Nick Hornby is a writer I’m not overly familiar with. I’ve seen About a Boy endless times as well as currently reading the book for the second time and the organisers of a recent university module seemed to be big fans of Fever Pitch due to its creative non-fiction elements (I didn’t read it due to my huge lack of interest in football). Juliet, Naked is a book I just happened to come across during my search for interesting and fun-to-read books in a charity shop recently.
Fun-to-read isn’t a phrase I’d really associate with this novel, but it was a good read, nonetheless. Juliet, Naked is the story of a woman whose 15 year relationship is on the rails due to a lack of passion and her partner’s obsession with blues/rock singer Tucker Crowe who has recently put together a selection of rough recordings which Duncan, the partner, has managed to get hold of.
After Annie writes a sneaky review of this collection of songs, she is contacted by Crowe and a friendship is built between them. Being a rock star, however, Tucker Crowe has quite a history which has left him as not the best boyfriend material in the world.
Having read About a Boy and a lot of good reviews for his other novels I trusted Nick Hornby to have released something worth reading and possibly keeping (I usually get rid of books after one or two reads in order to control my hoarding) as I build a collection of Hornby writings and I was right to do so.
Deadlines had all passed so I had plenty of free time to read this and I found myself sitting and reading it at any available time. The story was different to other things I had recently read yet it was (from what I remembered) very similar to About a Boy in style and humour. The story isn’t exactly gripping, yet it’s not something that makes the reader want to put it down after 20 pages. The fact that it had a rock star as the protagonist was very likely a helper in this also.
Hornby’s humour is strong, for use of a better word, but has a somewhat darkness element to it in that characters are very often feeling down yet he manages to take that feeling and add some well-placed comments and/or jokes to lighten the mood and keep the reader interested. Juliet, Naked is no different with this. I’d also say his humour is very “English” in that it uses jokes and imagery which is very stereotypical to the English lifestyle, the most obvious being that we all drink loads of tea with biscuits and get roaring drunk in pubs with jukeboxes which play the Spice Girls on repeat. This, however, is far from a complaint as it is a style of writing I thoroughly enjoy, likely due to understanding and connection with the characters, something I found this novel had.
Characters are simple yet believable and the reader is able to form opinions and feelings towards each character, some positive, some not. All in all Juliet, Naked is a well-written and constructed novel which could almost pass as a biographical piece and made me a fan of Nick Hornby.
Overall rating: 8/10
Monday, 3 June 2013
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
The Rats by James Herbert
James Herbert is a writer I've only recently come across after attempting to read '48 during the latter half of last year but finding it to be rather slow and boring. However, someone then mentioned The Rats to me which I soon found in a charity shop and bought. I then read it.
I had no idea what to expect when reading The Rats, but I imagine it was something similar to what I felt when I read Shaun Hutson's The Slugs. I was, however, wrong. The Rats, due to its being set in the East End and therefore mentioning a number of familiar places, was certainly chilling. As I read through a story of London becoming infested with giant rats, I found that it made me feel slightly uncomfortable and on edge.
Although good, I found that JH's writing was slightly repetitive with its phrases and certain words. Descriptions were also sometimes lacking. Those are my only criticisms of this novel. It was otherwise a read that could be compared to Shaun Hutson's stuff. Although short at 200 pages, I found that it took me longer to read than expected. Possibly due to various outings and hospital visits or just my own laziness.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would, but more so if you happen to live in the East End of London.
Overall rating: 3/5
I had no idea what to expect when reading The Rats, but I imagine it was something similar to what I felt when I read Shaun Hutson's The Slugs. I was, however, wrong. The Rats, due to its being set in the East End and therefore mentioning a number of familiar places, was certainly chilling. As I read through a story of London becoming infested with giant rats, I found that it made me feel slightly uncomfortable and on edge.
