371. Entanglement: The Secret Lives of Hair by Emma Tarlo

BOOK REVIEW: Entanglement - The Secret Lives of Hair by Emma Tarlo

Let's face it, we women and men are especially vain about our full heads of hair. When disaster strikes in the form of alopecia in middle age or thin hair, we tend to seek out solutions and wish for a miracle.

When it's not attached to your head, your very own hair takes on a disconcerting quality. Suddenly, it's strange. Hair finds its way into all manner of unexpected places, far from our heads, including cosmetics!

Whether treated as waste or as a gift, relic, sacred offering or commodity in a billion-dollar industry for wigs and hair extensions, hair has many stories to tell.

Collected from Hindu temples and Buddhist nunneries and salvaged by the strand from waste heaps and the the combs of long-haired women, hair flows into the industry from many sources.

Entering this strange world, the author travels the globe, tracking its movement across India, Myanmar, China, Africa, the US, Britain and Europe, where she meets people whose livelihoods depend on hair.

Viewed from inside Chinese wig factories, Hindu temples and the villages of Myanmar, or from Afro hair fairs, Jewish wig parlours, fashion salons and hair loss clinics in Britain and the US, hair is oddly revealing of the lives of all it touches.

From fashion and beauty to religion, politics and cultural identity, the author explores just how much our locks and curls tell us about who we are. Full of surprising revelations and penetrating insights, this book will change the way you see hair forever.  

 

370. Tragic Shores: A Memoir of Dark Travel by Thomas H. Cook

BOOK REVIEW: Tragic Shores - A Memoir of Dark Travel by Thomas H. Cook

Pain and suffering is an integral part of life. Many countries the world over have suffered and are still suffering. In this memoir, the author has related an exciting concept of dark tourism, tourism based on all the suffering encountered through wars, suicide and other sad means.

Traveling from a slave trade fortress in Ghana to San Francisco's suicide bridge, the Golden Gate; from the battlefields of Verdun to Hawaii's leper colony; from Auschwitz to Ground Zero, the acclaimed and prize-winning crime author reflects on what these places tell us about the past and the present of the countries they belong to.

At the same time, the author's first work of non-fiction shines a light on what it means to be human.

Written in vivid prose, this is at once a personal memoir of exploration - both external and internal - and a strangely heartening look at the comforts that can be won when we confront mankind's heart of darkness.

I personally have been to Tuol Sleng in Cambodia, a genocide museum that was the site of beheadings and torture. I could almost feel the lost souls and hear the cries of those who suffered. This book was such an eye opener that it doubles both as a destination guide and exciting read. Highly recommended!

369. Picnic in Provence: A Memoir with Recipes by Elizabeth Bard

BOOK REVIEW: Picnic in Provence - A Memoir with Recipes by Elizabeth Bard

France is a beautiful country, both its people and most importantly, food! The French show love through food and French kids are the first to be introduced to a wide array of adult foods so as to sharpen their taste buds at an early age. The author portrays the love of food and family in this wonderful memoir.

10 years ago, the author, who's a New Yorker, followed a handsome Frenchman up a spiral staircase to a love nest in the heart of Paris. Now, with a baby on the way, the author takes another leap of faith with her husband, Gwendal, when they move - lock, stock and Le Creuset - to the French countryside and open an artisanal ice cream shop.

Filled with such enticing recipes as stuffed zucchini flowers, a fig tart and honey-and-thyme ice cream, this book is the story of everything that happens after the happily ever after - an American learning the tricks of French motherhood, a family finding a new professional passion, and a cook's initiation into classic Provencal cuisine.

With wit, humor and a scoop of wild strawberry sorbet, the author reminds us that life - in and out of the kitchen - is a rendezvous with the unexpected.

Elizabeth's previous book, Lunch in Paris, is said to be equally good but I only managed to get my hand on this one from the BBW sales. I can't wait to get my hands on the first book!

 

368. A First Course in Cheese by Charlotte Kamin & Nathan McElroy

BOOK REVIEW: A First Course in Cheese by Charlotte Kamin & Nathan McElroy

Cheese is a love-hate relationship just like how durian is to some people. The variety of fermentation methods, textures and smells can get pretty overwhelming. If you want to discover cheese for the first time or already love cheese and want to explore more, this book by the people of Bedford Cheese Shop will get you onboard.

This is a guide to the indispensable guide to the world of lactic wonder. The authors will take you on a journey from farm to plate and provide you with everything you need to know about cheese.

From choosing, pairing and enjoying the rich, delicious and varied types of cheeses from around the world to showing how cheese is made and telling the inspiring the stories of those who make it, this is one hell of a cheesy read!

I learnt quite a few unknown facts like cheese pairings with coffee and tea. I even got to understand strength of cheeses and melting degrees of cheeses for certain dishes. With over 17 years of business under their belt, the authors certainly know a good cheese when they see one.

