Rating: 
Summary: Left something to be desired
Review: The Beach was a phenomenal first novel, with a great beginning and middle. The end just left you thirsting for more when you hit the back cover. Surely a better story with Leonardo Di Caprio in it and modifications to the screenplay...
Rating: 
Summary: I have to read it again
Review: Well, my friend Elliot recommended this book to me and, being the movie man I am, I read it. It is the best book Ive read to date. I could see the what the characters looked like, what they were seeing, and feel how much weed they were smoking (j/k). I finished the book in two days. All of my homework and other responsibilities were put on hold while this book became my priority. I read so fast that I cant fully recall some of the content of the story. I do recall Jed though. Jed was my favorite character, and I think the most provocative. This review probably wont help you understand the story too much, but it should get you to buy the book.
Rating: 
Summary: The Beach
Review: I found this book really boring. The storyline is nothing much. The main character irritates me because I feel that the author tries so hard to create him to be 'cool' which in real life would turn out to be a really sad man if he really has that kind of personality. The story drags on and makes big deals about unimportant things. I think many people like this book because of the 'Paradise Island' which the author has described in the book - no work, free food, free dope, swimming all day, party all night etc. That's about it.
Rating:
Summary: Let's Hope the Film Lives Up to the Book
Review: This is truly the best book I have ever read. It captures the imagination and throughout leaves you constantly craving more of the story.Particularly in the character of Richard, Garland has pefectly drawn out very convincing thoughts of how he acesses various problems he encounters and how he tackels social situations. Thoughts which would cross all of our minds in these situations. However having seen a trailer for the film version, staring Leonardo di Caprio, I already belive the film will be a dissappointment. In about a minute of film the number of changes I saw to the story were enormous. None of which seemed to have been for the better, and all of which seemed to take something away from the story. I found that some quite significant and symbolic moments in the plot had been completly changed. Whatever you do, read the book before you see the film. This is a brilliantly original first novel by Alex Garland - well worth a read!
Rating: 
Summary: Great debut
Review: While The Beach may start out slow, the pace speeds up when things start to get intense in Alex Garland's mythical island paradise. Perhaps the best thing in this book is Richard, the main character. He sees a dead man that we meet in the first chapter, watches as people get more primal and agitated by each other, and have to stand by as a predicatably violent climax looms closer. He is by far the most interesting thing in this book. This is a very adult book with lots of adult language, nudity, sex, violence and blood, and tons of marijuana smoking. Apparently, the only thing to do in paradise is get stoned. The writing is fluid and well-paced. Despite the books shortcomings, this is a very good character study and Lord of the Flies take-off. This is definitly a one-night read.
Rating:
Summary: I sure hope the movie,"The Beach" is better than the book
Review: I had heard good things about "The Beach" from someone, so I went out and bought it. I am still trying to figure out what was suppose to make this a good read. I forced myself to read the entire book, hoping it would get better and it didn't. The storyline had potential but it went no where. People have compared this to the great classic "Lord of the Flies" well, think again...this book doesn't deserve to be in the same category. What I find very amusing is that the movie "The Beach" is going to be released in February. Everytime I see I movie based on a book, I always say the book was better. In this case--I sure hope the movie is better or it will open and close on the first weekend.
Rating:
Summary: Good book
Review: The beach makes one wonder if a place like author Alex Garland describes actually exists.It also makes a person qeustion how they would react in the circumstances Richard,the main character,was faced with.It certainly defines the traveler versus tourist mentality.It is a book for someone looking for a quick read to make them think alot,and possibly have some odd dreams.(as I did)
Rating:
Summary: the beach
Review: wow, my life was plain ,dull and unexciting, then i went and picked up a copy of the beach. next thing i know i was standing in the muggy heat of thailand adventure awaiting me and boy did i get it! Alex garland has written in my eyes a deffinitive youth travel book which excites,shocks and enthrails with every turn of the page. so im now off to book my ticket to thailand see you there!
Rating:
Summary: The Beach
Review: If you have not read this this, where have you been. This book is a treat to read, it is amazing. The ultimate story of experience and wisdom. A mans sole journey into paradise. No money, no worries. Heaven. Read this book quick! before the film comes out.
Rating:
Summary: I hated "The Beach"
Review: Having been encouraged by all the hype to read "The Beach", I was really disappointed. The book read like the first draft of a manuscript that the author should have been told to take away and revise, edit and rewrite until he had a proper novel, but publishers these days don't seem to have the staff. In any case, why bother when it sells like hot cakes? If Alex Garland was seeking to employ the most self-absorbed narrator in all recent fiction, he succeeded, but the result is that the events of the plot come out of nowhere. Since the protagonist is so uninvolved and unaware of the motivations of those around him, it is impossible for the reader to engage with him or them. There is no development; things just happen, and the narrator is unaffected by them. All I can say is that the blank canvas of Leonardo DiCaprio is probably an apt choice to play the lead role in the film of the book.
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