The books we have been reading have dealt specifically with Utopian and Dystopian societies of the past and the future. Author Alex Garland took a unique spin and created a society based in present day in his intriguing novel, The Beach.
The Beach is is compared to Eden in the early stages of this novel, it beauty is described as flawless; an island of oasis that is different from the other islands of Thailand. These other islands described as dirty, desolate, and are desentegrating more and more each year. The beach is a special place that only a handful of people know about, and of those that know about it even less have been able to find; obscured by a massive waterfall and countless other obstacles.
Richard, the protagonist in the novel is a typical traveler, who took a trip to Thailand to explore, but the things he ended up finding take the story in a direction I did not expect.
A seemingly unimportant character turns out to be the most important character in the book; propelling the action and adding to the conflict.
Getting to the beach is only part of the equation; its surviving in a society that has so many rules and restrictions, that becomes the real problem. The illusion of perfection and happiness on the beach that Garland portrays at the beginning of the novel has completely flipped by the end. Showing that no place no matter how heavenly is without problems, some are just not as apparent as others.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it kept me intrigued until the very end, and while we see a resolution by books end it still leaves me with numerous questions. This book is a prime example of a dystopian society. It shows how the more people strive to achieve perfection and 'make things normal' the farther they drift away from it.

I liked The Beach, it echoes Lord of the Flies, but is much more relatable. It also refutes the extremely wearisome idea that there is some ideal being pursued in travel, and that it goes beyond selfish enrichment and enjoyment. Perhaps there is, but I doubt it, I don't like the quest for purity, and Garland refutes it rather elaborately, with some delightful counter-pathos and a curiously engaging mystery. ( )

Excellent easily read story about Richard, who is 'going round the world' travelling. Very interesting and quite different from the film version. The characters were fairly strong and I felt as though I really got inside Richard's head (which was pretty scary!). This is one of the best books I've read for ages. ( )

I actually saw the movie before I read this book. It was what prompted me to buy the book since most of the time the books is better then the movie. I have to say this time that things are about even. While I enjoyed the book, it is not in my top ten of all time favorites. It is a great read and I do recommend it to people but if there is something you would rather read, go ahead and do that instead. This book is a summer read for me, something to fill in space when I am waiting on a book to arrive or when I can't decide what I want to read next. ( )

I wish I was in Thailand right now.