'Lost in the Jungle: A Harrowing True Story of Adventure and Survival' by Yossi Ghinsberg

On Thursday 15th September 2011, Hove's premier book group came together for our first gathering since July.

Don explained how he wanted to find a suitable Summer read for the group and concluded that "a harrowing true story of adventure and survival" would be just the ticket.  Don recounted his own travel experiences and, based on these, could quite understand how Yossi and his compadres came to make an ill advised trip into the Amazonian jungle.  He awarded the book 6 out of 10.

Hamish described this as one of most pedestrianly written books he'd ever read, although conceded the story was a good'un.  1 out of 10.  Ouch.

Robin wondered if the whole thing was made up - or at the very least exaggerated.  5/10

Keith also gave the book short shrift and said he was not well disposed to it from the outset.  4/10

Nick felt there were "too many gaps" (this is what I wrote down and now I wonder what Nick meant by this - he doubtless elaborated but I cannot remember - sorry Nick).  Nick noted that Yossi's Wikipedia page has been deleted due to the lack of evidence.  Is Yossi a charlatan?  Nick gave it 0.75 out of 10.  Double ouch.

I read the book in July and wrote a short review straight afterwards to make sure I could remember my thoughts.  Here it is: The book opens with Yossi Ghinsberg’s ‘Acknowledgements’.  A page and a half of flowery, gushing, quasi-mystical thank yous. This didn’t auger well.  Yossi Ghinsberg’s writing style is pretty basic.  I wonder if this is a translation - which might explain his style.  I have read a few accounts of what could be labelled Travel Misadventures, Personal Disasters, or Idiots Taking Silly Risks & Living To Tell The Tale.  These include, Touching The Void, Into Thin Air, The Climb, and Into The Wild.  For the first two thirds of this book I concluded that “Lost In The Jungle” was not up to the same standard, however I was gripped by the last third of the book and he certainly has an extraordinary tale to tell.  At the end of the book he also touches on how his near death experience shaped the rest of his life and I was impressed by what he has gone on to achieve. It’s worth reading and I feel Yossi’s tale will stay with me.  That said if you’ve yet to read Touching The Void or Into Thin Air, then I would suggest reading those first as I think they’re both more accomplished and interesting books that explore similar themes. 6/10.

Jason couldn't make the gathering but sent through his thoughts: I thought Yossi told a great tale.  Indeed it is probably the quickest book group choice I've read for a few years - I lapped it up in a few nights.  I think it appealed to the part of me which regrets never having done the alternative tourist Trek which lots of my student mates did during or immediately after Uni.  I'm happy to say the regret is now somewhat lessened!  I did have a few interesting points I wanted to raise when I read it weeks ago - but they all escape me now.  One thing occurs though - I'm pretty certain I'd have died out there - wonder if others feel they'd have had the tenacity to keep going with rotting feet and no food.  That rain would jave been the final straw for me, let alone the termites.  I still shudder.....  Jason didn't give a score but - on the basis of what he wrote I reckon it would be an 8 out of 10.

Tristan arrived after staying late at work, and just in time to read out his own review that he had emailed through:  I quite enjoyed this easy read, in a ripping yarn kind of way. I was a bit worried about the dull backpacker bit at the beginning, but once the characters were introduced, and once they got to the jungle it got a lot better.  Once the silly sods had decided to go off on their own, and once Yossi got swept away, it became much more of a page turner. I liked the thought exercise of 'would you prefer a machete and nothing else or a pack with no machete', and I am still amazed that Kevin managed to get back so easily - sounds like Yossi was just a whingeing lightweight (joke). I liked the revelations at the end, but was disappointed not to find out what happened to Karl and Marcus.  I thought the writing style was competent but unexceptional.  One thing I took exception to was his assertion that there had been some divine intervention. I saw a fair bit of luck, a good lot of common sense, and lots of evidence for the resilience of the human spirit, but that was it.  Still, I feel I learned a lot from this book, the most important lesson of which was do not piss yourself while sleeping in a rain forest.  All in all, I found it lightweight and entertaining, but not much beyond that.  6/10

So there you have it.  A mixed set of responses and it made for a good discussion.

