Christopher Herz

It is always with in-trepidation that you start the second novel from an author, when you loved their first. It was with this in mind that I started Pharmacology by Christopher Herz. Would the book be as good as the first? Was this author just a one hit wonder? Could he continue his writing form into another novel to be loved?

Through this book we are taken into a world that we know exists, but may not be comfortable admitting exists. The world of pharmaceutical companies and the tactics that they use to manipulate the everyday public into buying their drugs. In essence within the book there were areas that remind me of another of my favourite books 'State of Fear' by Michael Crichton. Both depict how the everyday public can be manipulated by clever media to think in a certain way. The one line that I love from the book which describes the main thread running through the novel is

“Pharmaceutical companies were using homeless people in the city to run experiments in early clinical trials after the FDA had said that testing on mice was no longer a viable option”

However, it would be unfair just to review this book in these terms as it is so much more. The main character Sarah Striker is engaging and well written. By the end of the book you really feel like you have bonded and got to know her, warts and all. The book is written as if it is Sarah's memoirs and this is expressed well when the character at times floats from one thought to another and back again. There is a lovely subtle connection between the legal drugs used by the pharmaceutical companies and the illegal recreational drugs that some characters use. I loved the author's use of some of the old rock bands of the 80's. Growing up in the UK and having to import my favourite American music it is nice to know I didn't dream up some of these bands in my younger days.

In essence the book is a thoroughly enjoyable novel which is well written. The underlying theme in the book is written in such an engaging way that you are left pondering the ethics of these companies in society now. The theme is very different from the authors first book. However, it also has the twist towards the end, that I must be honest I didn't see coming at all. This is similar to his first novel. I feel compelled to say that this novel is better than his first. Although this leaves me feeling guilty like I have just picked my favourite child. I could write so much more about this novel but I don't want to spoil it for anyone. Go and read it yourself you will not be disappointed. My only criticism, if there was one, is that 214 pages is just not long enough. Although don't all excellent authors leave you wanting more.

… (plus d'informations)

If the definition of a good book is one you have to put down and digest before you move on, then this is an excellent book. All of Herz books leave me with the feeling that I have to keep thinking about them even when I have moved onto my next read. This is no exception resulting in it taking me ages to settle on another book after finishing it. Friends ask me what genre does the author write in. The simple answer, I have no idea. My normal answer, it is just like nothing you have read before. Herz pushes the boundaries of modern literature and still manages to combine an engaging plot with engaging characters.

Hollywood Forever is the author’s third book and just as good as his other offerings. As expected from the title the book is set in Hollywood. The scene is set at every part through the book with a combination of excellent descriptions and witty observations. As you read the book you get a real feel for the city. Not the city shown on movies and glossy brochures but the real Hollywood, cracked pavements and all. Unlike other author’s this scene setting is not accomplished through long drawn out descriptions but rather short observations that lead you for a wonder down Hollywood Boulevard. Strangely these descriptions of the less than perfect areas of Hollywood have made me what to visit it even more. This book shares the culture of Hollywood not just the glamour. I have a list of places I would like to visit from the book I am just left hoping now that they are real and not from the authors imagination.

Without giving too much of the plot away the book is about a normal man searching for fame in a place where everyone else is. This book questions the use of social media and how far a person will go to obtain fame. In a world where talent shows gain such huge followings and five minutes of fame is considered as important as a persons health this book is extremely relevant. There are aspects of the book that I ashamedly found myself relating to. If you are a person who checks your Facebook, Twitter and email before getting out of bed so will you.

The characters in the book are well written. As with his previous novel I find his writing of his female characters exceptional. This writing leads you to engage with the characters even more, as they take you through your story. Whether you hate or love them you will always be able to relate to them and the particular aspect of the story that they are responsible for telling.

This book is my favourite of the year and since I finished it in 2012 after reading several novels that is no small statement. This book will leave you thinking about it for days, talking about it for weeks and wanting more for months.… (plus d'informations)

I read this via a Crazy Book Tours and I have to say it did not impress me. Not every book can be a winner and it's great to step out and read things that normally you wouldn't so I am not sorry I read it, just that it didn't click with me.What starts as a little sweep-up from a resident, our main character, who is never named in the entire book, turns into so much more.It's a look into the lives of people in Harlem and everywhere in my opinion.… (plus d'informations)