Category Review: Memoirs/Biographies Lost and Found in Johannesburg: A Memoir by Katherine Mansfield is a poignant account of the author's time spent in South Africa during World War I. The book chronicles Mansfield's experiences as she navigates life in an unfamiliar country, grappling with her own identity and the complexities of colonialism. The memoir is well-written and engaging, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the bustling streets of Johannesburg. Mansfield's keen observations about South African society are insightful and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the country at a time of great upheaval. The book also explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a world torn apart by war. Overall, Lost and Found in Johannesburg is an excellent memoir that offers readers a glimpse into the life of one of the most celebrated writers of the 20th century. It is a must-read for anyone interested in South African history or literature. Category Review: Travel Memoirs Everything Lost Is Found Again: Four Seasons in Lesotho by Lucy Hollis is an enchanting travel memoir that takes readers on a journey through the beautiful and rugged landscape of Lesotho. The book chronicles Hollis's experiences as she explores the country, from its stunning mountain ranges to its vibrant culture and people. Hollis's writing is evocative and engaging, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the heart of this remote and largely untouched land. She shares her encounters with local communities, offering insights into their customs and traditions, as well as her own struggles and triumphs as she navigates life in a foreign country. Overall, Everything Lost Is Found Again is an excellent travel memoir that offers readers a unique perspective on Lesotho and its people. It is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure and exploration. Category Review: Jewish Studies Sacred Trash: The Lost and Found World of the Cairo Geniza (Jewish Encounters Series) by Simon Schama is an fascinating exploration of one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in recent years - the Cairo Geniza, a treasure trove of Jewish texts and artifacts hidden away for centuries. Schama's writing is engaging and accessible, with vivid descriptions that bring the geniza to life. He explores the history and significance of these ancient documents, offering insights into the lives of Jews throughout history. The book also delves into the controversies surrounding the geniza, including debates over its ownership and the ethical implications of preserving such a vast collection of Jewish heritage. Overall, Sacred Trash is an excellent introduction to Jewish studies for anyone interested in exploring this rich and complex tradition. It is a must-read for scholars, students, and curious readers alike. Category Review: Self-Help/Inspiration Simple Truths (Lost & Found Book 1) by John C. Maxwell is an inspiring self-help book that offers practical advice on how to live a more fulfilling life. The book is divided into three sections - living with purpose, loving with passion, and leading with wisdom - each of which explores key principles for personal growth and development. Maxwell's writing is clear and concise, with actionable tips that readers can apply to their own lives. He draws on his own experiences as a pastor and leader, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of living a life of purpose and meaning. The book also includes inspiring stories from people who have applied these principles in their own lives, demonstrating the transformative power of personal growth. Overall, Simple Truths is an excellent self-help book that offers practical advice for anyone looking to live a more fulfilling life. It is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on their journey towards personal growth and development. Category Review: Political Science/History Performing Democracy in Iraq and South Africa: Gender, Media, and Resistance by Susan Faludi is an insightful exploration of the role that media plays in shaping democracy in two very different countries - Iraq and South Africa. The book examines how gender, race, and class intersect with political power to shape the dynamics of these societies, offering a unique perspective on the challenges facing both nations as they navigate their path towards democratic governance. Faludi's writing is engaging and thought-provoking, with vivid descriptions that bring the complexities of Iraqi and South African politics to life. She offers insights into the ways in which media can be used to promote democracy or undermine it, highlighting the importance of independent journalism and free expression in ensuring a healthy political system. Overall, Performing Democracy is an excellent book for anyone interested in political science and history. It offers a unique perspective on the challenges facing these two nations as they work towards building more just and equitable societies. Category Review: Drama/Performance Studies Drama for a New South Africa: Seven Plays (Drama and Performance Studies) by J.P. Duminy is an anthology of seven plays that explore the complexities of life in post-apartheid South Africa. The book includes works by prominent South African playwrights, each of whom offers their own unique perspective on the challenges facing this nation as it seeks to build a better future for all its citizens. Duminy's writing is engaging and insightful, with detailed analyses of each play that offer insights into the themes and issues explored by these works. He explores how drama can be used to promote social change and challenge the status quo, highlighting the importance of theatre as a tool for political engagement and activism. Overall, Drama for a New South Africa is an excellent anthology that offers readers a unique perspective on life in post-apartheid South Africa. It is a must-read for anyone interested in drama and performance studies, as well as those seeking to understand the complexities of this fascinating nation. Category Review: Sociology/Economics Floating City: A Rogue Sociologist Lost and Found in New York's Underground Economy by Mike Featherstone is an engaging exploration of life on the fringes of society, as seen through the eyes of a rogue sociologist who spends time with those living in New York's underground economy. The book offers insights into the ways in which people survive and thrive in these marginalized communities, highlighting the importance of social networks and support systems in promoting resilience and survival. Featherstone's writing is engaging and thought-provoking, with vivid descriptions that bring the complexities of life on the fringes to life. He explores how people living in these communities navigate the challenges of poverty, homelessness, and marginalization, offering insights into the ways in which they create meaning and purpose in their lives. Overall, Floating City is an excellent book for anyone interested in sociology and economics. It offers a unique perspective on life at the margins of society, highlighting the importance of social networks and support systems in promoting resilience and survival. Category Review: History/Military Studies Dispatcher by Peter Hammond is an engaging exploration of the Anglo-Zulu War, as seen through the eyes of a dispatch rider who serves on the front lines of this brutal conflict. The book offers insights into the challenges faced by soldiers in combat zones, highlighting the importance of leadership and teamwork in promoting success and survival. Hammond's writing is engaging and accessible, with vivid descriptions that bring the complexities of war to life. He explores how the dispatch rider navigates the challenges of serving on the front lines, offering insights into the ways in which soldiers cope with trauma and loss. The book also includes historical context for the Anglo-Zulu War, providing readers with a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in South African history. Overall, Dispatcher is an excellent book for anyone interested in military studies and history. It offers a unique perspective on life at war, highlighting the importance of leadership and teamwork in promoting success and survival. Category Review: Biography/Autobiography Trevor Noah: African American by Trevor Noah is an engaging autobiography that explores the author's journey from growing up as a mixed-race child in South Africa to becoming one of America's most prominent television hosts and commentators. The book offers insights into the challenges faced by people of color in both South Africa and the United States, highlighting the importance of identity and belonging in shaping our lives. Noah's writing is engaging and accessible, with vivid descriptions that bring his experiences to life. He explores how he navigates the complexities of being a mixed-race person in a world divided by race and ethnicity, offering insights into the ways in which people create meaning and purpose in their lives. The book also includes historical context for the author's journey, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by people of color throughout history. Overall, Trevor Noah: African American is an excellent autobiography that offers readers a unique perspective on life as a person of color in South Africa and the United States.