Burqalicious by Becky Wicks

A quick rundown…The story of the expat lifestyle in Dubai if you’re young and single – all the glitter and all the dust.

Strengths: Lovely familiar writing style (just like one of your best mates is writing you an email)

Weaknesses: More about the social life than any in-depth cultural analysis (but that’s probably not why you’re reading this book)

Why I read it: Cheap, interesting-looking ebook.

Pages: 320

Published: 2011

Publisher: Harper Collins

Setting: Dubai (with a few international holidays)

Rating: 8 out of 10

If you liked this, try: Sophie Kinsella’s fiction, such as Twenties Girl.

 

I still haven’t been to Dubai. Reading this book, I’m not entirely sure about how much I want to go. The book describes incredible awe-inspiring feats of architecture, great shopping malls and fun parties but also gives the reader something to ponder about: expats get lonely.

Burqalicious is the true story of Becky who decides to try her luck in Dubai. It seems that she arrives at the heart of the boom (remember those days?) where mega skyscrapers are built overnight, parties are outlandish, all you can eat buffets last hours and there’s always something fun to do. Besides this luxurious life, where simply everyone has a maid (at least when they’re not living on a landing under a Twister towel), Becky tells of the never-ending heat, the sand, lack of public transport and shops that don’t seem to sell necessities such as tampons.

The book follows Becky through her love affair with Dubai that eventually comes to an end with the GFC and her rocky relationship with M&M (standing for ‘Married and Muslim’). The affair wasn’t the focus of the book, more of a sideline (with some great holidays thrown in). Becky also reveals that an expat’s life is full of ever-changing acquaintances as people fly in and fly out and that it can be lonely. There’s also some cultural differences (including what Becky can and can’t put on her gossip website).

I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read for my commute, plus Becky Wicks has a great ‘voice’ for her readers. I could easily relate her tale of fun, sand, heat and parties in Dubai to a friend chatting. She doesn’t sugar-coat things (we all learn early on in the piece that M&M is married and she doesn’t shy away from changing jobs). It was fun and interesting, like a big blog by a good friend – I’d happily read more of her works.

The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux

A quick rundown… A man crosses Europe and Asia by train in the 1970s.

Strengths: Looking back at the way travelling was then (no iAnything to entertain you)

Weaknesses: The author gets grumpy in places; more about the journey than the countries

Why I read it: Another Popular Penguin

Pages: 372

Published: 2011 (first published 1975)

Publisher: Penguin Australia

Setting: Europe and Asia

Rating: 7 out of 10

If you liked this, try: Around the World in 80 Days by Michael Palin

 

The Popular Penguin series means that I’m always finding a new genre or author to try. This book is no exception – a railway journey from London to Asia and back through the USSR in the 1970s appealed to my love of Michael Palin’s travel books. Unlike Palin though, Theroux has no camera crew, just him and leaves his family for a solo tour. He does fly some of the time when there’s no other option, but the majority of the travel is taken on a variety of railway cars – from the old and dilapidated to the new and spartan.

The book takes you back to a time when there was no such thing as a mobile phone, iPod or iPad. All Theroux has to entertain him are some books, a journal to write in and the passengers. He brings to life some of the more quirky passengers (from the passenger who says nothing but eats and eats to the passenger left forgotten at a station), but not so much the destinations. This book is about the journey – descriptions of the berths, compartments and carriages married with vignettes of the passengers making the journey. Plus the food! The food was very varied in both flavour and quality throughout the different railways.

If you’re hoping for in-depth discussion and description of the countries Theroux visits, you’ll be disappointed. Some places warrant more text (India for example) but there was very little on others. Singapore is described in not so hopeful terms and is ridiculed for the government’s wish to deliver information wirelessly to everyone, such as through a fax. Well, we have that now and I’ve used it in Singapore, and it’s really very good! As a modern reader, I laughed at this discarding of technology.

Theroux seems particularly grumpy on the return journey across the USSR and it shows in the narrative. It felt rushed and bleak, as does the ending.

This copy came with the first chapter of a new book the author has written, making the same journey in the 2000s. Will I read it? I skimmed the first chapter and decided I’d be better off watching Michael Palin or reading Bill Bryson. It’s good writing, but I catch trains regularly and know about carriages and engines. What I want to know is more about different countries – food, culture and people.

An Idiot Abroad by Karl Pilkington

A quick rundown… The book to accompany the TV series – Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send Karl, who thrives on familiar surroundings (and food) to the Seven Wonders of the World.

Strengths: Karl’s facts at the end of each section are good, as well as the parts that weren’t shown in the series.

