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.

 

380. Twenty First Century Horror Films by Douglas Keesey

BOOK REVIEW: Twenty First Century Horror Films by Douglas Keesey

The horror genre is one of those that have always been super close to my heart. The adrenaline rush from all the jump scares, be it in writing or on screen, I just love it and this book has made me want to binge watch each and every one of the movies!

From the vengeful ghosts of J-horror to the walking dead in 28 Days and World War Z, this lively and illuminating book explores over 100 contemporary horror films, providing insightful and provocative readings of what they mean while including numerous quotes from their creators.

Some of these films, including The Babadook, It Follows and others are so recent that this is one of the first times they have been discussed in book form.

The book is divided into three main sections: nightmares, nations and innovations. Nightmares looks at new manifestations of traditional fears including creepy dolls, haunted houses and demonic possessions.

Nations explores fright films from around the world including Australia, Japan, France and Germany. Innovations focuses on the latest trends in horror, from 3D to found-footage films to body horror and techno-horror.

If you have a friend who's a horror movie buff like myself, this would make the perfect gift for the coming New Year. Boo!

379. Ecologist Guide to Food by Andrew Wasley

BOOK REVIEW: Ecologist Guide to Food by Andrew Wasley

I have found myself gravitating towards the rights of those involved in the food business and how conglomerates produce food, which most times seem unethical.

Animal suffering, human rights abuses, the destruction of ecosystems, pollution waste - these are issues we tend not to associate with our food. However, as the author reveals, much of our food comes with a hidden price tag.

This interesting book delves behind the labels to investigate the often unpalatable truths about the foodstuffs we consume each day. 

As well as uncovering the sometimes shocking practices in existence, this guide takes a look at possible alternatives for the food industry, giving a voice to the underprivileged.

To me personally, it lifted the lid on the environmental, political and humanitarian issues surrounding food. Truly an eye-opener to anyone who is deeply motivated to know more on what's on your plate.

378. Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser

BOOK REVIEW: Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser

The current generation loves eating fast food, be it burgers or pizza. It's not only a matter of convenience but also a rising trend. You enter a so-called "clique" if you consumed fast food, making one feel included.

Fast food has hastened the malling of our landscape, widened the chasm between rich and poor, fueled an epidemic of obesity, and propelled American cultural imperialism abroad.

That's a lengthy list of charges, but the author makes them stick with an artful mix of first-rate reportage, wry wit, and careful reasoning.

The author's myth-shattering survey stretches from California's subdivisions, where the business was born, to the industrial corridor along the New Jersey Turnpike, where many of fast food's flavors are concocted.

Along the way, he unearths a trove of fascinating, unsettling truths - from the unholy alliance between fast food and Hollywood to the seismic changes the industry has wrought in food production, popular culture and even real estate.

This was a revealing book with many harsh truths that was quite hard for me to swallow. From labor problems to food shortage, I was enthralled by the many twists and turns involved in the fast food industry.

377. The Modern Kitchen by Tim Hayward

BOOK REVIEW: The Modern Kitchen by Tim Hayward

Cooking and dining has always been a fiery passion in me. Deriving all the pro tips to prepare meals from the masterchef of a mum, she slowly begin to bless me with her kitchen heirlooms. This book reconnected me with the kitchen equipment that we normally take for granted.

The kitchen is more than just a room. We fill our kitchens with beautiful objects and practical tools that signal our aesthetic tastes, social success, and cultural as well as culinary aspirations.

Every item in the kitchen has a story. Through 70 familiar objects, this book maps the development of this everchanging living space. 

Embodying notions about class, gender, wealth and health, the home kitchen, in its design, set-up and contents, remains a neat illustration of our beliefs and desires - a snapshot of modern life.

With beautiful pictures of classic kitchen equipment, the nostalgia of this book will capture the hearts of many a home cook.
 

376. The Mammoth Book of Drug Barons by Paul Copperwaite

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Mammoth Book of Drug Barons by Paul Copperwaite

Drugs are a serious ongoing problem in today's societies. The advent of raves, concerts, social media and the like make its participants want an extra "high" so drugs are used to acheive it. How did drugs travel the globe and who were the barons behind it?

Covering the rise and fall of the outlaw lords of the drug world, this explosive collection includes the Cali Cartel, the richest, most powerful crime syndicate in history; Britain's biggest drug baron, Curtis "Cocky" Warren; and Michael Forwell, who blazed a trail smuggling Thai sticks from Bangkok to the USA.

From freewheeling cannabis dealers to "cocaine cowboys" and organized crime, here are the chilling exploits of the dealers, bouncers, bagmen and "taxmen" of a ruthlessly violent underworld.

This is the no-holds barred, inside story of drug trafficking. From the Golden Triangle to the Golden Gate, this book explains how and why things go wrong, and the price to be paid when they do.

I especially loved the life story of Pablo Escobar. On one side, he was something of a Robin Hood, giving back to the poor Colombian citizens. On the other hand, his drug empire was something that caused mass bloodshed among its same Colombian people. Gripping read!

375. The Bad Place by Dean R. Koontz

BOOK REVIEW: The Bad Place by Dean R. Koontz

If you thought Stephen King's books were horrifying, be prepared to shed tears as your eyes feast on the pages, digesting one gruesome detail after another.

Frank Pollard awakens in an alley, knowing nothing but his name - and that he's in great danger. Having taken refuge in a motel, he wakes again only to find his hands covered in blood. Over the next few days Frank develops a fear of sleep, because each time he wakes he discovers strange objects in his hands and pockets which are far more frightening than blood.

Bobby and Julie Dakota are private investigators who take on Frank's case out of compassion and curiosity. It seems a simple job but as the Dakotas are drawn into mysterious realms they encounter an ominous figure stalking Frank. Their lives are threatened, including the life of Julie's Down Syndrome brother.

A classic story of good versus evil given a darker twist you will be riveted to your seat. Think of two human bodies teleporting and getting atoms scrambled, only to be reconstituted with teeth where the nose should be and other horrendous images. Just hope you don't get nightmares reading this...