The Reader (Bernhard Schlink)

Bernhard Schlink

The Reader

Excellent read (translator must take some credit) and story about a young man who, well comes of age and gets into an interesting relationship which forms the story. Won't say more as there are interesting twists and turns. Gets philosophical in the self analysis and ultimately extremely thought provoking not just of the immediate subject matter but in more general terms. Well worth reading. 

Ian Dury: The Definitive Biography (Will Birch)

Will Birch

Ian Dury: The Definitive Biography

Well researched and written story of Ian's life and his idiosyncrasies. A lot of very funny stories but underpinned by someone who was a bit fucked up mentally and possibly went through a lot more trauma at school than he lets on. I can only go by this book but it seems like he was a right cunt which is a label he seemingly spread liberally to others. I guess like a lot of people who make it in show business - lovely to see them up on stage but would you want them as a friend. Maybe I should only read biographies of those I don't like. Shame Ian never wrote that autobiography, his only two words in it being "Hallo sausages" as maybe that would set a better context for his behaviour. Worth reading, but not if he's an idol of yours.