328. High Voltage Tattoo by Kat Von D

 

BOOK REVIEW: High Voltage Tattoo by Kat Von D

Some of you ladies may be familiar with the Kat Von D make-up line, especially that oh-so-sexy Tattoo Eyeliner which gives you an effortless cat eye wing like no other eyeliner can. But do you know the equally sexy and strong lady behind this brand?

Kat Von D is the star of LA Ink, a TV program that was launched in 2007. A talented tattooist, she set the Guinness World Record for doing the most tattoos in a 24-hour period.

This book is a raw look at her childhood as well as her trials and tribulations in the tattoo world. As with any great tattooist, she gives her insights on what and who inspired her to create her world-famous renditions of body art.

If you are a tattoo aficionado or thinking to get one, this book will get you striding to the nearest tattoo parlor nearby. Filled to the brim with various tattoo designs, from Kat Von d and other famous tattooists around the world.

I found this book to be an eye-opener as tattoos are always looked upon as taboo in conservative Asian cultures. Getting a tattoo also has negative connotations due to unnecessary misconceptions. By reading this book, I fully understand tattooing as a personal form of expression and a form of beauty as well. Awesome read!  

327. Needful Things by Stephen King

BOOK REVIEW: Needful Things by Stephen King

The reason why I don't give up on Stephen King is because of his superb writing skills, although it spans only the horror genre. The way the plot twists seem to kick you in the gut everytime you read, sending you reeling is one to look out for. And Needful Things certainly doesn't dissapoint.

There was a new shop in town, run by a stranger (Leland Gaunt, spoiler alert!). Needful Things, the sign said. The oddest name. A name that caused some gossip and speculation among the good folks of Castle Rock, Maine, while they waited for opening day.

11-year-old Brian Rusk was the first customer and he got just what he wanted, a very rare 1956 Sandy Koufax baseball card signed by the baseball player himself. Cyndi Rose Martin was next. A Lalique vase which seemed to be the perfect match for her living room decor.

There was something for everyone, something you really had to have. And always at a price you could just about afford. The cash price that is because there was another price. There always is when your heart's most secret, true desire is for sale...

The story roughly revolves around how innocent people are roped in to do the work of evil, specifically the order of Yog-Sothoth, the Dark Keeper of Time and Space. It wasn't scary but the novel had an eerie, jumpy feel which was almost realistic. The author is truly the blessing of all horror lovers. 

 

326. Meet Your Bacteria by Nicola Temple and Catherine Whitlock

BOOK REVIEW: Meet Your Bacteria by Nicola Temple and Catherine Whitlock

Bacteria may be one of the grossest things to even think or talk about. Sadly, these microorganisms are looked upon with disgust. Of course there are the bad ones and there are those who are heroes in disguise.

Did you know your body is a habitat? It houses an entire ecosystem of interacting microorganisms that form your own personal microbiome, your own unique set of bacteria.

This book looks at how your bacteria behave, how they benefit you (or otherwise) and how you can encourage the good to stay and the bad to depart.

It examines their role in key areas of the body: the skin, eyes, mouth, lungs, gut and the urogenital system. Learn how to promote the good bacteria on and inside you and combat the harmful ones.

This book also offers a trip into an incredible, invincible world, whose crucial significance we are only just beginning to understand. It holds up a microscope to the human microbiome and its fascinating workings.

Fully illustrated with vivid colours and diagrams, this book was absolutely an interesting read. I was intrigued by such a misunderstood subject and I have more respect for these microbes.

325. Thirst No.1 by Christopher Pike

BOOK REVIEW: Thirst No.1 by Christopher Pike

Recently, I have seen many books written by Indian authors that revolved around Indian themes and Hinduism. But what happens when a Western author merges Western vampirism with Hindu gods? That's what you get when you read this compilation of 3 stories in Thirst.

Alisa has been in control of her urges for the 5000 years she has been a vampire. She feeds but does not kill, and she lives her life on the fringe to maintain her secret. But when her creator, Yaksha, returns to haunt her, she must break her own rules in order to survive.

Her quest leads her to Ray. He is the only person who can help her; he also has every reason to fear her. Alisa must get closer to him to ensure her immortality. But as she begins to fall in love with Ray, suddenly there is more at stake than her own life...

