These Things Really do Happen to Me

by Khaya Dlanga

Some people know Khaya Dlanga as a highly regarded marketing professional, who has worked for several advertising agencies and global-chip companies, but most people know Khaya as a collector and teller of stories. From his early vlogs to his lively discussions on various social media platforms, Khaya’s words have shown us how we all have stories to share and how stories can bring people together.In These Things Really Do Happen To Me, Khaya describes everyday experiences that have shaped his life. He recounts amusing anecdotes – from chasing horses as a child in rural Transkei, to the time he fell asleep next to President Thabo Mbeki – as well as moving stories, such as meeting his sister for the first time and only time. Not one to shy away from heavyweight topics, Khaya also shares why conversations about race are not controversial, what his feelings on feminism are, why we must bring back small talk, and how to take a sneaky break when your family is working you too hard.

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2018

Reviews

[Puleng Hopper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately. The book did not quite do it for me.

I was disappointed that stories contained in the previous book “To Quote Myself” (2015) , were rehashed , shortened and simplified.

The white and black images would have been effective and livelier if they were in colour.

The book will most certainly appeal to people who hardly read recreationally , a younger, digital , social media community that is always on the run , readers seeking a simple and easy book to get them back into their reading habit. Also people who don’t mind repeat stories.

My expectations were perhaps misplaced as I thought that, in this new book, I would find new stories about Dlanga’s adult and corporate success as opposed to mostly stories already documented in his previous books. Please note that there are already two versions of “To Quote Myself” the other being for a younger audience.

The book is well written , funny in part, and will definitely be a hit to it's intended market. But, it lacked the extraordinary element that is the ingredient of great memoirs .

[Sipho · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing and witty, this book reads like a collection of long Instagram posts. Which is good and bad, depending on your mood - its incredibly easy to read, but lacks cohesiveness as it jumps from seemingly unrelated story to story.

Also disappointed by the grammatical errors in several parts of the book, which is down to poor editing probably.

All in all, a fun and engaging telling of the black South African experience.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A light yet reflective read. Loved all the stories which took me back to my childhood. Khaya writes like a conversationalist and some stories had me in stitches.

If you are looking for a meaty and light read, this book is for you.

[Aileen Nyathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books by a South African Author. This book is a range of stories from different parts of Khayas life and the lessons he learnt throughout his journey. The author takes us on a journey full of laughter, hardships and very meaningful life lessons where we learning about life in the rural areas of the eastern cape, trying to build a solid career in the city and also navigating your early 20s including failed romance. Khaya has a fantastic way of painting pictures with his words and allowing the reader to truly embrace his witty yet awkward character. A perfect title because wow - those things really did happen to him and all of them are fantastic to read about! Highly recommend.

[Olwethu Leshabane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Khaya Dlanga is effortlessly hilarious.
He writes with so much vulnerability. In a world that is constantly telling men to be vulnerable and then reacting to vulnerable men with "Man up and be logical", I revere his ability to make us laugh through the tragic and the joyous times of his life and how he will make us laugh, drop our walls and guards, and then proceed to tug at our humanity.

[Patience · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fair

A couple of good stories. Liked that it was real and the representation of what life is was not brandished with fantasy items. Cool read would have loved more stories though, some of them were too random and it didn't help with the title.

[Gcinashe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, easy read. Had moments of laughing out loud. Khaya does a great job of describing and making you understand what his trying to get across. He also touches on so many important and necessary topics. Really worth reading!

[Happy Mphahlele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book.. I want more stories..

[Alvin Karangizi · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant - mix of stories on culture, relationships and race. some of his stories were really hilarious!

[Nonele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read. Read it in one sitting and could not stop laughing

[Refilwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the way KD expresses himself and the jokes🤣 was a fun easy read

[Thato Mphela · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking fot a great story and laughter. This is it🙌

[Vuyiswa Fumba · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 40%

[Rithwik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disorganized but funny.

[Mpho Msuthwana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was well written …lost me at some parts

[Mamokgethi Moumakwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humorous and genuine reflection on some of unforgettable moments in his life shared beautifully. I like how he shared some of his embarrassing moments with a lot of humor. Enjoyed this read.

[Sizwe Lekoba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light-hearted and as easy of a read as it gets. Khaya is able to give his life stories on an unpolished, old and overused platter, which is indicitive of the trails, laughters, tribulations and successes he encounters throughout his life. On top of all that, there's some relatability you can take from each chapter, from The Blue Seal Vaseline to the Sunday walks to church with uMagogo. Definetly one for the books. Get it;).

[Sipho Lukhele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like Trevor Noah says on the cover, these are stories you would expect to hear from a best friend. They are told frankly, not too long and both light and often heavy. Khaya is a very liberal individual who was really raised well by his grand parents and mother.

This is a book for anyone, even those who are not avid readers.

[Charles Angel]

What a read!!! It makes you think about what is important

[Colleen Mulrooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected, delightful read.
Funny, sad and uplifting. I really enjoyed this.

[Mj · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book - totally loved it

[Tarryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this collection of anecdotes - funny, fascinating and wise.