Saturday, July 26, 2014

Good Morning, Mr. Mandela by Zelda la Grange {+Giveaway}


Good Morning Mr. Mandela coverOne’s most feared enemy can sometimes become one’s closest ally and friend when given the opportunity.

That’s one of the life lessons Zelda la Grange expresses in her recent memoir – GOOD MORNING, MR. MANDELA. La Grange, a white Afrikaner, grew up in segregated South Africa and went on to work for Nelson Mandela for almost two decades.

La Grange describes how growing up her family supported the regime and the rules of apartheid. She notes the man she would one day call “Khulu” or “grandfather” was referred to as a “terrorist” by her conservative family.

A young secretary working in a government typing pool, La Grange became one of three private secretaries to President Mandela in 1997. She later became an aide-de-camp and managed his office when Mandela retired, becoming a full-time employee in 2002 of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

This is a moving and inspiring story about La Grange’s journey and how it was shaped by a man who she had been taught to fear and hate. It’s a story of how her life was transformed by the man who also transformed a nation.

La Grange shares insight into her thoughts and feelings for this remarkable man, as well as sharing a closer look at the private side of him.

GOOD MORNING, MR. MANDELA is a blend of history, culture, personal journey, inspiration, love, caring, friendship, and loyalty. It’s a glimpse at a legend that was also a caring and forgiving man and the woman who found a true friend in an enemy she was supposed to distrust.

Good Morning, Mr. Mandela: A Memoir by Zelda la Grange, Viking Adult, @2014, ISBN: 978-0525428282, Hardcover, 384 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks to the lovely Emma at Penguin Group, I have a print copy of GOOD MORNING, MR. MANDELA to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end Sunday, Aug. 3.

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load, so please be patient. The winner from this giveaway will have 72 hours to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. The email will have ‘Thoughts in Progress GOOD MORNING, MR. MANDELA in the subject line, just so you know what to watch for (in case it goes into your spam folder).

I so appreciate you stopping by today. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out this intriguing story of history and personal growth. What’s on your reading radar for today?

*This post contains affiliate links.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

10 comments:

  1. Hi Mason - I've been looking forward to reading this book .. as everytime I've seen Zelda or heard her talk ... she's been fascinating. Incredible turn around of allegiances ... once we understand the other side.

    Mandela was an amazing man and her insights will be quite extraordinary I would think. Having lived in South Africa with that period late 70s to early 90s ... she will cover a similar era ... I've just ordered it ...

    There will be some inspiring information in there ... thanks for posting this .. cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary, it can be incredible once we begin to understand one another. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the book, especially since you've seen and heard the author in person.

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  2. I bet it's really moving. Coming from that kind of family background, I'm sure the prejudice was difficult to overcome. Ignorance and fear just continue to breed.

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    1. Alex, it is sad that we continue to live in a world filled with ignorance, fear and hate.

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  3. there are so many different opinions about him.... Propaganda from both sides....

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  4. Mason - Such an interesting perspective on what Mandela was like, I'm sure. And it does sound inspiring. Thanks for sharing this.

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    1. Margot, the different perspective was one of the things that drew me to the story - quite interesting.

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  5. Thanks for this interesting feature which is intriguing. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. A fascinating read about a fascinating man. I shall look forward to reading this.

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