2
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green Greens fourth book came out earlier this year which I acquired a copy of immediately. I never even read the synopsis of the book and had no idea what to expect, but I always have some trust in this author, he hasn’t dissapointed me yet (although I’ve only read 2 of his Novels). The plot revolves around Hazel, a 16 year old who was diagnosed 3 years prior with thyroid cancer, which has now travelled to her lungs. She is somewhat depressed yet realistic about life, and attends a cancer support group at the urge of her mother, oxygen tank in toe. One evening she is captivated by a newcomer, Agustus, a friend of a fellow attendee of the support group Isaac. As the story unfolds the three invalid muskateers contemplate life, death, heroism, purpose, depression, dignity, expectectations and much more. Its a pretty deep book for the YA genre but also manages to keep such a grim subject pretty light.  Still not better than Papertowns or Alaska but a worthy enough successor. 6/10

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Greens fourth book came out earlier this year which I acquired a copy of immediately. I never even read the synopsis of the book and had no idea what to expect, but I always have some trust in this author, he hasn’t dissapointed me yet (although I’ve only read 2 of his Novels).

The plot revolves around Hazel, a 16 year old who was diagnosed 3 years prior with thyroid cancer, which has now travelled to her lungs. She is somewhat depressed yet realistic about life, and attends a cancer support group at the urge of her mother, oxygen tank in toe. One evening she is captivated by a newcomer, Agustus, a friend of a fellow attendee of the support group Isaac.

As the story unfolds the three invalid muskateers contemplate life, death, heroism, purpose, depression, dignity, expectectations and much more. Its a pretty deep book for the YA genre but also manages to keep such a grim subject pretty light. 

Still not better than Papertowns or Alaska but a worthy enough successor.

6/10

18
Flow my Tears, the Policeman said by Philip K. Dick From the man who wrote books to inspire movies Blade Runner, The Adjustment Bureau, Paycheck and Minority Report comes this excellent novel which won the Campbell award for best sci-fi book in 1974. It was my first book to read by this author, and my first proper Sci-Fi book (I think!). I picked this one first just because no movie has been made about it, I tend to not stick with books where I already know the plot. Set in a dystopian future world (I seem to love dystopian novels lately!) a worldwide celebrity, Jason Taverner, wakes up confused, clad only in his expensive silk suit stuffed with a few thousand he withdrew the night before. Recalling a viscious attack from the previous night he jumps to attention and starts calling his agent, girlfriend, best friend to try and reach a conclusion as to why he’s in some run down motel in the dodgy part of town and not, perhaps, hospital. However, upon calling all these people, nobody has ever heard of him. The man who, the night before had 30 million viewers. The story continues as he tries to find somebody to forge ID cards, which are crucial should he run into the Nats of Pols who are the pillars or order in this future society, and furthermore find out why he does ‘not exist’. You really find yourself turning the page to see what has happened to his man, and he reaches the hunches you do and abolishes them again to leave you further in suspense. Its a really cool book, I read it in about 3 days, its highly engaging! I can’t wait to read more of his novels, and perhaps watch the movie adaption of this that has been in the pipelines since 2009! 8/10

Flow my Tears, the Policeman said by Philip K. Dick

From the man who wrote books to inspire movies Blade Runner, The Adjustment Bureau, Paycheck and Minority Report comes this excellent novel which won the Campbell award for best sci-fi book in 1974. It was my first book to read by this author, and my first proper Sci-Fi book (I think!). I picked this one first just because no movie has been made about it, I tend to not stick with books where I already know the plot.

Set in a dystopian future world (I seem to love dystopian novels lately!) a worldwide celebrity, Jason Taverner, wakes up confused, clad only in his expensive silk suit stuffed with a few thousand he withdrew the night before. Recalling a viscious attack from the previous night he jumps to attention and starts calling his agent, girlfriend, best friend to try and reach a conclusion as to why he’s in some run down motel in the dodgy part of town and not, perhaps, hospital. However, upon calling all these people, nobody has ever heard of him. The man who, the night before had 30 million viewers. The story continues as he tries to find somebody to forge ID cards, which are crucial should he run into the Nats of Pols who are the pillars or order in this future society, and furthermore find out why he does ‘not exist’.

