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girlnextshore's reviews
806 reviews
Lonely Planet's Ultimate Eatlist by Lonely Planet Food
3.0
Quite a delightful guidebook made for traveling foodies, particularly those who spend time fixing itineraries based on what they plan to eat (points to self).
It presents a decent list of 500 local and traditional delicacies across the globe, peppered with must try experiences, restaurants, and insights from well-known chefs and food personalities. Most descriptions are short and sweet, sometimes leaving you wanting to know more about the dish/experience, but the narrative is casual enough that it works for this kind of book.
Some items on the list felt a bit lost to me by bringing out the obvious, however. For example I would’ve preferred to be suggested a good yum cha place in Taiwan instead of… bubble tea. There are also some cop out suggestions, like “find a stall with the most number of people” or “find the servers who look most tired as they would’ve been working since crack of dawn”.
Not quite sure the organisation of chapters was well thought of, though. It doesn’t really have any categories other than “1-99” and “200-299”, so it jumps from one country to the other and back. Not a big deal, but personally would’ve liked a route that was a bit more connecting.
That said, I quite enjoyed reading this. Fuels your appetite and wanderlust. Personally, this fuelled my competitive / tick the checklist side (I’ve eaten/tried 303 out of 500 on the list).
It presents a decent list of 500 local and traditional delicacies across the globe, peppered with must try experiences, restaurants, and insights from well-known chefs and food personalities. Most descriptions are short and sweet, sometimes leaving you wanting to know more about the dish/experience, but the narrative is casual enough that it works for this kind of book.
Some items on the list felt a bit lost to me by bringing out the obvious, however. For example I would’ve preferred to be suggested a good yum cha place in Taiwan instead of… bubble tea. There are also some cop out suggestions, like “find a stall with the most number of people” or “find the servers who look most tired as they would’ve been working since crack of dawn”.
Not quite sure the organisation of chapters was well thought of, though. It doesn’t really have any categories other than “1-99” and “200-299”, so it jumps from one country to the other and back. Not a big deal, but personally would’ve liked a route that was a bit more connecting.
That said, I quite enjoyed reading this. Fuels your appetite and wanderlust. Personally, this fuelled my competitive / tick the checklist side (I’ve eaten/tried 303 out of 500 on the list).
The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman
4.0
Much better than the first, and quite a fun read. A rather comforting, feel good take on crime solving with utterly adorable protagonists. Think feel good British films you watch on Sunday afternoons.
So far the books in the series feel like they’ve been made for tv / cinema. In my head, I've played the cast of characters as:
Helen Mirren / Charlotte Rampling as Elizabeth
Judi Dench / Dawn French as Joyce
Bill Nighy as Ron
Ben Kingsley as Ibrahim
Michaela Coel as Donna
Ricky Gervais as Chris
So far the books in the series feel like they’ve been made for tv / cinema. In my head, I've played the cast of characters as:
Helen Mirren / Charlotte Rampling as Elizabeth
Judi Dench / Dawn French as Joyce
Bill Nighy as Ron
Ben Kingsley as Ibrahim
Michaela Coel as Donna
Ricky Gervais as Chris
Veg by Jamie Oliver
3.0
A helpful book filled with ideas and tips to start any veggie-centric health kick.
Jamie Oliver often frustrates me with his meh attitude to quantities (ie, a mug of this and roughly a handful of that or more) and his lackadaisical definition of methods (ie, "bang bang it your fist" and "puff it up with gusto"). So I tend to call his cookbook entries ideas rather than recipes because if there’s anything I’ve learned from the naked chef, it’s the art of eyeballing to temper to your taste. His ideas tend to work for novice and busy cooks, though.
Unlike other more respected cookbooks where you buy a full tin of some strange ingredient you will use a fifth of and forget beyond its expiry date, this cookbook is fairly easy to follow and the stuff you need are quite “average pantry"-friendly. So overall, a welcome addition to the cook-shelves, especially if you're entertaining non-fussy vegetarians around.
Jamie Oliver often frustrates me with his meh attitude to quantities (ie, a mug of this and roughly a handful of that or more) and his lackadaisical definition of methods (ie, "bang bang it your fist" and "puff it up with gusto"). So I tend to call his cookbook entries ideas rather than recipes because if there’s anything I’ve learned from the naked chef, it’s the art of eyeballing to temper to your taste. His ideas tend to work for novice and busy cooks, though.
Unlike other more respected cookbooks where you buy a full tin of some strange ingredient you will use a fifth of and forget beyond its expiry date, this cookbook is fairly easy to follow and the stuff you need are quite “average pantry"-friendly. So overall, a welcome addition to the cook-shelves, especially if you're entertaining non-fussy vegetarians around.
A Curious History of Sex by Kate Lister
4.0
I like that this book knows where it stands: a 'curious' history book which goes in and out of certain aspects of sex from tale as old as time to recent days. It knows it doesn't touch all aspects of sex (not enough LGBTQI IMHO) but it gives you an idea as to why things are how they are these days.
