I could not put the book down.
I have wanted to visit Thailand ever since.

The Beach by Alex Garland is a novel that has the power to transport you from your chair or couch, directly to Thailand. Although the characters are eccentric and diverse enough that you realize that this a story you are reading, Garland manages to captivate you. He has created a modern adventure with all of the necessary items: love, danger and a new world.
By following the character of Richard through the streets of Thailand and to the beach of paradise it is the setting that you visualize most clearly. While reading you can hear the ocean as it laps onto the beach, and you can feel the way the sun hits your skin, just as Garland has described it. Although it is difficult to empathize completely with the characters, it is easy to relate to the bonds that are formed between certain characters in the book, making one feel much more anxious during certain parts of the novel.
Garland has done a wonderful job of entertaining. It is an easy read that you will not be able to put down. A true joy to read - again and again.

Reminiscent of an underdeveloped and psychedelic version of Lord of the Flies, I did find this to be an interesting read, but it fell short of the mark in various aspects of the story. An excellent first effort though, for this young author.

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After hearing so much hype over this novel and this author, I decided to go and give his book a whirl. It was the best investment I have made in a novel. The style in which he creates his words and thoughts into intense images is the stuff that true literature is made of. His expressions are a true art work. This author will surely go far, and I will be following close behind. If you are looking for a change from the ordinary, look no further.