Bookstorm

10/09/2026

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day.

So many stories of mental illness remain untold, hidden behind fear, shame and stigma.

These powerful books by Marion Scher and Glynis Horning encourage you to speak up, reach out for help, or simply be there for someone who may be battling their own silent demons.

In South Africa, men are four times more likely to die by su***de than women, yet most calls to SADAG’s helplines come from women. Too often, men don’t talk about depression. They don’t ask for help. And their silence can be deadly.

In Waterboy, Durban-based journalist Glynis Horning tells the heartbreaking story of waking one Sunday morning with her husband, Chris, to the devastating discovery of their 25-year-old son, Spencer, dead in his bed.

With honesty and visceral intensity, Glynis pieces together the puzzle of his death while navigating unimaginable grief — but also celebrates the life, love and joy that Spencer brought to those around him.

Sometimes the most important thing you can do is start a conversation.
Ask. Listen. Be there.

These books are available in-store and on-line nationwide.

Exclusive Books Bargain Books SA Takealot Wordsworth Books Fogarty's Bookshop Estoril Books Ramsgate Stationers

***dePreventationDay ***deAwareness

16/08/2026

Although Winter is coming to an end, a potjie is still the best option for a friends and family get together until the weather settles. We have had snow in September before. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Like and share and one lucky person will win a hamper of all Jan Braai’s cookbooks.

04/08/2026

Men and Mental Health: Shattering the Silence

Click on the link below to listen to Marion Scher in conversation with Dr Maurice Goodman, who is the Chief medical officer Discovery South Africa.

https://tinyurl.com/mrym7u6k

July was Mental Illness Awareness Month in South Africa, making my conversation with Marion Scher is especially timely. Her new book, Men and Mental Health: Shattering the Silence – longlisted for the 2026 Sunday Times Literary Awards, offers an unfiltered look at the lived experiences of South African men and the clinicians who support them.

In our discussion, we explore the reality that men are five times more likely to die by su***de than women, and that South Africa records an estimated 23 su***des a day. Marion highlights how workplace cultures that reward toughness can become toxic, how bullying and fear of job loss keep men quiet, and how societal expectations to “man up” or “be stoic” make it even harder to ask for help.

We also reflect on the vital role SADAG plays in providing accessible, confidential support to all the people in South Africa. Their toll-free 24/7 helplines offer a lifeline to anyone who needs to speak to someone who will listen without judgement.

If you or someone in your life is struggling with mental health, please reach out. SADAG Helpline (24/7): 0800 567 567 Su***de Crisis Line: 0800 456 789 SMS: 31393

Dr Maurice Goodman

Men and Mental Health: Shattering the Silence is available for purchase at all good bookstores and on-line.

Bargain Books SA Wordsworth Books Exclusive Books Estoril Books Takealot

16/07/2026

Imtiaz Sooliman and the Gift of the Givers - A Mercy to all is an extraordinary tale of an organisation that has become a South African legend – the first to intervene in so many devastating situations and bring hope to those who have lost everything. Gift of the Givers reputation for direct, honest and non-partisan solution-finding has become a beacon of hope in South Africa.
Get your copy now at all the retail outlets listed below and many more.
Exclusive Books Wordsworth Books Bargain Books SA Love Books Graffiti Books Book Lounge Takealot Loot.co.za Fogarty's Bookshop

Gift of the Givers

11/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18rZGRyUWh/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Men’s Mental Health is important, and talking about it helps break the silence

Join SADAG’s Online Ask the Expert as we talk about why men’s Mental Health matters, breaking stereotypes, and creating safe spaces to speak openly.

We’ll hear from Marion Scher and Prof. Solly Rataemane as they share advice on Mental Wellbeing and support, and explain why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

📅 Friday, 12 June 2026
🕐 13:00
📍 Facebook Live:

05/06/2026

It Always Seems Impossible by James Urdang is more than a memoir - it's a gripping expose of how a grassroots South African charity, Education Africa, was nearly destroyed by the corporate misconduct of HSBC Bank.

Published by Bookstorm. Available online and in all good bookstores.

24/05/2026

Congratulations to two of Bookstorm authors. James Urdang and Marion Scher for making it onto the Sunday Times ZA Literary Awards longlist for their respective non-fiction books, It Always Seems Impossible and Men and Mental Health. A wonderful evening hosted by the Sunday Times at the end of another successful Kingsmead Book Fair.

20/05/2026

Its Kingsmead Book Fair this weekend, don't forget to book your session for James Urdang's event, Making it work: The economics of the urban margins of Johannesburg at 12h30.

Exclusive Books Standard Bank - South Africa HOT 102.7 FM

16/05/2026

There's one week to go until the Kingsmead Book Fair 🤩📖

Tickets are available via Webtickets; book now to avoid disappointment!

We'll see you there 📚

Kingsmead Book Fair

🎟️ https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/EventTicketTypes.aspx?itemid=1592766376

16/05/2026

A fantastic, engaging and packed session at Franschhoek Literary Festival with James Urdang and Craig Wilkonson discussing their books, It Always Seems Impossible and Force for Good.

Both books are available Exclusive Books, on-line and all good bookstores countrywide.


Daily Maverick