You really find yourself turning the page to see what has happened to his man, and he reaches the hunches you do and abolishes them again to leave you further in suspense. Its a really cool book, I read it in about 3 days, its highly engaging! I can’t wait to read more of his novels, and perhaps watch the movie adaption of this that has been in the pipelines since 2009!

8/10

Myra Breckinridge by Gore Vidal This was my first book by Vidal and I was certainly not disappointed! Its a rather obscene book in its descriptions, but if you have no problem with that then it should definitely be added to your book list! It follows a rather narcissistic, self involved, 1940’s film obsessed woman, Myra, in her quest to obtain half of the property left to her by her late husband. This property however happens to be a functioning acting school, run by ‘Uncle Buck’ who fights tooth and nail to withold it from her. He does offer her a teaching position within the academy though, in attempt to bide his time while his lawyers dig deep into Myra’s mysterious past. The book mainly deals with issues such as human conditioning, sexuality, power, gender roles and transformations, all inside a matrix of celebrity refrences and unusual plot turns. I personally fell in love with the protagonist halfway though the first page and her manner amused and intrigued me. Give it a read, you’ll have it finished in a few days. I look forward to reading more of Vidal’s work! 8/10

Myra Breckinridge by Gore Vidal

This was my first book by Vidal and I was certainly not disappointed! Its a rather obscene book in its descriptions, but if you have no problem with that then it should definitely be added to your book list!

It follows a rather narcissistic, self involved, 1940’s film obsessed woman, Myra, in her quest to obtain half of the property left to her by her late husband. This property however happens to be a functioning acting school, run by ‘Uncle Buck’ who fights tooth and nail to withold it from her. He does offer her a teaching position within the academy though, in attempt to bide his time while his lawyers dig deep into Myra’s mysterious past.

The book mainly deals with issues such as human conditioning, sexuality, power, gender roles and transformations, all inside a matrix of celebrity refrences and unusual plot turns. I personally fell in love with the protagonist halfway though the first page and her manner amused and intrigued me. Give it a read, you’ll have it finished in a few days. I look forward to reading more of Vidal’s work!

8/10

World War Z - Max Brooks The Z Wars, or “The Great Panic” is what they call it. The violent outbreak of zombies, those inconcievable beings you read about in childrens horror stories. Well not in this excellent dystopian novel by Max Brooks. The protagonist is an employee of the U.N. hired to collect information from various individuals about the outbreaks for doccumentation. However, much of his hard work is edited out, collecting only the ‘cold hard facts’ needed. Upon this the protagonist decides to publish his own book, featuring everybodys story in full, of what happened exactly. Through a series of multicultural first-person narrations, the book explores firstly, human nature; Human disbelief, Shame, Self-Importance, The unbelievable feats we accomplish out of Instinct, Our will for survival, and our sometimes ruthless means of achieving it. Secondly the book pokes at Order and Society; Hilights problems with the governments around the world, the stubbornness of certain cultures despite grave danger, Capatalism and Corruption of Pharmaceutical companies, False press. The myriad of reports from worldwide make the book feel so real, like it actually did happen a decade ago. The characters are so rich, relatable. I found some sections of the book a little over my head; Army accounts, Weaponry lingo etc. but then some of those characters I couldn’t be more similar to if i tried, despite any sort of militia training on my part. everybodys story is plausable, their encounters, reactions, emotions, all of it. Theres bound to be an account for everybody in there, no matter what type of person you are. Excellent read, I’d thoroughly reccomend it to anybody with an interest in how the world works (and the zombie facts are pretty cool too!). Top quality writing in my books! 9/10

World War Z - Max Brooks

The Z Wars, or “The Great Panic” is what they call it. The violent outbreak of zombies, those inconcievable beings you read about in childrens horror stories. Well not in this excellent dystopian novel by Max Brooks.

