Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: world

  • SOUP’S ON AROUND THE WORLD

    SOUP’S ON AROUND THE WORLD

    For those children who enjoy stories about food and are curious about its origins Soup’s One Around The World is a marvellous book. For the adults who read this book, beware, you will be so tempted to try some of the recipes. And, for the soup lovers, this is simply a book to be devoured! What a clever idea it is to combine stories of soups that we mostly have heard of, reveal their nationalities, and the ingredients used to make them.

    For spicy soups we have Tom Yum. The reader is informed that the soup came from central Thailand where, “rivers offered lots of freshwater shrimp,” There is also an icy cold soup called Gazpacho, which originates from Spain, where the days can be very hot. Because the soup was cold the farmers could eat it while they were working in the sun. A list of ingredients is given.

    As we turn the pages, each new soup is presented. We learn that miso soup is a “savoury healthy dish.” It is made from fermented soybeans and often enjoyed in Japan. Pho is a Vietnamese soup that is cooked for six hours and is often eaten with noodles.

    Soups that mark an occasion are mentioned. Harira Soups is popular in Morocco and often eaten during Ramadan. French Onion Soup is rumoured to have been created by King Louis XV who was hungry and only had a few ingredients.

    We travel around the world and come across many dishes we have tried and loved. What a great topic this would be for a whole class exercise! To conclude the author and illustrator have written their favourite soups. What a delightful way to share a story!

  • A Treasured World

    A Treasured World

    After many years working on their own projects, David Helpling and Jon Jenkins have joined forces once again to produce an ambient single A Treasured World– a languid, intricate and delightfully relaxing song, holding an intimacy which is very appealing

    Noted for their intricate work as a duo, the ten-year hiatus has done nothing to dispel their talents when combined. Working in the secrecy of Deep Exile Studios they created what is a layered song which could be considered as a defining piece in the Ambient New Age genre, and a breath of freshness long overdue.

    Reflective, intimate, relaxing, gentle on the ear and emotions A Treasured World is a must add to the evening playlist of deeply relaxing melodies.

  • When the World Was Soft

    When the World Was Soft

    Yindjibarndi Creation Stories

    From the moment When the World was Soft is held, it exudes a magic feeling. The soft cover, the mysterious and ghostly illustrations, and the title all add to this feeling. The welcome note from the CEO of the Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation tells us that the stories in this book have been passed down to this group for many generations, and their Creator, Minkala, “sang the songs of all life….”

    The stories have allowed the imagination to flourish and lessons to be learnt for life. Behaviours and sustainable practices were also included in these stories.

    To begin the book, we find some superb art works and photos which place the reader in the country around the Fortescue River. The next pages show us that this is a graphic novel which takes us back to the beginning of time when the world was soft.

    Again, we have clear, elegant illustrations with minimum text. “The Creator, Minkala lifted the sky and pulled the earth from the sea.” As the story continues, we learn that every Yindjibarndi person is born into a kinship group. They are taught that a balance of the land is needed.

    The story continues in depth and is broken up by photographs of local places. This is such a beautiful depiction of Aboriginal life and customs that it would grace any table. It is written with such love and generosity that the reader can’t help but feel privileged to be a part of this world for a short time.

  • Greatest Walks of the World

    Greatest Walks of the World

    200 incredible hikes of a lifetime: amazing adventures and epic trails

    Greatest Walks of the World is a stunning book. Visually the photos of each walk make you long to be there and the easy access to information makes it more desirable. The authors says that the book aims to,” Inspire dreams for your next great hiking adventure, “and it certainly does.

    Some of the trails are suitable for short walks with family, while others cater for the most hardened hiker. As you weave your way along the paths, forewarnings are given for the nature of the terrain you will pass over.

    The other fascinating information is the snippets of history about the region and references that are made about the local environment. Animal and plants are described briefly, as are views for you to see. There is also a mention of rock ages and glacial impacts in the area.

    Reminders are given if you need a tidal chart when walking on the beach, or if you need to abide by rules when walking in grizzly bear country. Each walk is given a location, duration, difficulty, distance, map start to end and trail markings. There is also a suggestion of other walks of similar nature.

    Each of the walks was chosen because they offer something unique and should be of great appeal for anyone interested in hiking. For the history lovers there is a walk from Delphi to Kirra, which is 4 km and classified as easy. The story of the oracle of Delphi is explained and instructions given to avoid the hordes of tourists as you find the beginning of your trail.

    Moving from Greece to Turkey you can “Roam along the Roman roads,” while taking advantage of the splendid beaches. In Australia, Crater Lake walks in Tasmania are described as well as walks from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach.