Although good, I found that JH's writing was slightly repetitive with its phrases and certain words. Descriptions were also sometimes lacking. Those are my only criticisms of this novel. It was otherwise a read that could be compared to Shaun Hutson's stuff. Although short at 200 pages, I found that it took me longer to read than expected. Possibly due to various outings and hospital visits or just my own laziness.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would, but more so if you happen to live in the East End of London.
Overall rating: 3/5
Thursday, 10 January 2013
Target by Simon Kernick
Yes, that's right, it's another Simon Kernick book review. I may have mentioned this previously, but I've recently started a mission to be the only independent book review blog which has every SK book reviewed and my reading of Target has sent me one step closer to this.
Normally I'd manage one of SK's books in 2-3 days. However, due to a ridiculous amount of uni work before and after Christmas, I failed at this and read the book in a shocking span of almost 3 weeks. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it. I did yet happened to be flooded under with work along with a mixture of stomach bug and New Year's hangover. Yesterday, though, I finished it as I always do.
Target is the story of Rob Fallon: a man who, after spending the night with his best friend's girlfriend, is feeling rather guilty. Especially after she's abducted from her own apartment. In order to both refrain from being caught by his friend as well as make himself feel better about the abduction, he ends up on a wild goose chase, trying to find the girlfriend.
Being a crime and Simon Kernick novel, though, things will never go right and Rob Fallon ends up in a very messy doghouse. As one might expect this is well-researched, fast-paced and lively with non-stop criminal action throughout. Had I had the time, I more than likely would have managed it within 3 days max as the plot was extremely well-planned and characters all had personalities and ways which made me want to read on more. What made the book even better was the inclusion of my all-time favourite SK character, the Black Widow. Better known as Tina Boyd. And any novel with her in is bound to be a good one.
Despite being one with a lively plot and ending, I wouldn't say Target is the best of SK's novels. I found some parts to be a bit slow and dry. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it, it just means that instead of a 5/5 rating, this one will be getting a 4/5.
Normally I'd manage one of SK's books in 2-3 days. However, due to a ridiculous amount of uni work before and after Christmas, I failed at this and read the book in a shocking span of almost 3 weeks. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it. I did yet happened to be flooded under with work along with a mixture of stomach bug and New Year's hangover. Yesterday, though, I finished it as I always do.
Target is the story of Rob Fallon: a man who, after spending the night with his best friend's girlfriend, is feeling rather guilty. Especially after she's abducted from her own apartment. In order to both refrain from being caught by his friend as well as make himself feel better about the abduction, he ends up on a wild goose chase, trying to find the girlfriend.
Being a crime and Simon Kernick novel, though, things will never go right and Rob Fallon ends up in a very messy doghouse. As one might expect this is well-researched, fast-paced and lively with non-stop criminal action throughout. Had I had the time, I more than likely would have managed it within 3 days max as the plot was extremely well-planned and characters all had personalities and ways which made me want to read on more. What made the book even better was the inclusion of my all-time favourite SK character, the Black Widow. Better known as Tina Boyd. And any novel with her in is bound to be a good one.
Despite being one with a lively plot and ending, I wouldn't say Target is the best of SK's novels. I found some parts to be a bit slow and dry. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it, it just means that instead of a 5/5 rating, this one will be getting a 4/5.
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Hell Bent for Leather by Seb Hunter
Hell Bent for Leather is one of those books I purchased a long time ago but simply allowed to gather dust on my bookshelf. However, in September of last year I started the Life Writing module and thought that it would be time to get reading it. So, in early December, I did. And I'm only now writing the review due to being piled under with work.
The book is the story of Hunter's discovering heavy metal at 15 and not looking back. It tells the stories of his various bands, the disagreements with his parents, drug and booze troubles and his transformation from heavy metaller to writer.
Along with his own tales, it provides insider knowledge of (and opinions on) some of the world's most famous bands including Judas Priest (of which the book gets its title), AC/DC and Iron Maiden.
