Nick Hornby

Easton Press Nick Hornby books

High Fidelity - signed modern classic - 2010

Nick Hornby biography

Nick Hornby, born on April 17, 1957, in Redhill, Surrey, England, is a highly regarded British author and essayist known for his insightful and humorous explorations of contemporary life and popular culture. With a writing style characterized by wit and empathy, Hornby has garnered widespread acclaim for his novels, essays, and screenplays. Hornby's early life was shaped by his passion for literature and music. He attended Cambridge University, where he studied English Literature. After graduating, he worked as a teacher before pursuing a career in freelance journalism. Hornby's writing career took off with the publication of his first book, Fever Pitch, in 1992.

Fever Pitch is a memoir that intertwines Hornby's experiences as an Arsenal football club fan with reflections on life, identity, and the cultural significance of sports. The book's success established Hornby as a distinctive voice in contemporary literature, blending personal narrative with broader social commentary. His subsequent novels further solidified his reputation. High Fidelity (1995) explores the intricacies of relationships through the lens of a music-obsessed record store owner. The novel was adapted into a successful film starring John Cusack in 2000. About a Boy (1998) tells the story of an immature man's unexpected friendship with a young boy and was also adapted into a popular film featuring Hugh Grant. Other Horby books include How to Be Good (2001) delves into the complexities of morality and self-discovery. The story revolves around a married couple, Katie and David Carr, whose lives are disrupted when David undergoes a sudden moral awakening and becomes determined to do good in the world. A Long Way Down (2005) In this novel, four strangers meet on New Year's Eve atop a London building, each with the intention of committing suicide. However, their encounter leads to an unexpected bond, and the story explores themes of redemption, friendship, and second chances.

Nick Hornby's writing often delves into themes of masculinity, relationships, and the impact of popular culture on individuals. His works are known for their accessible language, relatable characters, and keen observations of human behavior. In addition to novels, Hornby has written numerous essays and articles, contributing to publications such as The Believer and The New York Times. He has also worked on screenplays, adapting other authors' works for the screen. Hornby's writing often resonates with readers due to its relatable characters and themes, and his works have been adapted into successful films and television series. In addition to his novels, Hornby has written numerous essays and articles for various publications, showcasing his commentary on popular culture, literature, and music. Hornby's literary achievements have earned him critical acclaim and a devoted readership. His ability to capture the nuances of modern life, coupled with his sharp humor and empathy, has made him a respected figure in contemporary British literature. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Nick Hornby remains an influential and active voice in the literary world.

High Fidelity

Do you know your desert-island, all-time, top five most memorable split-ups?

Rob does. He keeps a list, in fact. But Laura isn't on it even though she's just become his latest ex. He's got his life back, you see. He can just do what he wants when he wants: like listen to whatever music he likes, look up the girls that are on his list, and generally behaves as if Laura never mattered. But Rob finds he can't move on. He's stuck in a really deep groove and it's called Laura. Soon, Rob's asking himself some big questions: about love, about life and about why we choose to share ours with the people we do.

His quest for answers and explanations is both hilarious and poignant, and he comes across a huge range of characters while trying to distinguish between pop and real life...

Now a major motion picture from Touchstone Pictures. Rob is a pop music junkie who runs his own semi-failing record store. His girlfriend, Laura, has just left him for the guy upstairs, and Rob is both miserable and relieved. After all, could he have spent his life with someone who has a bad record collection? Rob seeks refuge in the company of the offbeat clerks at his store, who endlessly review their top five films ( Reservoir Dogs ...); top five Elvis Costello songs ("Alison"...); top five episodes of Cheers (the one where Woody sang his stupid song to Kelly...). Rob tries dating a singer whose rendition of "Baby, I Love Your Way" makes him cry. But maybe it's just that he's always wanted to sleep with someone who has a record contract. Then he sees Laura again. And Rob begins to think (awful as it sounds) that life as an episode of thirty-something , with all the kids and marriages and barbecues and K.D. Lang CD's that this implies, might not be so bad.

It has been said often enough that baby boomers are a television generation, but the very funny novel High Fidelity reminds that in a way they are the record-album generation as well. This funny novel is obsessed with music; Hornby's narrator is an early-thirty-something English guy who runs a London record store. He sells albums recorded the old-fashioned way-on vinyl-and is having a tough time making other transitions as well, specifically adulthood. The book is in one sense a love story, both sweet and interesting; most entertaining, though, are the hilarious arguments over arcane matters of pop music.

Soon to be a Hulu series starring Zoë Kravitz!