 

367. Pasta: The Story of a Universal Food by Silvano Serventi & Francoise Sabban

 

BOOK REVIEW: Pasta - The Story of a Universal Food by Silvano Serventi & Francoise Sabban

Today, at any restaurant and even food court stall, we come across pasta as one of the dishes available. We all have our personal favorites like mac 'n' cheese, spaghetti carbonara and lasagne. But did you know the long journey of the various types of pasta from its conception to its introduction to the world? This book will enlighten you of this and more.

Ranging from the imperial palaces of ancient China and the bakeries of 14th century Genoa and Naples all the way to the restaurant kitchens of today, this book tells a story that will forever change the way you look at your next plate of vermicelli.

Pasta has become a ubiquitous food, present in regional diets around the world and available in a host of shapes, sizes, textures and tastes. Yet, although it has become a mass-produced commodity, it remains uniquely adaptable to innumerable recipes and individual creativity. This book shows that this enormously popular food has resulted from a lengthy process of cultural construction and widely diverse knowledge, skills and techniques.

Many myths are intertwined with the history of pasta, particularly the idea that Marco Polo brought pasta back from China and introduced it to Europe. That story, concocted in the early 20th century by the trade magazine Macaroni Journal, is just one of many fictions unmasked here. 

The true homelands of pasta have been China and Italy. Each gave rise to different but complementary culinary traditions that have spread throughout the world. From China has come pasta made with soft wheat flour. Pastasciutta, the Italian style of pasta, is generally made with durum wheat semolina.

The history of these traditions, told here in fascinating detail, is interwoven with the legacies of expanding and contracting empires, the growth of mercantilist guilds and mass industrialization, and the rise of food as an art form. 

Whether you are interested in the origins of lasagne, the strange genesis of the Chinese pasta bing, or the mystique of the most magnificent pasta of all, the timbalo, this is the book for you.

366. Great Modern Writers A to Z by Andy Tuohy and Caroline Taggart

BOOK REVIEW: Great Modern Writers A to Z by Andy Tuohy and Caroline Taggart

As readers, we have a certain inclination to lean towards one author or the other. Writing styles, the subject written about and the emotions of each story drag us to read a book. This book allows us to delve into the world of writers.

Defining modern 'as flourishing in the 20th century', this book is about writers that have influenced readers for decades. The writers are all-inclusive ranging from African-Americans to Indians to Japanese and Europeans. 

The 'works to read' are perfect suggestions for those who want to read more of an author's books or intend to start on them. The books range from famous ones like George Orwell's Animal Farm to less famous ones like Chinua Achebe's Anthills of the Savannah.

This book is the one to blame if your bookshelf starts growing like mad! Wonderful addition to any bookaholics reading quota.

365. Must Eat Paris: An Eclectic Selection of Culinary Locations by Luc Hoornaert

BOOK REVIEW: Must Eat Paris - An Eclectic Selection of Culinary Locations by Luc Hoornaert

When we travel overseas, we tend to hunt out awesome dining spots to pamper our taste buds. Paris is a destination that has picturesque attractions and lovely food to boot. If you travel to Paris and can't think of where to eat, bring this book along with you for Paris's best eats.

This book is one in a series of books that have covered dining destinations in New York, Amsterdam and London. The book is full of unique stories, gastronomic facts and a list of unconventional culinary addresses. 

The author not only shows readers the best places for tasting the local products, but also for enjoying the culinary melting pot that Paris harbours. In spite of the multifaceted selection, all the locations have several things in common: authenticity, devotion, genuinely top ingredients and a no-nonsense attitude.

At every address, you will discover the specialty of the house and its history. Whatever your food mood, this guide will point you to the perfect place.

This book is a solid 10/10 and makes me yearn for the cuisine that Paris has to offer. Must Eat Paris makes for a great gift for traveling foodies or even for yourself.

 

364. Mind Over Matter by Nora Roberts

BOOK REVIEW: Mind Over Matter by Nora Roberts

Gifted as a token of appreciation by the founder of a book club, my heart overflowed with joy. With over 200 novels under her belt, the author, Nora Roberts is evidently the master of whirlwind romance novels and this isn't an exception.

Hollywood agent Aurora Fields kept her personal life strictly separate from her professional one, until she met TV producer David Brady.

He might be working with her biggest client on a documentary, but that didn't mean Aurora trusted him. She'd be on hand to protect her celebrity star from exploitation and if that meant spending more time with David then so be it!

David had always considered himself a good judge of character, so why did each moment he spent with Aurora leave her as enigmatic - and enticing - as before?

With a hotness scale of 100/10 (yes, it exceeds the scale of 10 as the scenes are super hot!), you'll be sweating from emotional instability! Supernatural elements such as ESP and the give of "sight" are thrown in for a more magical feel.

Though I abruptly quit reading romances some time back, this novel makes me want to delve into a few more for the hope that love truly exists in this world.

