Reviews and Comments

A great introduction to the history of Japanese incense, Kōdō ceremony, how to use Japanese incense, and the philosophical and cultural underpinnings of the practice of making and appreciating incense. A worthwhile read for any incense lover, or any fragrance enthusiast interested in understanding the original mode of capturing and sharing fragrances, long before they could be bottled, through the perspective of what is perhaps the world's most venerated incense culture. #incense @incense@a.gup.pe

Sometimes, a book or show will start off with a strong, novel concept. Often, the novelty will wear off, leaving a mediocre story. This isn't the case with the Wool Trilogy. The intrigue keeps going; a fun read.

A fascinating read that not only neatly articulates the problem with tech monopolies and the unjustified power they have over our lives, but also explains the legal underpinnings of how this came to be. Doctorow handily overcomes common objections to a liberated internet, and finishes with a list of further reading broken down by topic. Everyone who ever engages with technology needs to read this.

Had to start this one after seeing the TV series!

A delightful primer on ambergris delivered through a series of personal and historical anecdotes, I was always keen to read on throughout "Floating Gold" despite sections testing the limits of my attention as the author expounds on long, cold days at the beach spent sniffing rocks. While the author's propensity for tactlessness and badgering those interviewed does nothing to make him likeable, Kemp does manage to secure some interesting material for the reader, and retell it in a compelling manner.