Just a week after its release a book written by a Capetonian titled “Living Coloured” reached number 1 on the Exclusive Books bestseller’s list.

Cape Flats dad of three, Yusuf Daniels has done the Mother City proud by writing an exceedingly successful best selling book with no previous writing experience.

Just two month’s ago Daniels started writing his book without any intention of publishing it.  Close friend decided to make sure his story was shared. Prior to his book release, Daniels only ever shared his stories over social media.

Daniels and a fan.

“My story came out of absolutely no where. Never written before. Just shared some fun stories on Facebook and that’s how it started. My book is about my life growing up on the Cape Flats as a kid and through the Apartheid era. But we always made the best of any situation and we enjoyed life our way, the coloured way. Fun and laughter and community spirit,” says Daniels.

Daniels says the book went on sale and sold out all in the same day at Exclusive Books in Cavendish Square on June 1.

The book is an amalgamation of all the stories from Daniels’ life that are specifically relatable to those who grew up in the Mother City.

“All the recent success is absolutely humbling. Today you can be no one and tomorrow you have a book selling out in stores. Everything happens on God’s time, not ours.” says Daniels.

The cover of Daniels’ book ‘Living Coloured’.

Before his book Daniels is most proud of his children and says their stamp of approval means everything to him.

Daniels works a full-time job at an auction company and says he is often told by other parents that their children read his book and it brings him great joy.

‘Living Coloured’ is a unique viewpoint of a Capetonian childhood that not only makes locals proud but also proves that we are enough just as we are and our stories all have meaning.

You can get your hands on a copy of the book for just R140 at Exclusive Books.

Pictures: Facebook/Yusuf Daniels

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