 

363. The End of Food by Paul Roberts

 

BOOK REVIEW: The End of Food by Paul Roberts

Food security is a highly debated issue, more so in Asian countries where supply exceeds demand. Transgenic foods, rotational farming and subsidies are just some of the numerous methods that conglomerates and government are coming up with to solve this issue. But at what cost is food being harmed in the process? Is it economically viable in the first place?

Salmonella-tainted peanuts, riots and skyrocketing prices are only the latest in a series of food-related crises that have illuminated the failures of the modern food system. In this book, the author investigates this system and presents a startling truth - how we make, market and transport our food is no longer compatible or safe for the billions of consumers the system was built to serve.

The emergence of large-scale and efficient food production forever changed our relationship with food and ultimately left a vulnerable and paradoxical system in place.

High-volume factories create new risks for food-borne illness; high-yield crops generate grain, produce and meat of declining nutritional quality; and while nearly a  billion people are overweight, roughly as many people are starving.

In this vivid narrative, the author presents a clear, stark vision of the future and points out the difficult decisions that must be made if we are to survive the demise of food production as we know it. 

I've been reading a lot of books on the future of food recently and what I've read seems bleak in the near future. Food insecurity and the methods food is being produced today seems scarier than ever. A highly recommended book for those who are interested on what the human food chain actually looks like.

362. The Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King

BOOK REVIEW: The Bazaar of Bad Dreams

As most of you who have been following my reviews already know, I'm a mad fan of Stephen King and have devoured most of his books for their unique take on horror. If you're just starting out on the journey of Stephen King, I suggest you read this book as it's a compilation of short stories with varying degrees of horror to keep even the most jaded satiated. I will just give a brief rundown on what each of those stories are so you'd actually know what to expect.

1. Mile 81: Alien van that eats humans. Two kids vanquish the alien van into outer space.
2. Premium Harmony: A husband rethinks his long marriage life. When his wife enters the supermarket to get a ball, she dies of heart attack.
3. Batman and Robin Have An Altercation: A guy takes his Alzheimers-stricken father out for a meal from the care home. They meet with an accident. Both drivers end up in a bloody fist fight on the road The father takes a knife stolen from the restaurant and stabs the negligent drivers neck.
4. The Dune: A dying lawyer is obsessed with a sand dune which keeps displaying names of those going to die.
5. Bad Little Kid: A demon kid taunts a man who then murders the said kid and enters jail. The body of the kid goes unidentified and is found missing on the day of the man's execution. The kid then returns to taunt the detective investigating the case.
6. A Death: A man who rapes and murders a girl keeps claiming innocence until the day of his execution. When his bowels go loose after the hanging, they find the murdered girl's silver locket in his poop.

There are still many more stories and it'd be a little draggy for me to continue. One last story I would like to touch on is Ur. It's about a Kindle that is from the underworld and not Amazon. It can predict the future as well as provide books never heard of that are written by famous authors like Edgar Allan Poe. 

This book to me was definitely a bazaar of bad dreams as some of the stories were downright disturbing and macabre. However, it's Stephen King we're talking about here. Obviously you're going to be shaken to your core with his version of horror.

361. The Taste of America by Colman Andrews

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Taste of America by Colman Andrews

Anyone who has been to US will know that it's a foodie paradise. All sorts of food from snacks to main meals will leave you in a food coma. A comprehensive guide to America's favorites, this book is an awesome addition to your food reading.

What does America taste like? All is revealed in this irresistible celebration of the best food made in the USA. From hot dogs to boiled peanuts, from maple syrup to whoopie pies, the writer handpicks 250 of the nation's most exceptional food products.

Giving full and fascinating detail on how the product is made, its unique history and flavor, this book is a must-have guide for the American food lover.

Delicious reading, those who are hungry should be cautious. Hunger pangs are sure to increase!

360. Culinaria Hungary: A Celebration of Food and Tradition by Anikó Gergely

 

BOOK REVIEW: Culinaria Hungary - A Celebration of Food and Tradition by Anikó Gergely

A country's cuisine says a lot about its history and culture. Hungary has been strongly influenced by eastern and western traditions. Cooking in kettles, which produces such typical Hungarian specialties is a legacy of the nomadic Asiatic Magyars, and its baking has been adopted from western European settlers.

Over the centuries, Hungarians learned everything they could about the cuisines of both their peaceful neighbors and their foreign conquerors. Culinary expertise was also exchanged between social levels. 

Some of the topics you will encounter in this book include:

• Spices in Hungarian cuisine then and now.
• Pörkölt, paprikás and tokány - the goulash family.
• Cheeses from all over Hungary.
• Popular strudel variations.
• Classic Hungarian cakes and pastries.
• Wine from Lake Balaton.
• Transylvanian cuisine and many other delicacies.

If you get severe hunger from reading this book, don't blame me! The mouthwatering pictures and food writings will have you yearning for a taste of Germany.