Weaknesses: Pictures are hard to see at times on the ebook version.

Why I read it: I loved the TV series.

Pages: 144 (ebook)

Published: 2010

Publisher: Canongate Books

Setting: India, Brazil, China, Egypt, Mexico, Jordan, Israel, Peru

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

If you liked this, try: watch the TV show! Or try Long Way Round by Ewan McGregor (yes, that one) and Charley Boorman

I didn’t realise there was a book in addition to the TV series until I saw it on Kobo (although I should have expected it, considering that nearly every TV series has accompanying merchandise these days). The TV series played in Australia on a low key digital channel and gradually increased in hype through word of mouth. Yes, this series is good. It appears to be the brainwave of Ricky Gervais (of The Office) and Stephen Merchant, who decided that it would be incredibly funny to send their friend, fellow comedian Karl Pilkington around the world. Why is that so funny? You see, Karl is a homebody. He likes the familiar – language he can understand, food that he can identify and a ready supply of Monster Munch (some kind of flavoured corn chips according to Wikipedia). Karl does not like surprise, nor does he want to adventure into the unknown.

The book features regular dialogue between Karl, Ricky and Stephen – usually the latter two teasing Karl and getting him to perform something he would have never considered on his own – Mexican wrestling or eating bugs are just two examples. Karl usually does what they tell him, but not without having a whinge about how he’d rather be watching telly at home (probably with some Monster Munch). The book covers what is seen in the TV series and much more. Here, we get to reflect on Karl’s feelings and he really comes across as much more intelligent than portrayed in the show. Sure he’s blunt, but Karl is also very funny with a dry sense of humour. While Karl is no Michael Palin (and he makes several references to this), there are interesting facts at the end of each section of each country. It’s not a comprehensive travel guide, but a unique glimpse at life on the road – both good and bad. Karl does include commentary on the different toilets and bathrooms he encounters in addition to unique foods. A word of warning that some may find his bluntness offensive at times, but this book shines through Karl’s reactions to his experiences.

This is by no means award winning prose, but it’s a fun book that will have you laughing. I read it while on holiday and suggest you do the same.

Hello Dubai by Joe Bennett

In a nutshell… A guy goes to Dubai because he’s never been there.

Strengths: You might learn something about Dubai and surrounds.

Weaknesses: You may miss it because it’s between a load of other words.

Why I read it: Very cheap at the bookstore.

Pages: 272

Published: 2010

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Rating: 5.5 out of 10

If you liked this, try: Around the World in Eighty Days by Michael Palin (dated, but fast and interesting).

I have never been to Dubai but every weekend in the newspaper, Emirates tries to entice me by telling me that I could be in Europe for dinner. I expect that would mean that I’d be in Dubai for lunch. Dubai is hot (both literally and figuratively), Dubai is the place. That’s what Joe Bennett thought too, so he thought he’d go there, check it out and write a book about it. If only it was that easy for the rest of us, eh?

Hello Dubai is a very wordy book. I’m sure that a sight in Dubai (such as a cricket game, a hotel or a shopping mall) could be described in more succinct terms. It makes Dubai come across as verbose and boring – which my friends who have travelled there assure me that it’s not. Maybe it’s because Bennett describes a lot of parties and shops in great detail (for example, pages about each shop – I love shopping, but I couldn’t write pages about Kinokuniya or Sephora). It seems to lack direction – is this about the Western expat’s life? The African or Indian young man working hard to send money home? The Islamic families? There’s a little bit of each and it jumps around between. It’s a series of vignettes linked to try to make a whole book. However, I did find it much more interesting when Bennett was discussing life outside Dubai. Perhaps he’s just not that into big cities?

Perhaps this book could be best summarised as watching Dubai from a distance – you have a vague idea of what’s happening, but can’t hear it or see the fine details.

A Geek in Japan by Hector Garcia

In a nutshell… Japan – its history, people, traditions, culture and how to find your way around.

Strengths: A lot more detailed than on first glance.

Weaknesses: Some typos and the excessive use of the word ‘moreover’

Why I read it: I love Japan

Pages: 211

Published: 2011

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Setting:

Rating: 9 out of 10

If you liked this, try: Lonely Planet Japan

A Geek in Japan is one of those books I saw on the shelf at my local bookstore and just had to have. I love Japan and I love to learn more about it. A Geek in Japan is deceiving though, in that it contains much more information than you think at first glance. Hector Garcia has obviously put a lot of time and effort into researching this book, which delves into many aspects of Japan. It includes history, social structures (I learned more from this book than I did from six years of Japanese), culture, work life, leisure, anime, cosplay, vending machines, zen, Shinto, Buddhism, temples, shrines and walking tours of various places in Tokyo.

