, what happens

when this conviction is shaken, and how we

interpret the moral, political and psychological

significance of being wrong. Drawing on

philosophies old and new and cutting-edge

neuroscience, Kathryn Schulz offers an eloquent

exploration of the allure of certainty and the

necessity of fallibility in four main areas: in religion,

in politics, in memory and in love.

G

ENERALINT

EREST


6/27

Born Wild

Tony Fitzjohn R230

ISBN: 9780670918928

This is a story of passion, adventure and

skulduggery on the frontline of African

conservation. Following Tony Fitzjohnsjourney from London bad boy to African

wildlife warrior, the heart of the story is a

series of love affairs with the worlds most

beautiful and endangered creatures. Tony tells

of his twenty years in Kenya with George

Adamson ofBorn Free fame a time of

discovery, isolation and frequent danger living

far from civilisation.

No Fries on Us Cutting Darren Scott Down to Size

Dan Nicholl, Lisa Raleigh & Darren Scott R130

ISBN: 9780143527367

Darren Scott, Dan Nicholl, his writer and long-time friend,

and personal trainer Lisa Raleigh recount the story of

Darrens remarkable transformation. Darrens story is

one most men can identify with and this, coupled with

the technical know-how that Lisa provides, explains how

you dont have to give up life and tasty food to reach

your weight and fitness goals. Filled with dietary tips,

fitness suggestions and the self-deprecating, biting

humour Darren is known for, this is an honest, amusing

and informative look at Darrens life, dieting and how

best to achieve your target weight.

G

ENERALINT

EREST


7/27

CHRISTMAS BOOKS

forDAD


8/27

Extraordinary Book of SA Cricket

David OSullivan & Kevin McCallum R130

ISBN: 9780143026679

The perfect gift for any cricket fanatic. Following

up on their tremendous success with The

Penguin Book of South African Sports Trivia,

Kevin McCallum and David OSullivan have

trawled the South African cricket archives andput together a collection of behind-the-scenes

tales, curiosities, trivia, quotable quotes, famous

pranks, amazing-but-true scorecards, great

triumphs and embarrassing blunders. From the

giants of the game, theres a statistic or story to

fascinate and amuse every reader.

DAD

Crescent Dawn (Under Embargo: Dec)

Clive Cussler R200

ISBN: 9780718157395

In AD 327, a Roman galley with an

extraordinary cargo barely escapes a pirate

attack. In 1916, a British warship mysteriously

explodes in the middle of the North Sea. In the

present day, a cluster of important mosques inTurkey and Egypt are wracked by explosions.

NUMA director Dirk Pitt and his team are about

to find out, as Roman artefacts discovered in

Turkey and Israel unnervingly connect to the

rise of a fundamentalist movement determined

to restore the glory of the Ottoman Empire.

From Washington to London to the

treacherous shores of the Near East, dangerousmen and desperate acts fill their path


9/27

How Hard Can it Be?

Jeremy Clarkson R220

ISBN: 9780718156756

Volume 4 in the bestselling World According to

Clarkson series. Our hero embarks on a quest

to set the world to rights. Again. En route he

discovers how rhubarb will become the newcrack, that a comb over will end anyone's quest

for global domination and what unites a

Filipino chambermaid in Abergavenny with

Prince Andrew. For anyone whos ever woken

up and thought the time has come to stop the

nonsense and celebrate the sensational, read

on. Because seriously, how hard can it be?

DAD

Cooked Out of the Frying Pan (HB)

Justin Bonello R300

ISBN: 9780143026372

Youve seen him braaiing in the bush and on

beaches all over southern Africa, but can this self-

proclaimed cook (not chef) cut it in a real kitchen?

Justin Bonello leaps from the great outdoors intothe kitchens of experienced chefs to learn the

ropes. Along the way he discovers tricks of the

trade and life lessons from South African food

experts. In each setting there is love, laughter and

hard work after which Justin turns the tables

and tries to adapt the lessons gained to his style

of outdoor cooking by treating his tutors to a

recipe or two of his own.


