Rating: 
Summary: Great debut novel
Review: First of all I'm happy to answer the question posed by a reader from Etna below - A thousand yard stare refers to shell-shock victims from the First World War and the expression that was said to be on their faces.Anbyway, enough showing off from me, I would just like to say that The Beach is an excellent 1st novel from Alex Garland. Greatly, almost TOO greatly influenced by Lord of the Flies though, I felt. I particularly enjoyed the ending - am I right in thinking that the horrific climax was meant to symbolise the Tet Offensive during The Vietnam War? Anyway, see what you think - I believe that they're making it into a film at the moment too, with that twit Di Caprio in it - should be interesting..
Rating:
Summary: Very impressive debut from a precocious Brit.
Review: Unlike a previous reviewer, I am over 30 (I'm 30 with 10 years experience) and I can heartily recommend this book. It's entertaining in a conventional "thriller" sense, but had impressive echoes and subtexts as well. It was the first post-modern take on Vietnam I've seen -- Vietnam as experienced solely through movies and TV shows -- and it gave my brain a pleasant rattling. I also liked the portrait of the "traveler" culture. I, too, am looking forward to the movie, and wondering if Leo will be playing the main character as British or American.
Rating: 
Summary: A must read for any would be or wannabe traveller
Review: I am well read and felt that this book towered above the Irvine Welshes of this world. It is a must read for anyone thinking of bracnhing out and travelling to places in the world that you will only get to visit once in your life. Indeed I would predict this book has already been the driving force behind many people's world travels. With that said it should be pointed out that very little of the book is actually travelling based, although travelling is what leads Richard and his friends to "The Beach". They are forced to throw back to a time of self-sustainence and survival. This has got to appeal to those of us (probably male although not exclusively) who spent time in the local woods as kids building bases, building fires and pretending we lived there. Richard gets the chance to do all this for real and throughout the book we are jealous of the situation he is in. Please read this book - it is far more important as a soul searcher than anything I have read recently. I have to go now - I'm off to Thailand..............
Rating:
Summary: Di Caprio? God no!
Review: A real page-turner. Very much a screenplay though. Could do without the Streetfighter II analogies, but I'm sure he'll learn.
Rating:
Summary: amazingly enjoyable read
Review: It would seem pointless to pick out every single little fault with this book as some other reviewers appear intent on doing. The story flows, the narrative is simple yet highly imaginative and the imagery and people that Garland portrays here are spot-on. I went to the same school as the author and his portrayal of Richard as a typical north Londoner on a search for Eden was an amazingly realistic portrait, a great piece of writing in itself, tapping into all the typical hopes, expectations but, ultimately, let-downs that a young, wide-eyed traveller truly does experience. Okay, I can understand certain points about this seeming like a 'young person's book' on the surface, but in truth it is accessible for any dreamer, explorer or even tourist of any age. I have never read a book as fast as I did 'The Beach' because it keeps you coming back to it. I read criticisms of the ending and although perhaps Garland should have spaced it out a little more in accordance with the rest of the novel, at least it was an ending, and one which stuck with the motifs and flawed ideals around which the story had been based. Not a perfect book but still a fantastic and interesting read.
Rating:
Summary: A story we all would like to take part in
Review: I read this book at the next to best possible place where you can read it: not on the island itself (it must exist), but on the island 'next' to it: Ko Pha Ngang, which plays a role in the book and is at the same time the reason for the existence of the story. Also if you haven't been to this region yet, after reading the book it gives you a reason to go.
Rating:
Summary: Unputdownable
Review: This is probably one of the most exhilirating novels based on travelling since "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas". From the beginning when character Matthew arrives in chaotic Bangkok we are given wonderfully clear descriptions of both the locations and the happenings. It is pointless to tell you what happens because it really is a book worth reading, and I can't wait to see the film version.
Rating:
Summary: Great book...bad ending....
Review: Very much enjoyed the book....read it in three sittings (mostly on a plane). Very intriguing story, made me wish that it continued. Ending was terrible, rushed and poorly rounded.
Rating: 
Summary: ONLY FOR 20 SOMETHINGS?
Review: I read the story in two sittings. Unfortunately, I thought it was too weird for anyone over 30. The ending was grotesque; I love it when a book keeps me thinking about it days or weeks after I've read it. However, this is one memory I want to go away quickly. Don't think I'll read any sequels; don't think I'll waste my money on the movie.
Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful but deeply flawed
Review: Garland describes the beach and the lagoon beautifully, but he also drags in intellectual content that he doesn't seem to know what to do with. For example, the idea of infinite possible worlds comes to nothing. The narrator Richard is a believable, brave, flawed guy, but Garland doesn't seem to know if he wants us to take Richard as hero or anti-hero. Toward the end, Garland doesn't seem to know quite how to finish, so he throws in some gratuitous violence and murders. It could have been rounded off much better! By the way, what in the world is a "thousand-yard stare" (last page)? Recommended, with reservations.
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