Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass Destruction - Sue Townsend

Laugh out loud funny!

This is classic Mole that took me back to my teenage years. Mole's struggle to recover 57.10 pounds, the on again - off again marrige to Marigold Flowers and the letter of endearment sent between Mole and his almost eighteen year old son of the brink of war in Iraq kept me out of society for days.

I would definately recommend this to Adrian Mole lovers, and those who just need a laugh.

Ludmila's Broken English - DBC Pierre

I was disappointed with the second effort from DBC Pierre. I was captivated by Vernon in Pierre's Man Booker Prize winning first effort, "Vernon God Little" and expected high standards from his second outing.

The story of Lumila's Broken English carries two seperate story-lines through most of the book. It is only towards the end of the story that we are shown how the two stories are entangled. It seems to me to be a rather wordy effort for what is a seemingly simple story.

I am fortunate enough to own an autograhed edition of this book, and to me that's the best bit. Lovers of Vernon God Little, steer clear.

Filthy Rat - Simon Illingworth

"A first-hand account of courage in the face of police corruption"

This fast paced book is an account of Simon Illingowrth's life, from childhood to his resignation from the Victorian Police Force. It is astonishing to discover the wide spead police corruption as described by Illingworth. From backyard gambling centres to dangerous stagged kidnappings, it is difficult to believe that there are criminals weaved in amongst those have sworn to protect us.

The book follows the career progression of Illingworth and includes details of Illingowrth's hand in the seemingly unsolveable murders of police officers Miller and Silk. Also covered is Illingworth's personal life, and the actions of those which threatened his life.

It is unimaginable to think that at only 22 years of age, Illingworth was forced to make a decision which would not only define his career in the police force, but change his life forever. Illingworth appeared on Australian Story (ABC Television) in 2004. Even is you saw that interview, the book is worth a look.

The Boy in Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne

This book is amazing. But as the jacket says, to say anthing of this book is giving away too much. So, if you want to fully enjoy the book STOP READING NOW.

The book is written from the perspective of nine year old Bruno. It doesn't take long to figure out that Bruno's father in a member of the Nazi Army. Bruno is uprooted from his five storey house in Berlin to "Out-With" where his father is posted. Bruno regrets the families move, as he has left his friends behind in Berlin. The first chilling details of this book is the view of the concentration camp Bruno has from his bedroom window.

To relieve boredom, Bruno wanders from the house to investigate the fence surrounding the men and boys wearing the same striped pyjamas. Bruno is pleased to find a young boy in the vicinity of the fence and begins a strong friendship. The friendship if powerful, it changes Bruno's life at Out-With.

A truely innocent tale of the occupation of Poland by a young boy who is unable to comprehend the horrors of concentration camps.