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.