359. The Magical Unicorn Society Official Handbook by Selwyn E. Phipps

BOOK REVIEW: The Magical Unicorn Society Official Handbook by Selwyn E. Phipps

Unicorns are the creatures of dreams and fantasy. The majestic beauty of these horse-like creatures have been used as tattoos for its symbol of a free spirit. This book's illustrations are too beautiful to resist and will make you read till the very end.

The Magical Unicorn Society has existed for centuries, dedicated to studying, understanding and protecting unicorns. The secretive society has been shrouded in mystery - until now.

This official handbook documents decades of research and exploration, and provides the ultimate guide to these fantastical beasts.

At last, here is the proof that unicorns, and their spell-binding magic, are real. From unicorns' favorite food to habitats and unicorn types, I completely fell in love with this book.

358. The Fate of Food: What We'll Eat in a Bigger, Hotter, Smarter World by Amanda Little

BOOK REVIEW: The Fate of Food - What We'll Eat in a Bigger, Hotter, Smarter World by Amanda Little

Agriculture has now been replaced with permaculture and technology-enhanced agriculture. But how does this affect food production in the future? The author's ambitious, dynamic and thought-provoking foray into the future of food will leave you mesmerized.

This book unveils startling innovations from around the world: farmscrapers (tall 'skyscrapers' of aeroponic planting), cloned cattle and even super-bananas. The author meets the most creative and controversial minds changing the face of modern food production, and tackles fears over genetic modification with hard facts.

In a nutshell, this book is a fascinating look at the threats and opportunities that lie ahead as we struggle to feed ever more people in a changing world.

On a personal level, I loved the chapter on lab cultured meat, meat tissue being divided in petri dishes to become a 'slab of meat'. It's currently happening in Singapore and it's not long before our country does it too. 

Wonderfully written, you won't be dissapointed by the raw facts of the current food situation in the world.

 

357. The Outsider by Stephen King

BOOK REVIEW: The Outsider by Stephen King

Have you ever peeked under the bed for the boogeyman or pushed aside clothes in your cupboard thinking someone is hiding in there? The goosebumps definitely appear and it will only get worse by reading this horror ride of a book about El Cuco.

An 11-year-old boy's violated corpse is found in a town park. Eyewitnesses and fingerprints point unmistakably to one of Flint City's most popular citizens. He is Terry Maitland, Little League coach, English teacher, husband and father of 2 girls.

Detective Ralph Anderson, whose son Maitland once coached, orders a quick and very public arrest. The case seems ironclad, especially when Anderson and the district attorney are able to add DNA evidence to go with the fingerprints and witnesses.

But Maitland has an alibi, and it turns out his story has incontrovertible evidence of its own. How can 2 opposing stories be true? What happens to a family when an accusation of this magnitude is delivered? When must reason or rationality be abandoned in order to explain the inexplicable?

As the investigation expands and horrifying answers begin to emerge, the author's propulsive story kicks into high gear, generating strong tension and almost unbearable suspense. Terry Maitland seems like a nice guy, but is he wearing another face?

I don't want to give too much away but basically the story revolves around the legend of El Cuco. This boogeyman captures children, drinks their blood and rubs their fat on its body. Be prepared for gruesome details that can make you retch in this book. King's writing style horrifies and excites at the same time!

356. MARVEL: Absolutely Everything You Need To Know by Adam Bray, Lorraine Cink, John Sazaklis and Sven Wilson

BOOK REVIEW: MARVEL - Absolutely Everything You Need to Know by Adam Bray, Lorraine Cink, John Sazaklis and Sven Wilson

I loved the movie Venom so much that I wanted to know more about these Marvel characters. I've never read any Marvel comics but it seemed really interesting, so I picked up this book that brought me closer to the Marvel universe.

For Chapter One, all the characters are revealed, both heroes and anti-heroes. You can even read up on famous clashes betwewn these two opposite poles!

In Chapter Two, famous superhero teams like the Avengers are explained. The S.H.I.E.L.D. operations are broken down for us to understand. The bad guys aren't complete without the super villain teams! 

Chapters Three to Five talk about the characters powers, possessions and key events that altered the universes in the comics. 

Now that my interest has been sufficiently piqued, I really want to watch Thor, Avengers and even Guardians of the Galaxy (even if it's only for the cute Groot!).

355. Almanac of the Uncanny by Readers' Digest Association

BOOK REVIEW: Almanac of the Uncanny by Readers' Digest Association

Seances, human levitation, out-of-body experiences. These are just some of the weird and unexplainable happenings in our world. You may have experienced some yourselves but how do these things happen and why? These and more questions is explained in this informational book by the Readers' Digest Association.

For centuries people have wondered at so many unexplained phenomena in the world around us. How did early humans view life after death and does it actually exist? Have UFOs visited our planet and is there proof?

