Raving Lunacy

This is Dave Courtney's second autobiographical work, the first being the bestselling Stop The Ride I Want To Get Off. In this book he details his exploits in the dance and rave scene over the years. He has had an amazing life and at times you do wonder if all the events actually happened! He really enjoys the rave scene and has hosted raves in some very unusual places, including a disused sewer in Slough and a circus tent outside Staines. The descriptions of the characters are very vivid, including his larger-than-life partner Jan and Warrior, whom you definitely would not want to get on the wrong side of. But some passages of the book flag when he reels off a long list of everybody who was at a particular event. One element of the book that will certainly cause discussion is his views on drug use. Although he warns against 'hard' drugs like crack he is an advocate of ecstasy, speed and others. His case for their use is based mainly on the fact that they aid enjoyment but then this book was never going to be a serious debate on drugs. At the end of the book are some interesting details on his life since Stop the Ride became a bestseller. He has appeared on author tours, spoken at the Oxford Union and also writes regularly for Front magazine. The narrative is laced with bad puns, plugs for his previous book and some very black humour. If you enjoyed his previous book or are a keen clubber then this is well worth a read, but if you are easily offended then steer clear! (Kirkus UK)