David Lebovitz’s first job was an ice-cream scooper and with a further 25 years as a frozen dessert maker is well qualified to write Perfect scoop: ice-cream, sorbets, granitas and sweet accompaniments. With practical instruction and step-by-step photos flavours like Chocolate Peanut Butter, Fresh Fig and Pear Pecorino will soon be ready to enjoy.

Is Twitter the new black? It would seem so with a membership that has increased 700% in just one year. All a Twitter: a personal and professional guide to social networking with Twitter by Morris Tee is written for the baffled through to the expert.

You want to go where?: how to get someone to pay for the trip of your dreams is by Jeff Bluefeld who runs a PR company that matches explorers and corporate sponsors, including the successful expedition of the first blind man to reach the summit of Mt Everest. Enjoy the feats of others or plan your own – advice is given on how.

Read these books and more on glamorous rooms, desperate romantics, rich Dads and the last days of old Beijing on this month’s Buyers Choice Recent Picks.