The A Team
Admittedly re-makes can be tired, sad affairs. But The A Team held a special place in many a heart – the guys were funny, attractive, rough, rugged and real men ... a dying breed these days. With a bigger female role for the stunning Jessica Biel and great casting of Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper and South African Sharlto Copely, we expect big things from this movie! Action, a spot of romance and lots of gorgeous abs on display please! In cinemas this August.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
On Ladysmith Black Mambazo & Friends, the legendary South African choral group has teamed up with a host of local and international artists again to perform fresh versions of all their favourite songs. The mood is typically laid-back, the harmonies lush and songs like Homeless with Sarah McLachlan and River of Dreams with Bill Chaplin are charming. 
Freshly Ground Radio Africa
Freshlyground’s fourth album Radio Africa is another impossible-to-resist mix of jazz, rock and Afro-pop that alternates between slow and seductive, upbeat and uplifting. Lead singer Zolani Mahola’s sparkling vocals remain a highlight while musically, the band sounds more confident and mature than ever. Pay close attention to Fire is Low, a gorgeous love song, and joyful opener Moto, which includes a traditional chorus. Also worth noting is Big Man featuring French duo Les Nubians. 
THE President, The Pop Star and Two Princes ...
The Bridge - The Life and Rise of Barrack Obama David Remnick’s account of Barack Obama’s life, after extensive on-the-record interviews with family, friends, teachers, mentors and the man himself, explores the circumstances and experiences that saw Obama on his way to becoming the first African-American president. Picador, R231.
Michael Jackson - the Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story Celebrity biographer J. Randy Tarraborrelli takes us behind the scenes of the key moments in MJ’s life - from his childhood stardom and early success with the Jackson 5 to his extraordinary solo career, from his marriages and children to his addictions and his controversial public behaviour. Pan Books, R136.
William and Harry Katie Nicholl, royal correspondent for the Mail on Sunday, recounts the lives of these two extraordinary, hugely popular royal brothers. She reveals the pair’s real characters from the early years through school and Sandhurst, with details about William’s romance with Kate Middleton and Harry’s relationship with Chelsy Davy. Brilliant for royal watchers. Random House, R215.
Oprah Anyone who’s a fan of Oprah will be fascinated by this biography by Kitty Kelley, who has, over the past 25 years, researched and written on great personalities including Jackie O, Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan and Frank Sinatra. Based on three years of research and 850 interviews, this comprehensive biography of one of the most influential, powerful and admired public figures of our time shows an Oprah behind the public persona and gives a fuller understanding of her important place in American cultural history. Jonathan Ball Publishers, R255.
Triumph - Life After the Cult: A Survivor’s Lessons Carolyn Jessop’s courageous book, Escape (when she and her eight children escaped from an extremist Mormon sect) captured our attention and became an international best-seller. In Triumph, she continues her harrowing tale, telling us the real story behind the 2008 raid on the compound where ‘prophet’ Warren Jeffs had relocated his sect’s ‘most worthy’ members. She shows us how she has triumphed and shows how you can too, no matter what adversity you’re facing. Penguin, R224.
Gripping thrillers and light-hearted romance ... there’s a whole heap of new books on the shelves
Margaret Leroy’s The Perfect Mother revolves round Catriona, a woman who appears to have everything ... until she’s accused of an unspeakable crime. Mira, R130. • Fifteen-year-old Victor Santos finds his mother murdered in Erica Spindler’s Forbidden Fruit. Years later, Detective Victor Santos is tracking down a murderer ... who could be his mother’s killer. Mira, R130. • Years after Julie Bauer’s sister was murdered someone from Julie’s past starts asking why the killer went free. Diane Chamberlain’s The Bay at Midnight, is a gripping thriller. Mira, R130. • Step into the world of small town America in 6 Ranier Drive, the sixth in Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove series. Fans of the on-going saga will love it. Mira, R125. • In Tess Gerritson’s Keeper of the Bride, someone is trying to kill Nina Cormier and she has to decipher the terrifying truth before it’s too late. Mira, R195. •
Two little girls go missing and their families are bound by what has happened ... but in Heather Gudenkauf’s The Weight of Silence, support turns to suspicion. Mira, R190. • In Elizabeth Noble’s The Way We Were a chance meeting between childhood sweethearts who broke up sends shockwaves through their lives. Michael Joseph, R224. • With more than 40 stories by authors like Joanna Trollope, Carole Matthews and Adele Parks, Loves Me, Loves Me Not edited by Katie Fforde offers something for everyone. Mira, R135. • Savour the Moment, Book Three in the Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts, revolves around four women who have a successful wedding planning business. Piatkus, R209. • Catherine Alliott’s light-hearted touch positively sparkles in One Day in May. It’s the hugely entertaining story of single mother Hattie ... can she let herself fall in love again? Penguin, R200. • Paige Nick’s sharp, funny A Million Miles From Normal, is the story of Rachel Marcus. All she wants is a cool job, a guy who has all his own teeth and a decent cup of tea... but will she get her wish? Penguin, R204.
