What makes an African person? Do they have to have black skin, to have been born there, or to have had African parents? None of which incidentally apply to Moira Cooke, author of ‘A Heart for Africa’.
Being an African person means being tough when faced with situations, like the time an orphaned girl of eight asked Moira if she would be her mother. It means making tough decisions, like why the Tanworth Starfish Fund, the charity run by the Cookes, can pick up this particular starfish but not that one. It means knowing how to react when a wrinkled old villager, or a prisoner on a manslaughter charge, or a community desperate for a school, a clinic and a borehole says, and with absolute conviction, “God has sent you to us!”
Yet, as the title suggests, you have to have a real heart for the place in order to keep going back and back to a continent where there is so much suffering and where, what charity workers like Moira and husband Robert achieve, may at times seem like no more than a drop in the ocean of human suffering
Yet this, Moira’s second book, is no dreary tale of hardship and poverty. Nor is it simply a liturgy of praise for the charity work the Cookes have done in both rural and urban Zambia. Rather it is a warts and all look at life in twenty-first century Zambia.
Think of the insight of Alexander McCall Smith combined with the adventurous spirit of Bill Bryson, and a dash of the passion of Karen Blixen to season the mix. If you enjoyed Moira’s first book, ‘Bwanakula Thandi’, then this second book, telling the story of the rest of the Starfish projects in Zambia, is a more than worthy follow up.
Read about Mr Banda, as slippery a head teacher as you’re ever likely to encounter. Empathise with pint-sized George, the ex high court judge now become chef, who sees off the white opposition. And laugh and cry along with Mr Chipotyo, the size of whose personality is perhaps only surpassed by the size of his glasses. Above all, muddle through with the Cookes as they work out what to do with the gift of a live and kicking goat or get stranded for five hours out in rural Zambia.
‘Moira has an engaging and pacey style of writing, as well as being moving, interesting and thought provoking. ‘A Heart for Africa’ is entertaining too and well worth a read. I know I bought it!’ Val Jennings Team Times November 2011.
An extract from A Heart for Africa is available to read at www.authorsonline.co.uk
Book review blog site, with some entertainment material from time-to-time.
Sunday, 27 November 2011
The Lawyer Who Couldn't Sit Still By Michael Simmons
The jetsetting adventures of a well-travelled legal professional
Hardback
£16.99
978-1-84624-630-2
In this absorbing biography, Michael Simmons takes us on a journey through his long, colourful legal career, spanning some 50 years and almost as many countries. From his early years practising in the City of London to his travels - for business, pleasure and often both - to Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and America, The Lawyer Who Couldn't Sit Still is packed with humour, wit and deep insight into the ways and wiles of the legal profession, which inevitably holds a mirror up to human nature itself.
Whether you are a lawyer, incurable traveller, both or neither, the author's breezy style and gift for conjuring up far-away sights, sounds and cultures make this book a true delight from start to finish.
After graduating from Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Michael Simmons began a long and fruitful career as a lawyer, which as this book attests, took him all over the world. He remains a non-practising consultant at his current firm, and in his capacity as a management consultant, legal journalist and writer has delivered lectures to fellow professionals worldwide. He lives in London W14.
Sharply observed and appealingly compact biography by a leading lawyer with 50 years experience
Will appeal to anyone with an interest in law, and also the armchair traveller. Will make an ideal Christmas gift.
Revelations about his many interesting clients, including hoteliers in Africa, a prince in Dubai and a rock star in Sardinia
www.bookguild.co.uk
Hardback
£16.99
978-1-84624-630-2
In this absorbing biography, Michael Simmons takes us on a journey through his long, colourful legal career, spanning some 50 years and almost as many countries. From his early years practising in the City of London to his travels - for business, pleasure and often both - to Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and America, The Lawyer Who Couldn't Sit Still is packed with humour, wit and deep insight into the ways and wiles of the legal profession, which inevitably holds a mirror up to human nature itself.
