"Indemnity Only," by Sara Paretsky

Novel, 1982

The first Warshawski novel and a fresh on the hard boiled exploits of Sam Spade and, particularly, Phillip Marlowe. This is a book where situations and dependencies are more nuanced, with a female protagonists noticing and building around psychologies of attraction and networks, rather than just falling foul to, or using them. The plotting and set-ups are reassuringly noir-ish, with a lively cast of crooks, errant family members, establishments and the odd shoot out here and there. For the detective enthusiast, a joy to read. 

"Brothers of the Head", directed by Keith Fulton and Louis Pepe

Movie, 2005

Gritty film about the rise of a pub/punk rock band fronted by Siamese twins. The film pulls off the trick of being sympathetic, critical and non-exploitative, partly through using narratives - most prominently the mockumentary mix of interviews and Ken Russell's fictional cinematic take. The story is, however, tried and tested. Sex, drugs and rock and roll are reeled out and held for criticisms and critiques. As cliches, they're used to reflect on the plight of the twins, but they're cliches all the same; ironically, the interest in the film is in the voyeuristic view of the twins. Not a bad film, though not great. 

"Now You See Me," directed by Louis Leterrier

Movie, 2013

Clever and tricksy blockbuster about four magicians - the Four Horsemen - who plot and counter-plot against legal and corporate agencies, keeping one step ahead with some outrageous, elaborate pranks and tricks. A film which puts a little too much emphasis on action and atmosphere, meaning that none of its characters are both lovable or believable. Entertaining yes, although everything's driven home with crashes, bangs, wallops and irritating uses of incidental music. A shame, as there's a suggestion, here and there, that there might be something more interesting going on.

"The Narrow Margin," directed by Richard Fleischer

Movie, 1952

Thrilled set on a train, as a tough Chicagoan cop escorts a gangster's widow to stand testimony in Los Angeles. Solid noir with some really pleasing and tricksy visual effects and a hard edge which eschews title music for the grating, alienating noise of trains and machinery. While visually a treat, the characters include a none-too convincing pastiche here and there - a lumpen criminal in a check jacket and a fat man blocking corridors, and there are parts of the plot which seem underdone in a hurried finish. Nonetheless, great entertainment.

"One-Way Street," by Walter Benjamin

Non-fiction, 1921-34

Cultural and philosophical essays written in Germany, in the early part of the twentieth century. As such, and as Benjamin was Jewish, these pieces are poignant. Much of their meaning and drift may puzzle the lay reader not especially versed in the period, nor particularly in philosophical writing. But still, the more accessible pieces on "Unpacking my Library" and "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction", and the quips and aphorisms in the title essay have a good feel about them and are more easily digestible. Some period details baffle, though overall, there should be something for many readers here.

"Kingdom of Fear," by Hunter S Thompson

Non-fiction, 2003

A string of anecdotes told through different narratives and styles, including letters, transcriptions and articles. Thompson's typically irreverent, painting himself as an anarchist tear-about, blazing guns, elk hearts and managing a San Francisco strip club, always keeping one brutal step ahead of the establishment. There's a slew of famous and not-so-famous allies, hangers-on, chancers and acquaintances, all of whom are smudged into the frantic pace and paste of a Gonzo approach and a free spirit increasingly disbelieving in the post-Twin Tower political response and American landscape. Tougher to get through than some of Thompson's other books, but some great passages along the way. 

"It Came From Beneath the Sea," directed by Robert Gordon

Movie, 1955

Enjoyable hokum with a terrifying radiation powered and enlarged octopus terrifying US nuclear submarines and the Californian Bay Area. While the special effects aren't entirely cringeworthy, they do lead to some unintentionally funny moments, as tentacles flail all over the place. Just as false are the occasional nods towards gender equality, with Faith Domergue's character showing great pluck, but then falling for the brutish navy man and screaming at the octopus. Perfectly good fun, but by no means a classic.

"The Borderlands", directed by Elliot Goldner

Movie, 2013

Blair Witch influenced film about three Vatican-employed paranormal investigators sent to a desolate church and the home of a slightly deranged priest. A slow build-up means we learn a good deal about two of the main protagonists, although the characterisations - particularly Gray - aren't wholly engaging or likable. There are some effective set pieces, with the unseen flashes of activity and sound design particularly good, though the film plods in between, always promising more than it delivers. The found footage isn't as tiresome as it might have been. Not without some strong points, but overall, this isn't an essential film.

