"The Rum Diary", by Hunter S Thompson

Novel, 1998

Pre-Gonzo and pretty straightforward story of a journalist boozing, fighting and 'loving' his way through Puerto Rico. This is Hunter S Thompson long before the hilarious twitching paranoia and cynicism of his more celebrated writing. This book's fine, although feels very sketchy in places, exactly as if markers were being left to finish later. While enjoyable enough, the novel doesn't hold a candle to later work, which is far more gusty, gutsy and original. Still, a diverting read and an easy one too.

"You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger", directed by Woody Allen

Movie, 2010

Even what feels like a slightly underwritten Woody Allen film hits home harder than most social comedies, which is certainly the case in this story of a set of couples teetering between, in and out of relationships.
Allen's films usually end with loose ends addressed if not always neatly tied and characters often getting what's coming to them. This isn't wholly the case here, which isn't to the film's detriment. But still, the plot development is easy for the most of the film, with an endearing, warm set of character. An enjoyable watch.

"The Reader", directed by Stephen Daldry

Movie, 2008

Rather fraught, gloomy and affecting film, humanising an SS concentration camp guard and telling of her downfall through the eyes of a lover she briefly takes after the war. While there's not much in the way of subtlety or surprise here, an atmosphere of decay and the struggle to rebuild is beautifully evoked through settings and acting. Ultimately, this is a tough film to watch, but it's compelling and raises a number of questions about love, duty, honour and history.

"The Big Midweek" by Stephen Hanley and Olivia Piekowski

Non-fiction, 2014

Sardonic, celebratory account of Stephen Hanley's two decades playing bass guitar for The Fall. It would have been quite easy for Hanley to have ranted, although in his balanced descriptions, band members are brought to life and what feel like balanced recollections are made. Highs comfortably balance the lows with a claustrophobic inevitability setting in from the early 1990s, at around the time Brix Smith then Martin Bramah left the band. Excellent writing; compulsive Fall fan reading.

"Dance of the Happy Shades", by Alice Munro

Fiction, 1968

Excellent collection of early stories from Alice Munro in which senses and incidents - usually domestic and unremarkable - are described and shot through with details which, often as not, give a real emotive kick up the backside. In describing situations and behaviours, Munro evokes huge feelings of sadness or disquiet, but at all times, humanity shines through. These stories are at once delicate and robust and reward close reading and reflection.

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"The Purge", directed James DeMonaco

Movie, 2013
A film with a few good ideas which all look as if they could either be freshly reflected upon, or collapse into a cliche of haunted house cum last man on Earth cum zombie type horror. Sadly, it doesn't take too long before the latter sets in. Granted, there a few effective, tense moments in among those which are less interesting and plot twist which many will have seen coming from a country mile off. By no means terrible, but one which is a rather lame imitation of some much better pictures.

"The Bag Man", directed David Grovic

Movie, 2014

Relatively tightly plotted thriller about a hit man entrusted with the job of getting a bag safely delivered to a gangland boss. A film whose A-list cast is a little wasted, but which nonetheless delivers some claustrophobic thrills and tension. In a film reminiscent of hard boiled films from the late 1990s there is, however, some rather flabby plotting and violence which, at times, feels gratuitous. Some of the humour also feels similarly passe. But still, overall a decent watch.