Rating: 
Summary: A sweet book. . .
Review: . . . in spite of the author's obvious desire to avoid being sweet. Hornby does a good job imagining the inner workings of a boy on the cusp of adolescence. Growing up, one of my friends was a female version of Marcus and I often wondered about her what I imagine Marcus' contemporaries wondered about him: "What planet is this person from?" This work, like _High Fidelity_ before it, also provides an enjoyable glimpse into contemporary everyday life in England from a middle-class perspective.I don't believe I'll lie awake at night thinking about this book as I would something by Fowles or Helprin, or even _High Fidelity_, but I don't regret the time I spent reading it. It was pleasant, amusing and well-written. I'll certainly pick up another work of fiction by Hornby. By the way, even though I haven't seen the movie, I can't help but think what a good choice Hugh Grant must have been for Will. More often than not I caught myself thinking of him as the character while I read the book.
Rating: 
Summary: My new favorite Hornby book!
Review: I must admit, if it wasn't for the movie version of this book, I may never have read About a Boy. I knew the book existed, but was never compelled to read it. Then I saw the movie and realized what I was missing. And while the book and movie endings are different, About a Boy (the book) is nothing short of spectacular. Will Freeman, quite possibly the world's most useless man, is jobless and responsibility-free -- and he likes it that way. Living off the royalties of his father's one hit song, Will finds his days full of lounging around, going to movies, and sitting in front of the TV watching Countdown. And while all this free time is at his disposal, Will has plenty of time to discover that single moms seem to be the most grateful for a date with him. Thus, Will puts a fool-proof plan into motion -- make up an imaginary son and join one of those single-parent support groups in an effort to meet women. However, About a Boy is not all about Will meeting single mothers. It's... about a boy, Marcus, the 12-year-old son of one of the single mothers who comes into Will's life and turns it upside down. Suddenly Will finds himself, unwillingly, as some sort of mentor or father figure for Marcus, which totally distracts Will from his true purpose of being free from problems and responsibilities. I loved About a Boy. The writing is authetic Nick Hornby, full of humor and sarcasm, but also there is a lively perceptiveness at work here that goes to show you one spontaneous decision can sometimes add meaning to your life. Prepare to laugh out loud with this one!
Rating:
Summary: Laughed myself silly....
Review: Really enjoyed this book....Hornby has a style that is unique, insightful, funny and surprising. He can whip up an account of the simplest of conversations and put a twist to it that leaves you full of admiration. His command of the English language is superb. Fully recommended, couldn't put it down, looking forward to the movie.
Rating: 
Summary: Coming of age? No thanks!
Review: I was very disappointed with this book. I have not seen the movie yet and now I am tempted not to. It follows the life of young 12-year old Marcus and the friends that he makes along the way to coming of age. All of the adults surrounding Marcus are very messed up with very abscure ideas about reality especially the main character Will. None of the adults see anything wrong with large amounts or swearing in front of children or if Marcus decides that swearing is the best way to express himself. Only one couple on the very side lines of the book are married and that is protrayed in a very negative light. Several of the adults smoke pot or talk about it and see nothing wrong with indulging this habit in front of Marcus. By the end of the novel Marcus has "come of age" and firmly believes that it is best if couples do not every marry since they will never stay together and that in order to be a grown-up he must disdain and disrespect what previously his mother had taught him was enjoyable.
Rating:
Summary: Very good read!
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was a very fast, easy, enjoyable read with interesting characters. I liked it more than High Fidelity, which was somewhat depressing...
Rating:
Summary: Hornby at His Heartfelt Best
Review: Nick Hornby's "About a Boy" was a sheer pleasure to read. It is the story of Will Freeman, a 36-year-old aimless womanizer and aging hipster. Freeman unexpectedly falls into a friendship with 12-year-old Marcus, a hopelessly uncool little boy with a remarkable lack of cynicism. The ways in which they enrich each others lives are witty, memorable, and heartbreakingly real. Hornby has always been a very funny, ironic writer (see his earlier novel, "High Fidelity", for proof of that) but here he displays a talent for creating rounded, lovable yet flawed characters. I couldn't put this book down once I'd begun and you'll do the same.
Rating:
Summary: Funny,Insightful Story.
Review: Yes,I saw the movie first. I did enjoy it,I thought Hugh Grant and all the others were very well-cast and so I kept picturing when reading the book. This book is touching without being sappy and funny in a knowing way,Like the line about being able to date a typical pre-teens bedroom within a 24 hour time-frame(too true!) It even made a dead duck seem funny without being in bad taste. It also had a real feeling of London city life. All in all,an entertaining book about a man's(finally) growing up helped in part by his unlikely friendship with an eccentric 12 year old boy.
Rating:
Summary: Great books for girls and boys
Review: Hilarious in the way that only English men can be, and very touching. I am a new Nick Hornby fan.
Rating:
Summary: Hilarious!
Review: Hilarious book. It's just like the film, which I'm glad the film followed closely to the book...If you haven't watched the film, it's a must. Just picture Hugh Grant while you're reading the book...it's really great and VERY hilarious.
Rating:
Summary: Fast-Paced Read
Review: This book was hilarious. The characters were amazing. Most importantly, it was a fast read. I went on vacation and needed something for the plane and this was perfect. I read it practically from start to finish, and I loved every minute of it.
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