"The Beast Within," by Emile Zola

Novel, 1890

Melodrama set on and around the French railway line from Le Havre to Paris. A book both old fashioned, in its narrative approach, but also modern, in terms of the themes of technology and intense, dysfunctional psychology and some warped crimes and derring-do. And a cracking read - the details firmly set up the social and physical surroundings, but the action is relentless. Some barbed comments on the justice and political systems are also thrown into a book whose pace - like the trains and characters - whisks the reader along and grips them at the some time. 

"Ice", by Anna Kavan

Novel, 1967

Hypnotic novel about the struggle between three characters and an ecological catastrophe threatening to disrupt the pursuit between them. This is an episodic novel where themes and actions are repeated, echoed and emphasised, particularly as the main protagonist sees the woman he's chasing flee ever increasingly away from him. Some great writing and it pays to read this one slowly, with the tension and the ever elusive nature of the pursuit building and building as the book progresses. Not an easy read, but memorable and, in places, pretty disturbing.

"The Flight from the Enchanter", by Iris Murdoch

Novel, 1956

A novel which starts with a good deal of energy and potential, but which doesn't entirely succeed under the weight of a large number of characters. Most of these are well drawn and interesting, although it's hard to feel much sympathy or connection with any of them, except - perhaps - Rose. The subsequent dreamy detached atmosphere is perfectly enjoyable, though events drift to an unsatisfactory end. Some great scenes and settings, though overall, not especially riveting.

"Three Cases of Murder", directed by David Eady, George More O'Ferrall, Wendy Toye

Movie, 1955

Early portmanteau film, combining horror and supernatural themes across three murder stories. The first has an eerie, circular feel; the second is a more straightforward love triangle and the third a political revenge piece. The stories are a little clumsily pulled together by a narrator, although the film as a whole entertains.. The eeriness of the first section, in particular, has an affecting feel about it, with the third section notable for an over-made-up Orson Welles almost skewing the whole piece with his presence. Alan Badel is in every story, although why is a mystery in itself. 

"Blades of Glory", directed by Gordon and Speck

Movie, 2007

Daft film, which packs laughs throughout, in following arch rival skaters, also find a loophole and join forces to perform after receiving lifelong bans for a podium punch up. There's little fresh or innovative in this film, but it's solid entertainment, with some odd dance moves and action centered on the ice rink. A perfect film for leaving your brain somewhere else and having your ribs tickled. Some good performances and slight twists in characterisation elevate this film above an even crasser version it could easily have been. 

"John Coltrane," by Martin Smith

Non-fiction, 2003

A book focusing on the socio-political environment into which John Coltrane emerged in the 1950s and 60s. There are touches of biography and descriptions of the music, though this book's simplicity is its main strength and weakness; the idiocy of racism is writ large, in black and white, although at other times, the simple language struggles to reflect the lyricism and complexities of Coltrane's music. But still, reading is no replacement for listening, and while the book doesn't entirely inspire an investigation into the music and those wonderful orange Impulse! spines, there's plenty to get to grips with nonetheless.

"White is for Witching", by Helen Oyeyemi

Novel, 2009

A novel which pulls on a load of shapes and guises, from coming of age, to a twins' psychodrama, to haunted house thriller. This is a book in which too much goes on without much seeming to actually happen. The result is a confusing hodge-podge, which may be an intentional device reflecting the struggles of Miranda, the main protagonist. There's some really outstanding images, but the different voices and narrative layers don't really fully knit together where they feel like they should. Some great ideas and difficult subjects explored, but too fragmented for my liking. 

"The Shadow of the Crescent Moon", by Fatima Bhutto

Novel, 2013

Riveting story of three brothers in Pakistan and, more strikingly, two of the women in the family. Everyday life is shown, from three different perspectives and responses to a harsh environment. While the bombs and terror give a very visceral backdrop, it's really the domestic strains which give the book its real tension. A really well constructed and well told narrative which skillfully explores characters' past lives in adding weight to the main thrust of the story. As such, this is a refreshing look at beliefs and ideologies and how they work and are mediated through communities trying their best to get along and survive. 

