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heidiimmes's review against another edition
4.0
I love Nick Hornby. I love when he talks about the books he's read (unless his comments inspire me to also buy those books--I do not need to grow my to-buy list). I love when he admits to buying books he doesn't plan to actually read (I'm guilty of the same). Looking forward to Shakespeare Wrote for Money and Housekeeping vs. the Dirt.
matthewwester's review against another edition
5.0
I hope he keeps publishing collections of his Believer articles, they are brilliant. He writes about the books he read each month but also about the books he couldn't read, the books he trudged through, and the experience of being a reader. If you enjoy reading books, check this one out. Every entry is also chock full of Hornby wit, self-deprecating humor, and intelligence.
scarletohhara's review against another edition
5.0
I loved Hornby's narration - very casual and conversation-toned. I also enjoyed reading his experiences with books and the book recos he gave. And I secretly hope that someone will offer me a monthly article too, like his 'Stuff I've been reading'
azspen's review against another edition
5.0
I'd like to read more books by writers reading and reacting to other books as well as other readers readings.
bryce_is_a_librarian's review against another edition
5.0
I read this and it's twin every year or so to remind me why I like Nick Hornby. Sometimes that's hard as one happens to catch a glimpse of How To Be Good and A Long Way Down on the bookshelf and the next thing one knows they're in an ambulance being treated for having "angryed up the the blood".
Still when reading these it's tough to stay mad at good old Hornby. The guy is endearing and his voice is so personable that this is less a book of criticism as it is a portable conversation.
As Hornby struggles to bridle his cynicism and snark at his new surroundings the results are often hilarious, as are his unnerving descriptions of his new lord and master the titular Polysyllabic Spree (PS yes I know he's joking). The books Hornby selects are always interesting and I've had many a happy recommendation from him turn out well.
If there is a problem with the book it's that the loose style occasionally means that things you're looking forward to reading about get the short shrift. Want to know what Hornby thinks of Zadie Smith, Daniel Clowes, or Walter Mosely? Well you're going to have to content yourself to a few short sentences while other things you don't care about get pages.
Still this is a minor quibble the book is never anything less then enjoyable.
Still when reading these it's tough to stay mad at good old Hornby. The guy is endearing and his voice is so personable that this is less a book of criticism as it is a portable conversation.
As Hornby struggles to bridle his cynicism and snark at his new surroundings the results are often hilarious, as are his unnerving descriptions of his new lord and master the titular Polysyllabic Spree (PS yes I know he's joking). The books Hornby selects are always interesting and I've had many a happy recommendation from him turn out well.
If there is a problem with the book it's that the loose style occasionally means that things you're looking forward to reading about get the short shrift. Want to know what Hornby thinks of Zadie Smith, Daniel Clowes, or Walter Mosely? Well you're going to have to content yourself to a few short sentences while other things you don't care about get pages.
Still this is a minor quibble the book is never anything less then enjoyable.
amydieg's review against another edition
4.0
I was pretty surprised by how much I loved reading this. I mean, reading a book about a guy reading books? There's only so much to be gained there, surely. But Hornby is hilarious and insightful, even if I did skim through his review of various sports books. This book isn't just a review of other books (though it certainly expanded my to-read list!). This is abook very much about what it is to be a reader and a book lover. I can't wait to read the other collections of his columns.
leslielikesthings's review against another edition
4.0
I have a thing for books about books (though I do tend to browse them in bookstores more than I actually read them), so I had a lot of fun with this one. It is a collection of essays from a magazine that Hornby writes for, which form more or less a month by month diary of the books that he buys and reads. I like reading about other people's love of reading, and to get some insight into their reading habits. Nick Hornby is a very entertaining writer, and he made me want to read all the books that he was enthusiastic about reading himself.
billyhopscotch's review against another edition
5.0
Hornby is a funny, funny writer. His essays are a little scattered, but enjoyable and worth the roam. The whole collection is worthwhile.