Throwback Book Review: No Logo

Title: No Logo By: Naomi Klein

Year Published: 2001

In a sentence (no spoilers, please): Informative, personal report on modern corporate branding, monetizing ‘borrowed’ youth cultures, international labour and resource exploitation.

When did you read it? A while ago. I was reading it for ages. Read about seven other books while reading this one. Not sure why, it’s not boring and does have a kick to it- maybe because you have to think between pages and I needed lots of breaks? I even lost it somewhere and had to re-buy it

No Logo appealed to me because as a kid in the nineties, I was aware of an anti-corporate sentiment that the Gen X-ers were bandying around along with high tops and grunge. I didn’t really get it all at the time, eventually there were aspects which I grew to agree with and some I disagreed with. Ironically, most of this ‘Fight The Power’ was brought to me by MTV – a definite front-runner in corporate branding back then.

……Read the rest of the review here

June 16, 2018 2

Some changes…..New Name…..New Book Blog

I’ve been gone for a minute, now I’m back with the Jump Off…

I changed the name of this blog (used to be charoflondon) for a few reasons: It’s not my main blog anymore, I have a new book blog; So I wanted a name to reflect what this site here is- somewhere to share notes and reviews on films, books, music, travels, life, arts and pop culture; Also, I’m pretty sure people are pronouncing the ‘char’ as in ‘charcoal’ and not as in ‘Charlene’- my own personal name.

I will keep posting on the above topics here and will link to my new book blog www.paperbacksocial.com when I have new book reviews/ lists etc. Especially looking forward to reading more books by writers from London this year. Reviews up so far:

Changing My Mind: Occasional Essays by Zadie Smith

The Good Immigrant edited by Nikesh Shukla

Children Of Blood And Bone, Tomi Adeyemi

Throwback: Aya Of Yop City

Stay With Me, Ayobami Adebayo

Upcoming Books: Ponti by Sharlene Teo, In Our Mad And Furious City by Guy Gunaratne, Killing And Dying by Adrian Tomine……

Follow on: Instagram: paperbacksocial

Twitter: paperbksocial

Thanks for reading and if you have a bookblog, leave a link below so I can follow it! I’m also interested films, music, magazines, art/design and pop culture so drop those in too!

June 10, 2018 3

Music Things: Rukhsana Merrise

It’s November and a little late (two years late?) but let’s talk about September Songs…. Continue reading “Music Things: Rukhsana Merrise” →

November 10, 2017 0

Film Things: Cla’am

‘The man dem will not be pacified’

Cla’am is a dark comic short about gentrification in South London – Carl from your office’s ‘edgiest’ hipster favourites- Peckham, Brixton Continue reading “Film Things: Cla’am” →

November 5, 2017 2

Can I sleep, please?: A documented complaint about staying awake unnecessarily

This isn’t about insomnia, so don’t diagnose me with that please. I’m just up ‪at 4.30am thinking about all the stuff I could or should have done this week. Procrastination guilt?

I’m just up ‪at 4.30am trying to justify purchases, then resorting to ‘Save For Later’ on Amazon.com; Also, Continue reading “Can I sleep, please?: A documented complaint about staying awake unnecessarily” →

October 28, 2017 4

Roams: Malta II, Gozo & Mdina City

Tlett Ijiem

Loved seeing all the beautiful historic limestone homes, Gozo also hosts some of the world’s oldest churches and temples. First stop was Dwejra bay, home to the stunning Azure Window. You may recognise it if you watch Game Of Thrones as some scenes were shot there (I don’t watch it. Continue reading “Roams: Malta II, Gozo & Mdina City” →

August 5, 2016 4

Roams: Malta

Been back from Malta for over a month but it’s been a month of distractions so this is a little late! Had a beautiful, chilled trip, a birthday gift from my Other Half (Thank you! xx). We ate a lot and swam a lot. Wait an hour after eating before swimming they say. PFFFT. If you’ve been following, this was the last trip of the my free June ….which I should really be rounding up soon. It’s now August.

Go If you like: Morocco, Spain, Mediterranean coastal areas

Weather? I’m inclined to say it’s always hot because it couldn’t imagine it otherwise. Apparently there are some cold days between December and February but I’ll believe it when I feel it. Continue reading “Roams: Malta” →

August 3, 2016 3

Art Things: Remi Rough

Remi Rough’s monochrome 3D line sketches caught my eye immediately at The Dulwich Outdoor Gallery pop up (Dulwich Village) . His other kaleidoscopic line frames took me back to the graphics on my dad’s old Technics sound system equaliser. Anything that sparks that kind of nostalgia can keep my attention. Continue reading “Art Things: Remi Rough” →

July 25, 2016 1

The Reel Review: Tale Of Tales

This is a fairy tale. Not that kind of fairy tale- do not take kids to see this. This is the kind of fairy tale I imagine would happen if Hans Christian Anderson and the Brothers Grimm smoked marijuana (or crack) and then just called out ridiculous ideas until some of them stuck. I’ve always been a fan of ridiculous ideas if well implemented so this was a treat for me.

The Stats- Year: 2015 Length: 133 mins Director/Producer: Matteo Garrone Who’s in it?: Salma Hayek, Vincent Cassel, Continue reading “The Reel Review: Tale Of Tales” →

July 20, 2016 3

Saturday 9th July at my flat, thinking.

They are nothing like us. They can kill innocent black people and then hash tag them; let them trend and retweet. Let them march and protest – a placard or fifty blowing in the wind until the arms of sullen youth are tired. When it all settles, they will play together at Superbowl, singing the Star Spangled Banner with heads held high, cadences shared and tears in their eyes. Until the next shooting, they can be America The Brave.

In the background a TV buzzes, a clip from Fox News delivers HD images Continue reading “Saturday 9th July at my flat, thinking.” →

July 13, 2016 5