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...).
Rating: 
Summary: An Insiders View of Men
Review: What an excellent book! Nick Hornby has done it again! Hornby paints a clear picture of a guy in his 30's who hasn't quite grown up yet. We are introduced to Rob and his world. Rob, as the narrator and central character, tells us of his girlfriends and what effect they had on his life. The story begins as his latest girlfriend has walked out on him. Rob comes across as a somewhat childish, self-centred guy who hasn't quite grown up... but yet, somehow despite all of that is quite loveable! This book provided me with some insight's into men's minds... if even a little bit of this is true, it's explained a whole lot to me! I believe we've all met someone like Rob. All the rest of Nick Hornby's books are now on my "must read" list.
Rating:
Summary: This is one of my top 5 books
Review: If you liked the movie, then surely you will enjoy the book as well. It is sort of the same cool thing: Reading the book is like watching the film in a extremely cool slow motion; watching the film is a cool way to read the book, quickly. I enjoyed both the book and the film a lot.
Rating:
Summary: one of the best books of the 90s ...
Review: ... and perhaps one of the best books about male psyche ever. (Right up there with Fight Club, by the way.)
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant introspective
Review: As self-centered as the main character really is, you cannot help but identify with him. There is a part of Rob in all of us, and that is what makes this book so unique and identifiable. Rob's kindred approach to his own relationships are the most intriguing part of this book to me. All at once cynical and methodical, yet immature and innocent. Hornsby presents a wondrous portrayal of this difficult character.
Rating:
Summary: Funny, and too true
Review: I feel like I know Rob Zimmerman. In fact, I do know Rob Zimmerman. He's every guy I've ever dated. . .heck, he's every guy I've ever known. Hornby has so vividly illustrated how men think, that I'm sure a lot of guys feel the way David Copperfield must have after the Masked Magician revealed all his secrets. Hornby's writing is hilariously entertaining. I read the book (against my usually hard and fast rule) after seeing the movie, and I still laughed out loud, even though I knew what was coming next. I can't wait to read more of Hornby's work.
Rating:
Summary: Are you male? Want to understand males? Then read this book.
Review: Nick Hornby understands what it means to be a male. Forget moronic self-help guides about Mars and Venus; this novel gets inside the male pysche. If you are male you will see yourself in these pages, if you are female you will see your boyfriend.
Rating:
Summary: Media Junkie
Review: There aren't many books that I really relate to but this was certainly one of them. As someone who's grown up surrounded by TV, books, and movies and who has been severly effected by them, I indentify with Rob and what the music industry has done to his life and his perceptions. What came first, the pop songs or the depression?
Rating:
Summary: If you loved the movie, read the book; it's even better!
Review: I saw this movie on video about a year ago, and certain scenes kept playing in my head. I happened upon the book at the library one day so I picked it up and didn't put it down until I was done. It was even funnier than the movie (except for the telephone to the jaw and ensuing fight scene where I almost peed my pants I was laughing so hard). The book has a laid back feeling that you can't find in a Hollywood movie (Heaven forbid!) and you can sit back, relax, and have a great time. My husband and I create Top 5 lists all the time now, but ours aren't as cool since they all revolve around our sons. Maybe that could be a good sequel for Mr. Hornby: Top 5 happiest moments since he married Laura. But even if he did write it (no way he'd write a sequel, he isn't American), a sequel is much too Hollywood for Mr. Cusack, thank goodness. It's a fun read.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
| 
