The Company We Kept in April 2010

The Company We Kept in March 2010

Jacqueline recommends

Thanks for the Memories by Cecelia Ahern – RM19.90
The gift of life takes a magical twist in this tale, when Justin Hitchcock donates blood for the first time and Joyce Conway leaves the hospital after a terrible accident. Suddenly, she remembers things that were not part of her life and develops new interests and tastes. When the two cross paths one day, a powerful sense of déjà vu overwhelms them but they can’t figure out why… yet.
Jacqueline recommends this book because… “This book has an interesting storyline. It is quite different, not your typical chick lit.”

Business Stripped Bare: Adventures of a Global Entrepreneur by Richard Branson – RM24.90
In this business autobiography of sorts, Richard Branson shares the secrets of his business success. He relates his most interesting business stories, from risky, brilliant, audacious deals he executed to crisis management tips. This dynamic, inspirational and original guide strips business down to the basics to show how you can succeed in business and in life.
Jacqueline recommends this book because… “I’ve read his other books and enjoyed it. I’m going to read this one.”

Shopaholic Abroad by Sophie Kinsella – RM17.90 each
The sequel to Confessions of a Shopaholic is just as fantastic a read as the first book. Becky Bloomwood has a new job in television, a new bank manager who’s nice to her for a change and a new motto – buy only what you need. Then something else new comes along: an offer to work in New York. Now that’s something new – a new place to shop. Saks, Barneys, Fifth Avenue… Will Becky fall into shopaholism again?
Jacqueline recommends this book because… “I’ve enjoyed reading the whole series.”

Winnie recommends

Sleeping Arrangements by Madeleine Wickham – RM19.90
Two couples arrive with their families to a Spanish villa, loaned by a very generous friend, for a much-needed holiday getaway. Chloe and Philip are looking to get away from work woes. Hugh is hoping to bond with Amanda on this trip. However, neither are expecting each other; to their horror, their very generous friend has double-booked them for the same week. There’s nothing left to do except to share the villa. But nobody knows that Chloe and Hugh had a history together…
Winnie recommends this book because… “It’s very entertaining!”

The Gatecrasher by Madeleine Wickham – RM19.90
Fleur Daxeny is beautiful, charming and usually glamorously clad in black. She maintains her luxurious lifestyle by crashing uninvited to funerals, preying on vulnerable widowers who have just lost their wives. Her latest conquest is handsome and rich, and his family slowly warms up to her. What she doesn’t expect in this conquest is that she embraces his family in return and falls in love with him…
Winnie recommends this book because… “I like the story plot, the main character is interesting.”

Azira recommends

High Voltage Tattoo by Kat Von D – RM29.90
Kat Von D, the star of Learning Channel’s tattoo TV series LA Ink, pens this book in a Gothic-inspired style. It is an insider’s graphic perspective on today’s global tattoo culture. It is also an autobiography of sorts, in which the author writes about her love for tattoos and how she began her career in this industry. Also included are visuals of the tattooing process from start to end.
Azira recommends this book because… “This is a good book by a renowned tattoo artist.”

Daimler & Benz” The Complete History by Dennis Adler – RM34.90
Trace the rich history of this renowned car maker in this definitive guide of the birth and evolution of the Mercedes-Benz. Noted automotive photographer, author and editor Dennis Adler unfolds the history of the company through the decades with never before published photographs. The beauty of power of the automobile comes alive in this story of one of the most important enterprises of the twentieth century.
Azira recommends this book because… “This is the definitive guide to all things about Mercedes-Benz.”

Malis recommends

Life Beyond Measure: Letters to My Great-Granddaughter by Sidney Poitier – RM24.90
In letters to his great-granddaughter, revered American actor Sidney Poitier offers inspirational advice and personal stories. These intimate writings show America’s role model sharing his thoughts on love, faith, courage and the future to his beloved great-granddaughter. He draws from his life experiences and wisdom gained to reflect on the significant passages of his life. Life Beyond Measure is the perfect inspirational book from a personality so admired around the world for his gift, convictions, bravery and grace.
Malis recommends this book because… “He’s an American icon in the movie industry. I haven’t read this yet but I intend to.”

