Holiday book review
Haven't had a huge amount of time to read but more than we would have had if we were working, so we felt intellectual and decided to do a review of what we've read so far:
Fast Food Nation
What it's about: It takes you from the beginnings of the fast food industry to present day, giving you an insight into the politics of this massive multi-billion dollar business and it's links to the government (mostly the amenrican government). It also enlightens you on what goes on at the abertouires and at the other end of the counter, has shocking facts such as that a fast food establishment is most likely to be robbed by a fast food emloyee. It builds up in a sophisticated way to tell you about the poor quality of fast food and the dangers associated with eating it, here's a quote about burgers "there's shit in it"!!! Chris and I hate fast food anyway but this really put us off for good.
Rating: ****
Corporate Confidential
What it's about: A mature ex-HR consultant tells the truth about company politics without pulling any punches. It's what you've suspected all along but never allowed yourself to believe such as a)Taking too much holiday in one go doesn't go down well, b) Making your desk too personal isn't seen as proffessional, and c) Feeling or even looking tired/ill is seen as a sign of weakness regardless of wether you've been up all night with a newborn!
It's a great book but pretty shocking and maybe a little too hartless...but probably true.
Rating: ***
Doc
What it's about: This is a true story about a GP in a mostly mormon community who abuses that doctor-patient blind trust, and abuses hundreds of women unknowingly. This is one of the best books I have read because of the amount of emotion it evokes, it makes you feel sick and angry and vengeful but it makes you feel and think and that's what makes a brilliant book to me. It is SHOCKING, and when I read this I wanted to strangle the absolute psychopath in it. Read it when you feel stable or you'll have nightmares!
Rating: *****
Whiteout (Ken Follet)
What it's about: This is a fiction story about a dedly virus in a lab that has the potential of killing millions of people. Yeah you might think you've seen it and heard it all before in films like "Outbreak" and you probably have, but it doesn't stop this being a real page turner. Chris and I where glued to his one, it's compulsory reading.
Rating: *****
The Face of Fear(Dean Koontz)
What it's about: An ex pro-climber who has visions becomes connected to a serial killer, except the serial killer finds out- oh oh...
A chase thriller, it's as intense as most of old Dean's books and it has you hooked except some of it was a little too weird for Chris and I have to admit that once I got to the end I had to spend about ten minutes working out who was who again!
Good but not one of Mr Kontz's best
Rating: ****
Dolores Claiborne (Stephen King)
What it's about: A woman called Dolores Claibourne who is accused of murdering her employer (a rich old lady with a sick and twisted mind). It is written in the most unusual way I have ever encountered, the whole thing is just Dolores herself giving her statement to the police who have come to arrest her for murder. None of the other characters speak in the whole book, it is GENIUS! And Dolores herself has the most colourful language and analogies I have ever heard. I LOVED this book, it's unique!
Rating: *****
GUT Reactions
What it's about: It's about burping, farting and pooing. I bought it to find out more about IBS and thinks like that ( I realise I'm bearing my soul here but you try eating Thai food for 3 months!!!)
Rating: ** (Not too fussed but it served a purpose I guess)
The Damaged Done
What it's about: A true story about a man who was caught smuggling drugs in Bangkok and was jailed in "The Bangkok Hilton" possibly the WORSE prison in the World. It is a shocking story and made me evaluate my initial "he deserved it" verdict once I had finished. It's writen by the guy himself who at times seems frustrated because he doesn't have the writing ability to convey his suffering, but none the less it was a hit.
Rating: ***
The Girl in the Picture:
What it's about: The true story of a vietnamese girl who survived a horrific napalm attack during the Vietnam War. Tears will roll down your face if you read this. It was probably more potent because we read it in Saigon.
Rating: ***
I'm reading the Selfish Gene at the moment but if you have any great recommendations then please post a comment for us.
Cheers,
Sam
Fast Food Nation
What it's about: It takes you from the beginnings of the fast food industry to present day, giving you an insight into the politics of this massive multi-billion dollar business and it's links to the government (mostly the amenrican government). It also enlightens you on what goes on at the abertouires and at the other end of the counter, has shocking facts such as that a fast food establishment is most likely to be robbed by a fast food emloyee. It builds up in a sophisticated way to tell you about the poor quality of fast food and the dangers associated with eating it, here's a quote about burgers "there's shit in it"!!! Chris and I hate fast food anyway but this really put us off for good.