10/27

Our Kind of Traitor

John le Carr R210

ISBN: 9780670919024

Britain is in the depths of recession. A left-leaning

young Oxford academic and his barrister girlfriend

take an off-peak holiday on the Caribbean island of

Antigua. By seeming chance they bump into aRussian millionaire called Dima who owns a

peninsula and a diamond-encrusted gold watch. He

also has a tattoo on his right thumb, and wants a

game of tennis. What else he wants propels the

young lovers on a tortuous journey through Paris

to a safe house in the Swiss Alps, to the murkiest

cloisters of London and its unholy alliance with

Britain's Intelligence Establishment.

DAD

Great Moments in Currie Cup History (HB)

Wim van der Berg R250

ISBN: 9780143026853

Steeped in history and tradition, the Currie Cup dates back

to 1891 and is one of the oldest rugby competitions in the

world. The tournament is regarded as the cornerstone of

South Africas rugby heritage, and the coveted gold trophyremains the most prestigious prize in South African rugby.

Wim van der Berg traces the history of this competition

from its beginnings up to the end of the 2009 tournament.

The core narrative focuses on the history of the

tournament, the winners, best players and controversies.

It includes fact and stat boxes, listing the top try scorers,

winners of the cup since its inception, and other statistics

to excite all rugby fans.


11/27

CHRISTMAS BOOKS

forMOM


12/27

Jamies 30 Minute Meals (HB)

Jamie Oliver R350

ISBN: 9780718154776

In his new book, Jamie proves that, by mastering a

few tricks and being organised and focussed in the

kitchen, it is absolutely possible, and easy, to get a

complete meal on the table in the same amount of

time youd normally spend making one dish! The 50

brand-new meal ideas in this book are exciting, varied

and seasonal. They include main course recipes with

side dishes as well as puddings and drinks, and are all

meals youll be proud to serve your family and

friends. This book is as practical as it is beautiful,

showing that with a bit of preparation, the right

equipment and some organisation, hearty, deliciousmeals are less than half an hour away.

MOM

The Brave

Nicholas Evans R220

ISBN: 9781408702895

The motto of the boarding school to which Tommy

Bedford is dispatched is Fortune Favours the Brave.

Its 1959 and the school bristles with bullies and

sadistic staff. Tommy, a quirky loner, obsessed with

cowboys and Indians, needs all the bravery he can

summon. Salvation comes when his glamorous actress

sister is swept off to Hollywood by one of his heroes,

TV cowboy Ray Montane. But with the Cold War

looming, the sinister side of Tinseltown seeps through

and Tommy and Diane soon find themselves in

jeopardy. Forty years on, Tommy has to confront his

boyhood ghosts when his own son finds himselfcharged with murder.


13/27

Ramsays Best Menus

Gordon Ramsay R290

ISBN: 9781844009152

Gordon Ramsays new TV series, Ramsays Best

Restaurants, focuses on Britains favourite

international cuisines: Italian, French, Spanish,

Mediterranean, British, Chinese, Thai, South East

Asian, Indian, Moroccan, Mexican and MiddleEastern. To complement the series Gordon has

selected not just his favourite menus from these

cuisines, but also the perfect spring, summer,

autumn and winter menus. His 52 chosen

menus, comprising 156 recipes for starters, main

courses and desserts, are displayed in such a

way, on sliced pages, that the reader can mix

and match to create their own favourite menufor any occasion and any time of year.

MOM

Port Mortuary (Under Embargo: Dec)

Patricia Cornwell R240

ISBN: 97818408702338

The latest blockbuster in the bestselling Kay

Scarpetta series. In this fast-paced story, a

treacherous path from Scarpettas past

merges with the high-tech highway she

now finds herself on. We travel back to thebeginning of her professional career when

she accepted a scholarship from the Air

Force to pay off her medical school debt.