Being a huge fan of metal since the age of 12 I found the book to be a fun read and not too serious. It was able to mock metal and its stereotypes whilst also being one. Additionally, I found that I was able to agree with a number of the writer's views on things yet also laugh at them as I thought back to some of my younger years.
Well-researched and written with a certain passion for music, this was one of those reads that every fan of music should read (if they can), whether or not they are listeners of metal and/or its subgenres.
Overall rating: 4/5
The book is the story of Hunter's discovering heavy metal at 15 and not looking back. It tells the stories of his various bands, the disagreements with his parents, drug and booze troubles and his transformation from heavy metaller to writer.
Along with his own tales, it provides insider knowledge of (and opinions on) some of the world's most famous bands including Judas Priest (of which the book gets its title), AC/DC and Iron Maiden.
Being a huge fan of metal since the age of 12 I found the book to be a fun read and not too serious. It was able to mock metal and its stereotypes whilst also being one. Additionally, I found that I was able to agree with a number of the writer's views on things yet also laugh at them as I thought back to some of my younger years.
Well-researched and written with a certain passion for music, this was one of those reads that every fan of music should read (if they can), whether or not they are listeners of metal and/or its subgenres.
Overall rating: 4/5
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers
I finished this book around a week ago, but it's only now that I've managed to push myself to write a review for it, so firstly my apologies for that little mishap go out to anybody who frequently reads this blog and its updates.
Secondly, and I shouldn't really admit this, but I will, I didn't read all of the book. I found that about two thirds of the way through, it began getting a little blank and very slow. However, in the introduction Eggers did warn the reader of this so, yeah, you are not given permission to shoot me for this little fact.
Thirdly: Read this book! Despite being a fairly young journalist/writer, Dave Eggers has lived a very eventful life; He lost both of his parents in a 6 month gap, his mother to stomach cancer and father to alcoholism, had to spend a number of years looking after his little brother and was switching jobs constantly.
When reading AHWOSG, I found the author to be extremely honest (except where stated) and straight-up with his facts, not missing anything out. And when I say 'anything' I mean it. The reader gets to read about what Eggers ate and how, the jobs he worked or looked for and his bedroom activities amongst a lot more.
Written in around ten parts with each part having any number of chapters/sections, AHWOSG is somewhat different to your average autobiography. While the biographies of today's celebrities (which seem to pop up after they've been famous for just 10 minutes) are usually (badly) written in a plain, orderly manner, this one tells Egger's life through a series of mid-length to long anecdotes. It even includes an extremely long interview with the bosses of an American Big Brother-esque TV programme which the writer attempted to take part in as a matter of (almost) survival.
Admittedly, some early parts were a little slow, but they soon picked up. However, I can't really complain as the reader was warned about this in the introduction and even advised to skip some sections. I can't really blame Eggers for saying this though, as there were sections in which I found myself either cringing, yawning or, once, falling asleep. And I hadn't even been drinking. With this in mind, everybody has boring parts of a life, DE just decided to tell us about his.
Despite being the work on an (at the time) unprofessional, this book was one which I found to be well-written and (mostly) gripping as well as funny and even heart-warming in parts. Would I pick it up again and re-read it from the start? Probably not, but there is a big chance that I may look to finish it sometime sooner or later. Who knows?
Overall rating 3.5 out 5
Secondly, and I shouldn't really admit this, but I will, I didn't read all of the book. I found that about two thirds of the way through, it began getting a little blank and very slow. However, in the introduction Eggers did warn the reader of this so, yeah, you are not given permission to shoot me for this little fact.
Thirdly: Read this book! Despite being a fairly young journalist/writer, Dave Eggers has lived a very eventful life; He lost both of his parents in a 6 month gap, his mother to stomach cancer and father to alcoholism, had to spend a number of years looking after his little brother and was switching jobs constantly.
