African Lit with A42
Ice-Cream Headache in My Bone with Phillippa Yaa De Villiers
Join us at A42 House for an extraordinary evening of literature, conversation, and community as we dive into South African poetry.
A42 in partnership with Bridge Books is thrilled to host a special poetry book reading and discussion of Ice-Cream Headache in My Bone, and even more excited to welcome the author herself, Phillippa Yaa De Villiers, as our special guest!
Phillippa’s writing confronts and disrupts, diving into a wellspring of imagery that manages to be both euphoric and horrifying, prophetic and playful.
Whether you are a lifelong poetry lover or simply looking for an evening of profound local culture and captivating storytelling, this space is for you.
When: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: A42 House, 6A 8th Avenue, Parktown North, Johannesburg
If you’re attending and would like a copy of Ice-Cream Headache in My Bone ready for you, you can preorder it now.
Romance Recs
A Love That Heals by Catherine Phiri
Friday I’m in Love By Camryn Garrett
Love by Nthikeng Mohlele
Fabrics of Love by Lebo Mazibuko
Summertime Dreams by Debbie Macomber
Romance… and murder
Can’t choose between thriller and romance? Just have both.
Love Marry Kill by Zukiswa Wanner
Iqunga by Dudu Busani-Dube
Upcoming events
A morning with Tanya Zack: The Chaos Precinct and Ethiopian coffee
The Rand Club and Tanya Zack invite you to a book and coffee morning with Little Addis Café and us, Bridge Books.
This event on Saturday 18 July will kick-off at 11:00 with an Ethiopian coffee experience presented by Little Addis Café. Bunu (coffee), ambasha (Ethiopian celebration bread), popcorn and kolo (crunchy roasted grain snack) will be served.
The incredible author and great friend of Bridge Books, Tanya Zack will then present a talk on and sign copies of her recent book, The Chaos Precinct: Johannesburg as a Port City.
Date: Saturday 18 July
Time: 11:00
Where: The Rand Club
Tickets: The book presentation is free. Coffee experience R120pp
Lunch and drinks will be available in the Main Bar. Please book at restaurant@randclub.co.za
Listening Spaces Vol VIII - Mozart Horn Concerto
Join House of Shem’s Listening Spaces at Bridge Books on Saturday 18 July.
Mozart wrote the Horn Concerto No. 4 in E-flat major in 1786 — reportedly as a joke between friends. What came out was one of the most joyful, mischievous, and quietly brilliant pieces in the classical repertoire.
At Listening Spaces, we sit with it properly. No background music. No distraction. Just twenty people, one room, and Mozart doing what Mozart does best — making you feel things you didn’t expect.
We listen together. Then we talk. No expertise required — not knowing is the whole point. Curiosity counts for more than qualifications here. Because ag shem, it isn’t much fun alone, is it?
Date: 18 July 2026
Time: 14:00
Where: Bridge Books, 89 Helen Joseph St, Marshalltown
Tickets: R50pp
The month ahead
18 July: A Morning with Tanya Zack at the Rand Club
18 July: Listening Spaces with House of Shem
22 July: African Lit with A42
25 July: Silent Reading Club
Did you know you can host your event at Bridge?
Our Barbican space seats up to 50 people and is available for book launches, readings, workshops and any other event!
@bridgebooks - I’m coming to the poetry reading at A42 and I’d like to preorder a copy. Can I just click ‘pick up’ on checkout and you bring it with? Or should I have it delivered? Let me know what’ll work better :) thank you, so excited!