Reviews: non-fiction e-books and audiobooks
If you’re intrigued by Betty Halbreich, read this book before her autobiography I’ll Drink to That, released last September.
by Betty Halbreich
with Sally Wadyka
HarperResource
(e-book)
If you’re intrigued by Betty Halbreich, read this book before her autobiography I’ll Drink to That, released last September. That way you’ll appreciate better why, in the world of fashion, she matters. A personal shopper for Bergdorf Goodman for 37 years, she presents in Secrets of a Fashion Therapist advice for women just starting their careers, and needing to put together a working wardrobe on a budget; or ready to move into the corner office, and needing an “investmentdressing portfolio”. In that case, she says, you get the highest rate of return from items such as a Balmacaan coat; a good, dark suit; an A-line raincoat; a suede jacket; or a big sweater. Halbreich, 85, expends much energy advising against default brand-dressing, saying we are living in an age of cloning in which fashionable women all try to look the same. Secrets is also a primer for women unsure of proportions; skirt lengths; why colour is important; how scarves instantly change the look of an outfit; and what to wear if they’re short or large.
by Joey Lott
Archangel Ink
(e-book)
If you're reading this book you already know you should be sleeping more. Which means this will serve only to bolster your belief that if you increase your hours and quality of kip, you'll have fewer health problems. They could include the obvious: poor cognitive performance and slow response time. Or diabetes, high blood pressure, even Alzheimer's. Joey Lott, who has written a slew of books on health, approaches this tome as though penning a magazine help column in which there are many assertions and few attributions. When he refers to an unscientific study of his on the relationship between consuming adequate calories and a good night's sleep, readers will want to know how many people he polled, what kind of food they consumed, how old they were, and so on. Still, he offers handy tips for reaching the goal of seven to nine hours of sleep a night, including in the evening avoiding blue light (such as from computers and TV screens), and soaking in bright light upon waking. Those who are awake after just four hours of sleep should read the section on biphasic sleep.