IRVINE WELSH - FILTH

Another classic from Welsh here. DS Bruce Robertson brings a new meaning to corrupt cop in this seedy and dirty tale of a man on the edge. Racist, sexist, pig headed, arrogant, power crazed, manipulative, drug snorting, Fast food guzzling, worm ridden, small minded, petty, and violent. These are just some of the words you can use to describe the main character of the novel as his life slowly unravels around him until the end of the book where some shocking revelations shed some light in this nasty piece of work. As he cavorts from smutty deed to the next bacon sandwich DS Roberts remains despite his actions a likeable character in some ways, mainly because ultimately you have some empathy for someone who turns out to be really quite pathetic. I loved this, up there with Trainspotting and Acid House for me. Looking forward to the film and all.

HERMAN HESSE - THE GLASS BEAD GAME

Not his greatest, it's probably a hundred pages too long, but still worth a read. Hesse covers familiar territory here with a story about learning and teaching and the battle between the artistic, liberal and the conservative, studious side of the various characters and institutions. Typically philosophical Herman Hesse once again makes us ponder and cogitate on his interesting writing.

WILLIAM BURROUGHS - CITIES OF THE RED NIGHT

Absolutely bonkers novel from easily one of my favourite writers. Every time you think you have a hold of the narrative of this book it twists and turns and your left scratching your head. Combining Historical and adventure fiction with sci fi and typical 50s beat sparse prose this book spans a bizarre satirical attack on modern culture and society. Probably some of his best work combing his earlier more "straight" prose with his later cut up work this will fuck your head. Part one of three, so if you like this one there are another two to expand your pathetic hippie mind.