"Doctor Sally", by PG Wodehouse

Novel, 1932

Slight, even for Wodehouse, making this unusually non-diverging story feel more like a television drama or a short story. As a result, there's not quite the levels of intrigue and incident, though despite this, and despite the writing feeling a little restrained, this is still glorious, whimsical satire of the highest order. A precious thing indeed for the Wodehouse devotee, though those new to the great man's oeuvre might want to start with a Jeeves and Wooster. But still, some interesting takes on male and female roles and social class.

"It Can't Happen Here," by Sinclair Lewis

Novel, 1935

A novel which is quite shocking and almost demands being read, not through intrinsic merit, but through the astounding reminder of how far and - since Trump - how very little we've from the Fascist blighted 1930s. The resistible rise rise of Buzz Windrip is incredible, both for the obvious and sometimes seeming too obvious parallels with the then contemporaneous goings on in Italy and Germany, but also for the terrifying examples where this is happening in America and elsewhere in Western democracies. A jaw dropper, which hides the fact the writing feels dated and a little stodgy at times.

"Flowers for Algernon," by Daniel Keyes

Novel, 1966

Touching, messy and wonderful story of Charlie Gordon, whose experimented upon as a subject for a process which massively improves IQ. The novel, which is in the form of a first personal journal, is a rich, emotional journey reflecting in love, cruelty and the pains of existence, together with the suffering of people taken out of their familiar surroundings. The book cracks along and is thrilling throughout, with tender scenes along the way, either bang on cue or out of the blue. Certainly worth a read by everyone, not just sci-fi geeks.

"The Monuments Men," directed by George Clooney

Movie, 2014

A strange throwback film featuring a crack cast playing a crack gang of allies foiling Nazis in a covert mission. In this version, it's not a breakout or assassination, but the recovery of artwork. In a way, this is an easy film to like, though with the Germans stereo-typically mean and some of the cliches of camaraderie and character pumped to bursting, it's a wonder how the film was ever made. Entertaining and modern, but also archaic and unnecessary. Some nice touches and great production, but nowhere near enough to pull this out of barely passable pulp.

"The Story of My Teeth," by Valeria Luiselli

Novel, 2015

A novel about an auctioneer who loses his teeth when he's robbed of everything he has, and the lives of those around him. This is a book whose narrative and conception are acutely self-referential, which cuts the flow, though doesn't entirely bring things to a halt. A bold work which only half comes off - there's much to admire, but the book has a fairly cold feel, as if the reader's being led a little too far, then pushed back. Experimental and worthy; not always the most entertaining.

"Le Peau Douce," directed by François Truffaut

Movie, 1964

A slight, well-trodden story of infidelity and the consequences arising for the three protagonists involved. A fairly conventional film, all told, although there's a subversion at the end which makes quite a mark and a clear statement. Otherwise, everything in the film looks cool, with a decent smattering of Citroens, Gauloises and jet planes and some pretty archaic looking, talented people gaining social points over younger looking talented people. A film where gender and class are examined, while the story's focus remains deeply personal.

"The Small World of Sammy Lee," directed by Ken Hughes

Movie, 1963

A film which looks slight and a little kitsch despite its strip joints, thugs and poker games, but which packs a punch all the same, through the tension built around the anti-hero and the cinematography which gives a wonderful black and white, light and shade, multi-faceted portrait of Soho. Anthony Newley's down trodden sarcastic charm suits the title role and surroundings. Some strange parallels with Billy Liar - a trapped individual unable to escape, though this time from rather than to London. Great music, great atmosphere; and yes, the odd bit of English hamminess.

"Chavs: The Demonization of the Working Class", by Owen Jones

Non-fiction, 2011

Compelling account which does what the title suggests, setting out how the working class has been set apart and savaged by contemporary power bases. Jones makes his arguments clearly and backs them up, then repeats them before going back again and doing it all over again. The book flags as a result - this feels like a tight documentary spun into a mini-series. A book that's hard to disagree with, but outstays its welcome. In doing so, however, it presents some clear examples of social engineering and manipulation.

"Florence Foster Jenkins," directed Stephen Frears

Movie, 2016

Star studded film about a patron of the arts, wonderfully played by Meryl Streep. This is a film about culture, relationships, class and trust, with a great balance between comedy immediately and frequently undercut with touching scenes of deception and undying energy and optimism. The film's pace and direction are seamless, drawing the viewer directly in with the characters. Some real charm and class throughout, and showing the upper tiers of society in an interesting light.