When reading AHWOSG, I found the author to be extremely honest (except where stated) and straight-up with his facts, not missing anything out. And when I say 'anything' I mean it. The reader gets to read about what Eggers ate and how, the jobs he worked or looked for and his bedroom activities amongst a lot more.
Written in around ten parts with each part having any number of chapters/sections, AHWOSG is somewhat different to your average autobiography. While the biographies of today's celebrities (which seem to pop up after they've been famous for just 10 minutes) are usually (badly) written in a plain, orderly manner, this one tells Egger's life through a series of mid-length to long anecdotes. It even includes an extremely long interview with the bosses of an American Big Brother-esque TV programme which the writer attempted to take part in as a matter of (almost) survival.
Admittedly, some early parts were a little slow, but they soon picked up. However, I can't really complain as the reader was warned about this in the introduction and even advised to skip some sections. I can't really blame Eggers for saying this though, as there were sections in which I found myself either cringing, yawning or, once, falling asleep. And I hadn't even been drinking. With this in mind, everybody has boring parts of a life, DE just decided to tell us about his.
Despite being the work on an (at the time) unprofessional, this book was one which I found to be well-written and (mostly) gripping as well as funny and even heart-warming in parts. Would I pick it up again and re-read it from the start? Probably not, but there is a big chance that I may look to finish it sometime sooner or later. Who knows?
Overall rating 3.5 out 5
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
The Shining by Stephen King
This is a book which, had I not had it bought for me as an early Christmas present, I probably wouldn't have read at this point in my life. However, as a certain friend wanted me to read it and therefore bought it for me, I did. And oh how glad I am that this happened.
The Shining is the story of a hotel caretaker who, while spending the winter in a hotel, doing his job, with his wife and son, slowly has an extreme change of character. His son also happens to be a 'Shiner'. In other words, he can read minds. That's all I can say without truly ruining the book.
Having seen the film version of The Shining only once many years ago, I'd forgotten pretty much everything that happens. This didn't matter though, as the original book version is A LOT different to the film which means if you have seen the film, you haven't read the book.
I can safely say that I thoroughly enjoyed yet another of Stephen King's masterful works and found myself sitting until the early hours reading away. However, I did find that it was a bit slow to start with, but after around 100-150 pages, things started heating up and the book became a very worthy read.
Normally I don't find myself being moved or unnerved by books or films, but some certain scenes in The Shining left me feeling a little "on edge". The reason for this, I think, is likely to be the psychological aspects of it when Jack becomes somewhat possessed and mindfucked (not an actual description in the book, but I find it to be suitably descriptive).
There were also some parts which I found to be incredibly similar to the film Ghost Ship, most notably the ballroom/disco scenes in which the protagonist discovers a large party going on when it should be empty.
I've recently had a number of discussions about this book and its contents and we've always come to the conclusion that Jack Torrance is very likely modelled after Stephen King - he writes, is a recovered alcoholic and talks of places like Maine and New England.
Unfortunately, the version I had was badly edited in parts causing some confusion to what was happening. I'd therefore not recommend you buy the Hodder version of this book and if possible, get an older one which is likely to be a bit better edited. Other than that, I have no complaints about this piece of literary genius.
I'm going to give this a rating of 4/5.
The Shining is the story of a hotel caretaker who, while spending the winter in a hotel, doing his job, with his wife and son, slowly has an extreme change of character. His son also happens to be a 'Shiner'. In other words, he can read minds. That's all I can say without truly ruining the book.
Having seen the film version of The Shining only once many years ago, I'd forgotten pretty much everything that happens. This didn't matter though, as the original book version is A LOT different to the film which means if you have seen the film, you haven't read the book.
I can safely say that I thoroughly enjoyed yet another of Stephen King's masterful works and found myself sitting until the early hours reading away. However, I did find that it was a bit slow to start with, but after around 100-150 pages, things started heating up and the book became a very worthy read.
