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About A Boy
by
Nick Hornby
Nick Hornby's second bestselling novel is about sex, manliness and fatherhood. Will is thirty-six, comfortable and child-free. And he's discovered a brilliant new way of meeting women - through single-parent groups. Marcus is twelve and a little bitnerdish: he's got the kind of mother who made him listen to Joni Mitchell rather than Nirvana. Perhaps they can help each othe...more
Published
(first published 1998)
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Dec 17, 2007
Samilja
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
lovers of dry british laughs & anyone looking for an entertaining, easy read
Brilliant - ok, that's just a bad homage to the Brits but really, this was a funny, sweet book. I'd have given it a 3.5 but with no half-stars at my disposal, I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. Anyway - bought it b/c I was looking for High Fidelity at our local used shop but this was the only Hornby on hand. I'm glad since I saw the movie version of H.F. but not this so it was a good surprise. It's a love story of sorts - but not between lovers. Rather, between a mid-thirties man-child (Will...more
Will Freeman has some growing up to do. At 35, he lazes around all day listening to his CDs, watches "tele," dates serially and by nature keeps himself from any emotional entanglements, living off the royalties of a single Christmas tune his father wrote. After dating a single mother, Will discovers that a way to meet more single moms is to attend a single parent support group, conjuring up an imaginary son in the process to back up his story. Soon enough, his cover is blown, largely through the...more
3 likes · like · see review
I have weird habit of reading books that were made into movies AFTER I've seen the movies. Dopey, right? I don't know why I love to do this. I guess just to see how it all turns out on the other end.
Anyway, this review is pretty straight forward: "About a Boy" is awesome. Like the rest of Hornby's work that I've read, it's hilarious in such a BRITISH way (so dry, the laughs usually coming from some poor uptight Brit's bumbling embarrassment). I also admire Hornby for writing consistently about m...more
Anyway, this review is pretty straight forward: "About a Boy" is awesome. Like the rest of Hornby's work that I've read, it's hilarious in such a BRITISH way (so dry, the laughs usually coming from some poor uptight Brit's bumbling embarrassment). I also admire Hornby for writing consistently about m...more
9 likes · like · see review
Originally, I picked up a friend's copy of this while watching babysitting, simply as a means of amusing myself while the kid was happily playing with some toys. I'd already seen the movie, and figured the book would probably be something that I could pick up and put down fairly easily.
I was wrong.
See, I went into this thinking I obviously knew the story and the characters - but what happened was I quickly forgot about the movie version, and became fascinated with the story of Will, the selfish...more
I was wrong.
See, I went into this thinking I obviously knew the story and the characters - but what happened was I quickly forgot about the movie version, and became fascinated with the story of Will, the selfish...more
Even better than the film version... funny and wry and pithy. Some of the best British writing of recent years. A quick read for me, much appreciated after a diet of heavy non fiction this Fall. If you're looking to enjoy yourself for several hours, this is a good bet.
1 like · like · see review
I hadn’t watched the About the Boy movie before reading the book and so I knew nothing about the plot nor the characters. I was therefore very surprised to find that it’s narrated by Marcus as well as Will. I thought this worked perfectly they are both stand-out, likeable characters. I loved Marco’s naivety and his ability to see things in a straightforward, literal way, and I loved Will’s hilarious cynicism. If you’re familiar with Danny Wallace, that’s who he reminded me of.
I was rooting for W...more
I was rooting for W...more
4 likes · like · see review
I almost find it sacrilege to claim a movie is better than the book. But I'm taking that stance here. No that the book wasn't good. I enjoyed it. I just think the adaptions they made to update the book (it's set in the era of grunge music) were improvements and the cast well played (especially Marcus). Since I didn't read the book before I saw the movie, I kept picturing his interpretation to the character, even when I would not have interpreted it that way I found his version better. About the...more
Mar 21, 2008
Lauren
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Nick Hornby fans
The only thing wrong with About a Boy is that I read it just after finishing High Fidelity. After absolutely loving High Fidelity, About a Boy was just a little bit of a disappointment.
