Rating:  Summary: Moving, Honest, and a learning curve Review: I have only recently seen the film and read the book. To be honest there is much to praise about it but also there are critisisms. Rob can be selfish and self pitying, but thankfully he starts to realise that before the end, and secondly there seems a time when the plot is just grinding along. That said most men can identify with at least one aspect about Rob I tend to make lists for one), and it is a timely reminder that the end of the road to true happiness does not lie in the arms of a sexy woman or in our favourite songs. Hornby also has a brilliant style of writing, hence the 4 stars
Rating:  Summary: If you thought the movie was funny, you will like the book! Review: That may sound cliche, but it's true. "High Fidelity" is a book I bought more out of a lack of choice - I was in an airport about to go on an 11 hour flight, and it was that or some lame Robin Cook medical thriller! I knew I loved the movie, but I thought for some reason I wouldn't like the book. For the first like, 25 pages, I didn't even enjoy reading the book. But then I suddenly GOT Nick Hornby's sense of humor, and the book was hilarious! I read it probably twice during my trip, and I've read it a couple times since then. Right now it's on loan to a friend, and I know she'll love it too. There are too many funny parts to even rememeber them all, but I just thought of the one where Barry joins a band - and by coincidence it is called Barrytown? Well, I would HIGHly recommend this book, no pun intended. :)
Rating:  Summary: If you like music, read this one! Review: This book is a must read if you're a record collector, or even if you just known one. Hornby has captured what record collecting is all about almost perfectly, all the way from the way the guys in the books have Top 5s about everything, to how they put music before everything else. (even women) The humour is dry (in a good way), much like Hornby's other books. If you like music, or have been in a failed relationship, you need to read this.
Rating:  Summary: Top 5 reasons to read this book: Review: 1. It is very original; 2. Biting wit and numerous laugh out loud moments; 3. Several pop music and movie references; 4. Startlingly accurate depictions of male post-breakup pathos; 5. Numerous London colloquialisms let us know how they live and speak in England.I absolutely loved this novel. It was witty, exploring with a keen eye relationships and the reasons why men and women get together, and sometimes drift apart. Narrator Rob is a self-indulgent whiner who tries to make himself feel better after getting dumped by making lists to himself of "top 5 breakups", as well as lists of "top 5 breakup songs". He does something many of us 30-something men often think of doing, namely contact old flames out of an odd, morbid curiosity as to their whereabouts and marital status. While Rob and his incessant ruminations on his past and present love life can sometimes get old, Hornby deftly changes gears whenever a change is needed and involves numerous excellent secondary characters, including record store employees and comrades-in-arms Dick and Barry (played amazingly well by Jack Black in the recent movie) as well as a folkie American female musician living in London. The scenes in Rob's second hand record store are priceless, as well as some memorable episodes in North London's pubs where Rob and the boys hoist a pint or two while they argue meaningless musical debates. It is difficult to categorize the novel, but I can simply say that as a male of approximately the same age as the protagonist, it appeared Hornby (and Rob) were talking my language (albeit with a British flair), and I therefore breezed through this book quicker than most. You need not be male and over 30 to enjoy it, but reading it will reveal some of our secrets and obsessions. Pick it up, you won't be disappointed.
Rating:  Summary: Top 5 Books to avoid Review: The first chapter gives it hope that dimishes to a yawn by the second chapter. If you like a million references to lame Top 5 Lists for even lamer subjects then at least wait to borrow a friend's copy.
Rating:  Summary: so do you love pop culture? Review: Rob Flemming, the guy from the book, loves his ex-wife. But he is a man, and men love their albuns and comics (and anything that can be collected) more them admit to love women. Men are just like children in a certain point. If you're a man, you know what i'm talking - but probably desagree. If you're a woman, you also know, and you hate men when they demonstrate that they can love their comics pretty much more than they love you. So Rob is just like me (and just like you, if you're a man). High Fidelity is about a 30 year old man that is understanding how much fool he is. And he loves rock. I love when the main characters learn things. As in The Catcher's in the Field of Rye (or something like it). Ok, you must read it.
Rating:  Summary: The Bible for Thirtysomethings Review: The warning from the Details'Review in the back of this amazingly funny and touching piece of literature is right: keep this book away from your girlfriend... Then again, it might be a very good idea to just let her read it, even study it, so she can understand you better or leave you right away, before the love you think you share becomes yesterday's one hit wonder. I wish I knew the right words to convince you to pick up this book. I wish I could tell you why its so great without giving away anything. If the movie (I haven't seen it) is half as good as the novel, I'm probably gonna see it once or twice, with ex or current girlfriends at my side. My top five "Generation Books" of all time: Palahniuk's "Fight Club","A Clockwork Orange" by Burgess, "Trainspotting" by Welsh, "Life After God" from Coupland, and of course this one.
Rating:  Summary: Great Read Review: High Fidelity is one of my favorite books. Unfortunetly, the movie came out and will probably discourage people from reading this very funny book. If you're a male in your late early 30s, this is a must read, as you will surely releate to the main character of the book.
Rating:  Summary: Finally, modern writers are getting it. Review: Not only is this book about commitment, it also is about being wrapped up in yourself, unable to accept that you aren't the only person with tastes. I handed this book to someone I saw as similar to the protagonist, though without sympathy or feelings for change, and he totally missed any hint of that. Aside from that taint, the book is excellent in satirizing us men's inability to grow up and become rational mates. Someday, ladies.
Rating:  Summary: If you are male and single... you can relate. Review: I read this book at a time when I was actively dating, and trying to deal with multiple X's. The talent that N.H. has for puting complex feelings and situations into highly amusing writing is amazing. Aside from the fact that this book is highly amusing, every man that has actively dated has a lot in common with the protagonist. The book follows him through multiple breakups, and manages to turn tragic and depressing situations into comedy. I highly recommend this book to any man.
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