If you've watched the film then you'll recognise Haing Ngor as the man who played Dith Pran, nothing however prepared me for everything I would read in the book. Yes I knew that life in Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge was bad. Yes, I've been to The Killing Fields, I've walked on ground littered with bones, stared at skulls and been totally unable to speak, barely able to breathe in respect, awe and devastation at this place. I've been to Tuol Sleng (also known as S21), the school that was turned into a prison/torture camp by the Khmer Rouge. I've read the stories on the walls, agonised over photos and been torn by the turmoil of many of those who chose to torture rather than die themselves. Haing himself endures a related (though not similar) Hobson's choice in the book. But, despite as much as I already knew of the regime, I still wasn't prepared for some of what I read. This book is brilliantly written, by a man who experienced first hand, the atrocities of Angka.
Lullaby Chuck Palahniuk
By the author of Fight Club (not read it but think the film is very good), I've only just started this novel and already I'm hooked and expect to finish tomorrow or the day after (though I am also taking lots of notes). The prologue was really gripping (too often I find prologues pointless, even skip them altogether), Palahniuk uses it to introduce the most intriguing character and then totally changes the book around, introducing the narrator (not the same character) in Chapter One. Read it, please - or if you've already read it leave me a comment (but not the ending).
Last Chance to See Mark Carwardine (with foreword by Stephen Fry)
Borrowed this from the library on account initially of all the photos and the bits I scan read about a Manatee and its farts. It is very well written and would be interesting even if you're not remotely interested in wildlife, conservation or the threat of extinction for so many breeds. It's mainly humorous with lots of 'not many people know that' facts thrown in - the kind of facts that are useful at boring dinner parties. I'm thinking of buying the dvd that accompanies the book (it was shown on BBC) so please let me know if you viewed it at the time - my main dilemma is dvd or bluray (the latter being an extra £15).
Eclipse One Edited by Jonathan Strahan
A science fiction and fantasy anthology - some really great reads, probably less science and more fantasy in a lot of them but not real hardcore fantasy with goblins and orcs and the like. I'd recommend it - they're all a good length so you can read one a night. Just don't read 'Toother' by Terry Dowling when you're trying to sleep. I got up during a particularly bad patch of insomnia and settled down to read this one by torchlight on the settee. I got about a third in (possibly less) and finished up having to hide the book (you know Joey style though I didn't quite put it in the freezer) and then run back to the bedroom and dive under the covers.
Discover France Monaco Books
Even if you're not planning a trip to France this is a fabulous book full of stunning photography - all laid out in a series of drives around France. It makes a great coffee table addition.
the food of france Maria Villegas and Sarah Randell
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