Literature gurus in the city were afforded an opportunity to mingle and get their books signed by well-known author, Dudu Busani-Dube during Bargain Books Mall of the North book signing ceremony on Saturday.
Busani-Dube is the author of the Hlomu Series as well as the book adaptation, Zulu Wedding and the film was released in 2017. Store manager Rouxnette Wepener-Brown indicated that they have been wanting to do a few events for the public as it is always nice to meet authors and to get to know the person behind the book.
“We were invited by the publisher to host Busani-Dube and we agreed as she is well-known and our customers did request to have another event after the success of ‘The Lazy Makoti’ event in November last year. This was our second gathering hosted in the store as a token on appreciation to our customers and again to expose them to a variety of books and develop the love for reading in every home,” she explained.
The other reason for also choosing Busani-Dube is because she has a wide variety of fans, she stated and reiterated that anyone can pick up one of her books and enjoy it. Her stories are relatable and one of a kind, she added. Bargain Books Mall of the North has a few book signings and launches lined up for the year and people are more than welcome to follow the store on social media platforms for dates and times of upcoming ceremonies, she stated.
Wepener-Brown further emphasised that they always appreciate a few extra feet in the store and getting to know the authors. It also makes the authors feel special when having these events because they get to know their readers and spend time with them, she commented.
“We are very happy with the outcome and we have received compliments for hosting such a brilliant writer. Her fans are excited about the fact that we have all her titles in stock. We did sell quite a few titles on the day and books that were sold and signed include Hlomu the Wife, Naledi His Love, Zandile the Resolute and Zulu Wedding. Busani-Dube is such a wonderful person and easy to talk to. Our customers felt comfortable enough to approach her, ask questions and take pictures,” Wepener-Brown said.
She commented that they were excited for what the year has in store for Bargain Books and encouraged readers to keep an eye out for future events. Bargain Books Mall of the North will be a place to be in the next months as they will be hosting a few big names.
Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
