From Hell.
The great Alan Moore's gigantic graphic novel. Very wordy, and initially appears to have been illustrated as an afterthought. A truly excellent, engrossing read, particularly the copious notes at the end, reminding you that the story is utter bullshit, and most certainly not the definitive guide to the ripper murders.

Is this really what qotw has become? "Read any good books lately?"

I'm also a big fan of Kurt Vonnegutt, having come into possession of almost all his output when my neighbour cleared off his bookshelves. Slaughterhouse 5 is a bit barmy, so Dead Eye Dick would be my recommendation for anyone new to him. Reading Slaughterhouse 5 got Heller's Catch-22 sent my way, but that really is a rubbish read (you're better of watching M*A*S*H, as it's the same thing done better).

This really could go on a bit, so I'll offer Jim Crace's Quarantine as a recommendation of a book you've probably not read (oh for the days when I could browse for hours in the book shop), and leave it at that.
( monster munch person, man, woman... camera... TV?, Thu 5 Jan 2012, 19:45, 4 replies)

Catch 22, a rubbish read? Fie upon you sirrah. You are a base villain, and a knave. Also a peg-a-ramsey.

(meat2veg hello!, Thu 5 Jan 2012, 21:22, closed)

I'm afraid not, my good fellow.
I am, in fact, and fine, upstanding citizen.

Catch-22, however, is overlong, and lacks any engaging story to tell. Utter bobbins. I read it twice, just to be sure.
( monster munch person, man, woman... camera... TV?, Thu 5 Jan 2012, 21:35, closed)

I'm slightly ashamed, but I agree with this.
...and, unrelated, I've met Jim Crace a couple of times: Lovely bloke: really down to earth.
( Tab Hunter Make this useless process end and so, begin again, Sun 8 Jan 2012, 1:07, closed)

See?
I knew we agreed on stuff!
( monster munch person, man, woman... camera... TV?, Sun 8 Jan 2012, 22:07, closed)