Now, more than twenty years and many

career successes later, her military ties

have drawn her to Dover Air Force Base.

There Scarpetta is confronted with a case

that could shut down her new facility andruin her personally and professionally


14/27

Indulgence in Death (Under Embargo: Dec)

JD Robb R220

ISBN: 9780749952730

First it was a limo driver shot through the neck

with a crossbow. Then it was a high-priced

escort found stabbed through the heart with a

bayonet. These seemingly random hits and

thrill kills are making NYPSD Lieutenant Eve

Dallas angry. And an angry Eve can be as

terrifying and efficient as the killer. Where will

Eves investigation take her, and is she

prepared to face the perverted heart of

madness.

MOM

Gifts from the Kitchen

Annie Rigg R200

ISBN: 9781856269384

With the current trend for all things thrifty

and creative, now is the perfect time to

explore the tradition of making and giving

homemade food gifts. What could be more

wonderful than receiving a box of deliciously

decadent homemade truffles, a jar of piquant

chutney or a bottle of fresh raspberry cordial,

all beautifully packaged with a hand-written

label? With a huge variety of recipes and

ideas for every season and occasion, there is

sure to be something for everyone.


15/27

Safe HavenNicholas Sparks R205

ISBN: 9781847443236

This is the story of Katie, who appears in a small

American town where her sudden arrival raises

questions about her past. Beautiful yet unassuming,

Katie is determined to avoid forming personal ties

until a series of events draws her into two reluctant

relationships. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly

begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in

the close-knit community. But even as Katie begins to

fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still

haunts her. Eventually, though, Katie must come to

realise that she must choose between a life of

transient safety and one of riskier rewards, and thatin the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.

South of BroadPat Conroy R200

ISBN: 9781848875012

Leopold Bloom King has had an unremarkable,

happy family life. But after Leo's ten-year-old

brother commits suicide, Leo becomes part of a

tight knit group of older high school students

whose liaisons will ripple across two decades, from

1960s counterculture through to the dawn of the

AIDS crisis in the 1980s. The ties among them

endure for years, surviving marriages, unrequited

loves, hard-won successes and devastating

breakdowns. But the final test of friendship that

brings them to San Francisco is something no one

is prepared for.

MOM


16/27

The Biscuiteers Book of Iced Biscuits

Harriet Hastings & Sarah Moore R180

ISBN: 9781856269414

This is a stylish collection of easy to make,

delicious treats that taste as fabulous as

they look, including inspirational ideas for

every season and occasion. With recipes forbasic biscuit doughs such as vanilla, lemon,

chocolate, ginger, almond and spice, plus

different types of icing and colouring,

piping instructions and templates, this book

contains everything you need to wow your

friends and delight your kids.

MOM


17/27

CHRISTMAS BOOKS

for yourDAUGHTER


18/27

DAUGHTER

The Eternal OnesKirsten Miller R120 (age 12+)

ISBN: 9780141331997

Haven Moore has always known she's

different: there are the talents that can't

be explained, the knowledge of places

she's never been to and the visions that

overwhelm her. Haven journeys all the

way to Manhattan in search of clues

about her past life and a decades-old

murder. One wrong move could lead her

into the clutches of the sinister villain at

the centre of a conspiracy much larger

than she could have ever imagined. But if

she makes the right choices, Haven will

find the answers she's been seeking her

entire life.

Misguided AngelMelissa de la Cruz R120 (age 12+)

ISBN: 9781905654758

After inheriting the complicated Van

Alen Legacy, Schuyler fled to Florence

with Jack, risking both of their lives for

love. The two of them embark on the

mission Schuyler was destined to

complete: to find and protect the five

remaining gates that guard Earth from

Lucifer, Prince of Hell and lord of the

Silver Bloods. As the Blue Blood coven

weakens yet further, fate leads

Schuyler closer to a terrifying crossroad

and a choice that will determine the

destiny of all vampires.

