A month of exceptional reads

The Citizen

3 days ago

Exclusive Books is delighted to unveil its much-anticipated August reading recommendations, offering readers an enchanting array of titles to spark curiosity, ignite imagination, and inspire thoughtful reflection. This hand-picked collection spans genres and voices, promising something extraordinary for every reader.
Book of the Month
The lead title for August is Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman a thought provoking book that challenges conventional definitions of success and encourages readers to focus on societal benefit rather than personal gain. In Moral Ambition, Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and bestselling author, presents a compelling argument for redefining success in terms of moral impact rather than traditional metrics like salary or job title. The book aims to inspire individuals to dedicate their talents to solving the world's most pressing issues, such as climate change and social inequality.
Fiction Favourites
Saraswati by Gurnaik Johal a masterpiece debut novel from one of the UK's most exciting young writers, for fans of David Mitchell, Deepti Kapoor and Zadie Smith. Centuries ago, the holy river Saraswati flowed through what is now Punjab. Many dismiss this as myth, but when Satnam arrives in his ancestral village for his grandmother's funeral, he finds water in the dried-up well behind her house. The discovery sets in motion a contentious scheme to unearth the lost river as an act of Hindu nationalist pride. The river changes the course of Satnam's life, and those of six others.
Not Quite Dead by Holly Jackson the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder—now a hit Netflix series—returns with her first novel for adults: a twisty thriller about a young woman trying to solve her own murder. In seven days, Jet Mason will be dead. Jet is the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in Woodstock, Vermont. Twenty-seven years old, she's still waiting for her life to begin. I'll do it later, she always says. She has time. Until Halloween night, when Jet is violently attacked by an unseen intruder.
Don't Let Him In from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell, three women are connected by one man in this kaleidoscopic thriller. He's the perfect man. It's a perfect lie. Nina Swann is intrigued when she received a condolence card from Nick Radcliffe, an old friend of her late husband, who is looking to connect after her husband's unexpected death. Nick is a man of substance and good taste. He has a smile that could melt the coldest heart and a knack for putting others at ease. But to Nina's adult daughter, Ash, Nick seems too slick, too polished, too good to be true. Without telling her mother, Ash begins digging into Nick's past. What she finds is more than unsettling…
Non-Fiction Gems
The Laws of Connection by David Robson explores the critical role of social connections in our lives, revealing how they impact our health, happiness, and overall well-being. In the book the author presents a groundbreaking study that emphasizes the importance of social connections, arguing that they are as essential for our health and happiness as a balanced diet and regular exercise. The book outlines how strong social bonds can reduce the risk of various health issues, including stroke, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease, while also enhancing creativity and longevity.
On the Railway by David Williams takes readers through South Africa's rich railway history, from Estcourt to the grand steam engines on narrow gauges. David Williams highlights luxurious trains like the White and Blue Trains, and the vital role of goods trains in the economy. He explores engineering feats that tamed tough terrains and the growth of railway towns. The book also addresses racial segregation, the decline of the rail network, and reflects on the past and uncertain future of South African railways. The author: David Williams is a South African author, journalist and broadcaster, specialising in sport, political economy and business. He has also worked on 'the other side of the fence', spending five years as Communications Manager for the South African Breweries Ltd. He is the author of several bestselling books and lives in Johannesburg.
Youth and Young Adult Picks
In Firebone – The Aurelian Cycle Trilogy 01– by Rosaria Munda friends Annie and Lee were just children when a brutal revolution changed their world, giving everyone–even the lowborn–a chance to test into the governing class of dragonriders. Now they are both rising stars in the new regime, despite backgrounds that couldn't be more different. Annie's lowborn family was executed by dragonfire, while Lee's aristocratic family was murdered by revolutionaries. Growing up in the same orphanage forged their friendship, and seven years of training have made them rivals for the top position in the dragonriding fleet. But everything changes when survivors from the old regime surface, bent on reclaiming the city.
In a searing own-voices story accented by poignant childhood flashbacks and stunning poetry, Allison Sweet Grant's young adult debut I Am The Cage is a quietly powerful portrait of a young woman's journey to confront the medical trauma inflicted to 'fix' her—and heal her heart in the process. An emotional coming-of-age story about a young woman running away from herself, yet grasping to find a way back. Deeply moving, authentically raw, and humming with the possibility of a new love. Fish Creek, Wisconsin—Beautiful. Quiet. Isolated. Anonymous. It's all that nineteen-year-old Elisabeth needs, and everything she wants. Cloistered in her tiny cabin, Elisabeth is determined to be alone, hiding from her memories and making sure that no one can ever hurt her again.
Children's 9 -12
Alice With a Why by Anna James is a modern reimagining of Lewis Carroll's classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, featuring Alyce, the granddaughter of the original Alice, who embarks on a whimsical adventure in a changed Wonderland. Set in England in 1919, Alyce—with a Y—lives with her grandmother, the original Alice. After losing her father during the Great War, Alyce receives a mysterious invitation to a tea party, which leads her to discover that her grandmother's tales of Wonderland might hold some truth. However, this Wonderland is different; it is embroiled in a conflict between the Sun King and the Queen of the Moon, who are fighting over a stolen hour.
Join Frog, Cat and Dog for oodles of prehistoric rhyming fun packed with dinosaurs, mammoths and – of course – prehistoric frogs! With over 3 million copies sold across this beloved series, this hilarious new rhyming story Oi Dinosaurs! from Kes Gray and Jim Field is the perfect picture book to share together. Guaranteed to get little dinosaur-fans giggling! Can't get enough? Look out for: Oi Frog!, Oi Dog!, Oi Cat!, Oi Duck-billed Platypus!, Oi Aardvark! and Oi Puppies!
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