We look at books that help give you insight into self improvement at all levels, and a judge's rather novel account on the law. For seasonal gift ideas we also reviewed The Kindle.

The Strange Alchemy of Life and Law by Judge Albie Sachs

From a young age Albie Sachs played a prominent part in the struggle for justice in South Africa. As a result he was detained in solitary confinement, tortured by sleep deprivation and eventually blown up by a car bomb which cost him his right arm and the sight of an eye. His experiences provoked an outpouring of creative thought on the role of law as a protector of human dignity in the modern world, and a lifelong commitment to seeing a new era of justice established in South Africa. The Strange Alchemy of Life and Law offers a personal insight on the many social issues affecting post-Apartheid South Africa.  Sachs conveys in intimate fashion how his extraordinary life has influenced his approach to the cases before him as a Constitutional Court judge.  By juxtaposing his life experiences with extracts from his judgments, Sachs enables the reader to see the complex and surprising ways in which legal culture intersects with real life.

Your Moment by Tumi Frazier

In this short yet punchy self-help book, South African industrial psychologist and motivational speaker, Tumi Frazier, shares strategies on how to thrive in difficult times and how to develop personally and as an entrepreneur. These issues are covered through topics ranging from career management to self-image and self-esteem. Frazier says personal development is key to improving one’s life, and this includes altering patterns and exercising. The book emphasises the importance for people to learn to say well done to others and to themselves in their quest for self-improvement. Frazier urges people not to let their environment determine what they become, and instead to view every setback as an opportunity to grow.

The Kindle

Unless you’re a die-hard book lover who’s addicted to the feel of paper pages, you’ll soon become addicted to the new wireless Kindle reading device.  At less than 1cm thick, it’s about as thin as most magazines and lighter than a typical paperback.  It has an inbuilt 3G wireless that lets you download books right to your Kindle, anytime, anywhere, without having to hunt for a Wi-Fi hotspot or having to plug in your PC or laptop. The battery life also allows you to read for a few days without recharging.  Unlike other mobile devices, the screen is not backlit, so like a traditional book, it relies on outside illumination.  At around R3000, it’s not a cheap investment and there are likely to be other reading devices available on the market soon, but if you’re a first-mover, it’s a must have for your Christmas stocking.