This is the story of Peekay,
a young South African boy, and his struggle to make something of his life.
From his discovery of boxing and his ambition to be welterweight champion
of the world, through his work in the prison and his bringing together of
different South African tribes in one almighty concert. It is a story of
how one person can make a massive difference against any odds. If you haven't
read this book and you want to feel uplifted, inspired and strong in all
the right ways then now is the time. Truly one of the best books ever written
and one for the xmas stocking, if you want to make next year a really positive
year.
As
you would expect the title is a good indication of the content of this book.
Using some of the stories from the bible, Noah's Ark etc and working through
shipwrecks and moon landings, it gives them all a different swerve. Finishing
up with a final chapter on what heaven is really like. (Basically shagging
lots of famous people/winning the FA cup/punching Hitler in the face/etc.)
This is a 'cool as you like' book which will open your eyes and make you
realise that their are two sides to every story.
The
first of the 'Easy Rawlins' detective novels and maybe the best. (others
include 'Devil in a blue dress) this is about a 19 year old Easy and his
psychotic pal 'Mouse Alexander' who head into the deep south of America,
turning detective to make ends meet, and get caught up in a world of voodoo,
sex, revenge and death. A total page turner that captures all the character
and atmosphere of 1930's America and makes you think you really are there,
every step of the way. Easy Rawlins is one of the most human and realistic
characters in modern writing and Walter Mosley immerses you so completely
in his world that when your finished, you really miss him.
This
is one of those books that defines the phrase 'cult novel'. The first book
from prolific writer Iain Banks it is a work of staggering imagination.
Taking you into the wierd world of Scottish teenager 'Frank', a lonely,
repressed and deranged individual with a sinister father, a criminally insane
brother & an unstable best friend. It completely absorbs you in his
way of thinking and as the story unfolds, drags you down with him, then
smacks you with a twist at the end. Dark, creepy, funny, unsettling and
genius, a must read immediately job.
This
is the book.... One of the best known and best loved works of fiction in
history, for a very good reason. This is the story of Jem & Scout whose
father Atticus is a lawyer appointed to a controversial case in small town
America. This is a story on many levels which explores bigotry, racism,
innocence, fear and growing up. Told through the eyes of the children it
gives a perspective on these issues and others, which exposes them as honestly
as possible. This is a towering work and should be required reading for
the whole world. Also (as reviewed last month, see our video archives) one
of the few movies which does justice to the book.
This
book chronicles the history of house music from it's US origins to the present
day. It is a complete work and contains most things the genuinely interested
party/would be house trainspotter needs, to ground themselves in this fast
moving and ever changing modern youth culture. History this most definitely
is, but it's recent club and musical history and is interesting and cool
too. We know that to those of you born in the 80's, this book may be perceived
as 'Granda' fodder? But that's only 'cos your nappy was wet when 'Your Love'
came out! Do yourself a massive favour and check this out, as in times to
come this will be seen as a hugely influential read. This book is being
serialised by Channel 4, featuring interviews with all the key players and
a selection of some of the finest house music ever made. Much of the music
featured is the uplifting and influential tunes that ruled then and still
rule when we drop them in the club today. Totally essential.
The
pissed off teenager book that properly captures the 'sick of all that shite'
attitude everyone has when they're 16/18. Written in the 50's but still
just as relevant today it's kinda like 'The Breakfast Club' in novel form.
It tells the story of Holden Caulfield, who goes to New York for a few days
to hang out. Not a great deal really happens to him but everyone will be
able to relate to the way he feels about teachers, parents and all those
'phoneys' in general. Definitely one to read over and over again as each
time something new jumps out and has you thinking 'Yeah, you're right'.
Generation X began right here. On the wierd tip, this is the book Mark Chapman
was holding when he shot John Lennon.
This
is one of the best loved children's books of all time. It features charming
illustrations by the nighty Helen Oxenbury and every modern kid at some
time in their life, reads this book. It's the ideal Xmas gift for the young
relative, but be sure to check they have not got it first. If they haven't
they so, so, need it. Kids books just don't get any better than this.
The naked chef is a twat,
but he can cook, so get his book.
In
the opening 5 minutes of the 12 part serialisation of this book by the BBC,
a blue whale was featured and David Attenborough in his 'Supreme Being's'
voice explained how a man could swim down the main arteries in a whales
body. That's the basic groove, but David expands on it to cover the natural
history of life in the oceans more comprehensively than has ever been done
before. The photography in this book is astonishing and as always David
explains it all in a way that everybody can relate to. Concentrating mostly
on the creatures of the deep, this also features Polar Bears who must be
checked out. It's a simple sum
David Attenborough = Genius.