Book reviews

101 Things to do instead of worrying about the World

By Felicity Brightside

Published by Faber

Do you feel like not getting out of bed sometimes?

With political pandemonium, nuclear apocalypse, climate change, dementia, the dangers of sitting down, traffic jams and more, worrying about the world has become a national pastime for some.

Hey, how about thinking positive for a change?

Book review

101 Things to take the stress out of Christmas

By Robin Snow

Published by Short Books

RRP$12.99

If the thought of Christmas gets you into stress mode, perhaps this little book might help.

101 Things to take the stress out of Christmas is full of tips on how to deal with the last minute shopping, slaving over a hot turkey, entertaining the in-laws and more.

The Great Australian Cookbook

The Great Australian Cookbook is a fantastic gift for the keen cook at Christmas time or anytime of the year.

When it's not put to good use in the kitchen, it makes a wonderful coffee table book with its colourful illustrations by Reg Mombassa, famous for designing Mambo clothing.

Holiday reading

Whether you are taking a break from preparing for the festive season, relaxing at your holiday house or travelling to some exotic destination, holidays are for reading and here are some books that will fit the bill.

All prices in Australian dollars.

Recipes for a good time by Ben Milgate and Elvis Abrahanowicz.

Murdoch Books. RRP$59.99.

This makes a stunning gift at any time.

Book review: 50 Shades of Chocolate by Claire Preen

AUTHOR and chocolatier Claire Preen promises 63 of the sexiest chocolate recipes ever in her book 50 Shades of Chocolate.

Besides being luscious, rich and totally delicious, chocolate is well known as one of the most potent aphrodisiacs.

Tasting exquisite chocolates in Europe with her father when she was a child ignited Claire's passion for chocolate.

She trained with a top chocolatier in Belgium and brought her wonderful creations to Australia.

Book review

And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

Published by Bloomsbury

ONE of the most widely read and beloved novelists in the world, Khaled Hosseini has written another novel, And the Mountains Echoed, set in Afghanistan.

The author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, says of his latest book:

100 best cakes and desserts

By Gabriel Gate

Published by hardie grant books

Chef, author and Gourmet Tour De France presenter on SBS Gabriel Gate recently launched yet another recipe book, 100 best cakes and desserts, which will surely appeal to all dessert lovers.

Growing up in the Loire Valley in France, Gabriel credits his grandmother for instilling a love of cooking in him and his mother for sharing the joy of eating with him.