Rating: ****
Corporate Confidential
What it's about: A mature ex-HR consultant tells the truth about company politics without pulling any punches. It's what you've suspected all along but never allowed yourself to believe such as a)Taking too much holiday in one go doesn't go down well, b) Making your desk too personal isn't seen as proffessional, and c) Feeling or even looking tired/ill is seen as a sign of weakness regardless of wether you've been up all night with a newborn!
It's a great book but pretty shocking and maybe a little too hartless...but probably true.
Rating: ***
Doc
What it's about: This is a true story about a GP in a mostly mormon community who abuses that doctor-patient blind trust, and abuses hundreds of women unknowingly. This is one of the best books I have read because of the amount of emotion it evokes, it makes you feel sick and angry and vengeful but it makes you feel and think and that's what makes a brilliant book to me. It is SHOCKING, and when I read this I wanted to strangle the absolute psychopath in it. Read it when you feel stable or you'll have nightmares!
Rating: *****
Whiteout (Ken Follet)
What it's about: This is a fiction story about a dedly virus in a lab that has the potential of killing millions of people. Yeah you might think you've seen it and heard it all before in films like "Outbreak" and you probably have, but it doesn't stop this being a real page turner. Chris and I where glued to his one, it's compulsory reading.
Rating: *****
The Face of Fear(Dean Koontz)
What it's about: An ex pro-climber who has visions becomes connected to a serial killer, except the serial killer finds out- oh oh...
A chase thriller, it's as intense as most of old Dean's books and it has you hooked except some of it was a little too weird for Chris and I have to admit that once I got to the end I had to spend about ten minutes working out who was who again!
Good but not one of Mr Kontz's best
Rating: ****
Dolores Claiborne (Stephen King)
What it's about: A woman called Dolores Claibourne who is accused of murdering her employer (a rich old lady with a sick and twisted mind). It is written in the most unusual way I have ever encountered, the whole thing is just Dolores herself giving her statement to the police who have come to arrest her for murder. None of the other characters speak in the whole book, it is GENIUS! And Dolores herself has the most colourful language and analogies I have ever heard. I LOVED this book, it's unique!
Rating: *****
GUT Reactions
What it's about: It's about burping, farting and pooing. I bought it to find out more about IBS and thinks like that ( I realise I'm bearing my soul here but you try eating Thai food for 3 months!!!)
Rating: ** (Not too fussed but it served a purpose I guess)
The Damaged Done
What it's about: A true story about a man who was caught smuggling drugs in Bangkok and was jailed in "The Bangkok Hilton" possibly the WORSE prison in the World. It is a shocking story and made me evaluate my initial "he deserved it" verdict once I had finished. It's writen by the guy himself who at times seems frustrated because he doesn't have the writing ability to convey his suffering, but none the less it was a hit.
Rating: ***
The Girl in the Picture:
What it's about: The true story of a vietnamese girl who survived a horrific napalm attack during the Vietnam War. Tears will roll down your face if you read this. It was probably more potent because we read it in Saigon.
Rating: ***
I'm reading the Selfish Gene at the moment but if you have any great recommendations then please post a comment for us.
Cheers,
Sam
posted by Chris at 8:43 AM
5 Comments:
I read Dolores Claiborne some years back and loved it too. Tito has just finished The Selfish Gene and I'm halfway through and enjoying it. Tito is now reading Freedom Evolves by Daniel Dennett which looks interesting too. Thanks for the reviews we will definitely pick some up. Love you both. xxx
I think you have too much time on your hands!
So sorry about the spelling mistakes in that blog! I was on a timmer and I really seriously had to rush it, will pay more attention next time.
Sam
P.S. Viv x - Yeah that's right baby! I bet you haven't got as much time on your hands at WORK!!! Heheeee....x
I order you to read Papillion, which is about the only book i've ever read that i remember what happens in ....... Though did get the audio book of Enyd Blyton's "the famous five go to treasure island' in this Sundays Telegraph .... can highly recommend that to..
I just recently finished The Shadow Of The Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Excellent read!
Also reading In Cold Blood - the Truman Capote classic - Quite enjoying that one also.
Keep you the good work.
James (ex Nortel.)
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