This book's more than 500 illustrated stories take the reader back in time to be entertained and intrigued by mysteries from the earliest recorded time to the present. 

Thoroughly researched by experts, and including comprehensive findings, this unique volume gives a compelling account of realms as yet not fully explained. 

Personally, I enjoyed this book for its scientific approach. Most of the unexplained circumstances are somewhat debunked by the rigorous research done. For example, the levitating table trick is due to a contraption that is stepped on during seances instead of ghosts lifting it.

At some points, if the situation is unexplainable, it is left to the reader to make it out for themselves what is fact from fiction. This book is great for those who want to delve into the unknown instead of scaring ourselves silly!

 

354. Behind the Gates of Gomorrah by Stephen Seager

BOOK REVIEW: Behind The Gates of Gomorrah by Stephen Seager

We all have seen movies and sometimes read of mentally incapable (a more polite way of saying insane) people. The way they behave sometimes amuses us and sometimes frightens us till our core.

The author, who's a psychiatrist, was no stranger to locked psych wards when he accepted a job at California's Napa State Hospital, known locally as 'Gomorrah', but nothing could have prepared him for what he encountered when he stepped through its gates.

Napa State is one of the US largest forensic mental hospitals, dedicated to treating the criminally insane. Unit C, where the author was assigned, was reserved for the 'bad actors', the mass murderers, serial killers and the real-life Hannibal Lecter's of the world.

Against a backdrop of surreal beauty - a campus-like setting where peacocks strolled the well-kept lawns - is a place of remarkable violence.

Lone therapists lead sharing circles with psychopaths, homemade weapons and contraband circulate freely and patients and physicians often measure their lives according to how fast they can run.

At first, i was merely touched by how psychiatrists never judge patients no matter what they did. The book slowly became horrifying as patients kept hidden shanks (everyday items sharpened into weapons like eyeglass stems) and faeces were flung at medical staff.

It also happened to show the situation of security on standby to keep trouble at bay. This book affords an eye-opening look inside a facility to which few people have ever had access.

353. What the Yuck?! The Freaky & Fabulous Truth About Your Body by Roshini Raj and Lisa Lombardi

BOOK REVIEW: What the Yuck!? The Freaky & Fabulous Truth About Your Body by Roshini Raj & Lisa Lombardi

As women, we are always worried about mood flips and body blips. Sometimes it can be embarassing to divulge these details to a close one or to a gyno. Read this and you will realize that it is perfectly fine to do so!

This book contains 240 answers to the real questions you're dying to ask a doctor. It may make you blush, but at its core, this book is essential for every woman who wants to know the real truth about her health and body.

This humorous yet intensely practical book is an incarnation of the real-life doctor who wrote this book. At once witty and brilliant, it's a careful mixture of information, honesty and charm.

I found this book to be really truthful in a light-hearted way. Definitely a book to be read by mothers, daughters and sisters, this one is for the ladies!

352. A Brief History of Bad Medicine: True Stories of Weird Medicine and Dangerous Doctors by Robert Youngston and Ian Schott

 

BOOK REVIEW: A Brief History of Bad Medicine - True Stories of Weird Medicine and Dangerous Doctors by Robert Youngston and Ian Schott

Many horror stories of treatments gone wrong and doctors running amok have made us shiver at the mere thought of clinics and hospitals. Wrong doses of medicine have been known to give serious side effects, or worse, death. If your existing fears weren't enough, this book will leave you shaking.

A doctor removes the normal, healthy side of a patient's brain instead of the malignant tumor. A man whose leg is scheduled for amputation wakes up to find his healthy leg removed. These examples are part of a history of medical disasters and embarassments as old as the profession itself.

In this book, the authors have written the definitive account of medical mishap in modern and not-so-modern times. From famous quacks to curious forms of sexual healing, the book reveals everything from shamefully dangerous doctors to human guinea pigs.

Treading a fine line between the comical and the tragic, the honest mistake and the intentional crime, this book proves, once and for all, that you can't always trust the people in white coats.

The most interesting parts of the book for me were about the human experiments by the Nazi doctors and the science of cryogenics (freezing people to revive them in the future). Scary to bits, it just goes to show how the medical mind used to work in the past. For medical students or those interested in medicine, this book is a must-read.

351. Hugh Fearlessly Eats It All by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

BOOK REVIEW: Hugh Fearlessly Eats It All by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Now as a food and travel writer, I truly appreciate how much soul is put into writing a piece that reverberates with a reader. Famous for his River Cottage show, the author is a talented food writer and it is well portrayed in this book.

For almost two decades, Hugh has been writing about food in all its guises. To some, his concept of 'good eating' might seem a bit skewed - he prefers game meat to McDs - but to others he is a shining beacon of good sense in a food world gone mad.

Armed with a broad mind, a quick wit and a ready appetite, the author covers almost every area of global food culture, from Tokyo's fugu to Britain's biscuits.

