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.