Don 6
Hamish 1
Robin 5
Keith 4
Nick 0.75
Nigel 6
Jason 8
Tristan 6

Average 4.5

After the magic of the Yossi discussion we moved onto a DVD...


Roger Waters 'The Wall - Live in Berlin'



By this time I was on my third pint of Harveys and - ahem - don't appear to have made any notes.  Here's what I can remember.  I apologise for any inaccuracies.  Feel free to add a comment if I misrepresented what was discussed.

Don absolutely loves Roger Waters and The Wall.  He waxed lyrical about a recent concert at the O2 Arena.

Nick hadn't watched the DVD and doesn't really get the Floyd (to put it mildly).

I expressed an intrigue about the Floyd but a lack of knowledge.  I do like Wish You Were Here and Dark Side Of The Moon - and the Barrett years - but haven't ever listened to The Wall (except bits - primarily Another Brick In The Wall) and so didn't know what to expect.  This DVD felt *very* 80s.  

The DVD opens with (who I later discovered to be) The Scorpions emerging from a stretch limo in all their cliche Metal outfits.  I was a bit confused as none of them appeared to be Roger Waters.  Then realised that we were to be treated to a succession of guests that included Sinead O'Connor,  Marianne Faithful, Cyndi Lauper, Tim Currie, Thomas Dolby.  Coincidentally in the lastest issue of The Word magazine Thomas Dolby refers to this gig and states "I went to see it again the other day and it's a pretty dreary thing.  And he (Roger Waters) was a dark character - very, very fastidious.  Intense."  Obviously a lot of money spent on the staging but I felt glad that I hadn't attended.  I guess for Berliners in 1990 this must have had a huge resonance.  As a Hove-ite in 2011 I was less engaged.  I prefer to attend intimate gigs and also prefer a warmer, less austere sound.  Basically I just didn't get it. 

Robin reminded the Group that many moons ago Jason got us to watch the original film version with Bob Geldof and thought this wasn't a patch on the film version.

Hamish was intrigued by the punk (Geldof)/Old Wave (Floyd) collaboration that was the Alan Parker film version.  

The "I just don't get The Wall" view was echoed, to one degree or another by Keith, Robin and Hamish.  I'll try to carry on making notes next time - please add comments if I've forgotten one of your nuggets.  

Jason wrote: Never saw the DVD - but I do remember being very excited about it at the time, and watched it live - only to have much of the sound go down, with the likes of Sinead O'Conner left miming.  It was a great occasion, and wonderfully symbolic, but a bit too much of the Roger Waters show for me - with annoying under rehearsed special guests.  Pink Floyd needs the new boy Gilmour for the epic tunes they did.  I'm assuming the DVD would have put the missing sound back in, and had a chance to mix it properly - so interested to see what everyone else thought - especially Nick!! 

Tristan wrote: As someone who grew up listening to Pink Floyd and especially The Wall a lot, this was all nicely familiar. Plus, having seen the film again recently at a private screening with the director Alan Parker (cough, namedrop, cough) I knew it well. The concert itself was most notable for its amazing staging and set: the huge wall constructed and all the effects and visuals were utterly amazing. The parading of 80s stars was also nostalgic although sometimes cringeworthy (Scorpions? FFS). The scale of the thing was also incredible: wikipedia reckoned there were 250k people, plus another 100k watching! (it must have sucked to be right at the back). I would have loved more crowd shots. I enjoyed this, I'm glad I saw it, but I'm not sure I'd bother watching it again. 7/10

So there you have it.  Another wonderful gathering for Hove's finest.  

At our next gathering we will be discussing Robin's spying-flavoured choices:

BOOK: 'See No Evil' by Robert Baer 

MUSIC: 'The Ultimate John Barry' by John Barry

FILM: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

Excited?  Me too.

PS: Here's Yossi....

“The Man in the High Castle” by Philip K. Dick

“The Man in the High Castle” by Philip K. Dick

On Wednesday 20th July 2011 we gathered at The Poets’ Corner pub for more cultural discourse.  The pub was surrounded by Morris Dancers.  The jingle jangle of their bells making for a pleasing accompaniment to our first discussion about “The Man in the High Castle” by Philip K. Dick.

This was my choice.  Here’s my review.  Suffice it to say I really enjoyed this book and awarded it a rock solid 8/10.