The protagonist is an employee of the U.N. hired to collect information from various individuals about the outbreaks for doccumentation. However, much of his hard work is edited out, collecting only the ‘cold hard facts’ needed. Upon this the protagonist decides to publish his own book, featuring everybodys story in full, of what happened exactly.

Through a series of multicultural first-person narrations, the book explores firstly, human nature; Human disbelief, Shame, Self-Importance, The unbelievable feats we accomplish out of Instinct, Our will for survival, and our sometimes ruthless means of achieving it. Secondly the book pokes at Order and Society; Hilights problems with the governments around the world, the stubbornness of certain cultures despite grave danger, Capatalism and Corruption of Pharmaceutical companies, False press.

The myriad of reports from worldwide make the book feel so real, like it actually did happen a decade ago. The characters are so rich, relatable. I found some sections of the book a little over my head; Army accounts, Weaponry lingo etc. but then some of those characters I couldn’t be more similar to if i tried, despite any sort of militia training on my part. everybodys story is plausable, their encounters, reactions, emotions, all of it. Theres bound to be an account for everybody in there, no matter what type of person you are.

Excellent read, I’d thoroughly reccomend it to anybody with an interest in how the world works (and the zombie facts are pretty cool too!). Top quality writing in my books!

9/10

4
The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald So I wanted to read this prior to the theatrical release this year, and I got through it in dribs and drabs over exam period. Not a bad book, was a welcome change of writing after Vonneguts ‘Breakfast of Champions’.. completly changed in style which I like, a bit of variety in books is always good. The story starts out with a rather bland protagonist, who, after graduating decides he wants to move east to pursue his life goals. He sets up in somewhat of a shack house, which happens to be next door to a glorious mansion inhabited by the mystery man, Jay Gatsby. As the story progresses Nick (the protagonist) gets to know Gatsby by attending his many parties and introducing him to fellow friends. However, a love triangle including Gatsbys old spark, and Nicks friends wife ensues, with rather dramatic results. A short read and a classic, I’d reccomend. Moreso than the story however, I’m fond of the feelings & actions of the characters.  6/10

The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald

So I wanted to read this prior to the theatrical release this year, and I got through it in dribs and drabs over exam period. Not a bad book, was a welcome change of writing after Vonneguts ‘Breakfast of Champions’.. completly changed in style which I like, a bit of variety in books is always good.

The story starts out with a rather bland protagonist, who, after graduating decides he wants to move east to pursue his life goals. He sets up in somewhat of a shack house, which happens to be next door to a glorious mansion inhabited by the mystery man, Jay Gatsby. As the story progresses Nick (the protagonist) gets to know Gatsby by attending his many parties and introducing him to fellow friends. However, a love triangle including Gatsbys old spark, and Nicks friends wife ensues, with rather dramatic results.

A short read and a classic, I’d reccomend. Moreso than the story however, I’m fond of the feelings & actions of the characters. 

6/10

5
“1492. As children we were taught to memorize this year with pride and joy as the year people began living full and imaginative lives on the continent of North America. Actually, people had been living full and imaginative lives on the continent of North America for hundreds of years before that. 1492 was simply the year sea pirates began to rob, cheat, and kill them.” Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut What a book! Refreshing, Innovative, Hilarious. Definitely worth a read. This was my first Vonnegut book and I enjoyed it immensly. According to the authors own self-ratings this is only worthy of a C, where as Slaughterhouse five & The cats cradle are both worth A’s. So I’ll have to compare down the road. The book follows two people, Kilgore Trout and Dwane Hoover. Trout is a down-and-out science fiction writer, whose stories only get published in porn magazines to balance out the pictures. Hoover is a succesful car-dealer whose wife drank drano two years previous, rendering him a needy widower. He is spiralling downwards in a pit of depression, and is highly susceptible to believe anything he may be told, by perhaps one of Trouts literary works! The book revolves around the meeting of these two men, but it doesn’t actually happen until the very end of the book. Its more so the way the book is written that is so ingenius. Everything is described to you, the reader, as if you’ve come from some faraway planet. And this makes it all the more amusing! Vonnegut regails you with tiny reoccuring details, facts, and tangent plots. Normally insignificant characters are all given a backstory, many of which link in with other characters. And behind it all is some semblance of a plot, not to mention Vonneguts hilarious sketches and even appearence throughout the book! Such a unique work of literature, you simply must read it. Its not long either :)9/10 