      Beginning hikers to the very experienced walkers will find most of the information they need for a safe and happy trip. Others may sit and absorb the amazing scenes and dream a little. Greatest Walks of the World is a book of beauty.

  • The Floating World

    The Floating World

    As with many of Fallen’s works a delicate slice of poetry accompanies the music, this time it is from Nazim Hikmet a Turkish Poet known for his lyric and political poems.

    Read the verse, listen to the music and allow your mind to float free, to enjoy your special journey into ‘The Floating World’.

     “Soul of mine,
    close your eyes very quietly,
    and how we sink into water
    plunge into sleep,
    naked and dressed in white
    the most beautiful of dreams will welcome you.”
    (Nazim Hikmet)

    Nature, birds chirping, delicate sounds floating on the ether are joined by the single notes of the piano to commence the beautiful Forgotten MorningRise from the new release The Floating World from Fallen, aka Lorenzo Brancaloni.

    Moving back into a more familiar sound ranges is the delicate Gates in the Clouds, is a song that makes you wonder what lies behind the clouds when what appears to be an opening occurs. Is there another world, another universe just out of view?

    How many times have you wandered down Secret Paths, Secret Tales being told with all the mystique that can be gathered to enhance and mystify the story, even if it is only in the secrets of the mind held close and dear. Mystical in arrangement Secret Paths, Secret Tales captures that element of wonder, those hidden, secretive moments, held safely within the mind to later be taken out and enjoyed.

    Embrace Your World is a hunting, many layered ambient song that is vastly intriguing with the various elements blending together in a style that is refreshing, and most enjoyable, which leads nicely into Sing Your Poems Under Evening Trees, which captures that moment of peace when the day is done and it is time to sit, enjoy and indulge in the living poetry of life all around.

    The Floating World one of the shorter songs, contains a more vibrant element to draw a delightful journey to a somewhat eclectic finale. 

  • Syncretic String

    Syncretic String

    From the first note Syncretic Strings from Strunz and Farah is vibrant, intense and once the final note has been played there is a distinct desire to stand and loudly applaud. Released in March this year the duo has over the ten tracks, displayed a passion and brilliance in what could be considered as world-fusion which is breathtaking and captivating.

    Known for their flamboyant style in creating an eclectic fusion of music within the genre of contemporary guitar, their technical expertise and flamboyant delivery has made them a duo that has remained exceedingly popular since formation in 1979.

    First impressions are formed with Summerborn, a catchy song that moves around within the piece from a slow tempo to a faster pace, which more than holds the interest, with some complex riffs backed with some seriously stylish percussion.

    Rich and full of an irresistible dance beat Corriente Tropical creates the wonderful sultry evenings of the tropics, the hot summer nights when music is everywhere, the Latino beat evocative of fun, pleasure and enjoyment. A gorgeous piece.

    The signature piece Syncretic Strings is fast, technical and a brilliant display of Jazz Fusion, delivered by Masters of their art. It is indeed an awe inspiring piece, which would, in a live audience, hold you spellbound, immersed in the intricate nature of the fingers flying over the strings.

    Merry Chase is a catchy little piece that is light, charming and while immensely technical in delivery, appears to be a piece of fun for both players delivered with verve and pizazz. A piece that would have you rocking in your seat.

    Slightly slower the beautiful Figs and Pomegranates wafts in the essence of Greece and the Middle East, until a powerful fast rhythm takes over moving the song firmly into the area of a pulsating Latino beat.

    Horas Solitarias adds a touch of romance, featuring an added delicacy of percussion to create a depth of rich emotion, which is simply beautiful, that leads nicely into the final song Cybeles Jester, once again a piece that demonstrates the wide and brilliant range of tempo, style and innate feeling of Strunz and Farah for their music, their compositions and their highly technical, skilful delivery.

    Syncretic Strings demonstrates in fine style, perfection in contemporary guitar.

  • The Atlas of Abandoned Places

    The Atlas of Abandoned Places

    The globe is littered with forgotten monuments.  Oliver Smith, four-time Travel Writer of the Year award winner’s ‘Atlas of Abandoned Places’ features fifty of these forgotten monuments. He shines the light on places the world has long forgotten; some well know, such as the city of Pripyat which was abandoned due to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, while others readers may not have come across.  

    This atlas is separated into parts by geography – Europe, The Americas & Caribbean, The Middle East & the Caucasus, Asia, Oceania and Africa.  Featured locations include a castle, locomotive, lighthouse, mines, world war fortifications, and theme parks to name but a few.  Each article in four pages provides a window into the featured abandoned place by including map coordinates, summary sentence, thought provoking information, commentary on its current status and remarkable photos.     