"Quicksand," directed Irving Pichel

Movie, 1950

Serviceable, worthy film noir, concerning a series of crimes, committed in a chain reaction - an initial minor peccadillo leading into a series of more desperate measures. A semi-cautionary tale with some B-movie pacing which tumbles at a hurried end as if the whole thing had been played as a comedy after all. The femme fatale is pretty lightweight, reflecting an overall lack of intensity. For all that, this is an enjoyable caper with a few nice scenes and thrills connected with the genre. Largely forgettable, though fun while it lasted.

"The Beckoning Lady", by Margery Allingham

Novel, 1955

Essentially, a country house whodunnit, but with mercantile and business characters and some fairly typical moral and other ambiguities popping up here and there. This is a soothing read which handles a large cast of characters and rather fizzles out just as things threaten to really get going. Enjoyable, though neither oddball, tense or mysterious enough to fully grip the attention. The book's almost exclusive country setting and its eccentric couple's party lend very much to the sense of familiarity, though some moments of enjoyment and strangeness with glimmers of wonderful imagery and description.

"Free Fire," directed by Ben Wheatley

Movie, 2016

A film with one fairly hackneyed idea, which is pushed to breaking point, but is ultimately rescued by some great and at time over the top acting and a possibly dubious sense of fun at having every protagonist n the film getting battered by their rather dishonest trade. A parable, possibly, about power and guns and evil corrupting and leading to anarchy. It is, however, possibly too easy to read anything into this film because of its almost crass simplicity. A little repetitive, though watchable and, oddly, surprisingly well-paced. 

"The Year of Magical Thinking," by Joan Didion

Non-fiction, 2005

An account of Joan Didion's coping and mourning the death of her husband at a time when their daughter was also perilously ill. Didion's mixture of terror and bemusement when negotiating every day events and reminders feels detached at times until there's a crack in the narrative action or town, which suddenly brings the tragedy into sharp focus. This isn't a book with a big message or purpose, but its focus and very exact language give it a poise and sincerity and allows the reader to connect and project, to Didion and to wider experiences of loss.

"Olive Kitteridge," by Elizabeth Strout

Novel, 2008

A novel, musing and reporting on a woman's transition from happy if rather stolid middle age into old age, and how her New England small town community goes with her. The eponymous heroine is the focus if not always at the centre of each narrative, which piece together and look at how her relationships to her family develop and her habits and social standing change accordingly. The tone and pace of this book are both fantastic, taking the reader along. Some understated and truly wonderful writing and a compelling read.

"The Best Minds of my Generation," by Allen Ginsberg

Non-fiction, 2017

Write up of 1977 university course, surveying some of the Beat Generation's most celebrated practitioners. A curious, patchy, though ultimately rewarding mixture of biography (which is great) and literary criticism (a little less so - though probably something which would best work in an actual lecture). Sections on Jack Kerouac are particularly good, although the overall sense is of a serious look at a period of great creative energy and excitement, with boundaries pushed in fiction and poetry.

"Wonder Boys," by Michael Chabon

Novel, 1995

A cracking paced novel involving grown-up academics behaving appallingly, with some very amusing set pieces and dialogue, which build and build, generating mayhem and anarchy and involving more and more characters. The trouble I find with the book is that although this pace is wonderfully sustained, and although there are moments when some of his characters threaten to have an epiphany - not least Grady Tripp, first person narrator and main protagonist - they don't. The book rather splutters to an end often tripping over itself, one last time. Really entertaining, though a little unsatisfying.

"Watson's Choice," by Gladys Mitchell

Novel, 1955

Golden age detective novel, which builds an atmosphere and mystery long before a murder is committed, then proceeds to a robust, enjoyable whodunnit. A book which is light and nimble and something of a period piece - particularly noticeable in the treatment of an 'exotic' and very psychologically baffling Spaniard. A good example of the morals and morays of an English class, with about it - mainly the atmosphere and hints at a darkness under the surface of the action - which comfortably pulls it clear of generic sludge.