Kate Lister's writing style made reading enjoyable - there are laugh out loud moments capturing facts and etymologies. The chapters are short but the notes and references are actually informative for further reading.
The facts presented are great and well researched, although angering that people's stupidity around sex and women's health is technically brought about by men who thought they knew everything (surprise surprise).
Really like how she concluded the book as well.
If you want to read about the science of sex, an equally funny and suggested reading: [b:Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex|5981308|Bonk The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex|Mary Roach|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1335719323l/5981308._SX50_.jpg|2398516]
Kate Lister's writing style made reading enjoyable - there are laugh out loud moments capturing facts and etymologies. The chapters are short but the notes and references are actually informative for further reading.
The facts presented are great and well researched, although angering that people's stupidity around sex and women's health is technically brought about by men who thought they knew everything (surprise surprise).
Really like how she concluded the book as well.
If you want to read about the science of sex, an equally funny and suggested reading: [b:Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex|5981308|Bonk The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex|Mary Roach|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1335719323l/5981308._SX50_.jpg|2398516]
Diary of a Somebody by Brian Bilston
2.0
I wanted this book to be really good
since I follow Brian on the Twitter 'hood
A few chapters later
I willed it to be better
But I parked it cos I needed some food
I gave the book another shot
A poet he is, but novelist he's not
More chapters I've read
Before I went to bed
Oh Mr Bilston, is this all you've got?
The themes of middle-age woes were familiar
But the way it was written was rather peculiar
A huge part of it moaned
And I inwardly groaned
But entertaining, so not entirely a failure
A male Bridget Jones, some people have said
And reminded me of some diarists I've read
And though I'm not a hater
(I still follow him on Twitter)
I'm leaving my copy in a free library instead
since I follow Brian on the Twitter 'hood
A few chapters later
I willed it to be better
But I parked it cos I needed some food
I gave the book another shot
A poet he is, but novelist he's not
More chapters I've read
Before I went to bed
Oh Mr Bilston, is this all you've got?
The themes of middle-age woes were familiar
But the way it was written was rather peculiar
A huge part of it moaned
And I inwardly groaned
But entertaining, so not entirely a failure
A male Bridget Jones, some people have said
And reminded me of some diarists I've read
And though I'm not a hater
(I still follow him on Twitter)
I'm leaving my copy in a free library instead
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
3.0
I wanted to love this as much as I love the physical book (hardbound Waterstones special signed edition with beautiful end papers) but then I never judge a book by its cover. I was fairly excited to read a Greek re-telling that doesn't centre around the Trojan War.
The first part was quick-paced, focusing on Ariadne's childhood, her involvement with the Athenian escape, and her early years of exile. I appreciate this part needed some character building but it fell a bit short for me. I had hoped to read more of her conflicted relationship with her brother, the Minotaur, but what you get is a an exploration of her ambitious love for Theseus. And even that part felt like a Cliff’s Notes version.
The second and third parts dragged a little bit, but I appreciate the focus towards both Ariadne's and Phaedra's perspectives. It felt like a nurture vs nature story, of how such seemingly similar sisters have become two different people.
The final part felt a bit... rushed, although the last chapter and the epilogue are both beautifully written.
I do like how the novel waved the flag towards remembering how women have suffered under a man's pride and a man's quick hold to war. I felt the author could have made both Cretan sisters a bit more empowered and assertive; Ariadne in exile felt like she depended so much on Dionysus and the fates that be. In this retelling I was hoping for her to have had at least a little bit of bite in strength instead of being rather... passive. So seemingly a missed opportunity there, but entertaining enough.
The first part was quick-paced, focusing on Ariadne's childhood, her involvement with the Athenian escape, and her early years of exile. I appreciate this part needed some character building but it fell a bit short for me. I had hoped to read more of her conflicted relationship with her brother, the Minotaur, but what you get is a an exploration of her ambitious love for Theseus. And even that part felt like a Cliff’s Notes version.
The second and third parts dragged a little bit, but I appreciate the focus towards both Ariadne's and Phaedra's perspectives. It felt like a nurture vs nature story, of how such seemingly similar sisters have become two different people.
The final part felt a bit... rushed, although the last chapter and the epilogue are both beautifully written.
I do like how the novel waved the flag towards remembering how women have suffered under a man's pride and a man's quick hold to war. I felt the author could have made both Cretan sisters a bit more empowered and assertive; Ariadne in exile felt like she depended so much on Dionysus and the fates that be. In this retelling I was hoping for her to have had at least a little bit of bite in strength instead of being rather... passive. So seemingly a missed opportunity there, but entertaining enough.
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
4.0
"We are always getting away from the present moment. Our mental existences, which are immaterial and have no dimensions, are passing along the Time-Dimension with a uniform velocity from the cradle to the grave."
More a soci0-political mirroring and commentary guised in a prophetic sci-fi premise, this still has good re-read value. (I even like it more now than I had before.)
More a soci0-political mirroring and commentary guised in a prophetic sci-fi premise, this still has good re-read value. (I even like it more now than I had before.)