What I found very interesting was that according to Hector, the Japanese wish for harmony as a whole over triumph of the individual – which is very different to what occurs in the West. It was also interesting to see repetition given as a way of learning – if you do something hundreds of times, you will end up getting it right. The work structures were also very interesting – the consultation between many levels with the focus on precision. If I wasn’t a gaijin, I think I’d like this!

Hector explains things very clearly in the majority of circumstances but occasionally the English sounded a little ‘off’ to me (for example, a lot of use of the word ‘moreover’). This is a small thing to get used to.

I learnt so much from this book, more than I did over a long period of study and a long trip to Japan. It clarified a lot of things for me. Well done on a great book – this would certainly be of use to those going to Japan or just wanting to know more about it. The pictures are excellent too.

Beach Babylon by Imogen Edwards-Jones & Anonymous

Beach Babylon is yet another of the Babylon series that contains Hospital, Hotel, Fashion, Wedding etc. Each book, with the help of several anonymous insiders, provides an insider’s look into the world of hotels, hospitals etc. As I found Hospital Babylon amusing with some truth to it, I decided to try some more Babylon books. Not to mention that they also appear on discount piles and are exceptionally easy reads that can be read during busy working periods.

Beach Babylon is somewhat similar to Hotel Babylon in that it’s set in the hotel industry. However, this time the setting is an idyllic beach resort that seems to be situated on a private island somewhere in South East Asia. None of this five star rubbish, this resort is six stars for the serious high flyers and high spenders. Decadence reigns at this resort, from personal villa attendants, yachts at the disposal of guests, barbeques on sandbars dripping with food and alcohol. A crisis is when the Cristal shipment fails to arrive or there’s a Sheikh Attack (unexpected arrival of a sheikh).

But behind the glamour and the luxurious lifestyle, there’s the staff toiling away to meet every whim and need. The story is told in the first person by the manager, who is running his own little kingdom – with worker riots, a promiscuous chef, no water and huts next to the power generator. There’s no way of getting away from work – it’s 24/7, and takes its toll on both him (drinking every night with guests can be difficult) and causes his relationship to suffer. This book shows the extremes of human behaviour – from extreme selfishness and stupidity to full-blown generosity.

Light hearted and somewhat similar to Hotel Babylon, this was good escapist fare. It reminded me of resorts situated in isolated conditions and the fact that being unable to escape from paradise can be hell. A fast read, but a good one.

Read this if: you’ll never get to a six star resort anytime soon.

7 out of 10.

Pole to Pole by Michael Palin

Pole to Pole is the last of Michael Palin’s travel books that I have to read. (I still need to track down a copy of Hemingway Adventures in the future, but I may watch the series first as I’m not really into Hemingway). Set in the early 1990s (just before the fall of the USSR), Palin and the regular crew (including Basil and Clem) start at the North Pole with the aim of reaching the South Pole following the same longitude as closely as possible.

This takes them through Greenland, Finland, Estonia, the Ukraine (both part of the USSR at the time), Turkey, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and South Africa with an unexpected detour to Chile and finally, Antarctica. As always, the trip is not without its problems (digestive issues appear to occur quite often) and there are witch doctors, African animals and strange living quarters. I haven’t seen the series in its entirety but I think it would be interesting particularly from a retrospective point of view – there have been big changes in Europe (especially the Ukraine and Estonia) and Africa (eg. Zimbabwe) since this was made.

Once again, Palin can easily transport the reader to the time and place with interesting facts about the country as well as a great insight into the people.

Read it if: you can’t get any holidays for a long time.

8 out of 10.

Himalaya by Michael Palin

Everyone knows by now that I really enjoy Michael Palin’s travel diaries of his TV series (even though I have read more of the books rather than watch the series). Himalaya has spent some time on the bestseller list and it’s easy to see why. Palin and crew cover areas that the average person would be unlikely to visit and give you a warts and all experience, including what it feels like to have altitude sickness and meet the Dalai Lama.

I haven’t seen the TV series of this one, but I bet it’s majestic. The pictures in my copy covered spectacular scenery, as well as scenes from a different lifestyle (eg. catching fish and putting them down the front of your shirt). Once again, Palin’s style of writing is easy to read and easily transports you from your comfy chair to Nepal, Pakistan or Mt Everest. He is honest about when he’s not really liking something (like a bad cold going up to Everest) and truly delightful when he enjoys the experience.

I think I’m fairly unlikely to visit any of the areas Palin visited any time soon (my travel desires revolve around Europe, south east Asia and North America at present) but at least I can sound intelligent about the area thanks to Michael!

