"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.