Our list is compiled from print sales data and other sources. It represents the bestselling books in South Africa from the previous four weeks to 30 May 2020*, and combines Fiction and Non-fiction best sellers.
Months on the list: 2
Previous rank: 7
#1. Call of the Raven
by Wilbur Smith with Corban Addison
The son of a wealthy plantation owner and a doting mother, Mungo St John is accustomed to the wealth and luxuries his privilege has afforded him. That is until he returns from university to discover his family ruined, his inheritance stolen and his childhood sweetheart, Camilla, taken by the conniving Chester Marion.
Months on the list: 13
Previous rank: 2
#2. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
#4. Bassie: My Journey of Hope
by Mark Manson
Zen and the art of running out of f*cks to give, on purpose, as quickly as possible. People aren’t just born not giving a f*ck, after all: you’ve got to learn it. Start here.
A Daily Maverick best seller for a full twelve months.
Months on the list: 13
Previous rank: 3
#3. The 5am Club
by Robin Sharma
Own your mornings, master your life – Sharma’s book has stayed, like Mark Manson’s Subtle Art, on the best seller list for a full year.
Read all about being an early riser and conquering all challenges in your path
Months on the list: 3
Previous rank: 8
#4. Rich Dad, Poor Dad
by Robert T. Kiyosaki
The ‘no. 1 personal finance book of all time’, first published almost 23 years ago, creeps into the SA top ten for the first time since Daily Maverick started compiling this list. At least Sam Beckbessinger’s local title in the same genre is beating it! (See no. 5.)
Months on the list: 2
#5. Grown Ups
by Marian Keyes
Johnny Casey, his two brothers Ed and Liam, their beautiful, talented wives and all their kids spend a lot of time together. Under the surface, though, conditions are murky. While some people clash, other people like each other far too much … As everything unravels, each of the adults finds themselves wondering if it’s finally time to grow up.
Months on the list: NEW
#6. The Alchemist
by Paolo Coehlo
Making its first appearance on our best seller list, this classic (and perennial top 100 title, originally published in 1988) is a fable whose central message is to pursue your dreams by following your heart.
Months on the list: 2
Previous rank: 7
#7. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse
by Charlie Macksey
Months on the list: NEW
(Previous No. 4, Mar 2020)
#8. Manage Your Money like a F*cking Grownup
by Sam Beckbessinger
You don’t know how to budget for your lunch breaks, much less your life. You haven’t asked for a raise in years and you have too many credit cards in your wallet. This book will sort you out. This book is the book to f*cking get. Great to see this SA local title back in the top 10.
Months on the list: NEW
(Previous No. 9, Sep 2019)
#9. Becoming
by Michelle Obama
Obama returns to the bestseller list after several months away. We’re still hoping this is the first book in a trilogy that’s followed by Becoming President and Becoming President Again.
Months on the list: NEW
#10. Cloudburst: A Jack Courtney Adventure
by Wilbur Smith with Chris Wakling
Kicks off a brand-new series for readers 10+. It stars fourteen-year-old Jack Courtney, travelling to Democratic Republic of the Congo with his parents. He and his friends will need their wits about them to navigate the adventure!
* No sales reports between 28 March and 02 May 2020 due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
Past Bestsellers
[No Daily Maverick Best Sellers List May 2020 due to the lockdown]
Daily Maverick Best Sellers List April 2020
Daily Maverick Best Sellers List March 2020
Daily Maverick Best Sellers List February 2020
Daily Maverick Best Sellers List January 2020
Daily Maverick Best Sellers List December 2019
Daily Maverick Best Sellers List November 2019
Daily Maverick Best Sellers List October 2019
Daily Maverick Best Sellers List September 2019
Daily Maverick Best Sellers List August 2019