Fashion Babylon by Imogen Edward-Jones & Anonymous – RM17.90
If you ever wanted to know what truly goes on in the fashion industry, Fashion Babylon will reveal all its dirty little secrets. Imogen Edward-Jones goes behind the scenes again in this other Babylon title to strip the fashion industry of its glamorous facade and reveal the juicy, gossipy secrets behind it. Besides that, you’ll also learn how a fashion collection is put together, the process of editorial fashion and more.
Malis recommends this book because… “I liked this book because it gives an unbiased perspective behind the glamorous image of the fashion industry.”

The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho – RM19.90
The central question of this book is how to find the courage to be true to ourselves, even if we are unsure of who we are. The answer to this question comes in the form of a story about the mysterious Athena, her story told by the people who knew her, both intimately and otherwise. A philosophical, thoughtful read.
Malis recommends this book because… “I’ve read it and I love it.”

Jovita recommends

The Enchanted Castle: A Pop-up Princess Castle – RM24.90
It’s a pop-up and paper castle all in one book! Included are paper doll cut-outs of the all-time favourite Disney princesses: Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine and Snow White, as well as their accompanying princes. Your little girl will adore this book that allows her the royal adventures as lavish and daring as her imagination will take her.

ABC Disney by Robert Sabuda – RM29.90
Learn ABC the Disney and Robert Sabuda way – through famous Disney characters and pop-up! Going through the alphabet with a little one becomes alive and colourful in this book. Instead of the usual “A for apple, B for ball, C for cat” drill, it’s “A for Ariel, B for Bambi, C for Cinderella”! The perfect book to introduce a child to the alphabet and wholesome, evergreen Disney characters at the same time.

My First ABCs, My First 123s Deluxe Activity Cards – RM29.90
Learning ABC and 123 is easy and fun with Sesame Street. These deluxe activity cards can be used as flash cards or just add an interactive dimension to your lesson by having the child write letters and numbers on the activity cards themselves. There are markers in this box set and their ink can be wiped off the cards with the cloth provided. Suitable for ages 3.5 years and above.

Su Lyn recommends

Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs – RM17.90
Augusta “Gus” Simpson is about to hit the big five-oh and she’s not looking forward to planning that birthday party at all. Ironic, seeing that she’s a famous chef known for throwing wonderful dinner parties in her TV cooking show Cooking with Gusto! Then as a ‘birthday gift’, the network cancels her show and creates a new one for her to star in, along with a more beautiful, more ambitious and younger up-and-coming chef, who also happens to be a former beauty queen. Throw in two demanding daughters and a culinary producer who has a crush on her, Gus has more on her plate than she can handle, that’s for certain!
Su Lyn recommends this book because… “Just like the title, this chick lit is as delicious and nourishing for your soul as your favourite comfort food.”

Winston the Book Wolf by Marni McGee & Ian Beck – RM17.90
Winston the wolf is always hungry, but not for food – for books! Books contain his most favourite food in the world: words. The librarian is his mortal enemy, for she wouldn’t allow him near the books. Until a little girl named Rosie teaches Winston how to devour all the words he wants in the world without having to eat them.
Su Lyn recommends this book because… “I love how this book teaches a child to love words the way Winston does. This is such an adorable book for any book lover to read to a child.”

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine – RM12.90
This Newbery Honor Book is a Cinderella story with a wicked twist. Instead of the saccharine sweet version Disney has popularised, Levine’s Cinderella is spunky, strong-willed but cursed by the gift of obedience from a foolish fairy. Ella is bound to obey any order given to her! Will she ever break that curse? In her quest to do so, she encounters ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, fairy godmothers and handsome princes, naturally.
Su Lyn recommends this book because… “It’s a fantastic read for girls. The protagonist is a strong, admirable female character that’s such a refreshing change from the usual lemah lembut Disney princess characters we’ve grown up on.”

