The Graduate - Charles Webb 1963 *

Having not seen the film for a very long time, I thought I would try reading the book of this 'pivotal story defining the sixties.'
A quarter of a way in and I wasn't too impressed by anything the book had to say, and it became an absolute chore to have to finish it (despite it only being small).
All in all, I can't tell what this author is trying to get at. Does he think he is capturing the sixties? Does he know he is probably one of the worst authors I have ever read? Does he even know how to formulate a sentence?
For such a well known book, I was desperately surprised and let down at how poorly it was written, both grammatically and regarding the prose. What struck me was how immature it came across, as though the author had never written anything before and was just playing around with sentences and ideas in a torrent mess.
The story is pretty ridiculous anyway, and I still don't really understand how the film was a 'defining moment' in movie history.
If my advice is needed, I would say to steer clear from both the book and the film (although if I really had to choose I would say that the film was a tad better).

Started 4th November
Finished 12th November

Old Flames - Jack Ketchum 2008 ****

For as long as I have been an adult I have been trying to find the equivalent horror novel in the style of a Point Horror book. Those books were the root of my reading as a teenager and I always felt that if I could find an author whole could transport me back to that kind of world I would be on a winning streak.
Luckily, Jack Ketchum may just well be that author as I discovered in the first book of his I have read. I devoured it overnight, and am looking forward to the next one of his I have bought.
The book centres on obsession, greed and lust, and is told dramatically, sexually and explicitly. It's very well written and incredibly easy to read about a woman who cannot let go after a brief affair with a married man comes to an end.
Can't wait for the next one. Have also ordered a couple of Richard Laymon's to keep me going for a while...

Started 1st November
Finished 2nd November

Nocturnes - Kazuo Ishiguro 2009 *****

The first book I have read by this astounding author. It won't be the last. Ishiguro has such a stunning and beautiful way of piecing words together. Here he presents us with 5 utterly different stories all linked together by particular events in the lives of the people. We are transported from Italy to the Malvern Hills, then to Hollywood and London. All the characters are sculptured like fine art, and the stories have a musical lilt to them, as though swaying you from one to the next.
I think this author is utterly unique, and I will be reading more of his work.

Started 28th October
Finished 1st November