The Beach by Alex Garland

It's been 28 years since the gap year must read bestseller The Beach, and the messages about searching for adventure, finding your humanity and the fleeting nature of paradise is still as relevant for today's older teens as it was back in the 90s.

Richard lands in East Asia in search of an earthly utopia. In Thailand, he is given a map promising an unknown island, a secluded beach - and a new way of life. What Richard finds when he gets there is breathtaking: more extraordinary, more frightening than his wildest dreams.

But how long can paradise survive here on Earth? And what lengths will Richard go to in order to save it?

'A powerful narrative drive, exotic locations that unfold like a corrupt and mysterious flower, and a moody intelligence that holds everything together' J.G. Ballard

'A gripping adventure, and a fascinating jigsaw' The Times