Beautiful DarknessKami Garcia and Margaret Stohl R120

(age 12+)

ISBN: 9780141326092

One night in the rain, Ethan Wate opened his

eyes and fell in love with Lena Duchannes.

His life would never be the same. Lena is a

Caster and her family is locked in a

supernatural civil war: full of darkness and

demons. On her sixteenth birthday Lena

made a terrifying choice, which now haunts

her day and night. And as her seventeenth

birthday approaches Lena and Ethan face

even greater danger. A Caster and a Mortal

can never truly be together. Every kiss is acurse. Ethans next heartbeat could be his

last. It is their curse now


19/27

DAUGHTER

Twilight

Stephenie Meyer R120

ISBN: 9781907410482

This Christmas why not give a

loved one the collectors

edition of Stephenie Meyers

the Twilight Saga. Stephenie

Meyers phenomenal TwilightSaga books are now available

in special limited editions,

featuring pristine white

covers emblazoned with the

iconic images from the

original covers of the book.

New Moon


ISBN: 9781907410499

Eclipse


ISBN: 9781907410505

Breaking Dawn


ISBN: 9781907410512


20/27

Peter Rabbit: A Rabbits TaleBeatrix Potter R180 (age 2+)

ISBN: 9780723265290

A re-telling of Beatrix Potters Tale of the

Flopsy Bunnies from the point of view of the

youngest rabbit. With re-drawn artwork in the

classic style, this wonderful story has had new

life breathed into it. The story draws to a

satisfying close as evening falls and the bunnies

settle down to sleep, safe and warm at last.

The detailed art, intricate pop-ups, sparkling

stars and forest sounds will delight readers of

any age.

DA

UGHTER

Flower Fairies: Magical Secret GardenCicely Mary Barker R160 (age 5+)

ISBN: 9780723264453

When Lily climbs out of her flower for the very

first time, she is keen to explore and make

friends, but where to start? As she glances

around she spots a special poem, written on a

leafy scroll, offering clues to help her explore

Flower Fairyland and reach the Secret Garden.

Flutter with her as she finds new friends to

help her solve the riddles, and travel with her

through the enchanted door to the most

beautiful place in all of Flower Fairyland.


21/27

My Favourite and Best Charlie and LolaAnnual 2011

Lauren Child R140 (age 3+)

ISBN: 9780141331621

Charlie has this little sister Lola. She is small

and very funny ... and loves to play! Join

Charlie, Lola and all their friends in this

extremely very good annual, with brand-new

stories, things to make and do, fun facts,

sticker pages and much, much more a perfect

gift for any Charlie and Lola fan.

DA

UGHTER

The Cheetah Who Ran Too FastTrudi Franke R100 (age 5+)

ISBN: 9780143026075

These stories, written in verse, are designed to be

read out loud. They are full of suspense, thrills,

emotion and fun and make for a superbly expressive

read. The world gets busier every day and parents

need to create opportunities to build strong

relationships with their children and to share their

values with them in a fun and creative way. The

stories use African animals to talk about issues that

might be difficult for a child to express on a personal

level. Each page contains delightful illustrations.


22/27

CHRISTMAS BOOKS

for yourSON


23/27

I Am Number Four (HB)Pittacus Lore R140 (age 12+)

ISBN: 9780141332475

In the beginning we were nine. We left when we

were too young to remember. Almost. And

now three are gone. We are here to keep our

race alive, which was almost entirely

obliterated. Were just trying to survive. But we

are hunted, and the hunters wont stop until

theyve killed us all. They caught Number One in

Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number

Three in Kenya. I am Number Four. I know that I

am next.

SON

Lies (PB)Michael Grant R120 (age 12+)

ISBN: 9781405254304

It happens in one night: a girl who died now

walks among the living, Zil and the Human

Crew set fire to Perido Beach, and amid the

flames and smoke, Sam sees the figure of the

boy he fears the most Drake. But Sam and

Caine defeated him along with the Darkness

or so they thought. As Perido Beach burns,

battles rage. As life in the FAYZ becomes more

desperate, no one knows who they can trust.