Read it if: you’re an armchair travel or are saving for your next trip. It’s not full of Monty Python references (sadly).

8 out of 10.

Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne

I must admit that my motivation to read this book came from the book and TV series by Michael Palin (who attempted to go around the world in eighty days strangely enough in the 1980s). Palin’s journey was inspired by this classic. 

As you can probably guess, this book deals with Phileas Fogg’s attempt to go around the world in eighty days in the 1800s. Accompanied by his new but trusty servant, Passepartout, he leaves the Reform Club, London promising to return back in exactly eighty days. Armed with a book of timetables of ships and trains (as well as good luck), they begin their journey. However, Detective Fix is on Fogg’s trail, suspecting him of stealing from the Bank of England. Add to this a ride on an elephant, rescue of a young widow, a meeting with the Sioux and a circus troupe (not at the same time) and like Fogg, this book never stops. One thing you will learn is longitude and latitude in an important but fun way!

I found this book fast paced and interesting. It read like a modern book to me, I had no problems with language or dreary bits. Fogg’s trip was interesting from both a cultural and historical perspective. Passepartout was just gorgeous with his devotion to Fogg and his journey. Okay, so it’s dated and the world has changed, but it was written a long time ago!

If you’ve never read a classic, I suggest you start with this one – it’s short and feels completely modern.

9 out of 10.

Mini Reviews: May 2010

These short reviews come from before I started blogging- they were recorded on sites like Library Thing and Goodreads. That’s why I’m giving you a month at a time!

So Much for That: A Novel by Lionel Shriver

Well, so much for that.
This book wasn’t what I thought it was going to be- an opinionated piece about America’s health care system. Sure, we get that it costs the individual a lot to be treated for cancer and that aged care homes are expensive (although not really that much different to Australia with the thousands in ‘care’ [as in 'we don't'] fees and bonds up to a half a million). But I digress- although I’m sure that the character of Jackson would be happy with that.
Essentially this is about life and facing death in several different forms and how everyone copes. Dark and serious in places, light and sunny in others. I enjoyed this more than The Post Birthday World but I don’t know that I’d tell you to go out and buy this. It’s well written, but don’t assume that it will be an easy ride. Much like life itself.

7.5 out of 10.

Old Sins by Penny Vincenzi

I think this is one of the earlier books by this author. It’s a bit muddled towards the end (yes, we know exactly what’s happened but wait patiently for the characters to realise) and a bit dated. Some of the dilemmas could have been easily solved with DNA technology and a mobile phone (had they been invented). There’s also a lot of sex involved, some of it a bit creepy.
All that aside, this is a great bonkbuster holiday novel. I would suggest starting with some of the author’s other novels first though.

8.5 out of 10.

New Europe by Michael Palin

Palin’s writing really transports you to Europe. From misery at Auschwitz to a fashion catwalk, I smiled and wiped away tears at various points. Very well written travel book with a good dose of history thrown in. Can’t wait to read some more of his books.  (NB. My first Palin!)

8.5 out of 10.

Sushi for Beginners by Marian Keyes

A delightful chick lit from the master, Marian Keyes. This sticks with familar topics such as single women in Dublin and life on a magazine. There’s Lisa, the reluctant new editor of Colleen magazine, Ashling the ‘ever prepared’ deputy and Ashling’s married friend with children, Clodagh. Add in a variety of nice sounding men and you’ve got a recipe for a bumpy ride.
I originally aimed to read this book on holidays but never got around it- instead, reading it during a very busy time. I suspect it would be good either way- easy to pick up and put down, engaging story and language that’s easy for a tired/relaxed brain to navigate.
My only criticism is that time seemed to fly after the launch party- months go by in pages- I suppose it had to end somewhere. I much prefer this to her latest book.

8.5 out of 10.

Playing the field by Zoë Foster

Fairly well written chick lit (with bonus extra adjectives) about a relationship of your average Aussie girl with high profile football (rugby) player. The plot doesn’t really advance beyond meet the boy, insecurities compared to other WAGs, problems with ex-girlfriend, repeat. The twist at the end wasn’t terribly plausible, but it was a bit different. Nice book, but nothing special.

7 out of 10.

For Crying Out Loud: v. 3: The World According to Clarkson  by Jeremy Clarkson

Ahh, Clarkson is back and he hasn’t become any less opinionated (if anything, he’s more spot on…or am I getting older?). His witticisms are spot on and there’s some insider Top Gear trivia for the fans. A great train read (but don’t read in a silent carriage- you’ll be glared at for laughing).

8 out of 10.