391. Foodie Places by Sarah Baxter

BOOK REVIEW: Foodie Places by Sarah Baxter

Face it, we all love food and as a true blue Malaysian, most bonding activities involve food. We tend to carry this insatiable appetite even when travelling abroad. For a read that’s both eye candy and informative, look no further than Foodie Places.

Embark on a delectable journey through the world’s culinary marvels, exploring the South Indian vegan curries that have sustained both devotees and travelers for generations or the inimitable takoyaki of Osaka.

Journey through 25 culinary capitals, from time-honored gastronomic hubs to emerging destinations boasting world-class cuisine.

Featuring vibrant illustrations, every entry captures the energy and essence of its setting. Immerse yourself in this stunning book to uncover the rich cultural traditions that shape the world’s most exceptional cuisine.

Grab a copy while you’re doing your Christmas shopping and drop it off to a foodie friend. Maybe who knows instead of turkey there might be hummus from Tel Aviv on the table!

390. The Secret Life of Bones by Brian Switek

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Secret Life of Bones by Brian Switek

Have any of you ever fractured a bone or even broken one? How many of you have read about rare disorders afflicting the most integral part of our structure? Bones are not just the framework of our body but are actually so much more than the eye can see.

Bone is an extraordinary material—adaptable, resilient, and shaped by more than 500 million years of evolution. This book tells the story of our species by tracing the role of bone—as tools, ornaments, symbols of worship, and instruments of power—from the dawn of religion through the rise of science and into the present day.

The author—an eager storyteller of all things osteological—moves fluidly through biology, history, and culture to uncover the significance of what lies within us, revealing what our bones say about who we are, where we originate, and the legacies we leave behind.

It is a thoughtful and engaging reflection on the origins of the human skeleton, how it works, and how we come to understand and accept our essential—if sometimes unsettling—framework of bone.

In my view, this book is a witty, conversational romp through the world of bones, crafted by one of our finest natural history writers. For advanced readers, this is a wonderful guide for learning as it details bones to a tee, something which would prove useful if you were to do a presentation on these calcified specimens.

389. Popular Ghost Stories by Andrew Lee

 

BOOK REVIEW: Popular Ghost Stories by Andrew Lee

Malaysia and Singapore share at one thing in common besides things like food, culture and its people: the believe of the supernatural. We love to talk about our personal experiences, be it brushes with the unseen or even stories carried on by people. 

In this debut collection of chilling tales, the author presents a range of macabre—and at times gruesome—stories from Malaysia, along with a selection of readers’ letters recounting their own supernatural encounters.

Nothing sparks conversation quite like an old-fashioned ghost story told on a dark night. These remarkable tales delve into the strange, the unusual, and the truly spine-chilling. 

Discover stories ranging from an inexplicable crime scene with a headless body marked by claws, to a student trapped in a living nightmare, an unsettling meeting with a fortune teller, a weeping raintree, and a sinister baby with razor-sharp teeth.

Personally, I felt these stories were way too tame for my liking, almost bordering on pure childish renditions of fear. If you're someone who is a hardcore horror freak like myself, this book isn't worth a read. However, for those who are just starting out on their fear journey, this book might be right up your alley.

388. And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini (courtesy of HIS International School library)

BOOK REVIEW: And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

If there’s ever an author who aces at writing tear-jerkers, it would be none other than Khaled Hosseini himself. His stories which revolve around his birthplace of Afghanistan is both vivid and compelling.

Ten-year-old Abdullah would do anything for his younger sister. In a life of poverty and struggle, with no mother to care for them, Pari is the only person who brings Abdullah happiness. For her, he will trade his only pair of shoes to give her a feather for her treasured collection.

When their father sets off with Pari across the desert to Kabul in search of work, Abdullah is determined not to be separated from her. Neither brother nor sister know what this fateful journey will bring them.

This book is a deeply moving epic of heartache, hope and above all, the unbreakable bonds of love. It’s a story of love, separation, friendship, compassion, exile, memory and the troubled history of Afghanistan, spanning three continents and sixty years.

I found this read to be a diamond, impressive and heartbreaking at the same time. Khaled Hosseini is definitely a writer with talent like that of a magical fountain.

 

387. A Vintage Affair: Isabel Wolff (courtesy of HIS International School library)

 

BOOK REVIEW: A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff

As a woman, I’m very much into fashion and I do support the use of pre-loved clothing. Vintage clothing on the other hand is in a world if its own, pre-loved clothes from famous labels as well as from a bygone era. The fabrics, cuts and more are simply outstanding. In this novel, appreciation of vintage clothing is brought to the forefront alongside a story of love and loss. 

Her friends are stunned when Phoebe Swift abruptly leaves a plum job at the prestigious Sotheby’s auction house to open her own vintage clothing shop, Village Vintage. She hopes to make her store the hot new place to shop, even as she deals with two ardent suitors, her increasingly difficult mum and a secret from her past.

Therese Bell, an elderly Frenchwoman, has an inpressive clothing collection. Among these clothes, Phoebe finds a child’s coat which Mrs. Bell is stubbornly reluctant to part with. As the two women become friends, Phoebe will learn the tale of that little blue coat. 

She will discover an astonishing connection between herself and Therese that will help her heal the pain of her own past and allow her to love again. 

I personally loved this book for it’s romantic and sumptuous storyline. This is a must for fans of vintage clothing and romance. 