24/27

Heroes of Olympus: The Lost HeroRick Riordan R140 (age 9+)

ISBN: 9780141334011

Camp Half-Blood is the only place for children of

the Olympian gods to live. Where else can they

fight monsters and practise archery with flaming

arrows and explosives? But Camp Half-Bloods

latest recruits, Jason, Piper and Leo, havent

been brought here for fun. A major problem has

arisen. Hera, Queen of the Gods, has been

imprisoned. They are the chosen ones to save

her from great evil with only four days to

complete their quest. And thats not all. Percy

Jackson, hero of the half-bloods, is missing. The

second great prophecy has begun.

SON

The DeadCharlie Higson R140 (age 12+)

ISBN: 9780141325040

Maxie, Blue and the rest of the Holloway crew

arent the only kids trying to escape the

ferocious adults who prey on them. Jack and Ed

are best friends, but their battle to stay alive

tests their friendship to the limit as they go on

the run with a mismatched group of other kids

nerds, fighters, misfits. And one adult - Greg,

a butcher, who claims hes immune to the

disease. They must work together if they want

to make it in this terrifying new world. But as a

fresh disaster threatens to overwhelm London,

they realise they wont all survive.


25/27

Spud (Movie Tie In)

John van de Ruit R120

ISBN: 9780143527329

Its South Africa, 1990. The country still squirms under

the iron fist of apartheid. Two major events are about

to happen: the release of Nelson Mandela, and more

importantly, its Spud Miltons first year at an eliteboys-only private boarding school. Cursed with parents

from well beyond the lunatic fringe, a senile granny,

and a dormitory full of strange characters, Spud has to

forge a new life for himself in this foreign and

sometimes hostile environment. Surrounded by names

such as Gecko, Rambo, Rain Man and Mad Dog, Spud

takes his first tentative steps along the path towards

manhood. Spud The Movie will hit SA cinema screenson 3 December 2010.

SON

The Making of Spud The Movie And How A

(Wickedly Splendid) Plan Came Together

John van de Ruit & Ross Garland R120

ISBN: 9780143026839

Author of the best-selling Spudseries of books

JOHN VAN DE RUIT and movie producer ROSS

GARLAND offer a real insiders view into thejourney that began with a book about a young

boy struggling for acceptance at boarding school

and ended with brining the Crazy Eight and their

legendary exploits explosively to life on the big

screen. From raising the money to finding the

stars, and shooting on set at the school where the

dream began, this is an invaluable souvenir for

existing and new Spudfans.


26/27


27/27

Ben Ten Alien Force Annual 2011R140

ISBN: 9781405252522

Ben 10 is the number one licence for boys aged 5 to 9. Ben 10 has been

a bestselling brand across all licences. The 2010 Ben 10 Alien Force

Annualhas sold over 245,300 copies! A live action Alien Force film, Ben

10: Alien Swarm, was released in November 2009. Alien Force computer

games are available for PlayStation2, Nintendo DS, Wii and PSP. Now 15

years old, Ben has turned to the Omnitrix once again, to help defeat new

and more sinister villains that are threatening Earththe HighBreed,

DNAliens and the Forever Knights. The Omnitrix has been reconfigured,

and it now comes complete with a set of 10 brand-new alien dudes for

Ben to get to grips with. Good job he's got his feisty cousin Gwen and the

strength-absorbing Kevin to help him out! This annual features non-stop

action with great comic strip stories, challenging activities and puzzles,

and profiles on every Ben 10 Alien Force fan's favourite aliens.

Willy Wonkas WhipplescrumptiousCollection

Roald Dahl R140

ISBN: 9780141331218

Bursting with fantabulous fun, including

story extracts, games, puzzles, ideas of

things to make, colour and draw, and

crammed with squiffingly-good stickers.

Perfect to keep little hands busy!SON

Documents

Christmas Reading Recommendations from Penguin Books South Africa