Book review entries

Your Body's Many Cries for Water

Writing about web page http://www.fourwinds10.com/news/02-education/A-books/2004/02A-10-03-04-your-bodys-many-cries-for-water.html

Considering the fact that we are composed of 55 – 60% of water it is amazing that most of us do not have eating and drinking patterns that reflect this statistic, especially in Britain. This book goes into great depth about water and how dehydration is at the root of many health problems from headache and stress through to arthiritus and other degenerative diseases. I'm not sure about his radical claim that dehydration is the root cause of all diseases, but it makes absolute medical sense that our joints, skin and major organs (including our brains) need a lot of pure water each day to function at their best, and to prevent uneccessary future decline. It also flushes out toxins and other waster products that we most definetly don't want hanging around!

"Chronic and persistently increasing dehydration is the root cause of almost all currently encountered major diseases of the human body."
Dr. F. Batmanghelidj

Excuse me while I fill up my glass…

: 25 Oct 2004 16:18 |  Comments (8) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Foods That Harm Foods That Heal

This is a superb book for anyone with any interest in what they eat!

Its a comprehensive A-Z compendium of foods and health problems/illnesses. It gives you a run down of all the benefits of all food, dispelling some myths, and suggests foods that may benefit/harm various conditions. It is well laid out, easy to read and the sort of great reference book you can dip into again and again. Some of the information I have not read before, and it is great to have it all in one volume. I was particularly interested to read more about the health properties of soy, especially of its benefits to young children.

: 08 Jul 2004 13:00 |  Tags: Book Reviews |  Comments (6) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Up Against the Wall: International Poster design

This is more than another coffee table book. It takes a comprehensive look at poster design from an International perspective. The humble poster is showcased as the most accessible contemporary form of street communication. It is examined as a political tool, from the controversial to the aesthetically beautiful, as a reflection of contemporary thought, and, at its most simplistic a mix of text and image.

Since I've been workling on some posters it seemed a helpful inspiration and an excuse to buy a great book! It is well laid out and full of great colour spreads.

I got a great deal on it through an Amazon re-seller – RRP £29.95, I paid £18. Quite satisfying.

: 30 Jun 2004 11:58 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Review: Tears of the Giraffe

This is the second in the series 'No 1 Ladies Detective Agency' and follows the antics of Mma Ramotswe in her detective agency in Bostwana. Like the first in the series it is entertaining and a real delight to read. McCall Smith clearly understands the spirit of Africa and his writing draws the reader into a country that is simple, delightful and full of beauty. He communicates the essence of Botswanan life in a tone that is gentle and refreshing, yet somehow challenging and thoughtprovoking. I can't wait to read the next two in the series.

: 28 Jun 2004 10:21 |  Tags: Book Reviews |  Comments (4) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Review: The Da Vinci Code

I read this novel on holiday to see what all the fuss was about, and to see if the reviews and accolades it has received are justified.

The plot begins with the murder of the curator of the Louvre, and takes the reader on a complex and dizzy journey through the Paris night and beyond. Following Robert Langdon, Harvard Professor of symbology and noted cryptographer Sophie Neveu, the path leads to the discovery of the ancient code of Leonardo da Vinci, hidden in his paintings and held secret from the rest of the world, protected by the church. Weaving intrigue within art history, paganism, the sacred, the Catholic church and the myth of the Holy Grail, it is certainly an exciting read.

The book is theologically controversial in some of its suppositions, and although a work of fiction, the facts presented and statements call out for acceptance or refutation. Many of his assertions made are simply not true historically, although Brown is clearly intending to challenge accepted beliefs and these serve him in that. As a novel it works well, but should not be accepted as factually accurate.

It is an enthralling fast-paced read, thought provoking and challenging. Personally I found the twists and turns towards the end clever, but the ending a little disappointing.

Great airport reading!

: 15 Jun 2004 11:09 |  Tags: Book Reviews |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem