Rating: 
Summary: Metacognition masterfully portrayed
Review: High Fidelity was a treat to read. Rob, the protagonist, engages on a self journey that is about ten years too late. The book draws the pop culture fan in by using top five lists and record labels as frequent metaphors to get his point of his own personality across. The more astute reader, however, will gain a deeper understanding of Rob. The book does not appear to be so much about pop culture as it is a device to portray his evolution. Rob begins as an overgrown teenager who is unable to make it "maturity-wise" to the next phase of life. He needs to gain an understanding of his past relationships in order for this to happen. It is not until the death (will not say who for anyone who hasn't read it) that he is able to actually progress towards the phase of adulthood (which is portrayed in his ability to interact with other adults...even those who own Tina Turner albums!) Many will misunderstand the book to be solely about pop culture or his relationship with Laura. Not so! As we can infer from the end, Laura is only a means to allow him to advance from an overgrown teenager to an adult. One can make the comparison of Rob to the Joycean Stephen in "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man", as both need external events for them to evolve. This book will appeal to those who enjoy things on the surface (such as the view of pop culture) as well as those who look for the deeper meaning. Please also read my review on the movie. Accolades to Mr. Hornby, I eagerly anticipate reading the next book!
Rating: 
Summary: Bridget Jones means her match
Review: This book is as neurotic as bridget jones is in her diary. The most refreshing thing is that it's about a guy (not a girl) in the nineties trying to figure out why he always ends up in dead end relationships. I think Nick Hornby is not only an honest and quirky writer but he writes in such eloquence and ease that one goes through this book in a matter of hours.
Rating: 
Summary: See the movie, save a few bucks
Review: After seeing the movie (which, BTW, I thought was merely okay) I found that it had originally been a book, and moreover, the book was considered far better. It wasn't. There is one thing this book is full of: little life lessons. I can't imagine anyone picking this thing up and not getting to thinking about onesself. It has very light prose and easy dialogue--the themes are mature, but anyone with an IQ over 80 could read it--you'd almost think this thing were written for a movie. Its a quick read, but most of the themes and important dialogues are in the movie. Save yourself the cash and time.
Rating:
Summary: Thanks for a Great Book
Review: This is a pitch-perfect blast of hilarity from a great young writer. If you think it's easy figuring out the opposite sex, your place in the world, your career, future, and otherwise getting your act together without making some lists, Hornby is here to prove otherwise. His top-five lists (best relationships, records, etc.) resonate as just the kind of thing any male his age spends far too much time doing, but then again can't think of anything better to do. This book will remind you of every dysfunctional relationship you've ever been in, or come across. It also reminded me of my other favorite novel of the moment, Love Songs of the Tone-Deaf. Both of these novels were manufactured specifically for the sake of making me laugh out loud in guilty recognition, and I deeply appreciate that effort.
Rating:
Summary: Heard of it before I saw the film
Review: But the film kind of put me off. And I must admit, I love Jon Cusack. Not sure how to spell his name, but...Anyway, the book is much better. Great insight into the mind of the male animal. Makes a heck of a lot more sense in an English setting than in Seattle or wherever the movie was meant to be.... Funny, honest, touching, and pretty hip. I am told that it should not be read in too close proximity to Bridget Jones Diary.
Rating:
Summary: Humorous piece of witty storytelling
Review: Two things I must say before I jump into my top five, a) I saw the movie, "High Fidelity" first, b) the real rating is 4.5. Let's continue: Top Five things that I liked about this book: 1. I enjoyed the witty commentary and style of the novel. It felt as if Rob Fleming was telling me the secrets of his life, opinions, etc. It was like a modern, non-three day "Catcher in the Rhye." 2. The fact that every comment and opinion and statement about life, love, relationships, etc. I could relate to. It was like one of those "Did you ever notice?" comedians where after every joke you're in absiolute agreement with the stan-up. 3. The characters. Like most readers I enjoy good charcaters. Not interesting charcaters who do amazing or different things, but charcaters that you can relate to, feel for, and almost tak the place of, so to speak, during parts of the film, novel, series, etc. 4. Everybody's favorite- the obbsessive, intelligent conversations between Rob, Barry, Dick (Sorry, jumping ahead, they're all characters that you'll recognize when you read the book). It was funny to hear how music obbsessed some people could be. It made you feel almost envious of their extensive knowledge about music, film, and novels. 5. The "tie-it-together ending." The ending wasn't spectacular, and it probably should have been seven or eight, but it felt very soothing, and completeing, like the how the song played on the credits of a movie can in some way make the film more enjoyable, because it sets a mood or whatever. I'm not going o ruin anything, but I guarantee a smile of approval and happiness after reading the last chapter or so. "High Fidelity" was a funny, witty, novel that at some points dragged, but at most points was gratifying. I rarely do this, but I'm going to have to say it: this book I guarentee you will enjoy, even for a brief few chapters, but for most people, the entire novel is enjoyable. Good Luck with it!
Rating:
Summary: Hornby explains all
Review: Did you ever wonder what was going on inside a man's head? Nick Hornby explains it all in this book. I loved it. I couldn't put it down. I was laughing and feeling bad about it at the same time. Then I found myself coming up w/my own list of worst break ups and compulation tapes would I put w/those situations. I even found myself staying up late again to watch Cheers so I could get the titles of my favorite episodes. I laughed and laughed and could find myself in the book, too. I knew people who were like the guys in this book and I even had a few people tell me I would never get it because I was a woman and it was a guys book. Absolutley NOT. This is a cross gender book and I'm greatful to a past coworker (female) who handed me the book and said "it's time for you to read this. I can't believe you waited so long." Hornby has a cult classic.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting Relationship Novel from the Male Perspective
Review: This is the masculine Bridget Jones. Really. There's not much more to say! This guy, while British and not really familiar to me on that basic cultural level, does indeed seem afflicted with the identifiable young-adult syndrome experienced by both sexes which crosses boundaries of time and space. While Bridget (whom I really do see as his feminine literary counterpart) smokes too much and drinks too much and ruminates too much to deal with her intrinsic insecurities, this guy does what many guys do to find similar consolation: buys records, talks to his lame buddies, and pines for women, especially the object of his affection who formerly rejected him. It's funny. Men would like it. Occasionally, I found myself irritated by the unerring stupidity of some of the characters; while I'm sure the author did that on purpose, I found it annoying enough nonetheless to eliminate one star.
Rating:
Summary: A Recommended Summer Read
Review: I made the mistake of seeing the movie before reading the book. Don't get me wrong -- I really liked the movie. In fact, I own the movie, but, I wish I would have read the book first, just so I could have had a better insight on the characters. "High Fidelity" by British writer Nick Hornby is probably the most humorous piece of fiction I have ever read. I have never read any of Hornby's other works, but after reading this, I can't wait to get started on the next. Hornby's main character, Rob, narrates the entire book, letting the reader in on the "ins and outs" of the male mind. Very original. The book starts with Rob's girlfriend, Laura, moving her things out of their flat after they had broken up. Rob tries to convince himself that he will be fine, that the breakup won't affect him in any way, and that Laura will be back. From there, the story stems to Rob's trying to cope with losing Laura, and his many stages of getting over her. The best part of this book, in my opinion, would be Rob's co-workers, Dick and Barry. They add just the right comedic touches to Rob's life that he needs, but doesn't realize it, or appreciate it, for that matter. The constant bickering between the three men in Rob's record store, Championship Vinyl, was enough to make me laugh out loud....honestly. If I would have known better, I would have read this over the summer when I had more time to fully appreciate Hornby's writing, rather than reading it while having other things going on during this past semester at college. But, I fully recommend this book not only for it's humor, but because it has an excellent plot and is very well-written.
Rating:
Summary: What came first?
Review: Early on in the story, Rob says, "Whan came first- the music or the misery? Did I listen to music because I was miserable? Or was I miserable because I listened to music? Do all those records turn you into a melancholy person?" As I often wonder the same thing, this quote struck me. A few people I know listen to angry music all the time; they are not the happiest of people. Because they listen to angry music, are they angry as a result, or is there just some comfort to be had in relating to the music? I believe there is a delicate balance between the two (sort of a Yin and Yang relationship). For instance, when I am happy, I like to listen to more upbeat music. However, when I am in a bad mood, that same music also helps to cheer me up. How music affects a person is subject to the context of the situation (whether a person is happy, depressed, etc...).
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