Once in a while a publisher receives a book submission that makes them sit back in their chair, read out loud what is in front of them and laugh at the pure joy the writing and imagery evoke. This was the case with the first three short stories author Yusuf Daniels submitted to Jacana Media.

They were instantly recognisable. They were funny as hell. The nostalgia, triggered by the mere mention of a sight, sound or smell, instantly transported the reader to a time and place that spoke to Coloured culture and lived experiences on the Cape Flats and surrounding townships. There was something magical about the way Daniels recollected his memories from his childhood in those first three stories, which he had also posted on Facebook, eliciting a slew of likes, shared experiences and feedback from his followers to “write more” and “do you remember, Yussie …”.

Living Coloured (because Black and White were Already Taken) is a compilation of short stories that is an ode to an era all Cape Coloured people will instantly recognise – from the nightclubbing at Space Odyssey and the shenanigans at the Mitchells Plain public swimming pool, to the traditions of delectable food exchanges during Ramadan among Muslims and Christians, alike. This book truly is a tribute to all that the Coloured community holds dear and sings of the spirit which helped them eek out an existence on the dusty flat plains of the Cape.

But as you read story after story, you will also be confronted with the blatant racism that was the Group Areas Act, the legacy of a people removed and dumped in this windswept place that wasn’t of their own making, and the constant forging ahead to make life worthwhile under very harsh political and economic circumstances. The stories will also leave you seething with anger at the sheer brutality of what this community had to endure (and still do), while their black counterparts in the township next door lived even harsher realities.

Yusuf is at it again, but this time bringing us some epic stories of his three kids which he calls his dragons.
From the one dragon almost being airlifted by an eagle, to the other dragon who decided to use the Sun City pool as his toilet.. My little dragon is now pulling out as many feathers of that eagle as she can. Is mos self-defense. The Trainer is going befukkk, as half a bird has been plucked already. Just then I'm thinking of applying for a job for this child at County Fair. This child mos knows how to pluck man.

Yusuf brings another epic book to life with some hard-hitting stories with his usual craziness added. From gold deals at KFC to hustling in China, not forgetting his near-death experiences. Stories that you feel like you were there. Following on his previous best selling books Living Coloured: (because Black and White Were Already Taken) and Living Lekka: (from Mitchells Plain to Aeroplane).

Just shut the F* up and get over yourselves. You've had your chance to make it work, and it didn't. Am I a bit harsh? Of course I am. Maybe because this is the only way some people will take in what is about to go down in this story.

This story is not actually about you. It's about how you and your ex need to get along and make sure you rear children who will actually have a chance at life, because the two of you decided to be civilised and make that child your priority. Why do we say such hurtful things to each other after divorce?! We bad mouth each other when we around other people and confront of the kids.

The mother of your child. The father of your child. The woman or the man you were once so in love with. The one who caused your lack of sleep because you couldnt wait to see them the next day. The one we were so intimate with, and shared those special moments with. The one you built a home with. The one who was there for you through good and bad. The one who was there for you when you needed someone the most. The one we would call five times a day because we were so in love . The one who cooked for you and looked after your children. The one who protected you and made sure you are in a comfortable home. The one who had your back. How easily do we forget that person played such a huge role in our lives.

Do you think people care about you and your problems. Hell no, they have their own issues, their own set of problems to deal with, nevermind your drama. All you are doing, is giving them "bek-werk". We can say whatever we like, but remember those words can never be taken back.

Don't REACT!

Process, take your time, and then respond...

Yusuf Daniels brings this book to life with some epic stories from falling in love for the first time, parading in his orange Speedo on Clifton Beach to travelling the world as a flight attendant, experiencing life like you have never seen before.

"We are all different and we all have been through many experiences in life. Some good and some not so good. What I have discovered is that this journey which is filled with laughter, tears, regrets, mistakes, and multiple chapters in our life, prepares us for later in life. If all of this didn’t happen to me, I would not have finished my second book. If you told me this just over a year ago, that I would be releasing my second book, I would have told you that you are crazy. It is our legacy and we need to leave it behind so it can be told by our great grandchildren one day. Don’t be scared to tell your story, don’t be scared to write it the way you feel it should be written. You don’t need a degree to be able to write your stories. Just look at me. There is no ONE way of writing, as we are all individuals and all unique. Don’t listen to the naysayers as they are just there to stall your growth and take you with them on their negative path. Stay positive, be true to yourself and just be you, because there’s only one of you. So, make the best of you and keep on LIVING LEKKA."

Yusuf is at it again, but this time bringing us some epic stories of his three kids which he calls his dragons.
From the one dragon almost being airlifted by an eagle, to the other dragon who decided to use the Sun City pool as his toilet.."My little dragon is now pulling out as many feathers of that eagle as she can. Is mos self-defense. The Trainer is going befukkk, as half a bird has been plucked already. Just then I'm thinking of applying for a job for this child at County Fair. This child mos knows how to pluck man."