Advantages: Lucid, enjoyable, informative, gripping
Disadvantages: None

...The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins was first published in 1976. Even after 31 years of its first publication, it remains an international best seller. Dawkins, an expert in his field (Evolutionary Biology) explains complex biological ideas in a very interesting and lucid way so that even a layman can understand him. In essence, this book explains the theory of evolution by natural selection from genes' action point of view. He explains, through numerous examples that the ultimate goal of any gene is to survive in future generations. To do so, the genes adapt to the environment and if necessary resort to "exploitation" and "deceit"; and hence the name "Selfish Gene". The genes that are thus successful in adapting favourably towards the changing environment are selected by the nature and they pass on to the future generations. Others... Read review

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Advantages: Engaging story line, well made, good music, an issue relevant to modern society for us all to consider
Disadvantages: Slow in places, not much sex or violence (only bad if you look for those things in a film)

...hidden whilst Vincent/Jerome develops his relationship with Irene and get away into space. Without spoiling the ending, Vincent has to face a detective arriving at the home the Jeromes share and a dramatic reunion with his brother, all in the last few days before his flight is due to leave. The film's slow pace is useful because it allows the audience time to consider the sociological concerns the piece raises. The issues of gene mapping, designer babies and discrimination are all assessed without much pretence. The voice over, spoken by Vincent himself... Read review

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Advantages: A good way to broaden the mind with respect to genetics
Disadvantages: Difficult to understand for the wrong audience

...The author of this book, Richard Dawkins, is a professor at Oxford University, so you know that what you are about to read is going to be some pretty neat stuff. The book examines the gene as the replicator of DNA, and how every gene is selfish in that it wants to get itself replicated more than any of the other genes it is competing with. Sometimes however these genes benefit and do better in the presence of other genes than they would do on their own, and so organisms form. The book is based strongly on Darwinian Theory of Natural Selection; the Survival of the Fittest. That is, a gene that is fitter than others metaphorically speaking, will benefit the body it is in, and so it will be more likely to be passed on to the offspring. Dawkins takes us through 13 chapters of tales and stories, as well as imagined situations... Read review

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...Gene, earned a sole point at the Nurburgring in the European Grand Prix, thus gaining one more point than he was expected to do. Arguably his major asset to Minardi was the vast amount of sponsorship he attracted to the team, although the one point was a bonus. He has experienced a chequered career in his forming years with a string of karting successes in his homeland. Made the natural step up to Formula Ford racing and then chanced his arm in the British Formula Three Championship. He failed to win any titles and actually did not gain a single win in Britain on the Formula Three circuit, although he was studying in England at the time. The Spaniard is a popular driver on the Formula One scene and is something of a bookworm as he is an avid reader of business magazines. Bizarre fact – his favourite book is Wilt by Tom Sharp.... Read review

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Advantages: Slick and moody with excellent storylines
Disadvantages: Perhaps a little too moody for some

...into the ring as a sop to the past. Drama series are now few and far between. Just recently the channel has devoted most of its resources to finding out whether Britain has got talent, although most of the money seems to have been showered on the talent-spotters themselves. This undoubtedly explains why ITV has decided to discontinue one of its best recent dramas after only two series. Vincent was a series that first aired in 2005 and starred Ray Winstone as a down-at-heel private investigator. A second series aired the following year. And a third? Not in the foreseeable future, it seems. I guess what has happened is that either Mr Winstone is too busy or too expensive, or, more likely, that ITV schedulers have decided that if the viewing masses are served gruel for long enough they may just learn to like it (it seems those schedulers might... Read review

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Advantages: Well researched, full of references by King himself.
Disadvantages: A little academic in style. Character section a bit sketchy.

...to the Dark Tower" is subtitled "Exploring Stephen King's Magnum Opus" and that is certainly what the author, Bev Vincent does successfully throughout. This is a clearly written, well-structured reference to all things associated with "The Dark Tower". Sections are neatly divided into the following: "More Worlds Than These" ******************************* A brief introduction outlining the purpose of the book. Bev Vincent's reasons for writing it and what she hopes to accomplish. This is an impassioned start by an obvious enthusiast and bodes well for the remainder of the book The Long Journey To The Tower ************************************* A fascinating insight for a Dark Tower fan such as myself into the creative processes involved during the seven books sagas creation and publication. From the first novel "The Gunslinger...