The Polysyllabic Spree by Nick Hornby
I want to have Nick Hornby over for dinner! I loved this book!
I had the same kind of kindred spirit reaction that I did to 84 Charing Cross Road. I'd assumed I'd like it, as I've liked his books, and I was right. This is what I'd hoped So Many Books, So Little Time would be like. It seemed to be more about the books, somehow, even when he was talking about what had happened in his life, SMBSLT seemed like the other way around. He discussed the books he'd bought, the ones he'd read (often not the same ones at all) and how some books led to others - an author's work might lead to a biography of that author, or vice versa. But he did it a a funny (so funny!), approachable way. I was impressed that he'll read just about anything, from biographies of sports heroes to the letters of Anton Chekhov, with lots of novels in between.
My favourite sentence was: "...after a lifetime of reading, I can officially confirm that readers' writers beat writers' writers every time." Right on, brother!
What I learned about Athena: The she has great taste in authors and a great sense of humour! Thanks so much for recommending it - I can't wait to read the next one, Housekeeping vs the Dirt!
(As always, my full, ramling review is here.)
3 comments:
I have this book winging its way to me from Amazon. I am not reading it for the "Something About me Challenge" although I did get the title from here - I have it ready for a challenge next year the "Themed" challenge. My theme is libraries and reading
Muahaha! My plan for us all to want to be Nick Hornby's friends is working! But seriously, he is brilliant, isn't he? He writes like he's talking to you as a normal, smart (and very funny) guy who loves book as much as you do. Glad you love it as much as I do.
Sally - That's a cool theme! Mine is vampires. :)
Athena - It is indeed! I wonder if he has a Facebook page - we could all stalk him? He really does write like he's talking to, which I really liked. And smart and funny, to boot - what more could you want?
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