Getting Better: Why Global Development Is Succeeding--And How We Can Improve the World Even More - Charles Kenny (Boek)

Review
Jeni Klugman, Director and Lead Author, Human Development Report, United Nations Development Programme
“This book is an important and welcome counterweight to much of the doom and gloom that pervades popular and policy discussions about Africa. It makes important contributions in documenting the major advances in aspects of human development that have intrinsic value—health, knowledge and empowerment—that have been experienced by people in the poorest parts of the world, drawing attention to the role of ideas and innovation. Yet Charles Kenny does not shy away from the fact that, as underlined by the 2010 Human Development Report, not all good things go together. The extent of poverty and inequality, including but not only in terms of incomes but other dimensions of well being, remains a major concern. There are important implications for policy makers in developing countries, and the basic message of realistic optimism should inform all those interested in development assistance and ways to sustain progress in the future.”

Eat My Globe: One Year in Search of the Most Delicious Food in the World - Simon Majumdar (Boek)

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. In this ballsy, often hilarious foodie travelogue, British blogger Majumdar sets out on a yearlong, round-the-world flavor forage. At the age of 40, Majumdar found his old note-to-self: go everywhere and eat everything. In search of out-of-comfort-zone foodstuffs like Mongolian fermented mare's milk, he quit his loathed publishing job and, still mourning his mother's recent death, he sketched out, booked and impressively adhered to an itinerary from the U.K. to every continent except Antarctica. Unpleasant surprises included cod sperm sushi in Kyoto, but his experiences and descriptions, however brief, of the global gastronomic sublime, such as his sunset supper in the Filipino countryside, are appetite-whetting, and his take-no-prisoners attitude and opinions match the project's ambitions. He champions street-food surprises over more urbane examples of cuisine, while his affection and gratitude for the individuals and families met and the hospitality received amply humanized both his wanderings and writings. Majumdar's comic-yet-brazen voice carries the reader swiftly and winningly from foul to fowl in a book that's funny and delectable. (May 19)
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