Books 4-5
(4) Title: Money: A Suicide Note
Author: Martin Amis
Genre: Modern Classics
Pages: 400
Review: The story of John Self, a typical yuppie type who lives in a bubble of money making, consuming junk food, pornography, jet setting from the UK to the US and all that jazz. The more money he spends, the more he consumes, the more he feels nothing but the desperate, neverending need to make more and more money to live the lifestyle he wants to be a part of. The classic tale of the evils of money and the addictions it can bring to the bearer if not handled wisely and ultimately the unhappiness and loneliness that remains despite the comforts of wealth. Very witty and intelligent, certainly an Amis classic.
Rating: 8/10
(5) Title: Slam
Author: Nick Hornby
Genre: 'Lad Lit'
Pages: 304
Review: I was curious to see what 'Lad Lit', the male counterpart to Chick Lit would be like and expected it to be like this. Tackling the subject of teenage pregnancy but from a male perspective targeted at a younger audience was interesting to read. The young father finds it difficult to come to terms with the fact that he's made his brief girlfriend pregnant and the story follows him going through the motions of denial, separation and finally realisation of the situation. Whilst some may feel sorry for the young daddy, I found myself wanting to scream 'Grow Up!" to the boy, who just wants to skateboard with his friends down at the park. A good account of why children shouldn't have children but not gritty enough for me.
Rating: 6/10
Author: Martin Amis
Genre: Modern Classics
Pages: 400
Review: The story of John Self, a typical yuppie type who lives in a bubble of money making, consuming junk food, pornography, jet setting from the UK to the US and all that jazz. The more money he spends, the more he consumes, the more he feels nothing but the desperate, neverending need to make more and more money to live the lifestyle he wants to be a part of. The classic tale of the evils of money and the addictions it can bring to the bearer if not handled wisely and ultimately the unhappiness and loneliness that remains despite the comforts of wealth. Very witty and intelligent, certainly an Amis classic.
Rating: 8/10
(5) Title: Slam
Author: Nick Hornby
Genre: 'Lad Lit'
Pages: 304
Review: I was curious to see what 'Lad Lit', the male counterpart to Chick Lit would be like and expected it to be like this. Tackling the subject of teenage pregnancy but from a male perspective targeted at a younger audience was interesting to read. The young father finds it difficult to come to terms with the fact that he's made his brief girlfriend pregnant and the story follows him going through the motions of denial, separation and finally realisation of the situation. Whilst some may feel sorry for the young daddy, I found myself wanting to scream 'Grow Up!" to the boy, who just wants to skateboard with his friends down at the park. A good account of why children shouldn't have children but not gritty enough for me.
Rating: 6/10