Roza recommends

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel – RM19.90
Wolf Hall revisits that pivotal time in English history, when Henry VIII is without a male heir and wishes to annul his marriage to marry Anne Boleyn, from the perspective of Thomas Cromwell, the protege of the king’s advisor Cardinal Wosley. Wolf Hall, in its own words, is a “truly great English novel that explores the intersection of individual psychology and wider politics.” To know why it won the 2009 Man Booker Prize, just pick up your copy from BookXcess today.
Roza recommends this book because… “It’s a very interesting historical fiction novel about King Henry VIII and his royal advisor Thomas Cromwell.”

Next by Michael Crichton – RM19.90
From the author who brought you that famous dinosaur tale Jurassic Park comes another fascinating animal story that involves chimps and humans. When scientists tries to mate a chimpanzee with a human sperm, their experimental breeding goes horribly wrong and they had to destroy this species. But one somehow survives and is kidnapped by the human sperm donor himself…
Roza recommends this book because… “This thriller is very unusual and quite funny.”

Wai Leng recommends

Desserts: A Collection of Easy & Elegant Recipes – RM29.90
Divided into five chapters: Cookies & Bars, Pies & Tarts, Full of Fruit, Child & Semi-Frozen Desserts, and Ice Cream & Sorbets, this dessert book contains unusual recipes that combines classic ingredients into fresh, contemporary desserts. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to warm you up on a cold night or something to chase away the blues, you’re bound to find the perfect dessert within this book.
Wai Leng recommends this book because… “I like to bake and I find this book contains unique recipes that I’d like to try out.”

Best Friends Forever Bible – RM29.90
The perfect gift to give your best friend. This International Children’s Bible version comes with many features, from a dictionary to full colour maps, and even removable charms to share with your best friends!
Wai Leng recommends this book because… “It is colourful, cute and there’s even a paper frame for you to put a picture of you and your best friend!”

Go-Go Gigglers Sharky stuffed toy – RM19.90
If you’re looking for a wacky gift for someone with a sense of humour and loves all things cuddly, get the Go-Go Gigglers Sharky stuffed toy for only RM19.90. The giggle is simply infectious – you must hear it for yourself! We can’t get enough of its giggle – so over-the-top funny it’s almost hysterical, but absolutely infectious!
Wai Leng recommends this toy because… “It giggles and laughs evilly! So good to relieve stress, it makes me laugh too.”

Rashidah recommends

The Folklore of Discworld by Terry Pratchett & Jacqueline Simpson – RM19.90
The back cover blurb of this book describes this book perfectly: “In The Folklore of Discworld, Terry Pratchett teams up with leading British folklorist Jacqueline Simpson to take an irreverent yet illuminating look at the living myths and folklore that are reflected, celebrated and affectionately libelled in the uniquely imaginative universe of Discworld.” In other words, a must-have book to add to the collection of any Terry Pratchett fan!
Rashidah recommends this book because… “The depth of research that went into this book is impressive – the folklore of Discworld is as rich and colourful as ours.”

The Stepmothers’ Support Group by Sam Baker – RM17.90
Five very different women find they have one thing in common – they all have less-than-conventional family set-ups. An unofficial mutual support group forms between them as they get together with their tales of 21st-century family life. The friendship is strained when they’re forced to face unwelcome characters from the past, as well as the prospect of new futures…
Rashidah recommends this book because… “When women gather to talk about something, the conversation can be interesting, illuminating and funny!”

Until It’s Over by Nicci French – RM19.90
Astrid Bell seems to bring bad luck to the people she knows. First, her neighbour Peggy accidentally knocks her off her bike. Not long after, Pegg is found bludgeoned to death in an alley. Next, Astrid is due to pick up a package from client Ingrid, but she arrives at her home to find her murdered. The police finds these two incidents cause for suspicion. Astrid’s housemates are terrified. If bad luck comes in threes, who in Astrid’s world will be the next to die?
Rashidah recommends this book because… “The plot sounds fascinating and makes me want to read this. How does Astrid solve this mystery without implicating herself?”