Jason hadn’t finished it but was similarly enthused and described how he had talked about it incessantly on the way to a gig Up North.  8/10

Tristan described himself as a grizzled Science Fiction veteran who had never previously read any Philip K. Dick (PKD).  Ultimately, despite liking the premise, he was unimpressed, and labelled the book “thin gruel”. 5/10

Keith’s best friend is a confirmed PKD fanatic and - despite a few reservations - he liked it and gave it 7/10.

Robin enjoyed it but also described it as “tosh” and “turgid”.  On the night he gave it 5/10 but, after some reflection, he upped his score to 6/10.

Don thoroughly enjoyed the previous reviews and then read us his part typed/part hand written stream-of-consciousness review which described many things but not the contents of the book. 4/10.

Nick really liked it.  The lack of conclusion was “refreshing” and words like clever fascinating, and good choice were bandied about.  Nick particularly liked the way the book focussed on ordinary people and major events were minor footnotes to their tales. 8.5/10.

Our average score was 6.6 out of 10.

We then discussed “Hot Sauce Committee Part Two” by Beastie Boys.  Robin wished they would stop shouting; Nick prefers “Ill Communication”; Keith rapped a favourable review; and I loved it and indeed them - possibly my favourite group of all time.

"Falling and Laughing: The Restoration of Edwyn Collins" by Grace Maxwell

We convened for some more bewitching literary discourse on Wednesday 15 June 2011.

Hamish explained that "Falling and Laughing: The Restoration of Edwyn Collins" by Grace Maxwell had been on his shelf some time, and that he wanted to give the group "a lighter read".  Naturally this meant he selected a  book about a man suffering from a serious stroke.   Hamish was generally impressed and highlighted how Grace's more nuanced opinions of the NHS were a result of who she dealt with a different stages of Edwyn's rehabilitation.  7/10

New boy Keith told how he was instantly seduced by Hamish's inspired choice.  He declared himself a big fan of Edwyn. Don't take life for granted was the lesson for Keith who lavished the book with 8/10.

Robin described his own recent experience of the NHS, his best mate's love of Orange Juice in the mid-1980s, only to conclude that this book would have been better written by someone else. 7/10

My full review is here.  I am an uber-Edwyn fan and enjoyed this book very much.  I wanted more on Edwyn's life before the stroke.  7/10.

Tristan pondered the motivation for the book - diary? Catharsis? Extended thank you note?  He noted the excellence of the NHS in an emergency situation and contrasted this with the more haphazard service for longer-term care.  Tristan was the first reviewer not to harbour some kind of liking for Edwyn.  6/10

Nick displayed incredible diligence by sharing the fruits of his research.  Information not contained in the book included how Grace and Edwyn were on the verge of splitting up before his stroke and how Edwyn's drinking was out of control.  Nick thought it was interesting that the book didn't cover these areas in any detail, and reflected on Edwyn and Grace's unusual relationship - both husband and wife, and also manager and client.  Nick was very enthusiastic about the book and described it as "beautifully written" with words that "jump off the page".  9/10

So all in all a well received book that inspired a very satisfying discussion.   The average score a very respectable 7.5/10

Appropriately we then went on to discuss...

To one degree or another everyone liked the album, though it was not Tristan's style.  

After more crisps and ale we bade each other farewell.  Another highly enjoyable gathering.

"The Junior Officers' Reading Club: Killing Time and Fighting Wars" by Patrick Hennessey

Wednesday 11th May 2011 saw Hove's finest book group convence once more.

Nick chose this book having heard Patrick Hennessey on the Word magazine's podcast.  Nick enjoyed it and described it as "a really good book".  Nick awarded the book 7.5 out of 10.

Don left his copy on a plane and, despite having only read two thirds, was inclined not to finish it. As it turned out Nick lent Don his copy and Don was glad that he'd finished as he really enjoyed the last part of the book.  Don gave the book 8 out of 10.

Tristan also really enjoyed this book. He appreciated the humour.  8 out of 10.

