Before I Go To Sleep by S J Watson

Review Date: 2012-05-28

Before I Go To Sleep is a gripping psychological thriller. As the book progresses it creates a slowly building sense of terror in a gentle middle aged suburban setting.

Christine wakes each morning to find that, instead of the twenty something she thought she was when she opened her eyes, she is actually a middle aged married woman with an unusual form of amnesia, caused by an accident, which means she can remember everything that happens during the day but as soon as she falls into a deep sleep she forgets everything. Her husband Ben, who she is surprised to find sleeping next to her every morning, has to repeatedly explain what has happened to her. The book is written as a journal Christine is keeping, at the suggestion of a doctor, to try to jog her memory. Writing the journal brings to light a deeper and unsettling mystery. The suspense builds as each day Christine wakes up and starts again on the journey to find out the truth. As Christine forgets a large portion of her life every day, the book explores the importance of memories on an individual’s sense of identity.

Work! Consume! Die! by Frankie Boyle

Review Date: 2012-06-28

Frankie Boyle is like Marmite, and if you are familiar with him you will know whether you love him, or hate him. If you don't know who he is, I would suggest you find out before reading this book.
Work! Consume! Die! is as offensive as you would expect from Frankie. It takes the form of a fantastical autobiographical story interspersed with Frankie's rants about the world.
The topics he covers are very of the minute, so if you would consider reading this book, do it sooner rather than later, before it seems outdated.
There is an underlying message in this book, Frankie's call to arms, to encourage people to try to improve their lives, read more books and expand their minds.