To Quote Myself: Abridged Version

by Khaya Dlanga

Khaya Dlanga has established himself as one of the most influential individuals in South African media, particularly social media, a platform he uses to promote discussions on topics that range from the frivolous to the profound. In To Quote Myself, Khaya recounts entertaining and moving stories about his roots and upbringing in rural Transkei, how he made his mark at school as well as his time spent studying advertising and as a stand-up comedian.
This adaptation is designed for a younger audience, written in simpler language, looking at some of the more life changing chapters from To Quote Myself. The aim is to share Khaya’s Story with as many people as possible.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, South Africa

69 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Dwayne Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the journey through Khaya's life. I guess to be honest I want to know his mother better. What made this woman sacrifice so much, what gave her such drive to make sure her kids got the best education possible? Khaya's sense of humour shines through everything. The way he deals with racism is powerful, uplifting and disarming. When Khaya says something you listen, even if its a twitter msg. Read the book and find out why its worth listening to and laughing with Khaya.

[Sipho Lukhele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an unusual eye opener for me to a lot of thing's. The big one being the ignorance from my side. I always assumed Khaya had it easy and never thought he worked as hard as he did to get where he is today. All thanks to his visionary mom and good education to an extent. Below is what I loved best from the book:

How can two people who started off in life from the same place, the same village and school, end up leading such completely different lives? It is not always our brilliance that take us out of poverty. Good luck and parents who see further than others are also key - only then does hard work come into play.

[Andiswa M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read Khaya's first book and it had nothing to do with its size just never got to it,however i couldn't have read to 'quote myself' at a better time.From the moment i picked it i couldn't put it down.Hes Khaya and hes uniquely funny yet drives the point straight home.I couldn't help but be in awe of how hard he worked to be where he is today, I mean a boy from Dutyeni.Its amazing how poverty can drive one to be the better version of themselves forging through against all the odds.

[Edina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Khaya Dlanga has some remarkable life experiences to share in this memoir. He approaches this with great wit and engaging storytelling, packed with every possible emotion. There are moments you can't avoid the big belly laughs, and then there are bits that tag at your heart strings. I don't know if this was intended, but I also got a peak into the world of advertising to boot! Overall, great read!

[Monique Snyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoirs about South African celebrities doesn't, in my opinion and according to my personal tastes, exactly scream: "Read me!" I mean, they're a dime a dozen, and they rarely do anything for me on a personal level, so I tend to steer clear. As a reviewer, however, they sometimes cross my desk, and I sometimes have to suck it up and read the damn book. I'll be honest, I've been putting off reading To Quote Myself by Khaya Dlanga for over a year ... It's not that I have anything against the author, because I don't even know the guy, it's just the bloody genre! Anyway, so I have the first edition (the one that's made it onto the list of getting stolen out of bookstores and libraries the most in 2015), and it was tucked into one of my review mountains for ages ... Then, Pan Macmillan SA sent me the second edition, and I knew it was time ... So, I read it, and believe it or not, I actually enjoyed it a lot!

Often, I found myself laughing at the stories, or saying out loud: "True that," or: "I feel you," or just plain: "Wow." It's a fun read at times, a bit darker at others. It's also much shorter than I anticipated, and just pulls the reader into the world of a South African social celeb. Not only did I get a glimpse of Khaya Dlanga's life, but I got to know him a little better outside the internet. Because life's not all sunshine and roses, you know?

Do I regret having put To Quote Myself off for so long? Yes, definitely. It's an insightful little book with a lot of LOL moments, but I also learned a lot. Does it mean I'm going to willingly pick up other memoirs by South African celebs? Err ... if it's got something to do with rugby or politics, count me out. Truth be told, memoirs - in general - isn't my thing. That said, I really wouldn't mind if Khaya Dlanga wrote something else. He's got a unique outlook on life that would translate exceptionally well into works of fiction.

Readers who are looking for something captivating and full of life lessons will find To Quote Yourself an enjoyable, fulfilling read. It's definitely one of the most recommendable books I've got on my bookshelf.

Review originally posted on:

[Messy Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have this tradition, that the first book of the year has to be something non fiction, something that will inspire me.

