I Do… Don't I?

Zola Series #2

by Zibu Sithole

I Do ... Don't I? is the much-anticipated sequel to the popular novel The Thing with Zola. It continues the sparkling and tender love story of free-spirited Zola and charismatic Mbali, traversing the vibrant landscapes of Kigali and Johannesburg as they navigate a long-distance relationship and the question of commitment. Will they say I do?

The cast is complete with the interweaving of the vivacious Okuhle on her heart-stirring journey to marriage, the audacious Thobile rebelling against societal norms, and the stoic Ongama navigating upheavals in her married life.

Personal desires collide with expectations, painting a unique picture of the nuances of love, dreams, and the trials of responsibilities and relationshipping. The result is a whirlwind of emotions, laughter, poignant revelations and the quest for a fairytale ending.

I Do … Don't I? is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2024

Reviews

[Shaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

I typically don’t read book series or sequels, but I decided to give this one a try after enjoying the first book, despite its many unresolved plot points. This installment maintains a similar thread, with an episodic narrative structure that is very contemporary South Africa. It has the potential to be adapted into a Netflix special. The story made me reflect on themes of loneliness, friendship, and the sacrifices we make in pursuit of luxury and comfort.

However, while I wanted more from the story, it didn’t quite land for me. The reliance on shock value ultimately made the plot too predictable. I was left wanting to know more about the fates of characters like Gunté and Zozo. While this book certainly has its place, and readers of romance and commercial fiction will likely enjoy it, I found that it fell short of its potential.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when a book is pitch perfect, this I DO... DON'T I? is exactly that.

From the moment I read THE THING WITH ZOLA last summer, I wanted more of and from Zola, and Zibu delivered.

Of course Zibu had to end I DO... DON'T I? with a momumentous cliffhanger that it begs for book 3.

Once again Zibu delivered a great group read. So many discussion points for a book club session. From the romance that fails to launch... it seems, to a mother who not only childes and cracks the whip, but protects her children like a motherhen, a misunderstood teenager to all those nuances that only a black girl can understand that I found myself nodding in some places and chuckling in others and so much more.

I loved it, and I can guarantee that you are going to love it too♥️

[Balthazarinblue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how much I'd enjoy this because when I read romance, I like meet-cutes. Weddings are ehhh. But I was so invested in the characters after the first book, that I jumped in with the readalong and I'm glad I did. Don't get me wrong, there was a LOT of drama, but interesting drama: traditional or western wedding; is lobola respectful or demeaning; should any of these couples be getting married at all??? I was into it. Big ups to my girl, Zozo, for realising her worth. <3

[LizBetweenTheLines · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sequels have the unfair (dis?)advantage of walking into the book already knowing the characters and therefore going in there with expectations. I wasn’t rooting for a single couple here. Still funny though.

[Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do… don’t by @zibu_sithole_writes

I love The Thing About Zola and this book is a sequel to that.

Sithole deliberately creates a world where Black people’s interior lives are examined. The examination is filled with nuance and care. In Sithole’s world, love in all its manifestations is chaotic.

Zola goes through a lot. She needs to move back home after a successful time in Rwanda. Her relationship with Mbali goes through some tough periods. She also succeeds in a number of things, she becomes a better sister and she gets a big promotion.

Okuhle… Okuhle!!!!! Sithole used Okuhle to ask deeper questions around love. How do we show up in love? What is our “best life”? Should we change? Is marriage important? I kept wondering if I were Okuhle what I would do in her shoes. Okuhle also reminds us friendships aren’t as common as we would like to believe.

Zoleka does things to get married to her childhood sweetheart but is that the right decision for her? Is her life a cautionary tale or a reality for many Black women?

This book is packed with familial conflicts, questions about when is the right time to get married, infidelity and trust, mothers and in-laws, the harsh reality of the township and navigating the public transportation system.

I wanted more from this book but in the end, I enjoyed the ride with all her characters and selfishly want more.

