Rian’s Top 5 books to read

A few months ago Rian released his new book "16 Dinge wat ek nie moes sê nie", which is currently sitting on the best sellers list in bookstores around the country. However, when he takes a break, what does he like to read?

Here is Rian Top 5 books to read.

The Origin of Everything – New Scientist

From what actually happened in the Big Bang to the accidental discovery of post-it notes, science is packed with surprising discoveries. Did you know, for instance, that if you were to get too close to a black hole it would suck you up like a noodle (it's called spaghettification), why your keyboard is laid out in QWERTY (it's not to make it easier to type) or whether the invention of the wheel was less important to civilisation than the bag (think about it). New Scientist does. We can definitely see what Rian likes this one.

Geknelde Land – FA Venter

How does it happen that a whole established community pulls out its tent and enters the wilderness? In Geknelde Land, FA Venter gives a deep-human answer to this and also to many other questions about the Groot Trek.

This is the story of the Dreyer family of Border Farm and tells of the hardships and relics that this farmer had to endure before finally making a decision. The main character, Rudolf Dreyer, initially refuses to leave his farm even after it has been destroyed.

A Single Man – Christopher Isherwood

A Single Man is a 1964 metaphysical novel by Christopher Isherwood. Set in Southern California during 1962, it depicts one day in the life of George, a middle-aged Englishman who is a professor at a Los Angeles university. George, an English professor, is unable to cope with the despondent, bereaved nature of his existence after the sudden death of his partner, Jim. Throughout the day, he has various encounters with different people that color his senses and illuminate the possibilities of being alive and human in the world.

Rigtingbedonnerd – Fred de Vries

It’s quieter, safer ... and boring? How do Afrikaner emigrants experience life in Perth or Melbourne? Fred de Vries talks to a few of these families in insightful and moving interviews.

Restless Nation – William Gumede

William Gumede takes a fearless look at  burning issues which threaten our democracy: self-interested leadership batlles within the ANC, attacks on the constitution, black economic empowerment strategies which only benefit a few, racism and moral bankruptcy. Does the government have the ability - as well as the will - to lead us out of this malaise? Gumede is not convinced.