387. A Vintage Affair: Isabel Wolff (courtesy of HIS International School library)

 

BOOK REVIEW: A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff

As a woman, I’m very much into fashion and I do support the use of pre-loved clothing. Vintage clothing on the other hand is in a world if its own, pre-loved clothes from famous labels as well as from a bygone era. The fabrics, cuts and more are simply outstanding. In this novel, appreciation of vintage clothing is brought to the forefront alongside a story of love and loss. 

Her friends are stunned when Phoebe Swift abruptly leaves a plum job at the prestigious Sotheby’s auction house to open her own vintage clothing shop, Village Vintage. She hopes to make her store the hot new place to shop, even as she deals with two ardent suitors, her increasingly difficult mum and a secret from her past.

Therese Bell, an elderly Frenchwoman, has an inpressive clothing collection. Among these clothes, Phoebe finds a child’s coat which Mrs. Bell is stubbornly reluctant to part with. As the two women become friends, Phoebe will learn the tale of that little blue coat. 

She will discover an astonishing connection between herself and Therese that will help her heal the pain of her own past and allow her to love again. 

I personally loved this book for it’s romantic and sumptuous storyline. This is a must for fans of vintage clothing and romance. 

386. Freaking Romance Volume 1 by Snailords

 

BOOK REVIEW: Freaking Romance Volume 1 by Snailords

Who doesn’t love a good graphic novel? I’m no exception to it and that’s why I picked up this book with rather enticing illustrations. Let’s see what the storyline’s about.

Every relationship has its bumps. For this couple, it’s interstellar. This sexy supernatural story is about being out on your own, finding your dream apartment and discovering that your new place is haunted by a spectral stranger from another dimension.

Sure, he can’t see you and you can’t touch him, but who said every relationship starts out perfectly? This volume collects episodes 1-21 of the supernatural romance hit Webtoon comic.

Being rather repetitive, I became increasingly annoyed and it just pulled away from the main idea. The writers could have done a better job to produce a much smuttier graphic novel, but oh well😅

Although the title seems rather raunchy, the content is quite suitable for YA readers. To sum it all up, get this book for the graphics but don’t keep your hopes high that it’s gonna be great.

385. Forbidden Worlds: Volume 5

BOOK REVIEW: Forbidden Worlds - Volume 5

As a 90's kid, I grew up reading plenty of high-quality comics which are now termed graphic novels. DC Comics and the Archie ones are the ones commonly found in Asia. Now with the introduction of Big Bad Wolf book sales and Book Xcess bookstores, getting my hands on these kinds of collections have become more affordable and accessible.

If you're into mythology and classic comic book art, Forbidden Worlds is just the collection to own. As a horror fan myself, I truly enjoyed the four to five short stories included in each volume (though I must say that none of them scared me in the least!).

Kids the length and breadth of the US and some in UK were familiar with Richard Hughes and his team behind Forbidden Worlds. This state-of-the-art hardcover volumes are a homage to the horror comic genre that was famous one upon a time.

For collectors or horror aficionados, this would make a great piece on the bookshelf. Do check out Book Xcess or head to any Big Bad Wolf sale, keep your eyes peeled and you just might come across this book and more!

 

384. Bodies of Evidence: How Forensic Science Solves Crimes by Brian Innes & Lucy Doncaster

 

BOOK REVIEW: Bodies of Evidence - How Forensic Science Solves Crimes by Brian Innes & Lucy Doncaster

I used to love Science and still do to this day. The innovations brought about by Science is something to give serious thought to. In the early 2000s, crime dramas like CSI and the like were really hot for their portrayal of crime investigation techniques. However, did you know that most of the cases portrayed were actually real-life cases and the forensic investigation used in the scenes were actual techniques?

About a month back, I came across this interesting book which shed light on forensic science along with the cases in which it was used in. Criminal investigators have learned how to interpret vital testimony that is written in the language of fingerprints and flakes of skin, gradients of teeth and bone, splashes of blood, flecks of paint and traces of chemicals, a splinter of glass or a uniquely striated bullet.

in the modern era, this formidable Science has helped bring to justice some of the most notorious, devious and dangerous criminals in history. Some of these include accounts of political assassins, con men, sexual serial killers and more sick criminals.

Besides that, this book also evaluates Science's contribution through the key areas of toxicology,  fingerprinting, facial reconstruction, forensic ballistics and DNA analysis. Illustrated throughout with 200 photographs, this book is an accessible, comprehensive guide to modern forensic investigative techniques.

I loved this book to bits, which lead me to get a copy for my close friend who is a graduate in forensics herself. Being a truly riveting read, it made me understand that all crimes CAN be deciphered via forensics, though duration of results may vary from case to case. Well-explained, it's easy for a beginner in forensics to understand terms and processes behind this special branch of Science. To me, this book is a perfect study addition for anyone who is in the field of forensics or even just someone who's interested like me to understand how the Science world works in various aspects. 

Only warning: don't end up being a serial killer by imitating any of the famous perpetrators in this book. Forensic Science might just sniff you out or maybe I will...

383. Nebula Awards Showcase 2013

BOOK REVIEW: Nebula Awards Showcase 2013

Overall rating: 4/5⭐

The Nebula Awards Showcase volumes have been published annually since 1966, reprinting the Nebula Award-nominated and winning stories, as voted on by the members of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.

The editor, selected by SFWA’s anthology committee, is two-time Nebula Award winner Catharine Asaro. This volume includes the winners of the Andre Norton, Damon Knight Grand Master, Rhysling and Solstice Awards, as well as the Nebula Award winners.

I personally found this book slightly difficult to understand with its theories and language structure. However, the settings of each story left me intrigued.

382. Men on the Menu by Bambi Smyth

BOOK REVIEW: Men on the Menu by Bambi Smyth

With the amount of unfortunate events which happened in 2024, I never managed to read enough or be active enough in the book clubs I am in. Now, I felt it's time I made a comeback. 

One of the books I read was Men on the Menu which taught me the value of opening my heart to love despite the odds (I have been facing plenty of odds in the relationship department).

Recently single and defiantly youthful, the author is determined to take control of her own destiny and give love another chance. So she sets off on a journey across the globe to combine her three greatest passions: food, travel and men, hoping to widen her horizons - and maybe her heart - along the way.

What she finds during dates with 75 men changes her perception of love - and herself - forever.

I found this book quite relatable in many ways. If someone in her late forties can find love again, I can definitely do the same now that I just entered the 3 series. If you or your girlfriends need a book to do some love soul-searching, this book comes highly recommended.

 

381. The Taste of Tomorrow: Dispatches from the Future of Food by Josh Schonwald

BOOK REVIEW: The Taste of Tomorrow - Dispatches from the Future of Food by Josh Schonwald

It's true that parents and books are the only ones who will actually remain permanent in a girl's life. I felt it deeply this time around. Letting go of my reading for some time was the biggest thing I regret but now I'm slowly making a comeback into my beloved hobby.

To restart my reading, I decided to start from the subject I love the most: FOOD! In this book, the author sets out on a journey to investigate the future of food. His quest takes him across the country and into farms and labs around the globe.

We are introduced to a motley group of mad scientists, entrepreneurs and food engineers who are revolutionizing the food we eat. 

Interesting issues are discussed like how new foods happen and why some foods explode on the scene virtually overnight. Emerging scientific breakthroughs are essential to feeding the globe's expanding hungry population.

To me, the part which was most interesting was the one on nanotechnology. The idea of minute robots fed into a human body to ideally balance nutrient amounts in the body is something you'll only think about in Star Wars. If any one of your friends is interested in the future of food, this book makes a great read.