I wondered if we were discussing the same book that I'd read.  I decided to write a review and read it out in an attempt to be more considered and succinct.  I'll copy and paste it. I must admit I feel bad that this will make my contribution look much more detailed than those of compadres.  I apologise to my fellow book clubbers.  If anyone ever wants to send me a written review I will add it to this, or any other, entry.  Here's what I wrote:

"Despite being a pacifist who doesn’t really get why anyone would want to be a soldier, I am interested in war and books about war. I have read some great books on the subject (some that come to mind include ‘Despatches’ by Michael Kerr, ‘Stalingrad’ by Antony Beevor, even ‘Bravo Two Zero’ is a rip-roaring read that gave me some helpful insights).  I am sorry to report that – despite the gushing praise all over the cover of this book – that, in comparison this is pretty dull.

In essence, a man - whose grandfathers were, on one side of the family a pacifist, and on the other a soldier – decides to join the army as a graduate trainee officer.  After a very predictable description of his training that I’ve seen, and read about, many times before, he is finally rewarded with the chance to engage in some real fighting in Afghanistan.  The book does pick up a bit at this point, but it is still pretty turgid.  I was particularly frustrated by the army jargon that peppers every page (although there is a glossary for those that can be bothered).

Sadly, if very predictably, colleagues get injured and killed, although, despite this, the author repeatedly comes back to his love of skirmishes, action, fighting, call it what you will, and how this is what he loves about being a soldier.  This seemed to be the heart of the book.  Yet I came away not really sure what it was that appealed to such an apparently intelligent person.  Is he just an adrenaline junkie who needs a regular fix of danger?  He acknowledges the effect of his being a soldier on his family but doesn’t go on to explore this.  This is my main complaint – the lack of reflection on what he has experienced.

The book offered me some insights.  For example, how the modern British soldier creates films of their war exploits and, after editing the footage, adds a suitable rock or rap soundtrack.   The author acknowledges how current British soldiers are now part of the MTV generation.  I was also interested in the way the anti-Taliban Afghan soldiers influenced their British allies through their more laissez-faire approach. 

Ultimately though, this book is less a “War Is Hell” tome, and more “War Is Fun” that frequently bored me and offered me very few new insights.  The book is partly redeemed by some of the sections on Afghanistan but I thought, overall, it was a missed opportunity. 4 out of 10."

Hamish found it difficult to remember the book and felt it was bitty and unsure of what it was trying to achieve.  4 out of 10.

Jason agreed with Hamish and I.  Jason described the book as badly written.  He thought it was not a patch on Jarhead and ultimately had to give up. 2 out of 10.

Robin thought it was awful, and a cynical attempt to fill a gap in the publishing market. 2 out of 10.

So after a flying start the Hove Book Group came down pretty hard on Mr Hennessey's tome and the result was an average rating of 5/10.  

We then discussed Peepers by Polar Bear - generally we enjoyed the modern jazzers. 

"The City and the City" by China Miéville

Thursday 26th March 2011 saw another gathering of Hove's premier book group.  This time out we were debating the merits of "The City and the City" by China Miéville.  This book was chosen by Tristan on the basis that his uncle had read it and because he was considering a genre busting theme.

Tristan enjoyed the sparse prose and acknowledged that the idea was good, and it made him think, but - crucially - not as much as he hoped.  He awarded the novel 7.5 out of 10.

Hamish described the idea as genius, thought the language was brilliant, and discussed the bizarre but understandable human landscape.  As he went on he appeared to be damning the book with feint praise until he shocked onlookers with a score of 10 out of 10.

Nigel really liked this book.  Original, imaginative, interesting, provocative, and with interesting parallels back in the real world.  A rock solid 9 out of 10, and a commitment to read some more of China's cannon.

Nick was disappointed.  At first he really enjoyed it but ultimately found the characters cliched and gave the book 6 out of 10.

Robin only managed to read the first 50 pages and found it hard to engage with the book.  Other participants acknowledged that the first 50 pages were probably the least interesting. Still, another black day for Robin.

So "The City and the City" by China Miéville averages 8.125 out of 10 according to Hove's premier book group.

"Come To Daddy EP" by Aphex Twin

Tristan also chose another genre buster the "Come To Daddy EP" by Aphex Twin.  Tristan found it strange and was not disappointed.  He admires it but perhaps not as music.  Nigel was genuinely thrilled by this recording.  Not an easy listen but, nonetheless, it is exciting, challenging and interesting.