“1492. As children we were taught to memorize this year with pride and joy as the year people began living full and imaginative lives on the continent of North America. Actually, people had been living full and imaginative lives on the continent of North America for hundreds of years before that. 1492 was simply the year sea pirates began to rob, cheat, and kill them.”

Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut

What a book! Refreshing, Innovative, Hilarious. Definitely worth a read. This was my first Vonnegut book and I enjoyed it immensly. According to the authors own self-ratings this is only worthy of a C, where as Slaughterhouse five & The cats cradle are both worth A’s. So I’ll have to compare down the road.

The book follows two people, Kilgore Trout and Dwane Hoover. Trout is a down-and-out science fiction writer, whose stories only get published in porn magazines to balance out the pictures. Hoover is a succesful car-dealer whose wife drank drano two years previous, rendering him a needy widower. He is spiralling downwards in a pit of depression, and is highly susceptible to believe anything he may be told, by perhaps one of Trouts literary works!

The book revolves around the meeting of these two men, but it doesn’t actually happen until the very end of the book. Its more so the way the book is written that is so ingenius. Everything is described to you, the reader, as if you’ve come from some faraway planet. And this makes it all the more amusing!

Vonnegut regails you with tiny reoccuring details, facts, and tangent plots. Normally insignificant characters are all given a backstory, many of which link in with other characters. And behind it all is some semblance of a plot, not to mention Vonneguts hilarious sketches and even appearence throughout the book!

Such a unique work of literature, you simply must read it. Its not long either :)
9/10 


5
Next Up….

Next Up….

2
His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman Ok, let me start off, this trilogy is not an easy read. I’m the kind of person who, upon picking up a book, needs to be immersed within the first 30 pages or I’m going to chuck it. Not proper bookworm ettiquite but what can I say! So the first book (The Golden Compass) did not grip me, and I shelved it, despite having bought the whole trilogy. I then brought it on holidays, forcing myself to read just over half of it until I got home and shelved it again. Then, after years upon years of pestering from a friend, I decided OK, and I read the lot within two weeks. So, the first book is a nightmare, but the second one is great! The story starts off in a world much the same as ours, yet back in time a bit, and is set in a scholarly oxford college. Young orphaned Lyra, who lives within the college and is cared for by the head professor and a maid, yet somewhat runs rampant around the grounds with all types of lower-class mischevous children. Also, each human in this world has a soul that is displayed in animal form, outside the body. Lyra’s daemon is named pantalimon, and usually takes the form of a squirrel or cat.  So Lyras uncle, Lord Asriel, comes to visit and share recent arctic findings. However, Lyra learns of the other professors scheme to poison him upon arrival and warns him. He allows Lyra to hide in a closet and witness his findings - Strange particles called Dust. She becomes intrigued and manages to follow Asriel on his next voyage and get herself, her friends and their daemons into grave danger. The first book is rather like a childrens action adventure. The later two books however, deal with issues such as God, beliefs, other worlds, Adam and Eve and uprising. They’re fantastic. The Subtle Knife (second book) introduces Will, a refreshing new character from ‘our world’, much more grounded than Lyra and follows their venture and progressing relationship. The Amber Spyglass (third book)… lots of running & fighting! So you’ll find something you like one of them anyway. The second was definitely my favourite but thats just personal taste. I’d say give it a go if you’re a determined reader, because it is a really good trilogy and deserves its hype. But I did find it awfully soul destroying trudging through the first book! 6/10

His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman

Ok, let me start off, this trilogy is not an easy read. I’m the kind of person who, upon picking up a book, needs to be immersed within the first 30 pages or I’m going to chuck it. Not proper bookworm ettiquite but what can I say!