Every Deep-Drawn Breath by Wes Ely
3.0
Dr Ely clearly has an impressive and inspirational career, and has had an impact on how HCPs view and deliver intensive care and beyond. A good book to remind those in the profession of the humanity in medicine and care.
Really pleased to read more on the advocacy to care about PICS-F and delirium in the ICU, as well as the effects of long covid - there may have been progress but there is still a lot to change, fund, and research. I also like how the author highlights the importance of continuous learning and sharing best updated practice - particularly in an environment of prolific "expert opinions" and "key findings" floating front, right, left, and centre.
The patient stories were the most powerful for me, and I commend their bravery for giving permission to be named. Whilst I had hoped for a bit more fluidity in the way their stories were shared and shaped, props to Dr Ely for shining a light on them and ensuring that they are humanised in the book and on his website - they are after all at the heart of what HCPs do.
I definitely got the impression that he genuinely cares for his patients and that he wants to push the envelope to do more and better. However, the prose sometimes read achingly flowery. I like the nod to other clinicians and healthcare visionaries, but that sometimes detracted from the point. I also wish more credit was given to ICU nurses.
Nice list for extra reading, books for the TBR pile, and notes for references.
While not necessarily groundbreaking for those in the profession, it's definitely a good reminder of the importance of patient-centric care. IMHO.
Really pleased to read more on the advocacy to care about PICS-F and delirium in the ICU, as well as the effects of long covid - there may have been progress but there is still a lot to change, fund, and research. I also like how the author highlights the importance of continuous learning and sharing best updated practice - particularly in an environment of prolific "expert opinions" and "key findings" floating front, right, left, and centre.
The patient stories were the most powerful for me, and I commend their bravery for giving permission to be named. Whilst I had hoped for a bit more fluidity in the way their stories were shared and shaped, props to Dr Ely for shining a light on them and ensuring that they are humanised in the book and on his website - they are after all at the heart of what HCPs do.
I definitely got the impression that he genuinely cares for his patients and that he wants to push the envelope to do more and better. However, the prose sometimes read achingly flowery. I like the nod to other clinicians and healthcare visionaries, but that sometimes detracted from the point. I also wish more credit was given to ICU nurses.
Nice list for extra reading, books for the TBR pile, and notes for references.
While not necessarily groundbreaking for those in the profession, it's definitely a good reminder of the importance of patient-centric care. IMHO.
Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline
3.0
Have you ever loved a first book and then really loved the sequel? So I finally finished this one, which fell slightly flat for me.
Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One was so good, even the author himself acknowledged the pressure he felt when writing the sequel.
The book follows on a few years after the High Five won Halliday’ hunt and became owners of GSS and the OASIS. They’ve launched new tech, caused some sort of tension, and found themselves in a quest to search for “the seven shards of the siren”.
If it sounds like the first book, you’re not wrong to think that. There’s even another scoreboard.
I devoured RPO but this one was a slog. It didn’t really start for me til I’ve hit a third of the book. That was when things started to get interesting. The actual adventure quest felt like it went on forever, but the references to pop culture of yesteryear were still pretty ace. I actually appreciate the nod to John Hughes films and Prince.
That said, it was a satisfying enough ending although it made me feel like… how I felt when I read Harper Lee’s Go Set A Watchman. When you love the first book so much and get excited for the sequel, will the sequel actually ever be as good?
Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One was so good, even the author himself acknowledged the pressure he felt when writing the sequel.
The book follows on a few years after the High Five won Halliday’ hunt and became owners of GSS and the OASIS. They’ve launched new tech, caused some sort of tension, and found themselves in a quest to search for “the seven shards of the siren”.
If it sounds like the first book, you’re not wrong to think that. There’s even another scoreboard.
I devoured RPO but this one was a slog. It didn’t really start for me til I’ve hit a third of the book. That was when things started to get interesting. The actual adventure quest felt like it went on forever, but the references to pop culture of yesteryear were still pretty ace. I actually appreciate the nod to John Hughes films and Prince.
That said, it was a satisfying enough ending although it made me feel like… how I felt when I read Harper Lee’s Go Set A Watchman. When you love the first book so much and get excited for the sequel, will the sequel actually ever be as good?
The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma
3.0
Beautifully written and quite a different take on coming-of-age stories.
Set in warring Nigeria in the 90s, the story centres on a family filled with aspirations but faced with tragedies brought about by false prophesies, small town beliefs, and inequality. It follows the misadventures of four brothers, whose close bond changes when a madman foretells the eldest to be killed by another. And it all goes downhill from there.
The book, whilst completely heartbreaking, is rich with hope and vivid descriptions. But it also reminds you of the lengths you would go to protect your own.
Great debut.
Set in warring Nigeria in the 90s, the story centres on a family filled with aspirations but faced with tragedies brought about by false prophesies, small town beliefs, and inequality. It follows the misadventures of four brothers, whose close bond changes when a madman foretells the eldest to be killed by another. And it all goes downhill from there.
The book, whilst completely heartbreaking, is rich with hope and vivid descriptions. But it also reminds you of the lengths you would go to protect your own.
Great debut.