All 3 entries tagged Book Reviews

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

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