Whether you are a lawyer, incurable traveller, both or neither, the author's breezy style and gift for conjuring up far-away sights, sounds and cultures make this book a true delight from start to finish.
After graduating from Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Michael Simmons began a long and fruitful career as a lawyer, which as this book attests, took him all over the world. He remains a non-practising consultant at his current firm, and in his capacity as a management consultant, legal journalist and writer has delivered lectures to fellow professionals worldwide. He lives in London W14.
Sharply observed and appealingly compact biography by a leading lawyer with 50 years experience
Will appeal to anyone with an interest in law, and also the armchair traveller. Will make an ideal Christmas gift.
Revelations about his many interesting clients, including hoteliers in Africa, a prince in Dubai and a rock star in Sardinia
www.bookguild.co.uk
Findus at Chirstmas by Sven Nordqvist
It's Chirstmas Eve Eve, you know, the day before Christmas Eve?
It's a very busy time for Pettson and Findus his talking cat.
But when Pettson has an accident and sprains his ankle, what will Findus and Pettson do now?
How would they be able to celebrate a traditional Christmas? Because without a tree, without any ham and without any meatballs and without any gingerbread, they could have no Christmas!
The normally resourceful pair are close to giving up the idea of any Christmas celebrations of any kind at all, when something truly remarkable begins to happen.
Because suddenly, there is a knock at the door. And with that simple knock at the door starts a really heart-warming story of how Christmas can really bring out the best in cats and people!
Sven Nordqvist is one of the most popular children's authors and illustrators in Sweden, with over 6 million copies of his books sold, having been translated into 44 languages.
Having read Findus at Christmas, it is easy to see why. It is a magical and enchanting book and at £10.99 it should grace the stockings of many young children this Christmas.
It is part of the Findus and Pettson Series of books and is published by the Hawthorn Press.
This book is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and perhaps a tear to your eyes, as it is such a beautiful story.
It's a very busy time for Pettson and Findus his talking cat.
But when Pettson has an accident and sprains his ankle, what will Findus and Pettson do now?
How would they be able to celebrate a traditional Christmas? Because without a tree, without any ham and without any meatballs and without any gingerbread, they could have no Christmas!
The normally resourceful pair are close to giving up the idea of any Christmas celebrations of any kind at all, when something truly remarkable begins to happen.
Because suddenly, there is a knock at the door. And with that simple knock at the door starts a really heart-warming story of how Christmas can really bring out the best in cats and people!
Sven Nordqvist is one of the most popular children's authors and illustrators in Sweden, with over 6 million copies of his books sold, having been translated into 44 languages.
Having read Findus at Christmas, it is easy to see why. It is a magical and enchanting book and at £10.99 it should grace the stockings of many young children this Christmas.
It is part of the Findus and Pettson Series of books and is published by the Hawthorn Press.
This book is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and perhaps a tear to your eyes, as it is such a beautiful story.
Anya - A Thriller Based In The Shady World Of Car Dealers
Anya by R J DeLittle
Paperback £9.99
Anya is a complex, multi-themed thriller based in the milieu of an historic car dealership.
Vintage cars, beautiful women and a thriving business - Rick Manners has them all. He owns a successful historic car dealership, which runs smoothly with the help of his loyal Girl Friday, Sam Warrenne, and his raunchy good looks ensure he's never without a girlfriend. But when Rick meets the stunning Anya, he can't help wondering if she could be the one - and as Sam falls in love with aristocratic Bugatti owner Bruno Thierry, it looks as if each of them has found the perfect match.
But the discovery of a neglected Mercedes in a French barn sparks a series of shocking events, as long-buried race hatred is kindled and Rick and Sam's idyll is shattered by a burglary, a stalker - and someone with the drive to commit murder.