In the 3 stories, Alisa's string of lovers (Yaksha, Rama, Ray, Seymour, Joel, Arturo: and it's only the first compilation!) meet untimely and gruesome deaths, except for one (find out who still stays by her side in the end). 

It was a gripping read till the very end and I would love to get my hands on Thirst No.2 to see how everything ends and also of the new beginning in the world of vampires. Truly fresh from the rest of the vampire romance genres I have read. 

324. Great Escapes: Enjoy the World at your Leisure by Ben Groundwater (A Lonely Planet Book)

 

BOOK REVIEW: Great Escapes - Enjoy the World at your Leisure by Ben Groundwater (A Lonely Planet Book)

Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck the globe, everyone's dreams of travelling have been put to a rude halt. Time spent on beaches of powdery white sand or breathing in the clean air in an ancient rainforest is barely possible in this situation. That doesn't stop you from imagining a trip around the world from the comforts of your own home.

In this book, you will be able to look forward to and plan your next perfect getaway for when the pandemic ends and borders are thrown open. Beach paradises, luxury hideaways and cultural thrills, it will cover all getaways suitable for kids and/or adults alike.

This showcase of the world's most enjoyable escapes celebrates the sheer pleasure of travel. Take time out to indulge in romantic getaways, culinary adventures, musical journeys and family holidays. Or simply revel in pure relaxation. 

Although it did make me a little sad by making me reminisce the old days of globetrotting, it kept the sparks of discovery alive in me. Let's cross our fingers that one day we could experience one of these escapes. Happy armchair travelling!

323. Ghost Stories by M.R. James

 

BOOK REVIEW: Ghost Stories by M.R. James

When the wind howls in the middle of the night, have you ever wondered whether it was truly the wind or something more sinister? Or maybe a scratching on your windowpane caused by tree branches or the finger bones of the damned? Ghosts, spirits and ghouls roam the earth and what better way to get acquainted to them through ghost stories.

This book is a complete and unabridged collectiom of 31 classic ghost stories from the haunting world of M.R. James. The aim of a good ghost story is to make the blood freeze, pleasurably; and the author achieves to perfection in these wonderful stories.

His most atmospheric settings include English country houses and gardens, the north end of the churchyard, yew mazes and even scenic train journeys. To each of these stories he brings an eye for the telling detail, an imaginative twist and a narrative tone that is, at least to begin with, urbane and reassuring.

At some points, although I struggled a little with classical language, it still managed to constrict my heart with a searing fear that left me sleepless many nights. A wonderful compilation to be owned and treasured by all horror aficionados. 

322. Starbucked: A Double Tall Tale of Caffeine, Commerce & Culture by Taylor Clark

 

BOOK REVIEW: Starbucked - A Double Tall Tale of Caffeine, Commerce & Culture by Taylor Clark

The Caramel Frappe is my all-time pick-me-up beverage at Starbucks. The caramel sweetness combined with the caffeine hit from the coffee and the lusciousness of whipped cream makes for an instant mood uplifter. As I sip my cool coffee, people all over the world are conflicted with Starbucks popping up like mushrooms after a rain even in the remotest countries. What made Starbucks a fixture in our lifes, both the younger generation and the older echelon too? This book is going to make you more enlightened about a coffee company that has grasped millions by the heart.

How did Starbucks, once a modest Seattle coffeehouse, become an international juggernaut? What made the company so beloved that more than 40 million customers visit every week, yet so loathed that protesters have firebombed its stores? Why did Americans suddenly become willing to pay $4.50 for a cup of coffee? And why did the world follow?

This coffee megalodon altered everyday lives - the way we shop, socialise and self-medicate. Through a cornucopia of characters that includes coffee-wild hippies, business sharks, slackers, Hollywood trendsetters and a panda who loves blueberry muffins (China's panda only insisted om eating Starbucks blueberry muffins when it was invalid), the author tells the story of how Starbucks rode a caffeine-fuelled wave to riches and infamy.

I found this book raw and very honest with many parts narrated by Howard Schultz himself, the man behind Starbucks proliferation. It was a clear insight into how the company works and even how coffee preparation varies between rival companies. To me, I'm still not going to stop my Starbucks forays, the coffee to me is just to my liking. For those studying Starbucks as part of their thesis, this book can back up a lot of info for you.