The absolutist

John Boyne

Two young English soldiers experience the horrors of life and death in the trenches of the Great War; and the reader knows early on that just one will survive. Not only do they have to deal with the terror of battle, they must wrestle with their consciences regarding their wartime actions, and deal with their confusing feelings about their own blossoming relationship. This is truly a harrowing read about the futility of war, the sad life of some homosexual men at that time in history, and the tragedy of the treatment of "feather men" who objected to fighting in the First World War, as well as the impact on their families. Written by the author of The boy in the striped pyjamas (but not suitable for younger readers), this painful novel is a great read, if difficult and very emotional.

(Reviewed by Angela.)

Through thick and thin : my autobiography

Gok Wan

Gok Wan, presenter of the How to Look Good Naked television series, tells us his story of how he came to be where he is today. He describes his early years growing up in a housing estate in Leicester, practically living in his parent’s Chinese restaurant. As a teenager, being Asian, gay and, at one stage weighing 21 stone, Gok was an easy target for bullying.

Gok’s story of his battle with anorexia and how he reinvented himself is both humorous and touching. Truly inspirational and highly readable, Through Thick and Thin reads exactly the way Gok sounds when he is talking – so, thoroughly entertaining, but beware of the occasional F-bomb!

(Reviewed by Jill)