Sometimes his direct approach may seem harsh but it is to direct the material at hand to the reader. Funny, passionate and always entertaining, this book was spot on!
 

350. Schadenfreude, Baby! by Laura Lee

 

BOOK REVIEW: Schadenfreude, Baby! by Laura Lee

Admit it, at some point at another you may have laughed at a friend who slipped and fell instead of lending a helping hand for him to get up. Maybe you have enjoyed seeing the just desserts served up to your rival at work. 

Whatever it may be, we humans have a tendency to be gleeful when something goes wrong to another. If you want to continue on that slant, this book was possibly written just for you! 🤣

The term schadenfreude is a German word meaning "pleasure taken in someone else's misfortune". Delighting in other people's ill luck is an undeniable part of the modern psyche.

This slightly naughty book compiles scores of schadenfreude moments, many of which are sure to provide cheer, such as heiress Paris Hilton facing a jail sentence for driving on a suspended licence or Olympian showboat Lindsey Jacobellis losing the snowboarding gold medal.

Filled with the missteps and downfalls of the famous and not so famous, this book taps into our universal longing to gawk and smirk at the people who stand for all of us. 

I'm sorry to say that I was laughing out loud for most of the gaffes in this book. Though I feel remorseful, at that moment I just couldn't seem to pity some of those bumbling individuals. All in all, this book was a hoot!

349. A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie by Kathryn Harkup

BOOK REVIEW: A is for Arsenic - The Poisons of Agatha Christie by Kathryn Harkup

I have heard many illuminating reviews of Agatha Christie's murder mystery novels. Through my first AC novel, Hercule Poirot's Christmas, I was instantly hooked and I exactly knew why. The red herrings in her novels paired with interesting characters and murder methods can keep one hooked.

AC revelled in the use of poison to kill off unfortunate victims in her books: indeed, she employed it more than any other murder method, with the poison itself often being a central part of the novel.

Her choice of deadly substances was far from random - the characteristics of each often provide vital clues to the discovery of the murderer. 

Christie's extensive knowledge provides the backdrop for this book, in which the author investigates the poisons used by the murderer in 14 classic AC mysteries. It looks at why certain chemicals kill, how they interact with the body, the cases that may have inspired Christie and the feasibility of obtaining, administering and detecting these poisons, both at the time the novel was written and today.

Written by a chemist herself, this book will definitely make a good companion alongside AC's novels. Further information of the poisons leads to further enjoyment of the books but don't get the wrong ideas to be a poisoner.

 

348. A Curious History of Food and Drink by Ian Crofton

BOOK REVIEW: A Curious History of Food and Drink by Ian Crofton

As we dine, I'm sure we have contemplated at one point or another the origins of a certain dish or the roots of a dish's name (Rocky Mountain oysters anyone?). Be amused and enthralled by the curious history of food and drink.

Beginning with the hippo soup eaten in Africa in 6000BC, through to the giant rabbits guzzled by the late 'Dear Leader' of North Korea, this book contains a cornucopia of intriguing stories about the things we humans have put into our mouths from the earliest times to the present.

Including the surprising origins of various well-known dishes, such as pasta and potato crisps, as well as a host of historical recipes, this is the perfect book for the inquisitive food lover. 

I found this book to be a gem in my collection of cookbooks and food-related books. Some of the origins even tickled my funny bone, others were more unbelievable. And now we shall feast upon the food laid out on yeh table....

 

347. Fasting Girls: The History of Anorexia Nervosa by Joan Jacobs Brumberg

BOOK REVIEW: Fasting Girls - The History of Anorexia Nervosa by Joan Jacobs Brumberg

Let's face reality, women are always trying their best to look good. Most importantly, the figure has to be an eye-catcher and what better way than to be svelte. I too was unhappy with my weight of 45kg and constantly felt "fat" although my weight and height was just perfect. When I started working, and my weight drastically dropped to a measly 30kg, I was startled to see a skeleton instead of being happy with the weight loss.

Weight and the idea of thinness have always plagued the female mind and turned to worries. Looking at myself, I finally understood that weight loss doesn't mean anything if it was going to make you look sick instead of the opposite. This book too made me realize how important it is to keep educating people on accepting themselves no matter what size they are.

When this book first appeared in 1988, anorexia nervosa was widely considered a new disease. In fact, most people thought it would go away. The author changed that perception by demonstrating when and where anorexia nervosa originated and why it has become so "popular" in our time.

A classic work that is both a biography of the disease and a sustained inquiry into the cultural forces that perpetuate it, this book - newly revised and updated - will stand for years as the authoritative book oj the subject.

I found this book very absorbing and at some points made me feel quite uneasy when vivid descriptions of anorexic patients were put forward. However, all these have served to enlighten that physical beauty isn't everything and that skills and brains are equally important.