I was not planning on reading this book, I had another book planned for the start of 2023. I was bored and it was in front of me so I read it, to pass time.

Although I’m South African, I didn’t know who Khaya was so I went in with zero expectations.

And it had me hooked from the first page. It was my first time reading a memoir, I’m a nonfiction, fantasy novel kind of girl, so me reading this was totally out of character.

I was hooked from the first page. For the first time, I read a book of someone whose life was so similar to mine. It was definitely the dose of inspiration I needed for this year.

And it was so funny! The joy I experienced while reading this was something I really needed

[Cassey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read that's a reminder of a few things. The most important being that everyone has a story to tell. And the other that to succeed you need more than luck, you need luck with handwork, talent and tenacity.

[Kamohelo Mohlauli · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a fantastic read. Khaya is a very prolific writer with an enviable memory. It did take me a while to finish because certain parts felt like a re-hash of "These things really to happen to me", but I was so glad to have stuck it out.

[Unathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am Khaya in some ways and Mongezi in others'. It is only because I don't why I would be crying, that I am not crying, yet somehow this book makes me want to wail and holler out loud.

[Buhle Manyoni]

Great book, i couldn't put it down. It confirmed lessons that we learn through life challenges

[Nonele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I related a lot to this book

[Rithwik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too funny. Something to take away from every page. Time to read the rest of his stuff.

[Beulah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal read with great pieces of wisdom. I finished the book in an hour, I simply couldn’t put it down!

[Lwazi Bangani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A significant lesson from this book is to exist beyond your percieved ideas. I probably delayed reading this book for about a year because it was authored by Khaya Dlanga. A media personality whom I believed only existed to push a mainstream narrative. And O was I wrong.

Khaya took me on a journey of struggle, hope and ultimate privilege. I was immersed in this awakening story of a young man from the rural and township Eastern Cape who then transitions into the city life of Cape Town and eventually graduating to the City of Joburg where he thrives.

This is a great book filled with humour and significant insights on career growth, relationships, politics and spirituality to mention a few. It is very hard not to relate to Khaya regardless of how hard you try not to.

Otherwise I must say, after this book I will never have a shallow view on a person again.

* Khaya’s journey has challenged and shifted my mindset on life for the better. So, If you happen to come across this book pick it up it is a gem.

[Charlotte Luzuka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Khaya's writing is honest, reflective and funny. I can see why he has done so well for himself in the advertising world. It has given great insight into what it takes to overcome obstacles. Hard work is key, but without support and advocacy and luck, hard work will just leave you tired and probably still in front of that obstacle.

Thanks for sharing your journey with us Khaya. I have learnt some things that I'd love to try out. I also see you in a different light. Here's to more success, so that you can write that second and third book.

[Mary-Anne Lekoma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I know that Khaya is funny, that he's eloquent and I also know that he's a great storyteller (have you read his Instagram captions?). But I guess I just didn't expect such an inspiring story. I don't just read my books, I like to climb inside them and live the story, fiction or not. To Quote Myself came with that very invitation with my name on it. Khaya tells his moving story so easily and beautifully. Its also such a relatable story, one almost all South Africans know. But don't let the simplicity of the story fool you. You will be crying and laughing through the book. Read it!

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this on the recommendation of Trevor Noah. It was obviously written for a South African audience. There were lots of words and phrases I didn't recognize. It didn't distract too much from the story. An interesting look at South Africa. It didn't dwell much on the political situation. More one man's life in another country.

[Siyamthanda Skota · Rating 3 out of 5]

This star rating business is quite tricky at times because this book is not on the same level as the books I've given a 3 star rating before. But it also does not deserve a 2 star rating. *sigh*

[Nassir Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating memoir with many lessons to be learnt.

[Coin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished this book after a reading half of it in three hours then taking a two-month break because I couldn't get over THAT EMO PART.

[Vusi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that had to be told.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read - enjoyable

[Nandipha Zele]

very interesting read about Khaya Dlanga's success and life

[Valencia · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and easy to read life story. Enjoyed all the wit n quirkinesses in the story.