Latest Read: Slum Boy by Juano Diaz

Slum Boy by Juano Diaz is an emotionally powerful and thought-provoking novel that takes readers deep into the life of a young boy growing up in the harsh realities of a poverty-stricken neighborhood. Diaz tells a raw and authentic story, weaving themes of hope, survival, and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.

At its core, Slum Boy is a coming-of-age story, following the protagonist as he navigates the challenges of living in an impoverished environment. Diaz’s vivid and gritty descriptions make the setting come alive, placing readers right in the heart of the slums where every day is a struggle for survival. Yet, despite the bleak circumstances, the novel never feels hopeless. Through the eyes of the protagonist, we see moments of beauty, kindness, and the small victories that keep him moving forward.

Diaz excels in creating complex characters, particularly the protagonist, whose inner journey is as compelling as his external struggles. The narrative is both heartbreaking and uplifting, filled with moments that explore the resilience of the human spirit and the way community and family shape one’s identity. The relationships between the characters, particularly between the boy and his family, are tender and believable, adding emotional depth to the story.

What sets Slum Boy apart is Diaz’s ability to strike a balance between realism and hope. He doesn’t shy away from showing the stark realities of poverty, but he also highlights the dreams and ambitions that refuse to be crushed by difficult circumstances. It’s a delicate balancing act that makes the story feel authentic without descending into despair.

Overall, Slum Boy is a moving and unforgettable read. Diaz’s storytelling is honest, immersive, and full of heart, making this novel a powerful commentary on poverty, resilience, and the universal desire for a better future. It’s a book that lingers long after the last page, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those living on society’s margins—and the hope that can emerge from even the darkest places.

Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond The Lobby review: A £200m upside-down hotel with laser dragons? That's Wonderland!

Welcome to all our Chinese readers. My name is Mr Television Addict or Dianshi Yin Junzi Xiansheng — but you can call me Yin. It seems only fair. The staff of the Wonderland hotel in Shanghai adopt English names, after all, to welcome Western visitors. 

Check in to their spectacular suites, at up to £2,000 a night, and you’ll be welcomed by ‘Richard’, ‘Sandy’ and ‘Sarah’, ‘Avril’ and ‘Dennis’.

Not that you’re likely to be spending a weekend break at the Wonderland. Of its 200,000 annual guests, 90 per cent are Chinese.

The hotel itself is not in central Shanghai but in the suburb of Songjiang, home to a mere two million people — a small town in Chinese terms.

Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond The Lobby is at its best when presenters Monica Galetti and Rob Rinder introduce us to places we not only couldn’t afford but have never imagined visiting.

BBC series Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond The Lobby is best when hosts Monica Galetti and Rob Rinder introduce us to places that we not only can't afford but also have never imagined visiting

Galetti and Rinder at Argos in Cappodoccia, Turkey 

In this series, they’ll be checking into a Himalayan lodge overlooking a Buddhist monastery, a hotel within an ancient complex of Turkish caves, and a spa resort in the Malaysian rainforest.

But none is more extraordinary than the Wonderland, hanging off the side of a cliff in what appears to be a meteorite crater but is actually a former quarry, 100 yards deep.

The entrance hall is at the top, the most expensive rooms at the bottom — an upside-down construction that gave Rob an opportunity to prove he can stand on his head.

No doubt that was a useful talent in his previous career as a barrister. Designed nearly 20 years ago by British architect Martin Jockman, the hotel took more than a decade to build at a cost of well over £200 million.

Monica and Rob, both sporting blond crew-cuts, were greeted in the lobby by ebullient general manager Richard. He promised to show them sights ‘that will blow your mind off’.

The first was a laser show projected onto a circular curtain of mist, which paled into insignificance beside the evening extravaganza of lights — an animated tableau of dragons and mythical heroes emblazoned across the vast walls of the quarry.

The Stanglwirt Hotel in Austria on series 6 of Amazing Hotels: Beyond the Lobby

Monica's experience in the kitchen made the cooking sequence more interesting

Overhead, dozens of luminous drones danced in unison, and all the balcony suites glowed as guests emerged to marvel at the display.

Completing the effect were cascades of neon playing up and down the sides of the great glass elevator, like an artery constructed from Swarovski crystal. All of that was quite unique.

The show’s weakness is its conceit that the presenters are not ordinary guests but temporary trainees, working as cleaners, waiters or receptionists. These jobs are essentially the same, wherever they travel in the world.

Monica’s experience as a chef made the kitchen sequence more interesting, as she learned to slice tofu into hairstrands with a meat cleaver. But Rob didn’t have to fly to Shanghai to be a waiter. Shanklin or Shepton Mallet can offer that.

Latest Read: Catherine Princess of Wales by Robert Jobson

Book Review: Catherine: Princess of Wales by Robert Jobson

Robert Jobson’s Catherine: Princess of Wales offers an engaging and respectful exploration of one of the most high-profile figures in the British royal family. Known for his deep insight into royal affairs, Jobson draws on his extensive experience to craft a balanced biography that examines Catherine’s personal life, public role, and growing influence as the future Queen Consort.

A Journey Through Royal Life

The biography covers Catherine’s journey from her middle-class upbringing in Berkshire to becoming the wife of the future king, Prince William. Jobson chronicles her early years with a focus on her family’s supportive background, her education, and her formative years at St. Andrews University, where her relationship with William began. Jobson’s portrayal is sympathetic, showing how Catherine transitioned into royal life and gradually carved out her own identity within the monarchy.

Catherine’s Evolution

One of the book’s strengths is its detailed examination of Catherine’s evolution from a relatively private individual to a confident public figure. Jobson emphasizes how Catherine’s early life prepared her for the demands of royal duties, highlighting her resilience and grace under pressure. Her strong work ethic, especially in her key areas of focus—mental health, early childhood development, and family well-being—are well-documented, showcasing her as more than just a royal figurehead but as a proactive and passionate advocate for social causes.

A Modern Royal

Jobson skillfully highlights how Catherine has become a symbol of modern royalty. She represents a blend of tradition and contemporary sensibility, balancing royal expectations with a genuine approach to her charitable work. Catherine’s ability to connect with the public, especially through her warmth and relatability, is a key theme throughout the book. Jobson paints her as a royal who remains grounded, despite the grandeur of her position.

Insights into the Royal Family

Jobson also delves into the complex dynamics of the royal family, exploring Catherine’s relationships with key figures like Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles. While he touches on more sensitive subjects, such as the family’s handling of media scrutiny and the tensions with Prince Harry and Meghan, the book largely remains a positive portrayal of Catherine’s steady and supportive role within the family. Jobson avoids sensationalism, instead providing measured insights into the family’s evolving public image.

Conclusion

Robert Jobson’s Catherine: Princess of Wales offers an insightful and respectful look at one of the most admired members of the royal family. Jobson’s narrative highlights Catherine’s intelligence, work ethic, and commitment to her duties, positioning her as an essential figure in the future of the British monarchy. For readers interested in the royal family, this biography is a compelling and well-rounded portrait of a modern princess who has quietly, yet powerfully, shaped her role.

Rating: ★★★★☆