386. Freaking Romance Volume 1 by Snailords

 

BOOK REVIEW: Freaking Romance Volume 1 by Snailords

Who doesn’t love a good graphic novel? I’m no exception to it and that’s why I picked up this book with rather enticing illustrations. Let’s see what the storyline’s about.

Every relationship has its bumps. For this couple, it’s interstellar. This sexy supernatural story is about being out on your own, finding your dream apartment and discovering that your new place is haunted by a spectral stranger from another dimension.

Sure, he can’t see you and you can’t touch him, but who said every relationship starts out perfectly? This volume collects episodes 1-21 of the supernatural romance hit Webtoon comic.

Being rather repetitive, I became increasingly annoyed and it just pulled away from the main idea. The writers could have done a better job to produce a much smuttier graphic novel, but oh well😅

Although the title seems rather raunchy, the content is quite suitable for YA readers. To sum it all up, get this book for the graphics but don’t keep your hopes high that it’s gonna be great.

385. Forbidden Worlds: Volume 5

BOOK REVIEW: Forbidden Worlds - Volume 5

As a 90's kid, I grew up reading plenty of high-quality comics which are now termed graphic novels. DC Comics and the Archie ones are the ones commonly found in Asia. Now with the introduction of Big Bad Wolf book sales and Book Xcess bookstores, getting my hands on these kinds of collections have become more affordable and accessible.

If you're into mythology and classic comic book art, Forbidden Worlds is just the collection to own. As a horror fan myself, I truly enjoyed the four to five short stories included in each volume (though I must say that none of them scared me in the least!).

Kids the length and breadth of the US and some in UK were familiar with Richard Hughes and his team behind Forbidden Worlds. This state-of-the-art hardcover volumes are a homage to the horror comic genre that was famous one upon a time.

For collectors or horror aficionados, this would make a great piece on the bookshelf. Do check out Book Xcess or head to any Big Bad Wolf sale, keep your eyes peeled and you just might come across this book and more!

 

384. Bodies of Evidence: How Forensic Science Solves Crimes by Brian Innes & Lucy Doncaster

 

BOOK REVIEW: Bodies of Evidence - How Forensic Science Solves Crimes by Brian Innes & Lucy Doncaster

I used to love Science and still do to this day. The innovations brought about by Science is something to give serious thought to. In the early 2000s, crime dramas like CSI and the like were really hot for their portrayal of crime investigation techniques. However, did you know that most of the cases portrayed were actually real-life cases and the forensic investigation used in the scenes were actual techniques?

About a month back, I came across this interesting book which shed light on forensic science along with the cases in which it was used in. Criminal investigators have learned how to interpret vital testimony that is written in the language of fingerprints and flakes of skin, gradients of teeth and bone, splashes of blood, flecks of paint and traces of chemicals, a splinter of glass or a uniquely striated bullet.

in the modern era, this formidable Science has helped bring to justice some of the most notorious, devious and dangerous criminals in history. Some of these include accounts of political assassins, con men, sexual serial killers and more sick criminals.

Besides that, this book also evaluates Science's contribution through the key areas of toxicology,  fingerprinting, facial reconstruction, forensic ballistics and DNA analysis. Illustrated throughout with 200 photographs, this book is an accessible, comprehensive guide to modern forensic investigative techniques.

I loved this book to bits, which lead me to get a copy for my close friend who is a graduate in forensics herself. Being a truly riveting read, it made me understand that all crimes CAN be deciphered via forensics, though duration of results may vary from case to case. Well-explained, it's easy for a beginner in forensics to understand terms and processes behind this special branch of Science. To me, this book is a perfect study addition for anyone who is in the field of forensics or even just someone who's interested like me to understand how the Science world works in various aspects. 

Only warning: don't end up being a serial killer by imitating any of the famous perpetrators in this book. Forensic Science might just sniff you out or maybe I will...

383. Nebula Awards Showcase 2013

BOOK REVIEW: Nebula Awards Showcase 2013

Overall rating: 4/5⭐

The Nebula Awards Showcase volumes have been published annually since 1966, reprinting the Nebula Award-nominated and winning stories, as voted on by the members of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.

The editor, selected by SFWA’s anthology committee, is two-time Nebula Award winner Catharine Asaro. This volume includes the winners of the Andre Norton, Damon Knight Grand Master, Rhysling and Solstice Awards, as well as the Nebula Award winners.

I personally found this book slightly difficult to understand with its theories and language structure. However, the settings of each story left me intrigued.

382. Men on the Menu by Bambi Smyth

BOOK REVIEW: Men on the Menu by Bambi Smyth

With the amount of unfortunate events which happened in 2024, I never managed to read enough or be active enough in the book clubs I am in. Now, I felt it's time I made a comeback. 

One of the books I read was Men on the Menu which taught me the value of opening my heart to love despite the odds (I have been facing plenty of odds in the relationship department).

Recently single and defiantly youthful, the author is determined to take control of her own destiny and give love another chance. So she sets off on a journey across the globe to combine her three greatest passions: food, travel and men, hoping to widen her horizons - and maybe her heart - along the way.

What she finds during dates with 75 men changes her perception of love - and herself - forever.

I found this book quite relatable in many ways. If someone in her late forties can find love again, I can definitely do the same now that I just entered the 3 series. If you or your girlfriends need a book to do some love soul-searching, this book comes highly recommended.