The Odyssey (Homer)

Homer

The Odyssey

A fantastic read of which you can see the roots of many other stories. I meant to read after the Iliad and seeing as that isn't reviewed in this blog I must have read that 10 years ago at least. About half the time that Odysseus spent returning from Troy. I won't analyse whether he was just a wanderer adventurer or really wanted to get back to his wife and kid, the ending leaves him open to wandering inland with an oar, as those more educated in the classics will have published works on this book. But do like me and just read as a great story. Matt would have been proud of me. May you be resting peacefully in Hades Halls.

Tunes: A Comic Book History of Rock and Roll (Vincent Brunner)

Vincent Brunner

Tunes: A Comic Book History of Rock and Roll

Not so much a comic book history of rock and roll but more a dip into a few dozen bands seemingly selected at random (probably the ones the editor's mates liked) with a very brief history in text, a few record recommendations and then a short comic strip involving (sometimes very casually) the band or artist. Some of the information is inaccurate but as a bathroom book to dip into it serves an idle purpose.

London Fields (Martin Amis)

Martin Amis
London Fields

A nasty little tale based on utter contempt for those not given Amis' opportunities in life, hideous racist caricatures and misogyny throughout. The main characters are what you might find in a right wing cartoon strip and the supporting ones have even lazier descriptions. I got half way through having been told by a couple of friends that it was a great book. I have tried to read other Amis books and had the same feelings. I gave up on this one too. In addition to all that the plot is meandering and at times absurd and none of the characters likeable. The way that Amis dismisses off hand violent rape including that of children is hideous. As I say, a nasty tale best avoided.

The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism (John Barnes)

John Barnes
The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism

An extremely thought provoking book that tackles (no pun intended) racism from an angle that is not necessarily the norm. I hesitate to summarise such an in depth and well thought through book but in essence John's view is that we need to tackle the societal roots of racism, and other forms of discrimination, rather than lambast scapegoats. His question is why do those people have their views and if from society does it help in persecuting them whilst we ignore the wider societal reasons for racism. Which are to keep the foundations upon which the rich and powerful maintain power. They are happy to throw crumbs to those who they exploit, whatever their race, gender, religion etc. etc. etc. as long as they maintain their power. They even let a few folk rise to near the top to prove that their system is not racist, sexist, homophobic etc. etc. etc. But the truth is that they will not allow equality in society so they can maintain their power and wealth. Sound like modern capitalism? Yep. The answer being true socialism? Yep. Although John does say that socialism is a pipe dream. He also has a lot of thought provoking and cogent views on the white working class. Now I have summarised a lot and probably some of it misrepresenting John. I don't agree with all in the book but if I did I guess I would be JB himself as we all have differing views. One thing it has made me consider in more detail is my unconscious, and some of my more conscious, bias. Go read. Now.