What's in... Editor's Blog

Consuming Olives

I‘m predisposed to supporting anyone crazy enough to do their own thing, so I have to admit to being slightly apprehensive about reviewing Olives by Alexander McNabb, I was worried about giving my honest opinion if I didn’t like it.

Thankfully, I had nothing to worry about. I read the first couple pages when I got home one evening . The following night I picked up the book again…….and finally put it down at 2am. Rest assured that I need a very good reason to stay up until 2am on a school night, and that night I was so gripped by the book and eager to find out what happened next that the time ran away with me.

(picture credit: olivesthebook.com)

I really, really enjoyed the book which is based on a love story set in the Middle East. Having spent over ten years in the Middle East myself, I loved all the references to places I had visited and chuckled at the accuracy of some of Paul Stokes experiences and the challenges he faced. It’s a roller coaster read and towards the end of the book quite the page turner.

As you read the book you flit between sympathizing with the main character Paul Stokes and feeling that he’s an ordinary guy who is just trying to live his life and then hating him for being the kind of guy your friends would tell you to run a mile from. At the end of the book I couldn’t decide whether I liked or disliked him.

Either way, Paul Stokes makes for an interesting character, who as a result of falling in love finds himself in extraordinary situations.

The book makes a perfect read for holidays, flights or lazy weekends at the pool or on the couch. It also makes a great gift for friends living the region or for friends and family at home who have spent time here.

So the next time you feel like splashing your hard earned cash on something for yourself, get this book and know that in the process you are supporting someone who dared to do things their way.

It will, indeed, be money well spent.

How to get your hands on some Olives:

Olives is on sale in Jashanmals, Kinos, Books Plus, Borders and other good bookstores, as well as at Spinneys supermarkets throughout the UAE. It’s also available in bookshops in Lebanon.

Online, from Amazon HERE

If you are all kindled up, you can purchase HERE

or

you could WIN a copy of Olives: This competition has now closed. The lucky winner was Reem. R in Dubai.

I enjoyed the book and would love someone else to enjoy it too. For those wishing to receive my personal (coffee, or erm chocolate stained) copy of the book, you have a chance to win it by answering the following question:

In what country does the story of “Olives” take place?

Answers to: info@hellwafashion.com & please include contact details and an address, so we can get in touch with you if you are the lucky winner.

We are super nice so we will accept entries for all over the world and we will also give you a tip: you can find the answer to that simple question on the official Olives website HERE