So the first book (The Golden Compass) did not grip me, and I shelved it, despite having bought the whole trilogy. I then brought it on holidays, forcing myself to read just over half of it until I got home and shelved it again. Then, after years upon years of pestering from a friend, I decided OK, and I read the lot within two weeks. So, the first book is a nightmare, but the second one is great!

The story starts off in a world much the same as ours, yet back in time a bit, and is set in a scholarly oxford college. Young orphaned Lyra, who lives within the college and is cared for by the head professor and a maid, yet somewhat runs rampant around the grounds with all types of lower-class mischevous children. Also, each human in this world has a soul that is displayed in animal form, outside the body. Lyra’s daemon is named pantalimon, and usually takes the form of a squirrel or cat. 

So Lyras uncle, Lord Asriel, comes to visit and share recent arctic findings. However, Lyra learns of the other professors scheme to poison him upon arrival and warns him. He allows Lyra to hide in a closet and witness his findings - Strange particles called Dust. She becomes intrigued and manages to follow Asriel on his next voyage and get herself, her friends and their daemons into grave danger. The first book is rather like a childrens action adventure.

The later two books however, deal with issues such as God, beliefs, other worlds, Adam and Eve and uprising. They’re fantastic. The Subtle Knife (second book) introduces Will, a refreshing new character from ‘our world’, much more grounded than Lyra and follows their venture and progressing relationship. The Amber Spyglass (third book)… lots of running & fighting!

So you’ll find something you like one of them anyway. The second was definitely my favourite but thats just personal taste. I’d say give it a go if you’re a determined reader, because it is a really good trilogy and deserves its hype. But I did find it awfully soul destroying trudging through the first book!

6/10

12 Books I want to Read in 2012
  1. An Abundance of Katherines - John Green
  2. A Fault in our Stars - John Green
  3. The Cats Cradle - Kurt Vonnegut
  4. Slaughterhouse Five - Kurt Vonnegut
  5. Absolutley - Joanna Lumley
  6. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - Hunter S Thompson
  7. The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
  8. IQ84 - Haruki Murakami
  9. 100 Bullets - Brian Azzarello
  10. The Historian - Elizabeth Kostova (well, FINISH it anyway!)

Kinda ran out after ten… any suggestions? :)

2
Less than Zero by Brett Easton Ellis This is one of my favourite books of all time (so far). Its up there in the top three, so if you like any of the others I’ve recommended I’d definitely give this one a shot. The storyline follows Clay, a nihilistic college student raised in LA by loaded parents, too self-absorbed to notice what’s happening to their children. He returns to his hometown on midterm, to be greeted with sex, drugs and countless parties. The strength of Ellis’ writing really makes you feel like you’re living this life yourself. Nothing matters in this world; money, relationships, conversations, emotion. The negativity of this rich, empty life starts to creep in on Clay throughout the book and leads to a dark, numb state of mind that imposes on the reader more and more with every turn of the page. The brute violence and tradgedy to be mentioned later in the book, inconsequential. Its an unbelivable doccumentary of sorts, of the ‘MTV generation’ and how being raised in such privelage isn’t necessarily for the best. This is an excellent debut novel for Ellis, and you can really see different aspects of it amplified in his later books such as American Psycho, The Informers and of course, The Rules of Attraction. I really cannot do this book justice, just go read it. Its not long, you could read it in a night if you get sucked in, which you will! 10/10

Less than Zero

by Brett Easton Ellis

This is one of my favourite books of all time (so far). Its up there in the top three, so if you like any of the others I’ve recommended I’d definitely give this one a shot.

The storyline follows Clay, a nihilistic college student raised in LA by loaded parents, too self-absorbed to notice what’s happening to their children. He returns to his hometown on midterm, to be greeted with sex, drugs and countless parties. The strength of Ellis’ writing really makes you feel like you’re living this life yourself. Nothing matters in this world; money, relationships, conversations, emotion. The negativity of this rich, empty life starts to creep in on Clay throughout the book and leads to a dark, numb state of mind that imposes on the reader more and more with every turn of the page. The brute violence and tradgedy to be mentioned later in the book, inconsequential.