R J de Little has worked as a professional investor and company director, while indulging his passion for vintage and veteran cars. He owns and runs eight historic cars, the oldest dating from 1898. He lives in a converted Victorian gas works in Bolney, Sussex with a 27-foot windmill in the garden. Windmills are another passion in his life, and he has published several books about them and their history
A wealth of technical detail will delight historic-car enthusiasts and racing fans. It is reported that the film rights have been optioned.
The book is published by The Book Guild. www.bookguild.co.uk
Paperback £9.99
Anya is a complex, multi-themed thriller based in the milieu of an historic car dealership.
Vintage cars, beautiful women and a thriving business - Rick Manners has them all. He owns a successful historic car dealership, which runs smoothly with the help of his loyal Girl Friday, Sam Warrenne, and his raunchy good looks ensure he's never without a girlfriend. But when Rick meets the stunning Anya, he can't help wondering if she could be the one - and as Sam falls in love with aristocratic Bugatti owner Bruno Thierry, it looks as if each of them has found the perfect match.
But the discovery of a neglected Mercedes in a French barn sparks a series of shocking events, as long-buried race hatred is kindled and Rick and Sam's idyll is shattered by a burglary, a stalker - and someone with the drive to commit murder.
R J de Little has worked as a professional investor and company director, while indulging his passion for vintage and veteran cars. He owns and runs eight historic cars, the oldest dating from 1898. He lives in a converted Victorian gas works in Bolney, Sussex with a 27-foot windmill in the garden. Windmills are another passion in his life, and he has published several books about them and their history
A wealth of technical detail will delight historic-car enthusiasts and racing fans. It is reported that the film rights have been optioned.
The book is published by The Book Guild. www.bookguild.co.uk
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Fashions In Eyeglasses By Richard Corson
Fashions In Eyeglasses is the most comprehensive history of eyewear ever to be published in English, now reissued in an enlarged, updated edition.
Richard Corson worked extensively in the theatre and his Fashions books have long been regarded as definitive works, Fashions In Hair and Fashions In Make-Up also being published by Peter Owen.
This fully revised and updated work, available for the first time since the eighties, is an indispensable sourcebook for anyone who works in fashion or theatre, as well as being a fascinating journey through time for the historian and general reader alike.
Beginning with the Italian cardinal who riveted two magnifying lenses together, the story progresses to include spyglasses, opera glasses, monocles, Morrissey's N.H.S. specs, Sven's Armanis, and much more. . .
Fully illustrated with over 100 illustrations and plates, Fashions In Eyeglasses is sure to attain the status of Corson's other invaluable and indispensable book.
www.peterowen.com
Publication date: 15th December 2011
Coming March 2012, 'Food You Can't Say No To' By Tamasin Day-Lewis
This irresistible book is packed with recipes for food you just can't say 'no' to. When we are presented with such indulgent food, we inevitably succumb and ask for a second helping.
Here is a book filled with good things, some of which you will find familiar but with an original twist, others are entirely new and exciting. Some are special purely because of their unabashed simplicity, using a few of the very best ingredients and are disarmingly easy to perfect. Tamasin's philosophy is all about making the most of foods, especially ingredients in season, rather than spending extravagantly.
If you're in need of inspiring new supper ideas, try the Roquefort, celery, potato, red onion and walnut pie; or a comforting Salmon and scallop chowder, smokey with bacon and flecked with tarragon; or uplifting Potato gnocchi with spring asparagus, tomatoes, green olives and mascarpone. Resist, if you can, a light whisked Sponge topped with vanilla and lemon scented mascarpone and yogurt. This is food you will enjoy cooking: effortless but special, indulgent yet practical, totally, utterly irresistible.
FACTFILE:
Tamasin Day-Lewis is an inspirational food writer with a wonderfully refreshing style. In her own words, she writes 'for people who appreciate good food, for people of all skills'. Tamasin contributes regularly for English and American Vogue, Saveur, Stella (The Telegraph Magazine), Sainsbury's Magazine, Waitrose Food Illustrated and Reader's Digest.