    This is the book for readers, who enjoy exploring the lesser known parts of the world and who are on the lookout for fun facts and all things strange and unusual. From their armchair they are able to explore the world’s most unique lost wonders; the forsaken sites.

    Although numerous of the listed sites can be visited, many are not, due to danger or illegality; several are located in a remote place.

  • John & George in Spirit: Harmonics of the Heart

    John & George in Spirit: Harmonics of the Heart

    Back in the mid 1960’s the pop group The Beatles rose to fame and fortune. Their light burned brightly for five years before they disbanded, each to go their own way, but leaving behind a legacy of music that has stood the test of time; the lyrics of many of their songs still as relevant today as when they were penned back in the ‘60’s.

    But what was it that saw four young men from Liverpool rise so spectacularly to become a world phenomenon. John and George in Spirit- Harmonics of the Heart goes a very long way to explaining just what it was that drove the group to such heights, and what they hoped to achieve with their music. 

    Channelled through Susan Courtney, who John Lennon and George Harrison later, once things got seriously underway, refer to as Bird, they set many aspects of their life as The Beatles out in clear view, clearing up many of the misconceptions created when they disbanded and what they, as divine beings, have been undertaking in the many years since their passing.

    The volume of work, all channelled sessions, is large, full of fascinating and often complex information which is best read chapter at a time. Each chapter deals with specifics, beginning with a clear presentation as to how the four young men came to be part of such musical phenomena, and in celestial realms are still carrying on the work they began here on earth.

    Many loose ends are explained, as are many of the lyrics, such as Blackbird, Help, All you need is love and many more, which for devotes makes fascinating reading, as it is being delivered from the people who created timeless rhythms and words; as is the power of music, the eternal harmonics, being able to lift the human spirit in times of immense despair, sadly something we are today witnessing in the Russia – Ukraine War that is unfolding in Europe.

    Outtakes at the end of the book make for slightly more individual reading, as it is more of a question and answer session about a wide range of topics or queries, that many people would like to have answered in relation to physical and metaphysical matters, which make a light ending to a book which is comprehensive, serious, witty at times and packed full of eternal and infinite wisdom.  

  • World-whizzing Facts

    World-whizzing Facts

    Awesome Earth Questions Answered

    Have you ever examined animal poo? Which animal has square poo? Which creature’s delicious vomit might actually be good for you? On which planet(s) might it rain diamonds? You can find the answers and more in Dr Emily Grossman’s book ‘World-Whizzing Facts; Awesome Earth Questions Answered’.

    Dr Emily Grossman, science communicator, broadcaster and champion of science education, first asks the question and then challenges you to figure out the answer by giving you four options, before providing the random and often weird explanation for this answer.  

    If you enjoyed her ‘Brain Fizzing Facts’ book, you’ll definitely delight in figuring out the answers and finding out more things about the world in this book. You’ll laugh, you might even be shocked at some of the gross facts, but you’ll definitely learn a lot from this easy to read book with its great cartoon illustrations.

  • Where We Swim

    Where We Swim

    Where We Swim as a title immediately draws in a reader who is interested in swimming and nature, travel, and family; but first, the swimming. Ingrid Horrocks explains feelings about immersing her body in water. Any water: baths, pools, oceans or rivers. She describes the wonderful feelings when a swimmer can sense the “Water of my body contained within the water of the sea.” I get that! Gradually we follow Ingrid’s journey, from childhood to the present day. We see how she swam as a child with her mother and embraces the sensations of immersing her body in water.

    As the story progresses, we discover that Ingrid has a partner and twin nine-year-old daughters. They live in New Zealand. The family visit Ingrid’s parents who live near the sea, and we meet the people who have influenced her life and thoughts in a happy and relaxed way. The story is relayed in chunks of special times in their lives.

    The author’s brother lives in Columbia, hardly a safe tourist destination, but one which she was drawn to because of strong family ties. Some of the tourist activities they embark on are dangerous and frightening. Her brother is confident the family will come to no harm as he takes them on some hair-raising activities which are described in detail, leaving a cautious reader to grip the book tightly.

    Episodes of importance in Ingrid’s life are relayed in this book. Her thoughts and musings on environment and nature are interesting and progressive. Reading this story is almost like being a neighbour of the family, watching as they grow, relate and discover a wider and wider world. Thank you, Ingrid, for including us in your journey and musings. The love of water and immersion is special.