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.