WHO hasn´t heard the name Nick Hornby? He is one of the most popular and talented authors ever – at least that´s what everyone says. And I hadn´t read any book by him and I´m 18 – shame one me!
Until, a few weeks ago I saw this blueish bookcover on a shelve in a bookstore that said Nick Hornby on it, so I thought, Hey, Let´s buy it! After a few weeks on my bookshelf I finally took it and started to read, expecting a boring-oh-so-wise-and-sophisticated-complicated book. But after the first page I was hooked by the characters.
I really love Nick Hornby´s style, the way he reveals information. A chapter starts out vey innocently about a random though and after a few pages you suddenly know a whole lot about the person talking. This style is quite unique I think- at least I don´t know any books that are similar.
Plot:
Basically, the book is about four totally, completely, absoloutely different people all planning to do the same thing on New Year´s Eve: to jump off a roof. That would be a long way down indeed.
Martin Sharp, a breakfast Tv presentator as literally fucked up his life, crazy punk girl Jess is looking for social approvement- her boyfriend left her! -, Maureen is sick of caring for her retarded son and American JJ But as the story goes, they somehow wait and don´t kill themselves immediately. After all, they all are seeking a reason to live on and deep inside they hope the others could help them. But of course they would never ever admit that.
Although I haven´t finished it yet, I like it. It´s not flawless, but quite a good read. There are all those small things that make it seem real and authentic and you totally can understand every point of view. My personal favourite is Jess. the way she talks, haha, no one could fucking ever beat that girl in fucking talking.
The fact that the main characters are so different and multidimensional make this book interesting for every kind person.
Can´t wait to finish it. I hope I still like it when I´m through….
-Katie*
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