Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovski
Reviewed by Danny
After reading a few British-perspective world war books, this one provided a refreshing change, showing events from the viewpoint of the French. Not only does this book highlight the general egotism of some of Paris's aristocratic inhabitants, who are more concerned about the safety of their possessions than of

On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan
Reviewed by Danny
Having been drawn to this book by it's cover alone, and not expecting to be an Ian McEwan fan, I was very pleasently surprised. Following the events of a couple's wedding night, who have yet to consummate their relationship and dare not share their insecurities, you are gradually told

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Reviewed by Maria
This book is a fascinating journey into Japan's culture and the geisha's world. It tells the story of two sisters who are sold by their father. They go to Kyoto, but their fates are very different. the blue eyed younger sister will be trained to be a geisha whilst

Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut
Reviewed by Joe
For those familiar with Kurt Vonnegut, this book will not be a disappointment. His humour, eccentric characters and skill at blending the hilarious with the tragic are all here. For those who are new to Vonnegut, this book is an excellent place to start. The author revels in the anarchic

Doll by Mitsukazu Mikara
Reviewed by Becks
A beautiful collection of short stories based around mechanical dolls of the future. The manga explores what it means to be human and of technology has more humanity than man. Beautifully drawn and well written; a great addition to any collection, or an excellent first read for any newbie

Claire in the Community (AUDIO BOOK) by Harry Venning
Reviewed by Jen
Harry Venning's 'Claire in the Community' started life as a cartoon strip and transferred to radio 4 in 2004. Claire entered social work like many before her - to sort out other people's problems rather than deal with her own. Politically correct, humourless and prone to jargon, she

Beautiful Boy by David Sheff
Reviewed by Emily
This book brings to light how a drug addict's family are as much affected by addiction as the drug addict themselves. A heart-wrenching true story that makes you think twice before you judge people.

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Reviewed by Sue
A dramatic story from the beginning. It develops into a family trying to decide whether they could have done something differently when raising their child. they struggle to be able to have the friendships and loyalties that they did because of the acts of their son. As usual with Jodi

Night Watch by Serg Lukyanenko
Reviewed by Becks
Dive into the world of the others. A world of vampires and other creatures of the night and the people who watch over them - the Night Watch. Suspense and thrills on every page, it will definitely make you want to read the ink off the page. A must

Vampire Weekend by Vampire Weekend
Reviewed by Gina
This is a really good album, A-punk is the best song on there. It's a happy album that will make you want to dance.

Grace by Jeff Buckley
Reviewed by Owen
'Grace' was Buckley's only solo albm released before his early death, but it has made more of an impact than many artists make over much longer careers. Containing Nina Simone and Leonard Cohen tracks amongst a number of originals, every song features soaring multi-octave vocals from Buckley particularly on the

Simple Things by Zero 7
Reviewed by Jen
Zero 7's first offering is perfect summer listening. The album is full of lush strings, gentle drums and some brilliantly atmospheric vocal performances. For fans of chill this album won't disappoint.

For Blood and Empire by Anti-Flag
Reviewed by Joe
'For Blood and Empire' is a fantastic album from one of the most outspoken political punk bands of all time. Far from being ambiguous, each song has a specific message, be it anti-corporate, anti-war or anti-authority. Over the years Anti-Flag have evolved a sound that is unique, and their

The Very Best of Matt Monroe by Matt Monroe
Reviewed by Sue
A CD I wasn't sure I'd enjoy as I didn't think I knew many of his songs. How wrong I was - every track found me singing along with the words (how I know them I don't know - I must be too young!) Even a couple of movie tracks

Finding Neverland by Mark Forster
Reviewed by Danny
Mark Forster, the director of this film, is also directing the new James Bond film, which is out later this year, and so I think we can expect great things... Following the life story of J. M. Barrie, the Scottish writer who went on to create the masterpiece that

Marie Antoinette by Sofia Coppola
Reviewed by Danny
I was slightly dubious about this film before I watched it, having read that it was a "celebration of cakes, shoes and dresses", which it undoubtedly is, but this is also most certainly a chick flick with brains. The story behind the film is a famous one, about the

Flight of the Conchords by Flight of the Conchords
Reviewed by Jen
Follow the antics of Brett and Jermaine, two struggling kiwi musicians in New York in the comic series. Everything from their dancing to their number one fan and their song lyrics will make you laugh. If you don't find this funny, you don't have a sense of humour!

Akira
Reviewed by Joe
This film is simply indescribable. There is no way of doing it justice in such a simple thing as a review. It is one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made, an adult animation of epic proportions about playing God and the dangerous effects of power. When a youth named

Millenium Actress
Reviewed by Becks
A shining story of two reporters listening to an actress called Fujiwara accounting her many years of fame on the big screenfrom the start of WW2. This anime blurs the lines between reality and Fujiwara's films, where one second she is walking through the snow in her home town,

Francesco's Venice by Francesco Da Mosto
Reviewed by Owen
This series charts fantastically the history of one of the most interesting and beautiful cities in the world, told by Francesco Da Mosto, a descendant of one of the oldest and most distinguished Venetian families. This DVD intoriduces the people and places that have shaped Venice over the ages -