Making it all Fit

What makes Nick Hornby such a memorable and fun writer is his ability to create obscure characters who somehow fit into mainstream society. Upon closer examination though we see how they don't fit. Then, ultimately they discover how to fit in anyway. It's the pattern he used to great success in all of his books ("High Fidelity", "About a Boy", "How to Be Good" for example), and it's the same formula that works so winningly here. In this case his four central characters are as winningly off center as ever: JJ - a has been American rocker that has so far fallen from his cult band status he is now delivering pizzas to pay the rent; Martin - a has been talk show host who got fired for sleeping with a teenager; Jess - the misunderstood daughter of a government official; and Maureen - the ever-suffering Catholic mother (his most sympathetic character ever). "A Long Way Down" works and works well. Fans of Hornby's earlier works will be excited with new life and new direction. New fans will delight in fantastic characters and a witty story. Those enjoying "A Long Way Down" will also enjoy "The Wonder Spot", "Puff", "Losers Club", "Saturday" and "My Fractured Life."

The Hornby We've Been Waiting For!

"A Long Way Down" is Hornby's best since "High Fidelity", it's a humorous, touching, always unique story of four disparate souls in crisis. Hornby does a masterful job of differentiating the "voices" of each character and I couldn't help mentally casting it for the sure-to-be movie version. Hugh Grant - call your agent, you'd be a perfect "Martin"!

Not the usual top-tier stuff from Hornby

Count me in as one of the original members of Nick Hornby's overbearing fan club...I passed along "About a Boy" to about, oh, 10 people. I'll read anything the guy publishes (short stories, edited collections, etc.). But "A Long Way Down" disappointed me. Oh, sure, there are flashes of Hornby's pop-cultural brilliance. But, on the whole, this latest release ranks well below my personal favorite ("About a Boy") and *everyone's* favorite ("High Fidelity"). If you're hooked on Hornby, this isn't the book you'll want to give to friends to jump-start their interest.