THIS MONTH'S BOOK REVIEWS

by Amanda Hallay

Pockets Full

By Alan Slide (Nordic Press, 2002)
The third part in Slide's autobiographical series, this world renown kleptomaniac and spiritualist hits his twenties in this episode, recounting in often pedantic detail his various shoplifting convictions, (as well as his on-going discussions with Ramesis III). Although his prose is more elegant than in his previous books, Pockets Full fails to pack the same kind of punch as Cradle Snatching and Ouiji Teen. The elderly Slide is currently working on part four (Middle Age, Middle Earth) due out in the Fall.

The History of Brie

Jean-Pierre Caument (ed.), Sylvie Le Clerc, Philippe Vertbois et al. Pandabox Press, 2002.)
A mouth-watering treat, The History of Brie traces the story of this most popular cheese from its 12th century monastic roots to its supermarket franchised status. Beautifully illustrated, Jean-Pierre Caument has assembled a team of brie enthusiasts to discuss its place in French economic history, with particular emphasis placed upon the now-famous export crisis of 1952. Brie's economic viability notwithstanding, this is a riveting book which also addresses the 'human' side of the brie story; Sylvie Le Clerc's interview with the delightful Madame Prout (first published in Les Fromages, Sept.1976) as informative as it is touching. Other highpoints include a chapters devoted to packaging and to the development of an 'international image' for this much-loved cheese.
Highly recommended.

Every Day I Have To Cry Some

By Peggy Highland (Hasbeen Publications, 2002)
At last, the inimitable Peggy Highland has put pen to paper and given us her riveting, and often lengthy, autobiography. As stunt-double to both Dusty Springfield and Lulu, Highland's place as one of Britain's best loved chanteuse cannot be understated. Highland touchingly recounts her childhood in the Welsh village of Gynlidogynthleyloy, where her career was given a head-start when she won the much-coveted 'Voice of the Valley' competition. Relocating to London with her husband-manager (the legendary Daffid Owen), Highland's autobiography 'dishes the dirt' on the movers and shakers of the 'Swinging London Scene'. Taking no prisoners, Highland is quick to dispel the common myths surrounding such Sixties luminaries as Cathy McGowan and Daffid Owen, her own on-going struggle with 'Blue Bombers' and 'Purple Hearts' recounted with utter frankness and lack of dignity. A 'must read'.