She has also written a host of successful cookbooks, including Supper for a Song (Quadrille, 2009). She has also produced and directed many television documentaries and appeared in two television series entitles Tamasin's Weekends and Great British Dishes.
The book will be published by Quadrille.
Here is a book filled with good things, some of which you will find familiar but with an original twist, others are entirely new and exciting. Some are special purely because of their unabashed simplicity, using a few of the very best ingredients and are disarmingly easy to perfect. Tamasin's philosophy is all about making the most of foods, especially ingredients in season, rather than spending extravagantly.
If you're in need of inspiring new supper ideas, try the Roquefort, celery, potato, red onion and walnut pie; or a comforting Salmon and scallop chowder, smokey with bacon and flecked with tarragon; or uplifting Potato gnocchi with spring asparagus, tomatoes, green olives and mascarpone. Resist, if you can, a light whisked Sponge topped with vanilla and lemon scented mascarpone and yogurt. This is food you will enjoy cooking: effortless but special, indulgent yet practical, totally, utterly irresistible.
FACTFILE:
Tamasin Day-Lewis is an inspirational food writer with a wonderfully refreshing style. In her own words, she writes 'for people who appreciate good food, for people of all skills'. Tamasin contributes regularly for English and American Vogue, Saveur, Stella (The Telegraph Magazine), Sainsbury's Magazine, Waitrose Food Illustrated and Reader's Digest.
She has also written a host of successful cookbooks, including Supper for a Song (Quadrille, 2009). She has also produced and directed many television documentaries and appeared in two television series entitles Tamasin's Weekends and Great British Dishes.
The book will be published by Quadrille.
Love Music, Love Food - The Rock Star Cookbook
There are two things that could make the world a better place - food and music - and this exclusive project combines them with a unique collection of portraits of musicians with their favourite food or drink.The original, dramatic portraits command attention and the complex creativity of each is absorbing. Marrying musical talent with passion for food, each portrait is accompanied by an interview with the artist, and for each major artist a personalised recipe has been created.
Over 60 musicians are featured, each driven by their support for Teenage Cancer Trust and their wish to collaborate on this fascinating book. From rock legends to emerging artists, an incredible spectrum of musicians reveal their passionate engagement with a favourite - and often unexpected - food. Who would have predicted Sophie Ellis Bextor's obsession with fish and chips? Or Siouxsie Sioux' with beans on toast? For Brandon Flowers it is Pastor Tacos and Elotes, while Alex Kapranos has a passion for beetroot and Noel Gallagher for Yorkshire tea!
As Heston Blumenthal says in his Foreword, other people's food memories are fascinating, not least the food nostalgia expressed here by icons of the contemporary music world. Glamorous, insightful and addictive, this book makes connections between the worlds of music, food and photography and provides a true feast for the eye.
The Photographer
Patrice de Villiers has developed a unique style and approach to food photography which is now in demand world wide. Her first commission as a photographer, having trodden the assisting boards full time for two years, was for The Sunday Times food page shooting a year long series of food. Concentrating on editorial & advertising projects for a diverse range of clients from Selfridges to images for state of the art hotels in Las Vegas to illustrating racing driver's breakfast's for Formula One Magazine, her iconic imagery is also available to buy through Saatchi Gallery Online. Awards include the prestigious Glenfiddich trophy for the weekly series illustrating the recipes of Heston Blumenthal in The Sunday Times World's Best Food Photographer and medals from the Association of Photographers for various editorial pieces.
Love Music, Love Food - The Rock Star Cookbook. Available now at £30.00.
Photography and Concept - Patrice de Villiers
Interviews by Andrew Harrison
Recipes by Sarah Muir
For more details of Love Music, Love Food go to: www.lovemusiclovefood.org
For more details of Teenage Cancer Trust, please go to:
www.teenagecancertrust.org.
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