Normally I don't find myself being moved or unnerved by books or films, but some certain scenes in The Shining left me feeling a little "on edge". The reason for this, I think, is likely to be the psychological aspects of it when Jack becomes somewhat possessed and mindfucked (not an actual description in the book, but I find it to be suitably descriptive).
There were also some parts which I found to be incredibly similar to the film Ghost Ship, most notably the ballroom/disco scenes in which the protagonist discovers a large party going on when it should be empty.
I've recently had a number of discussions about this book and its contents and we've always come to the conclusion that Jack Torrance is very likely modelled after Stephen King - he writes, is a recovered alcoholic and talks of places like Maine and New England.
Unfortunately, the version I had was badly edited in parts causing some confusion to what was happening. I'd therefore not recommend you buy the Hodder version of this book and if possible, get an older one which is likely to be a bit better edited. Other than that, I have no complaints about this piece of literary genius.
I'm going to give this a rating of 4/5.
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
About a Boy by Nick Hornby
One of my all-time favourite films, Nick Hornby's 1998 novel About a Boy is a book that I'm pretty sure could be read in a day. It's fast-paced, lively, amusing and interesting, all in one.
For anyone who hasn't seen or read it, I'll provide a small back-story. Will is a 36 year old Londoner who, apart from the odd day here and there, has never worked, not been married and is childless.
Marcus is the weird kid everyone avoids at school.
About a Boy is what happens when they meet.
Set in London around 1993 younger readers may find the book a little outdated. However, older readers who remember the 90s may just like the travel back in time. Along with this there is also the death of Kurt Cobain featured near the end.
As a casual read, this book is extremely entertaining, funny and heart-warming. I'd recommend it to anyone who has (or hasn't, for that matter) seen the film version. If easy reads are your thing, this is probably a book for you. It's also very easy to follow and doesn't contain any complicated plots anywhere.
I seem to recall myself cringing at some of the characters' comments or actions, most notably Marcus's who, before he meets Will (followed by Ellie) is extremely awkward, sings in class and listens to people like Toni Bennett. However, his meeting and hanging out with Will results in Marcus becoming somewhat 'cooler' and dressing a bit better.
Through my reading of About a Boy I did sometimes find a couple of characters (notably Will and Marcus) to be a little annoying in their comments or attitudes. I'm not sure if this was intentional from Hornby or not, but nonetheless, it didn't stop me from enjoying the book and being one I feel I'll be reading again sometime.
I found it to be well-written and researched and Hornby certainly knows how to put together a book that a lot of people will enjoy.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
For anyone who hasn't seen or read it, I'll provide a small back-story. Will is a 36 year old Londoner who, apart from the odd day here and there, has never worked, not been married and is childless.
Marcus is the weird kid everyone avoids at school.
About a Boy is what happens when they meet.
Set in London around 1993 younger readers may find the book a little outdated. However, older readers who remember the 90s may just like the travel back in time. Along with this there is also the death of Kurt Cobain featured near the end.
As a casual read, this book is extremely entertaining, funny and heart-warming. I'd recommend it to anyone who has (or hasn't, for that matter) seen the film version. If easy reads are your thing, this is probably a book for you. It's also very easy to follow and doesn't contain any complicated plots anywhere.
I seem to recall myself cringing at some of the characters' comments or actions, most notably Marcus's who, before he meets Will (followed by Ellie) is extremely awkward, sings in class and listens to people like Toni Bennett. However, his meeting and hanging out with Will results in Marcus becoming somewhat 'cooler' and dressing a bit better.
Through my reading of About a Boy I did sometimes find a couple of characters (notably Will and Marcus) to be a little annoying in their comments or attitudes. I'm not sure if this was intentional from Hornby or not, but nonetheless, it didn't stop me from enjoying the book and being one I feel I'll be reading again sometime.
I found it to be well-written and researched and Hornby certainly knows how to put together a book that a lot of people will enjoy.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
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