"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.