Kind readers may wonder what on earth a college student guide to sexual assault prevention is doing on my - essentially - cricket website. Am I changing direction and looking for a job as a detective in this type of work? The answer is no. I was at school with Shane and he was one of my best friends there so I was delighted when he wrote to say that he had written this book. We can both now say that we are published authors.

Shane spent many years as a detective investigating crimes similar to those which appear in his book. His book, hard-hitting and one which I found myself somewhat tense at times reading, should act as a reminder to those embarking upon college courses (and having more freedom) and their parents of the pitfalls which can happen - and how to avoid them. His experiences as an American detective are illuminating and the chapters show how the American judicial system works.

One of the important messages which shines through is the need to report assaults. How often have people felt unable to do so? The message seems to be that it is certainly worthwhile not only for the victims and their families but also as an aid to others in preventing potential future and further attacks if a perpetrator's details are on the system.

Okay, I have learnt more about the American language too (without yet completely delving into the dictionary). I also realise how naive I can be at times and am happy to live in a small Wiltshire village. I may feel irritated at some goings-on in and around us but these are not remotely similar to some of the experiences which Shane has drawn upon in his excellent book.

Shane has also made me feel better about myself. As a younger teenager - admittedly not quite the age which Shane's book is geared at - I often felt that I was quite a menace during that often tricky period of life. I'm not quite so sure now so I can thank my friend for that. Some of the chapters make for quite disturbing and uncomfortable reading but, if that is how it is and can be, then The College Student Guide to Sexual Assault Prevention is a very worthwhile and, I would say, necessary read in how to avoid unpleasant and frightening situations.