Customer Reviews

Beauty and the East: A Book of Oriental Body Care

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The title might be a bit misleading, since many people might think Asia/Far East when they read "Oriental." This book includes Egypt, Greece, Iran, Turkey, India, Lebanon and more, presenting a rich cultural feast for beauty and body care rituals.

Some of the ideas presented may not appeal to the average reader, but for the woman who is interested in making her own potions and lotions, this is a fascinating book! Written by Wendy Buonaventura (who also brought us "The Serpent of the Nile") in a very readable and engaging style. If her photo on the back is any indication, this book has terrific information. : )

This book takes some of the *work* out of a beauty routine, and makes it a more sensual experience that many Western women should appreciate. Slow down: take the time you crave to primp, languish in a scented bath instead of rushing through a 10 minute shower. Curl up with this book, and rejoice in being a woman, with our mysteries and our power, and dance through life.

Its a good book to have for the person feeling creative and inclined to take the time and patience to do some of the things in the book. Its also a really good ref book for the person who's just curious in general about this subject. I haven't tried making anything from scratch, but I did enjoy learning about the different methods and uses written about in the book.

One, I am ready for a Turkish bath. Two, this is a wonderful book to have for when you have a day to yourself and you want to do a home pampering. I recommend this highly just for the stories the author has to say on Middle Eastern body and spiritual care.