[Qoqanani Mkhwanazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zibu wrote another humorous and whimsical romance novel, leaving us wanting to fall in love.

We returned to Zola and Okuhle's worlds and enjoyed every twist.

Okuhle falls in love, and I can understand why she changed herself to win love, considering what she did for Mbali's attention in the previous novel.

Zola spends the book going through all sorts of emotions with Mbali, and the author leaves us wondering does it all really work out.

Between the two books, we are certainly growing with Zola and Okuhle. I loved the book, read it in one night and I don't regret missing out on sleep.

PS: Zibu there has to be a third installment

[Masego · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall thoughts: it’s like one of those trash tv shows you can’t stop watching even though the plot is a mess

-Zola is actually unlikeable. Very passive aggressive. Has a tendency of looking down on people.
- Why did Mbali not move in with his mom at her house???
- Mbali’s mom crashing out over the cheating man she kept forgiving ???
- Okuhle changing her entire personality for Leruo???
- The number of times I read the word “demure” aowa
- Mbali’s mom ?? Treating him like he’s still a child. Are most boy moms really like this?? Cringe
- Not sure if Zola and Mbali are compatible, doesn’t seem like they have chemistry

The ending gave me “ Madea’s family reunion” vibes

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this! There's so much drama that I literally imagined it in full technicolor, as if I was watching it play out onscreen in front of me! It's full of conversation-starters: lobola and if it remains relevant in a modern, culturally based marriage; the entire discussion of wedding planning and who has the most influence, the couple, the parents, or whoever's wallet is the heaviest; misogyny and how much women tolerate from their men ... it's all here and it's so, so, good! Best of all ... the ending and the enticing idea of Book Number Three!

[Tendani Selai · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished I Do, Don’t I by Zibu Sithole, the sequel to The Thing with Zola,. I absolutely loved the first book moreee!!!! 🥹❤️
My main challenge in this book was keeping track of the characters and their relationships.

At some point, Mbali’s distance or disappearance made Zola question herself. That said, I did enjoy the romantic moments sprinkled throughout , they offered sweet glimpses of connection that reminded me of what I loved in book one.🥹❤️

And yes, there was a touch of spice, which I appreciated! It was subtle and PG-13, which worked well for the tone of the story. 😊

[Caroline Nyakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had thought I was going to experience the beautiful wedding of Zola and Mbali, even though they only got engaged at the end of the book, I loved the story and how it flowed. The characters story line was amazing, a beautiful African story. Hlehle's relationship had red flags from the get go, and I thought their relationship wasn't going to survive Hlehle telling Leruo the truth but love conquered.

[Faziela Harris-Davids · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love the story, the definition of when life happens, Zola and Mbai really are going through the most. I will say, I do wish Okuhle got her comeuppance. Just a little bit.
But by far Mthunzi is my favourite character. We all need a Mthunzi in our lives

[Kaylyn Pautz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that this book is honestly such a great read. It truly captures South African life beautifully.

The drama in everyone’s lives really keeps the reader invested. Zola is just this wholesome character who has a vision for her life. And we all know how those visions can go! Okuhle is a girl who needs to get her life together 😂. And her mom needs to stop controlling her life (but again, this book is very South African). Mbali… I have no words for him. He definitely has a good character arc.

This book covers some really important topics, like Lobola and traditional African weddings. It discusses what it means to be African and what it means to stay true to who you are.

I highly recommend this book if you love a bit of romance and a bunch of drama!

[Nkesh]

Every once in a while, you read a South African novel and be so thoroughly entertained, you can vividly imagine it being turned into a film or a television series. These books were that for me.

[Alma Alma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first - mostly because it was about all the challenges the couple face which muddied the water.

[Lindiwe Nkabane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read. Relatable. Nearly got bored towards the end.

[Matshemo Matlala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful. Lighthearted.

[readwithvel (bookishrebel01) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot of drama, funny, romantic, sassy, and overall, just so entertaining and fun to read.