No one else had engaged with Aphex Twin.

Next up we will be discussing "The Junior Officer's Reading Club" by Patrick Hennessey and "Peepers" by Polar Bear.

"One Day" by David Nicholls

Robin chose this book having heard a favourable review on the radio.  Overall he was impressed.

The scores on the doors (out of 10):

Robin 7

Nigel 3

Jason 7

Hamish 6

Nick 5

Tristan 6

Don 8

I was out of step with my book group compadres as I really disliked this book.  I admire its competence but that was about it.  

When I reflect on some of the great books I've read as part of this group I realise that what makes a good book for me is at least one of the following:

- Powerful descriptive writing

- The book gives me insights that I didn't previously possess

Now then, I want to apologise for the lack of comments from my book club compadres.  Perhaps it was the Harveys, but it was laziness, but aside from the scores I didn't make any notes.  Normal service will be resumed next time out. 

We also discussed David Lynch's film Mulholland Drive which as well received, and 'Get Yer Ya Yas Out' by The Rolling Stones.  

"Farewell, My Lovely" by Raymond Chandler

We had our first meeting of 2011 on Thursday 13th January 2011 at The Poets' Corner which is our new favourite pub.  Once agan it was the perfect venue.  We even managed to sit on a round table.  Ideal.

This time out we discussed:

BOOK: "Farewell, My Lovely" by Raymond Chandler

Nigel explained that he enjoyed the crime genre, including our recent discussion about "Burning Angel" by James Lee Burke, and "Farewell, My Lovely" felt like a good book to follow the masterly "The Road" as well as something reasonably light to read over Christmas.


Nigel was enthusiastic, describing the book as a page turner, he loved the Marlow character and the hard boiled writing style and the similes (e.g. "I needed a drink, I needed a lot of life insurance, I needed a vacation, I needed a home in the country. What I had was a coat, a hat and a gun." AND "It was a blonde. A blonde to make a bishop kick a hole in a stained glass window.").

Everyone agreed that the twist at the end was unforeseen.  However that was the only point of agreement.  Most found something to enjoy in the book.  That said...

Nick couldn't remember the plot despite finishing it only days earlier

Hamish described the plot as "unbelievable"
Tristan "loved it at the start" but his enthusiasm waned as he read on
Don "couldn't be bothered with the plot"
Robin read half of it and then watched the Robert Mitchum film version

Most found the incessant similes were a bit too much.  Although what's not to love about....
"The voice got as cool as a cafeteria dinner." 
No pleasing some people.

The scores on the doors (out of 10):
Nick 6
Hamish 6
Robin 7
Tristan 6
Don 6
Nigel 8
Overall 6.5/10


FILM: "The Long Goodbye" directed by Robert Altman 1973

Nigel chose this film as it followed on from the book, being a 1970s evocation of the Marlow character by master auteur Robert Altman.

Predictably Nigel loved it, praising the performances, particularly Sterling Hayden, the humour, the drama and the wonderful direction.  Alas not everyone was so enthused...


Nick described it as a "steaming pile of shit"
Robin "enjoyed it"
Tristan "would recommend it" but didn't rate it too highly
The scores on the doors (out of 10):

Nick 2

Robin 6.5

Tristan 5

Nigel 8

Overall 5.5/10


MUSIC: Fleetwood Mac - post mid 1070s onwards

Nigel didn't specify an album but just suggested a listen to anything from Rumours onwards.  He'd only recently discovered the poptastic-ness of the Mac.  He loved that they are basically two different bands both of whom enjoyed success.  If he's not in the mood then the Mac feel too slick and formulaic, if he is they get him "punching the air in delight". 7/10


Don was very enthusiastic about Fleetwood Mac and waxed lyrical about their many attributes. 8/10
Tristan saw some merit but described them as "mildly irritating" 4/10
Robin also had fond memories of listening to Fleetwood Mac. 8/10
Hamish described it as "soft rock at its absolute finest" and gave Rumours 10/10.
Nick was less impressed awarding the Mac 3/10.
Overall the Mac (version 2) rated 6.5 for their poptastic tunes.


And after a few crisps courtesy of Tristan, and more enjoyable chat about this and that, we wended our way into the cool Hove night air.  Ten ten til we do it again.