Its an unbelivable doccumentary of sorts, of the ‘MTV generation’ and how being raised in such privelage isn’t necessarily for the best. This is an excellent debut novel for Ellis, and you can really see different aspects of it amplified in his later books such as American Psycho, The Informers and of course, The Rules of Attraction. I really cannot do this book justice, just go read it. Its not long, you could read it in a night if you get sucked in, which you will!

10/10

10
We3 by Grant Morrison, Illustrated by Frank Quitely  This is a short comic, comprising of 3 volumes. I was told about it on a walk home from the pub one night by a fellow comicbook fan. The comic gets right into it from the start, giving you a bit of a crash course into this new weaponary experiment the military have undertaken. 3 animals have been stuck inside Mecha suits and fitted with Remote control synapses, allowing humans to use them to their will to attack/infiltrate/kill to their desire. However, their creator, struck with grief and emotion lets the animals loose upon talk of their termination. The story then follows the 3 animals with very basic dialogue, and shows their quirky yet amusing traits as they try to find their way back home. You can’t help but feel something for these poor lost pets along the way, and vouch for their wellbeing. I found it somewhat resonant of ‘Homeward Bound’; the 90s childrens movie following a trio of talking animals, except this one is notably more violent! Worth a read if you have an hour to kill, but nothing you’d rush out to buy. 6/10

We3 by Grant Morrison, Illustrated by Frank Quitely 

This is a short comic, comprising of 3 volumes. I was told about it on a walk home from the pub one night by a fellow comicbook fan. The comic gets right into it from the start, giving you a bit of a crash course into this new weaponary experiment the military have undertaken.

3 animals have been stuck inside Mecha suits and fitted with Remote control synapses, allowing humans to use them to their will to attack/infiltrate/kill to their desire. However, their creator, struck with grief and emotion lets the animals loose upon talk of their termination.

The story then follows the 3 animals with very basic dialogue, and shows their quirky yet amusing traits as they try to find their way back home. You can’t help but feel something for these poor lost pets along the way, and vouch for their wellbeing. I found it somewhat resonant of ‘Homeward Bound’; the 90s childrens movie following a trio of talking animals, except this one is notably more violent! Worth a read if you have an hour to kill, but nothing you’d rush out to buy.

6/10

5
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Set in a post-war America where one District cruely towers above the other 13. They control everything, and enforce the nation into a life of hunting and trading for food, setting them back centuries, while they live the high life. If that wasn’t bad enough, they hold annual ‘Hunger Games’ where 2 teenagers from each district (male and female) are sent to the capitol to compete in the most bloodthirsty game immaginable. They’re showered with fame and then thrown into a hostile arena to fight and kill their way out. Only one survives. Follow the story of Katniss Everdeen and her battle against the other competitors and even the capitol itself, while batteling with family and friend issues along the way. Awesome book, bombed through the trilogy in a week, un-put-downable YA novel! Read it before the movie comes out, they might ruin it! 9/10

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Set in a post-war America where one District cruely towers above the other 13. They control everything, and enforce the nation into a life of hunting and trading for food, setting them back centuries, while they live the high life.

If that wasn’t bad enough, they hold annual ‘Hunger Games’ where 2 teenagers from each district (male and female) are sent to the capitol to compete in the most bloodthirsty game immaginable. They’re showered with fame and then thrown into a hostile arena to fight and kill their way out. Only one survives.

Follow the story of Katniss Everdeen and her battle against the other competitors and even the capitol itself, while batteling with family and friend issues along the way. Awesome book, bombed through the trilogy in a week, un-put-downable YA novel!

Read it before the movie comes out, they might ruin it!

