..Adults, ..Teens, Health & Fitness, Singapore
2 Comments Do books write about love and grooming?
ASK! about Adults
iVillage is a lifestyle website for women (like me who’s pretty hooked on it). It’s frivolous, commercial, and a downright marketing tool for the company iVillage Inc., a division of NBC Universal. Yet, the cache of information, gossip, tips and games is so immense and varied you cannot help but surf it.
As a librarian, I naturally wonder what books the library holds to rival popular lifestyle websites like iVillage. The answer is: Many books.
How to walk in high heels: The girl’s guide to everything by Camilla Morton
Call No.: 646.7008422 MOR (General collection)
Morton shares wisdom on many ‘how to’s, such as ‘How to fit everything into your handbag’, ‘How to deal with affairs of the heart’, and ‘How to impress the in-laws’. Sounds bimbo? No. The tips are practical and real, and you’ll love the wit (perhaps we laugh at ourselves for not realising something so obvious) and concise presentation. An example, Morton advises that girls should travel with two bags, a day bag and a smaller bag in it, so that you wouldn’t have to hurl an unglamorous big bag to dinners. Stuff you will need, for various important reasons she highlighted, are mobile phones, money, notebooks, keys, safety pins etc.
What’s your food sign?: How to use food clues to find lasting love by Alan R. Hirsch, M.D.
Call No.: 306.7 HIR (General Collection)
Now the author of this curious book is no mean thing. Dr. Alan R. Hirsch is a neurologist and psychiatrist, and boasts an impressive CV in his research experience. He is also the director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation. According to him and his research, food mirrors our love behaviour. For instance, if you like sour foods, you are someone who ”want a commitment that lasts, regardless of its quality”. If you like salty food, you are someone who wants safety and security, and seeks satisfaction for your primal drives. What about if you like sweet and spicy food? Read the book to find out.
Closet Smarts by Emily Neill
Call No.: 646.34 NEI (General Collection)
At the front cover, this book claims to show “stunning before-and afters with real women of all sizes, shapes and ages!” It’s not bluffing. You wouldn’t see images of unbelievably extra-small and suspiciously anorexic models, but real figures with cellulite, tummy and love handles. Thus, real advice on dressing up to look like a million bucks no matter what’s your shape.
Blogs can be supported by organisations (like this blog) or individuals who want to share a personal view or experience. In a way, they represent the ‘wisdom of the crowd’. Here are some blogs related to health and beauty for women:
Singapore Personal Trainer – The Fitness Truth
Diana Sabrain is a Singapore trainer at PhysiqueMakeover, She shares the health news happening in Singapore and personal tips and research about slimming and eating.
The F-Word.org: Food, Fat Feminism
The author, Rachel, is a 28-year-old writer and journalist who had herself once been anorexic and bulimic. Her blog aims to be a “disorders awareness and education site that also discusses related issues of fat rights and body size acceptance.” She is ”anti-dieting, and promotes the holistic wellness-based approach known as Health at Every Size (HAES).”
ButYouDon’tLookSick?.com
Its a catchy name for the website, and the author came up with it because people told her “But you don’t look sick?” The author, Christine Miserandino from New York, certainly had been sick before. She experienced many illnesses and is a Lupus fighter. The blog is not just packed with health information. There are also articles on sick humor, book reviews, and recipes as well.
Posted by Ang Mei Jun,
Librarian, Adult & Young People’s Services
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