AMERICAN PSYCHO by Brett Easton Ellis (Paperback/Fiction)

This book has the most disturbingly violent descriptions I think I've ever read. The scenes are described in vividly graphic detail and leave you feeling like a fly on the wall in the novel. The story centres around an 80's yuppie, Patrick Bateman, who's life is full of designer clothes, antiques and the latest technology, yet he has deep rooted mental problems. He's is the epitome of a serial killer, who has no remorse and slaughters for kicks - and there seems no end to his lust. Even though the character's greed for good food, clothes, etc is established by the descriptive passages in this book at times they tend to be tediously long and end up detracting you from the story. Apart from that, this is a great insight into the mind of a psychopath and recommended only to those with a strong stomach!

GODDESS by Antony Summers (Paperback/Biography)

From the guy who wrote about the Kennedy Assassination and the private life of Hoover, is a tome almost as thick as a hard backed Stephen King novel. Antony Summers who is a renowned investigative journalist is thorough and persistent in his work and this book is no exception and is the most in-depth document on the life and times of Marilyn Monroe. Which includes her liaisons with the Kennedy Brothers aswell as investigations by secret service agencies, FBI and Jimmy Hoffa. At times this book can be a tad heavy going, but this is only in terms of its sheer wealth of information and cross references. This biography is the definitive insight into one of the most famous actresses and sex symbols of all time. Unlike her screened image of the blonde bimbo was an extremely intelligent woman, who's lust for knowledge was extreme, possibly dangerously, and who's propaganda ideas served to create headlines and keep her perpetually in the public eye. Who Killed Marilyn?

I'M WITH THE BAND by Pamela Des Barres (Paperback/Autobiography)

This is the autobiography of a groupie and one-time GTO, who bedded and accompanied famous groups on their tours of America. A witty insight into the tales of touring bands through the eyes of their hotel bedrooms, their home sickness and drug excesses. From Keith Moon to Jimmy Page, there are many interesting and funny passages of life on the road in the 70's and 80's. She tells of the highs and the lows of playing sexual provider and mother comforter to many famous pop stars. Also of the time she spent as nanny for the Zappa family. A first class read for any one interested in the other side to the rock industry.

TRAINSPOTTING by Irvine Welsh (Paperback/Fiction)

Not as the title suggests is this a book about anorak nutters who have a transport obsession. This book takes you into the underbelly of Edinburgh's junkies, pushers and psychos. The story centres around a Heroin addict who's trying to kick his habit and kick his life into shape, but the majority of his friends are also junkies and he seems to be on a permanent uphill battle. The writer's style is violently graphic and it is written in dialect, which only adds to the explicit realism of this fantastic gripping novel.

UP AND DOWN WITH THE ROLLING STONES by Tony Sanchez
(Paperback/Biography)

Whether your a fan of the Stones or not this is a great book about one of the longest running bands in the world. From the early gigs playing Chicago blues to the drug busts and subsequent imprisonment, this book tells the story of the one-time almost anarchic band which had people in high places trying to find ways to silence them. As seen through the eyes of friend, body guard and drug supplier - who at one-time was involved in London's gangland. This is an excellent book about how easy it is to enter a nether world of non reality and how hard it is to escape.

WORKING by Dolores French (Paperback/Autobiography)

A thoroughly engulfing book about the life of a prostitute. Not a book of doom and gloom, but one of a women's journey around the world working to pay the way. Dolores French takes you into the world of perverts, psychos, politicians and plain old lovers of sex. From escorting the rich to shagging sailors in Jamaican brothels, she talks vividly about the people she met, the good times and the bad and of the tricks of the trade she picked as she went along. This book has humour, purpose and a intriguing look into what is classed as one of the seediest occupations in the world .

ROTTEN: NO BLACKS, NO IRISH, NO DOGS by John Lydon (Paperback/Autobiography)

Expecting a rather bitter and tainted story of Mr Lydon's hatred for everyone. This autobiography provided completely the opposite, in fact a compelling and interesting tale. From his childhood in a struggling Irish family from the poor backstreets of London to the chaotic Sex Pistols and the Jubilee. Lydon's passages are intersected with paragraphs from Chrissie Hynde, Billy Idol, Nora Lydon, Paul Cook and Steve Jones. The accounts and recollections are, or at least seem to be, honest and from the heart - no punches are pulled and if he liked or disliked someone he told them! Whether you're interested in PIL, the Sex Pistols or just a nosy bugger, then this certainly gives the other side to the glitzy Music biz.