396. Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan

 

BOOK REVIEW: Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan

Christmas is all about festive cheer, family gatherings, laughter and plenty of food. But what happens when this harmonious situation is thrown off balance by unforeseen situations and the reluctance to accept life as it is?

It's Christmas in the Cornish coastal village of Mount Polbearne - a time for family, friends and feasting. Polly Waterford loves running the Little Beach Street bakery. She's at her happiest when she's creating delicious treats, and the festive season always inspires her to bake something extra special for the village residents. 

In fact, the only thing she loves more than her bakery is curling up with her gorgeous boyfriend, Huckle. She's determined that this Christmas is going to be their best one yet, but sometimes life doesn't always work out as planned...

When Polly's best friend Kerensa turns up with a secret that threatens the life Polly and Huckle have built together, the future begins to look uncertain. Then a face from Polly's past reappears and things become even more complicated. 

Polly can usually find solace in baking but she has a feeling that's not going to enough this time. Can she get things back on track so that everyone has a merry Christmas? 

Well-written, this novel has Sophie Kinsella like vibes that will have girly readers relating to the humour in it. It teaches the value of unbreakable love and the essence of hope even when things are bleak. This light-hearted read is a definite pick-me up for anyone who is into a heartfelt story.

395. Bibliophile: Diverse Spines by Jamise Harper & Jane Mount

BOOK REVIEW: Bibliophile - Diverse Spines by Jamise Harper & Jane Mount

When someone passes on a book or recommends a book us, it's like they are sharing their emotions and feelings in a way only bookworms can understand. As an Asian reader, I appreciate books written by Asian authors themselves like Arundhati Roy and Murakami. Besides Asian authors, I do love reading books written by Native Americans, African Americans and other readers from different communities.

This richly illustrated collection uplifts the work of authors from diverse backgrounds and cultures, who are often underrepresented in the literary world. Using their keen knowledge and deep love for all things literary, the authors collaborated to create an essential volume filled with treasures for every reader.

Jamise Harper is the founder of the Diverse Spines book community which is dedicated to expanding awareness through diverse literature. Jane Mount, on the other hand, is the founder of Ideal Bookshelf, an online store which specialises in all things bookish (from book pins to customised tote bags).

The illustrations in this book are beyond beautiful and I was so immersed in them I didn't know how time passed! This book makes for a perfect addition to any readers bookshelf (pssst, it makes a perfect excuse to your husband or boyfriend to get more books too, haha!).

 

394. Silent Witness by Roxana Ferllini

BOOK REVIEW: Silent Witness by Roxana Ferllini

Since my highschool days, I have had a keen interest in forensics and the solving of crimes. There's just something satisfying about finding out how and what works in the criminal's mind as well as the capability of the sciences to reveal the death and the precursor of it.

Forensic anthropologists and criminal investigation teams are often called upon to do the impossible. With just small fragments of evidence to work with, they are requested to help solve crimes or to identify human remains. 

By the careful study of bones and other forensic techniques, they can recreate the victim's identity and the means of death with seemingly impossible accuracy. This book is packed with over 350 photographs and 32 real-life case studies. It offers a revealing and compelling look at the valuable investigative power of the forensic anthropologist.

Some of the exhilarating cases include how forensic anthropologists helped solve the Jeffrey Dahmer case the attempts to unravel the mysterious death in 1850 of Zachary Taylor, the 12th president of the United States.

If you are interested in the world of forensics or have a friend who is pursuing forensics, this book makes for both a fascinating and educational read.

 

393. The Witches by Stacy Schiff

BOOK REVIEW: The Witches by Stacy Schiff

In this current day and age, many of us still rely on astrology, tarot reading and a host of other magical goings-on to determine life, a modern day sorcery come to think of it. But did you know the famous town of Salem was a hotspot for witches and sorcery (although some turned out to be false accusations)?

It began in 1962, over an exceptionally raw Massachusetts winter, when a minister’s niece began to scream and convulse. 

It ended less than a year later, but not before panic had infected the entire colony, nineteen men and women had been hanged, and a band of adolescent girls had brought Massachusetts to its knees.

This authoritative biography delves into the Salem witch trials that are famous the world over. Some are debunked via Science while some were truly supernatural. 

The author has a sharp eye for detail and an uncanny ability to reanimate the dead, reprising their hopes and dreams, pieties and crimes. Reading this was almost like reading an olden days Conjuring, electrifying till the last page.

392. Culture Smart! China by Kathy Flower

 

BOOK REVIEW: Culture Smart! China by Kathy Flower

China is one of the world’s biggest and most-populated country. Their economic status is much looked upon globally. Even tourism is a huge boon to China and its inhabitants. 

This book is an illuminating, practical guide to Chinese culture and society. It will help you turn your visit - whether it’s for business or pleasure - into a memorable and enriching experience.

Some of the contents include local customs and traditions, business practices and communication. Besides that, this pocket guide also covers eating and drinking Chinese-style as well as taboos. 

This guide made for a quick read, albeit an interesting one. If you or your loved ones are planning on making a trip to culturally rich China, this book is definitely indispensable.

391. Foodie Places by Sarah Baxter

BOOK REVIEW: Foodie Places by Sarah Baxter

Face it, we all love food and as a true blue Malaysian, most bonding activities involve food. We tend to carry this insatiable appetite even when travelling abroad. For a read that’s both eye candy and informative, look no further than Foodie Places.

Embark on a delectable journey through the world’s culinary marvels, exploring the South Indian vegan curries that have sustained both devotees and travelers for generations or the inimitable takoyaki of Osaka.

Journey through 25 culinary capitals, from time-honored gastronomic hubs to emerging destinations boasting world-class cuisine.

Featuring vibrant illustrations, every entry captures the energy and essence of its setting. Immerse yourself in this stunning book to uncover the rich cultural traditions that shape the world’s most exceptional cuisine.

Grab a copy while you’re doing your Christmas shopping and drop it off to a foodie friend. Maybe who knows instead of turkey there might be hummus from Tel Aviv on the table!

390. The Secret Life of Bones by Brian Switek

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Secret Life of Bones by Brian Switek

Have any of you ever fractured a bone or even broken one? How many of you have read about rare disorders afflicting the most integral part of our structure? Bones are not just the framework of our body but are actually so much more than the eye can see.

Bone is an extraordinary material—adaptable, resilient, and shaped by more than 500 million years of evolution. This book tells the story of our species by tracing the role of bone—as tools, ornaments, symbols of worship, and instruments of power—from the dawn of religion through the rise of science and into the present day.

The author—an eager storyteller of all things osteological—moves fluidly through biology, history, and culture to uncover the significance of what lies within us, revealing what our bones say about who we are, where we originate, and the legacies we leave behind.

It is a thoughtful and engaging reflection on the origins of the human skeleton, how it works, and how we come to understand and accept our essential—if sometimes unsettling—framework of bone.

In my view, this book is a witty, conversational romp through the world of bones, crafted by one of our finest natural history writers. For advanced readers, this is a wonderful guide for learning as it details bones to a tee, something which would prove useful if you were to do a presentation on these calcified specimens.