331. Hungry in Ipoh by Fixi Novo

 BOOK REVIEW: Hungry in Ipoh by Fixi Novo

Malaysians eat and commune over food, 24/7. There are plenty of dining options and certain cities in Malaysia hold the moniker of food paradise. Ipoh is one of those cities.

This book compiles 15 short stories based on Ipoh - a city famous for its delicacies. These are tales about different people - both locals and outsiders, from the past and the present - and their connection to the city.

You'll find love, humor, horror, nostalgia, melancholy and so much more. Some are mouthwatering while others are stomach-churning..

One of the stories was written by one of the active members in the KL Book Appreciation Club (KLBAC), Tina Isaacs. Her take on the Raja Bersiung story (Malaysian vampire) was totally cool.

If you love stories that revolve around local flavours and settings, this book is your go-to during your next purchase. 

330. Best Before: The Evolution and Future of Processed Food by Nicola Temple

 

BOOK REVIEW: Best Before - The Evolution and Future of Processed Food by Nicola Temple

Supermarket shelves are lined with processed foods these days - we have microwave meals, bags of chips, soft drinks and I could go on and on. Processed food has been receiving much flak from the public. Why and how did food processing come about and is it good or bad?

Long before the invention of the ready meal, humans processed food to preserve it and make it safe. From fire to fermentation, our ancestors survived periods of famine by changing the very nature of their food. This ability to process food has undoubtedly made us one of the most successful species on the planet, but have we gone too far?

Through manipulating chemical reactions and organisms, scientists have unlocked all kinds of methods to improve food longevity and increase supply. The developments are keeping up with the changing needs of the demanding consumer, but we only tend to notice when the latest scaremongering headline hits the news.

This book puts processed food into perspective. It explores how processing methods have evolved in many of the foods that we love in response to big business, consumer demand, health concerns, innovation, political will, waste and even war. It will arm readers with the information they need to be rational consumers, capable of making informed decisions about their food.

I finally found some closure and answers to many niggling questions I had on the food processing industrg and the continuous debate on the credibility of processed foods. It was such a credible read that I would encourage more people to get a copy for its truthfulness in a light-hearted manner.

329. The Dead Zone by Stephen King

BOOK REVIEW: The Dead Zone by Stephen King

We have all heard of psychics or people with a certain sixth sense. Some were born with this gift or curse, whichever way you want to look at it. But what happens when life decides to give you a blow and you turn into a psychic with dire consequences? This dark story twisted by the master of horror is sure to make your behind glued to your chair.

Johnny Smith has a curse. When this young man touches someone, he has the power to perceive the evil in men's souls. After a freak accident, he makes people recoil in horror when he senses these emotions.

His ability to see into the future forces him into a terrifying confrontation with a charismatic, power-hungry and infinitely dangerous man.

This book got me thinking about how psychics don't actually live a life of gratitude. You are actually foreseeing things that could really shake you or someone close to you to the core. Thoroughly dark and disturbing, I loved this novel to bits, just like every obe of Stephen King's books.

328. High Voltage Tattoo by Kat Von D

 

BOOK REVIEW: High Voltage Tattoo by Kat Von D

Some of you ladies may be familiar with the Kat Von D make-up line, especially that oh-so-sexy Tattoo Eyeliner which gives you an effortless cat eye wing like no other eyeliner can. But do you know the equally sexy and strong lady behind this brand?

Kat Von D is the star of LA Ink, a TV program that was launched in 2007. A talented tattooist, she set the Guinness World Record for doing the most tattoos in a 24-hour period.

This book is a raw look at her childhood as well as her trials and tribulations in the tattoo world. As with any great tattooist, she gives her insights on what and who inspired her to create her world-famous renditions of body art.

If you are a tattoo aficionado or thinking to get one, this book will get you striding to the nearest tattoo parlor nearby. Filled to the brim with various tattoo designs, from Kat Von d and other famous tattooists around the world.

I found this book to be an eye-opener as tattoos are always looked upon as taboo in conservative Asian cultures. Getting a tattoo also has negative connotations due to unnecessary misconceptions. By reading this book, I fully understand tattooing as a personal form of expression and a form of beauty as well. Awesome read!  

327. Needful Things by Stephen King

BOOK REVIEW: Needful Things by Stephen King

The reason why I don't give up on Stephen King is because of his superb writing skills, although it spans only the horror genre. The way the plot twists seem to kick you in the gut everytime you read, sending you reeling is one to look out for. And Needful Things certainly doesn't dissapoint.

There was a new shop in town, run by a stranger (Leland Gaunt, spoiler alert!). Needful Things, the sign said. The oddest name. A name that caused some gossip and speculation among the good folks of Castle Rock, Maine, while they waited for opening day.

11-year-old Brian Rusk was the first customer and he got just what he wanted, a very rare 1956 Sandy Koufax baseball card signed by the baseball player himself. Cyndi Rose Martin was next. A Lalique vase which seemed to be the perfect match for her living room decor.

There was something for everyone, something you really had to have. And always at a price you could just about afford. The cash price that is because there was another price. There always is when your heart's most secret, true desire is for sale...

The story roughly revolves around how innocent people are roped in to do the work of evil, specifically the order of Yog-Sothoth, the Dark Keeper of Time and Space. It wasn't scary but the novel had an eerie, jumpy feel which was almost realistic. The author is truly the blessing of all horror lovers. 

 

326. Meet Your Bacteria by Nicola Temple and Catherine Whitlock

BOOK REVIEW: Meet Your Bacteria by Nicola Temple and Catherine Whitlock

Bacteria may be one of the grossest things to even think or talk about. Sadly, these microorganisms are looked upon with disgust. Of course there are the bad ones and there are those who are heroes in disguise.

Did you know your body is a habitat? It houses an entire ecosystem of interacting microorganisms that form your own personal microbiome, your own unique set of bacteria.

This book looks at how your bacteria behave, how they benefit you (or otherwise) and how you can encourage the good to stay and the bad to depart.

It examines their role in key areas of the body: the skin, eyes, mouth, lungs, gut and the urogenital system. Learn how to promote the good bacteria on and inside you and combat the harmful ones.

This book also offers a trip into an incredible, invincible world, whose crucial significance we are only just beginning to understand. It holds up a microscope to the human microbiome and its fascinating workings.

Fully illustrated with vivid colours and diagrams, this book was absolutely an interesting read. I was intrigued by such a misunderstood subject and I have more respect for these microbes.

325. Thirst No.1 by Christopher Pike

BOOK REVIEW: Thirst No.1 by Christopher Pike

Recently, I have seen many books written by Indian authors that revolved around Indian themes and Hinduism. But what happens when a Western author merges Western vampirism with Hindu gods? That's what you get when you read this compilation of 3 stories in Thirst.

Alisa has been in control of her urges for the 5000 years she has been a vampire. She feeds but does not kill, and she lives her life on the fringe to maintain her secret. But when her creator, Yaksha, returns to haunt her, she must break her own rules in order to survive.

Her quest leads her to Ray. He is the only person who can help her; he also has every reason to fear her. Alisa must get closer to him to ensure her immortality. But as she begins to fall in love with Ray, suddenly there is more at stake than her own life...

In the 3 stories, Alisa's string of lovers (Yaksha, Rama, Ray, Seymour, Joel, Arturo: and it's only the first compilation!) meet untimely and gruesome deaths, except for one (find out who still stays by her side in the end). 

It was a gripping read till the very end and I would love to get my hands on Thirst No.2 to see how everything ends and also of the new beginning in the world of vampires. Truly fresh from the rest of the vampire romance genres I have read.