"The Crystal World," by JG Ballard

Novel, 1966

Catastrophe novel, in which the African jungle and everything in it crystallises and takes on an eerie suspension, which feels like death. There are plenty of pleasing and striking passages in this book and potency through the involvement of priests, diamond minds, crocodiles, leper colonies and the like, though the overall narrative power suffers, slightly, through the relentless strangeness. A prescient read for those looking for ecological disaster, though it's tricky following and engaging with the full cast of characters.

"The Vegetarian", by Han Kang

Novel, 2007

Engrossing three part novel, charting the course of a psychologically disturbed, largely unloved woman, through the eyes of her husband, brother in law, then sister. This seems to be a book about power and personal suffering and the sublimation and determination of the individual. While some of the scenes are incredibly difficult to read, this is a truly powerful book which is gripping and relentless, right up until the touching conclusion. The passivity of the main character throws questions back to the reader about their own responses and actions.

"Nairn's London," by Ian Nairn

Non-fiction, 1966

Idiosyncratic architectural guide to the capital, in which the excellently opinionated, self-taught Nairn takes the reader on a tour of the notable landmarks, in his eyes, in 1960s London. Descriptions of styles in suburban pubs rub shoulders with churches and the odd stately home and town centre. Nairn often doesn't make an awful lot of sense, but there's a real drive throughout the book, which has more than its fair share of jaw-dropping, satisfying and otherwise memorable moments, most notably when the writer is inclined to more pronounced displays of either joy or disdain.

"Rocket Science", directed Jeffrey Blitz

Movie, 2007

American coming-of-age indie, in which a teenager with a stutter is drawn to the star performer and thus debating society in high school, while struggling with his physical affliction, an amusing home life and coming to terms with maturity. An enjoyable film overall. If the pupils in the debating societies seem irritating, that's doubtless the intention. Some well observed, slightly edgy comedy here and there, mixing in with occasional slapstick.. Light, fluffy and diverting, with a good pace and a few serious questions put in for good measure.

"The Two Faces of January", by Patricia Highsmith

Novel, 1964

Gripping psychological thriller looking at attachments, classical and Oedipal conflicts and characters struggling and bringing each other down across Europe. While this novel may possibly have benefited from a tighter ending, and if the classical references are laid on a little thick in places this is, nonetheless, a cracking read. Not in the top bracket for Highsmith, but an excellent romp, with a load of obsessive, guilty and perverse behaviours demonstrated by all three of the main characters.

"Erewhon", by Samuel Butler

Novel, 1872

A curious Victorian muddle of fiction, narrative and philosophy, detailing the topsy-turvey practices in Erewhon, where some counter-intuitive institutions and beliefs are lightly satirised, set within a slight travel and escape story. This is pretty dense stuff for the most part and fairly tricky to get through, with the narrative ploughing on, not giving any real relief to the contemporary reader looking for short sentences, spiky dialogue and the like. Some points of interest and amusement keep things on at least some kind of footing, although overall, by no means a 'must read'.

"Mildred Pierce", directed by Michael Curtiz

Movie, 1945

Story of the eponymous, hard working heroine, a murder and how Pierce, her family, associates and the murder victim all come to find themselves embroiled with each other. If this film starts a little slowly, it really builds its characters and picks up pace and intensity on the way. Pierce is a wonderful character the audience can't help but get behind and root for, while events around her throw up barriers she's adept at overcoming. The determination, and Pierce's flaws and frailties give the film its dynamic and deliver a really effective, beautifully shot twist on the noir genre.

Poster: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12252720

"A Girl Made of Dust", by Nathalie Abi-Ezzi

Novel, 2009

Powerful depiction, from an eight year old girl's point of view, living under the exploding skies of 1980s Lebanon, just outside Beirut. The use of a child's point of view strips the grown up rhetoric of politics, so that what's left is visceral stuff on the one hand, and some wonder, hurt and disappointment at the domestic world of adulthood. The book has a good pace throughout and treats and reflects on humanity rather than a group of victims. The mixture of childish wonder and wanton, deadly violence is powerful and makes for a provocative read. 

"Branded to Kill", directed by Seijun Suzuki

Movie, 1967

At times hypnotic, at times frustrating thriller about an assassin tormented by his carnal and professional desires and ambitions. A film whose surreal structure, flamboyant scenes and stunning imagery work in isolation, although don't make for an entirely satisfactory whole. What the film has in these respects it lacks in warmth and humanity, which isn't helped by a jerky narrative. There's plenty to admire here and some of the beats and motifs are a joy, but the stories and legends around the film are probably more interesting than the film is entertaining.

