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Beaven Tapureta Bookshelf
New different books rest on one another, as we open to read the other. Alive the bookshelf becomes with poetry, fiction and motivational writing.

One of the books is titled “Tribute to Penny” (Forteworx Press, 2018), a collaborative poetry anthology featuring friends of the late poet and journalist Brian Tafadzwa Penny. The book was launched on April 21 this year at Shingirayi Conference Centre in Mbare with various poets, workmates and speakers taking turns to remember Penny.

Martin Matamba, a representative of Mbare Arts Guild and a close friend, described Penny as ‘a forceful character’ and before he died, they had planned to hold a Christmas party for Mbare artists.

“Not only has the family been robbed of poet, a hard worker, someone who planted a seed of love between us, but the whole nation has lost a talent,” said Matamba.

Forteworx Press co-director Givemore Mhlanga described Penny as a hard worker who was now at the peak of his career. However, Mhlanga said he was being saddened by the lack of support between artists.

“Brian helped many friends but none made an effort to be in Chimanimani where the funeral was held. It’s a sad feature in the arts sector even today. Let us lead by example, let us visit each other when one of us gets ill. Let us celebrate each other while we live,” said Mhlanga.

About thirty-eight poets are featured in this collection in English, Shona and Ndebele languages. “Tribute to Penny” carries the tears and memories of writing fellows, and it also is being sold to raise funds to assist the family of the late Brian Penny.

Another new book “The Art of Realising Your Dream” is motivational literature. It landed in the Bookshelf few days ago although according to the author Abel Mavura, the book is already making an impact on readers. Multi-talented Mavura draws wisdom from his personal experiences which he shares in the language of encouragement. His book, blessed with sixteen chapters constantly referring to his life, is helpful to the young dreamers. Some of the chapters cover discipline, courage, positive thinking, and the temptation to quit one’s dream.

Mavura told Bookshelf that readers are responding well to his book particularly through social media.

“I like the social media angle also. I trained youths and women in Ghana on how they can utilise social media to advance their rights,” said Mavura.

Two more motivational books were recently published in Harare. Well-known poet and life coach Tendai Maduwa launched the second edition of his book “Nuggets of Success” (2018) last month while Blessings E Moyo gave out a practical guide to getting the best out of one’s life titled “Transform Your Life From Inside Out” (2018, DOMY Press).

There is also a book of fiction among the new, titled “After the Fire” (2018, Pearl Press Media) by Given Chikomborero Nyambuya.

It is a novel about displacement. A couple (Mark and Suzan who are farm workers) is caught up in the fiery violence that takes place at Mr Moore’s farm and they have to leave for South Africa in search of a better life. Yet xenophobic violence and betrayal awaits them. In the end, the couple dies, leaving behind a son in the care of their former employer Mr. Moore whom they had met in South Africa.

“After the Fire” is indeed a painful novel as the main characters have no peace and they die, leaving an orphan.