MarLa Sink Druzgal

Please join me in a new online feature here at Traveling Marla. I’m calling it “Occupy Humanity: Read an African Writer.”

Okay, the title’s a bit long, and maybe a little cloying, but these books are compelling, and I want to read them together, with YOU.  I’m far from home. I miss seeing you at readings, and interacting with you online.

Join me in reading a book a month, won’t you? I’ve chosen books that matter to me, that stand out as compelling and original, and make me think differently about where I am, but more importantly who I am and how I see the world around me. And damnit, the stories are good!

Each of these authors has agreed to answer your questions after you finish reading, and for each of you who sends me a question for the author, you’ll be entered in a drawing to win a SIGNED BOOK from the author! And if you’re in a book club, or a blogger who would love to just relax and hit “re-blog” from my posting once a month, get your readers to read and submit questions, too. Anybody who submits questions is eligible for the signed book giveaway, and if you’re submitting questions from a blog or a book club, I will definitely link to and name your book club with each of your questions!

Guys, you seriously need to read these books with me. The stories are unforgettable, the writing styles unique, and the voices fresh. The full list is at the end of today’s post.

Please get a copy of the first book, Do Not Go Gentle, and read it! Send me your questions no later than July 15th!

Thanks in advance, for making my Writer Wednesdays a little more interesting, and giving me some of my favorite interaction from back home.

Love, Marla

Details:

1) Read along with Traveling Marla as she reads her favorite African authors.

2) Send your questions for the authors to marla at marlasinkdruzgal dot com (you can ask anonymously if you like).

3) Sit back and enjoy the replies from these wonderful authors, and maybe win a signed copy of the book!

Please start looking for the books now. If you have trouble finding it in the states or they are sold out, please let me know asap so I can arrange to get you a book from here. 🙂

BOOK LIST: The following links are to the book’s listing at Amazon.com. While I personally prefer indie bookstores, I needed to give you quick links for how to find the versions available in the states, either e-book or paperback. Please feel free to take the ISBN number to your indie bookseller and ask them to order a copy if you prefer.

July Author: Futhi Ntshingila
Book(s): Do Not Go Gentle (Kindle or Paperback) and/or Shameless (since one may only be available by e-reader, you’re welcome to read either one. She’ll answer questions for both!)
Read-by Date: 15 July 2015  Please read and email your questions no later than 15 July to marla @ marlasinkdruzgal . com or put them in the comments below.

August Author: Nthikeng Mohlele
Book(s): Rusty Bell
Read-by Date: 12 August 2015  Please read and email your questions no later than 12 August to marla @ marlasinkdruzgal . com or put them in the comments below.

September Author: Phillippa Yaa de Villiers
Book(s): Everyday Wife, and/or Taller Than Buildings
Read-by Date: 16 September 2015  Please read and email your questions no later than 16 September to marla @ marlasinkdruzgal . com or put them in the comments below.

October Author: Mzilikazi wa Afrika
Book(s): Nothing Left to Steal
Read-by Date: 14 October 2015  Please read and email your questions no later than 14 October to marla @ marlasinkdruzgal . com or put them in the comments below.

November through May:
Niq Mhlongo: Way Back Home
Thando Mgqolozana: A Man Who is Not a Man
Mamle Wolo: The Kaya-Girl
Carol Campbell: Esther’s House
Ekow Duker: Dying in New York
Sabata-mpho Mokae: Book launch this autumn, and he’s taking time for us online as well! Title to be announced in August.