"The Mask of Dimitrios", by Eric Ambler

Novel, 1939

Spy thriller, whose touch of paranoia and the shadowy role of bankers give it a more contemporary edge - with only a few twists and adjustments, this could be a late 60s Pynchony romp or a story for our own times. Some lovely descriptive touches and an establishment of the world of espionage on some rather sordid activity and a cast of fairly undesirable characters. Nonetheless and despite bogging down towards the end, this is a cracking look at the grime of a Europe trying to work through the early part of the twentieth century. 

"My Best Fiend", directed by Werner Herzog

Documentary, 1999

Recollections and clips of Klaus Kinski, mainly from Herzog, though occasionally balanced with other acquaintances involved in the films the two men made together. Kinski comes across as damaged and deranged, a method actor to beat all method actors and as self-obsessed and violent as a documentarian could wish for. On the one hand, this film has the feel of a hatchet job - we hear nothing from Kinski himself who had died long before the film was put together. There are, however, times when Herzog is more generous, not in giving Eva Mattes and Claudia Cardinale time to praise Kinski, but also in describing his own working relationship and admiration.

"In a Lonely Place," by Dorothy Hughes

Novel, 1947

Gripping thriller, with an unreliable narrator, stakeouts, murders and a Los Angeles full of noir and women who would comfortably fit the femme fatale trope were the narrator not so warped and wrapped up in himself. This is a book with a small number of characters and a gloomy trajectory whose mystery is hinted at then revealed in short notice, with the rest of the book moving its characters round with the inevitable consequences playing out. This is a book where the psychology and tension of noir and mental imbalance play out splendidly. The book rattles along at a good pace and though gloomy, rewards the reader with some really atmospheric suspence.

"American Hustle", directed by David O Russell

Movie, 2013

One of those films, of high quality and excellent production values, which looks like a number of other similar films and whose plot is overly fiendish and involved. Let these twists and turns wash over you and it's still  visual treat, with a hard hitting cast and period visuals and soundtrack helping make this film enjoyable. A few curious features, such as the ambitious FBI agent's rapid descent into what looks like a drugs problem, swiftly forgotten from one scene to the next. But, overall, an entertaining film.

Image by Fair Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40944043

"Going into a Dark House", by Jane Gardam

Fiction, 1994

Short story collection in which poignancy, sadness and frequently strange and strained family relationships are, usually, written with some flair and delicacy. These are stories with often fairly slight incidents and narratives, but pretty significant descriptive and emotional impact. As a result, some of the stories can feel a little unfulfilling and the writing can overshadow what's being written about. However, the descriptions - for example in Zoo-Zoo and The Damascus Plum more than compensate.

"When Worlds Collide", directed by Rudolph Maté

Movie, 1951

Rather slight and occasionally toe-curling science fiction, saved by wonderful technicolor effects. Otherwise, this is lame, looking like propaganda for an American super race in the making, but showing compassion towards children and animals. Cliches abound and dull characters barely brought to life by listless acting. For all that, it's quite watchable, even if the Noah references, wheelchair villain and hammy love story are enough to send most people reaching for the remote control.

"Book of Clouds" by Chloe Aridjis

Novel, 2009

Story of a Mexican transcriber and her time spent and work in Berlin. This is a really skillful piece of writing, full of ideas and packing a dramatic and emotional punch when they're needed. History and drama hang heavily around Berlin which is beautifully presented and shown to contain a number of self-absorbed, damaged characters, possibly including the narrator herself. Some great scenes, mystery and surreal situations, which never feel ploddy or tired. Highly recommended - a real warmth and quality rise up from the pages.

"His Bloody Project", by Graeme Macrae Burnet

Novel, 2016

Interesting and old-fashioned feeling book about a crime, told through different (fictional) documents relating to a murder, near Inverness, in 1869. While the use of the murderer's journal, court and medical records and like give the book a pep and vitality through their tight, controlled writing, and while the story is nonetheless told in a linear way, the end of the book feels ever so slightly unsatisfying. All those sides and angles, somehow not pulled together. But still, a wonderful read with some great detail. Definitely recommended.