 

346. The Wasp That Brainwashed the Caterpillar: Evolution's Most Unbelievable Solutions to Life's Biggest Problems by Matt Simon

BOOK REVIEW: The Wasp That Brainwashed the Caterpillar - Evolution's Most Unbelievable Solutions to Life's Biggest Problems by Matt Simon

The animal kingdom is a weird place to be. Still shrouded in mystery at times and shocked by facts with others, the inhabitants of the fauna world will confound both scientist amd reader.

For example, to find a meal, the female bolas spider releases pheromones that mimic a female moth, luring male moths into her sticky lasso web.

This is among the curious critters of the book, a jaunt through evolution's most unbelievable, most ingenious solutions to the problems of everyday life, from trying to get laid to finding food. 

Join the author as he introduces us to the creatures that have it figured out, the ones that joust with their mustaches or choke sharks to death with snot, all in a wild struggle to survive and, of course, find that special someone. 

Written in a humorous and raw way, it is a fascinating exploration of the awe-inspiring, weird and unsettling ingenuity of evolution. 

345. The Dead Men Stood Together by Chris Priestley

BOOK REVIEW: The Dead Men Stood Together by Chris Priestley

Edgar Allan Poe's stories are dark and have caused many a disturbing nightmare. Along the same tones, this author has managed to create an even darker world that will leave you gasping for air.

Chris Priestley retells old folk tales and fables to bring horror alive. In this book, he retells the famous old Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Crazy words begin a gripping story of madness, demons and death.

Home from the sea, a boy's uncle entrances him with tales of life aboard ship and of foreign lands. Soon the boy decides to join his uncle on his next voyage.

But a violent storm blows the ship off course and the crew find themselves marooned in a sea of ice. As their despair grows, an albatross seems to befriend the sailors and restore hope. But seized by an evil madness, the uncle kills the great bird with his crossbow, and so condemns all on board to unimaginable horrors in which life in death is the greatest...

In this original and darkly compelling fable, the author does for the Ancient Mariner what he did for Frankenstein's Monster in the highly acclaimed Mister Creecher. This story will grab you by the neck and shake you violently, be ready for the tremors...

344. Alice, Let's Eat: Further Adventures of a Happy Eater by Calvin Trillin

BOOK REVIEW: Alice, Let's Eat - Further Adventures of a Happy Eater by Calvin Trillin

Food writing that invokes all five senses is incredibly hard to come by. Excellent food writing enables one to imagine the scenario, taste and smell the food (well, almost) as well as enjoy the overall atmosphere. The author of this book has done all of these justice and more.

In this delightful and delicious tome, the author, guided by an insatiable appetite, embarks on a hilarious odyssey in search of "something decent to eat". 

Across time zones and cultures, and often with his wife, Alice at his side, the author shares his triumphs in the art of culinary discovery. His eating companions includes but are not limited too Fats Goldberg, the New York pizza baron and the author's own 6-year-old daughter.

And though Alice "has a weird predilection for limiting our family to three meals a day", on the road she proves to be a serious eater - despite "seemingly uncontrollable attacks of moderation".

Personally, I have to say that this is one of the most brilliantly written food book of our times. It definitely makes for a good read.

 

343. Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie

BOOK REVIEW: Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie

I have always been a strong fan of Nancy Drew novels when I was growing up. Mystery and detective novels hold a special place in my heart. The hype around Agatha Christie's novels was so rife that I decided to give her book a go, and boy, am I hooked!

Christmas is a time of goodwill and of family reunion - except for the Lee family. This year will be different. Millionaire twice over, tyrannical and ruthless - has Simeon Lee become sentimental about his children in his old age? Or does he have a more sinister motive in bringing them all together?

With unseasonal trepidation, the family assembles. In a brilliantly created atmosphere of jealousy and suspicion, a brutal murder is committed. Hercule Poirot will need all his mastery to solve this audacious crime.

The way Agatha weaves the characters in the story is meaningful and leads the reader towards tbe unexpected ending. I will definitely delve further into more of her books for these tantalizing murder mysteries.

 

342. The Life of Poo or Why You Should Think Twice About Shaking Hands (Especially With Men) by Adam Hart

BOOK REVIEW: The Life of Poo or Why You Should Think Twice About Shaking Hands (Especially with Men) by Adam Hart

Shit! Ok, I'm not cursing. It was just a word I need to mention related to this book. Poo is a taboo subject and what more when it's brought up in a conversation. This book will definitely allow "investment" to be the topic of the day.

Poo is a regular part of our lives. But did you know that most of the 'solid' in your solid waste is actually bacteria? Poo is the product of a remarkable internal ecosystem that science is only just beginning to understand. 

In this book, the author explores the profound, unexpected, sometimes unpleasant - but often beneficial - impact this microscopic horde has on our health, wealth and well-being. 

Join the author on a humorous, encyclopoodic, myth-busting journey that is flush with facts, from the poo in your toilet to the latest scientific research beyond the bowl.