9/10

5
Go Ask Alice by Anonymous This book was all a bit too much for me. Its a real diary, edited crudely to remove place names, but accounts for a completly relatable teenage girl. She struggles with the issues of all adolescents - crushes, popularity, weight, parents, siblings.. so somewhere in there I think everybody will find something to identify with. Then she gets invited to a party by one of the popular kids, after a pretty mundane, lonely summer. She happily agrees, and is unwillingly slipped some LSD along with half the party. She doccuments her trip really well, making you feel like you’re in it yourself. However, after this party she gets a little too indulgent with all sorts of drugs and experiences, and each chapter leaves you feeling hollow and dark. Its such a deep book, so well written that you sort of merge with the character,taking on her moods and thoughts. This happened to me with my favourite book (Less than Zero, Brett Easton Ellis) to some degree, but after reading every chapter of alice, i felt absolutely terrible. Not reccomended if you’re not feeling in the best form, but if you wan’t a horrifying, TRUE account of drug abuse, go for it. I’m assuming why this is on the reading list in most schools! 5/10

Go Ask Alice by Anonymous

This book was all a bit too much for me. Its a real diary, edited crudely to remove place names, but accounts for a completly relatable teenage girl. She struggles with the issues of all adolescents - crushes, popularity, weight, parents, siblings.. so somewhere in there I think everybody will find something to identify with.

Then she gets invited to a party by one of the popular kids, after a pretty mundane, lonely summer. She happily agrees, and is unwillingly slipped some LSD along with half the party. She doccuments her trip really well, making you feel like you’re in it yourself. However, after this party she gets a little too indulgent with all sorts of drugs and experiences, and each chapter leaves you feeling hollow and dark. Its such a deep book, so well written that you sort of merge with the character,taking on her moods and thoughts.

This happened to me with my favourite book (Less than Zero, Brett Easton Ellis) to some degree, but after reading every chapter of alice, i felt absolutely terrible. Not reccomended if you’re not feeling in the best form, but if you wan’t a horrifying, TRUE account of drug abuse, go for it. I’m assuming why this is on the reading list in most schools!

5/10

20
Paper Towns by John Green Much like his other book, ‘Looking for Alaska’, I picked this up for 5minutes and could not put it down. Read this one in about a week too. It follows much the same format - Mystery girl, Male protagonist with quirky friends, Dissapearence and Mystery. Unlike its predecessor however, the entire book is hellbent on solving the dissapearence of the mystery girl, Margo Roth Spiegelman. Each new clue urges you to turn the pages, even if you might figure out the possible clues before the protagonist. This book also features poetry and quotes from some amazing authors such as Emily Dickinson, Sylvia Plath and notably, Walt Whitman. Good read for commuting or reading in a night or two. Keeps you guessing and transports you to another world. Great insights into the male brain too, which i found rather amusing. Definitely worth a read. 7/10

Paper Towns by John Green

Much like his other book, ‘Looking for Alaska’, I picked this up for 5minutes and could not put it down. Read this one in about a week too. It follows much the same format - Mystery girl, Male protagonist with quirky friends, Dissapearence and Mystery. Unlike its predecessor however, the entire book is hellbent on solving the dissapearence of the mystery girl, Margo Roth Spiegelman.

Each new clue urges you to turn the pages, even if you might figure out the possible clues before the protagonist. This book also features poetry and quotes from some amazing authors such as Emily Dickinson, Sylvia Plath and notably, Walt Whitman.

Good read for commuting or reading in a night or two. Keeps you guessing and transports you to another world. Great insights into the male brain too, which i found rather amusing. Definitely worth a read.

7/10

2
Chew What a fantastic comic! After reading the first few pages of edition one: Tasters Choice, I was hooked. Its only 3 editions long, so its good for people with very little time on their hands who just want something light to read on the way to work or over a morning coffee. Full of dark humor, Incredible Illustrations and Intriguing yet resonant characters, Its a read to enjoy! I’d recommend it to anybody, young or old :)

Chew

What a fantastic comic! After reading the first few pages of edition one: Tasters Choice, I was hooked. Its only 3 editions long, so its good for people with very little time on their hands who just want something light to read on the way to work or over a morning coffee.

Full of dark humor, Incredible Illustrations and Intriguing yet resonant characters, Its a read to enjoy! I’d recommend it to anybody, young or old :)