To me, it is a book that had facts retold in a simpler way for even the worse unscience-minded individual. It shines a spotlight on the human microbiota and how poo is nothing to be spoken little of (get to know your brownies more). 

341. The Road to Vindaloo: Curry Cooks & Curry Books by David Burnett & Helen Saberi

BOOK REVIEW: The Road to Vindaloo - Curry Cooks & Curry Books by David Burnett & Helen Saberi

Indians and curry are inseparable but the Brits and curry? You will be surprised by just how close this spicy gravy is to their heart and culinary history.

One of the more surreal facts about British cookery and British taste in the 21st century is that the nation's most popular dinner is claimed to be Chicken Tikka Masala. 

The authors have combed through much literature to attempt a useful answer. They have collected a host of recipes from the very first curry in an English cookbook (1747) to those we love to cook in the present day.

They have unearthed some interesting characters, from Captain White, who developed Selim's authentic curry pastes in Victorian times, the giants of Anglo-Indian housekeeping, Colonel Arthur Robert Kenney-Herbert and Flora Annie Steel, to little-known gems.

All the recipes in this book can be recreated to build a scene of an olden days British kitchen where this warm gravy equally warmed the cockles of the soul. 

From spices to origin to flavour profiles and combinations, this book details curry in all its glory. Wonderful addition to the Yindian bookshelf. 

340. The History of Food in 101 Objects by Media Lab Books

BOOK REVIEW: The History of Food in 101 Objects by Media Lab Books

Food is sustenance to man, providing energy and lifting moods. Eating creates memories and strengthens bonds. But behind each dish or beverage, a long history of food precedes it. To know more about the background, this book is one to relish from cover to cover.

From seeds to sporks to wieners on wheels, the history of food is as rich as an ice cream sundae. By revealing the stories behind 101 carefully curated items, this book outlines the trajectory of early agriculture, explores how various inventions became must-haves for home kitchens and explains how food went from being merely a vital necessity to one of life's most reliable sources of pleasure.

It was so much fun to read the history of so many of the foods we are accustomed to. Some of them intrigued and left me pretty much spellbound. For all foodies, this book is a must-have on your bookshelf to truly prove you know your food.

339. Curry: Eating, Reading and Race by Naben Ruthnum

 BOOK REVIEW: Curry - Eating, Reading and Race by Naben Ruthnum

Don't let the cover of this book mislead you. This isn't completely a book about the namesake dish but about how the cultural diaspora of brown-skinned individuals have made it in the world through emigration, food and writing.

This book is about a dish that doesn't quite exist. But, as the author points out, a dish that doesn't properly exist can have infinite, equally authentic variations. It might even become a form of shorthand for brown identity itself.

This sharp, hilarious little book discusses history, culture, nostalgia and many other things - including food - with wide-ranging intelligence and subtle, thoughtful wit.

For me, this book was a love-hate relationship. I was quite dissapointed as I was conned into getting this book by the cover. The ingredients on the cover suggested a food-related book with only a few pages paying homage to what was on the cover. The rest was basically writing tropes in South Asian literature and how brown-skinned individuals react in foreign lands and such.

The love part for me in the book was the author's writing style. He juxtaposed many of his points against the backdrop of his homeland, Mauritius, and also portrayed the like-minded thinking of other famous writers like Jhumpa Lahiri and Anita Desai. The writing was evocative and gave a sense of how brown-skinned individuals are regarded in countries outside their own as well as the many nostalgias they would like to reconcile with in some point of their lives.

In all, it was a good read although the book could have done a little more justice for the curry so beloved by all around the world. 

338. Ice Cream Social: The Struggle for the Soul of Ben and Jerry's by Brad Edmondson

BOOK REVIEW: Ice Cream Social - The Struggle for the Soul of Ben and Jerry's by Brad Edmondson

As a business graduate, I have been thoroughly intrigued by large conglomerates and their corporate social responsibility models. Many of them seem truly honest and keep their employees at their forefront. What better way to learn more than by reading about Ben and Jerry's.

This famous ice cream company has always been committed to an insanely ambitious 3-part mission: making the world's best ice cream, supporting progressive causes and sharing the company's success with all stakeholders: employees, suppliers, distributors, customers, even cows! However, it hasn't been easy.

This is the first book to tell readers the full, inside story of the inspiring rise, tragic mistakes, devastating fall, determined recovery and ongoing renewal of one of the most iconic mission-driven companies in the world.

It shows how the company focused so intently on the challenges presented by staying true to the mission and how the company came to be sold to corporate giant Unilever or how that relationship evolved to allow Ben and Jerry's to pursue its mission on a much larger stage.

Reading the rise, fall and finally the rise once again of Ben and Jerry's was riveting. It shows how strong human emotions can drive a company to both success and failure. The passion of those involved in the creation of one of the world's leading ice cream producers is touching. More a business story than a technical book, I found this book right up my alley.