Another Hornby book that was made into a movie. Another book about a thirtysomething man who can't grow up and settle down. About a Boy has a man named Will who basically doesn't do anything. Doesn't really have a job. Has never fallen in love. Doesn't really have any hobbies...or really any friends. At the same t...more
Another Hornby book that was made into a movie. Another book about a thirtysomething man who can't grow up and settle down. About a Boy has a man named Will who basically doesn't do anything. Doesn't really have a job. Has never fallen in love. Doesn't really have any hobbies...or really any friends. At the same t...more
Well, this was a slight disappointment after High Fidelity, which I loved. This had a similar style and humor which was so refreshing after a long week, but it fell short of High Fidelity's originality and wit - I guess each book needs to be judged on its merit, but even so this one was sometimes too silly or too cheesy, as if he just didn't have another 'slimy yet endearing' guy left in him.
It was enjoyable enough, and Hornby's humor is so great in that sardonic British way that even a book tha...more
It was enjoyable enough, and Hornby's humor is so great in that sardonic British way that even a book tha...more
3 likes · like · see review
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Nick Hornby is a master of writing a heartwarming book that isn't heartwarming (I mean that as praise, in case that wasn't clear). His brilliant method is to make the main character as self-centered and unadmirable as possible, then make him do something incredibly good, but rationalize his or her actions to him or herself in self-interested reasons.
In this book, an unemployed, consumerist slacker named Will (he doesn't need to work as his father wrote a pathetically embarassing Christmas song,...more
In this book, an unemployed, consumerist slacker named Will (he doesn't need to work as his father wrote a pathetically embarassing Christmas song,...more
Books into movies...I always try to read the book first. If I don't succeed, I rarely will read the book later. But there are exceptions and books by Nick Hornby fall into that category (next on my list by him is High Fidelity). I won't say much about the plot because you've most likely seen the movie. But I'll say that the book is much darker, much more sarcastic, and just 'fuller' than the movie. I very much like NG's style of writing. He takes very serious issues, and though gives them the gr...more
About A boy
Novel tentang seorang laki-laki 36 tahun yang tidak pernah melakukan apa-apa. Ia hidup dari royalti peninggalan ayahnya. Cowok ini jadi orang yang suka ngebuang-buang waktu untuk ngelakuin hal-hal nggak penting. Sampai suatu hari dia ketemu sama seseorang yang pengen bunuh diri. Novelnya sih biasa banget.
Kutipan keren: “Aku selalu berkata…. Aku tidak akan bunuh diri saat ini. Mungkin besok, tapi tidak saat ini. Dan setelah beberapa minggu, aku tahu aku tidak akan pernah melakukannya....more
Novel tentang seorang laki-laki 36 tahun yang tidak pernah melakukan apa-apa. Ia hidup dari royalti peninggalan ayahnya. Cowok ini jadi orang yang suka ngebuang-buang waktu untuk ngelakuin hal-hal nggak penting. Sampai suatu hari dia ketemu sama seseorang yang pengen bunuh diri. Novelnya sih biasa banget.
Kutipan keren: “Aku selalu berkata…. Aku tidak akan bunuh diri saat ini. Mungkin besok, tapi tidak saat ini. Dan setelah beberapa minggu, aku tahu aku tidak akan pernah melakukannya....more
"People quite often thought Marcus was being funny when he wasn't." I read Hornby's "Fever Pitch" a couple of years ago so I thought I would give this book a try. When I read this line on the opening page I was hooked, more or less. Hornby explores the nature of relationships through the eyes of twelve year old Marcus, a kid who is finding his way in a new city, living with a single mother who is a bit bonkers. Marcus meets Will, a self-absorbed young man, who in spite of his efforts becomes a f...more
M'n hele leven al word ik omringd door evenwichtige, stabiele mannen. Vader, nonkels, neefjes, partner: eenmaal volwassen hollen ze enkele mooie ambities na, weten ze succesvol te realiseren en durven tenslotte als echte zen-meesters hun leven bewust af te ronden.
Wellicht kamp ik stilaan met een 'overdosis' en heb ik daarom wel een boontje voor die klungelige dertigers van Hornby. Ze struinen niks-uitvoerend in het rond, leggen nog eens een lp-tje op, zijn super-onzeker, onhandig-kwetsbaar en we...more
Wellicht kamp ik stilaan met een 'overdosis' en heb ik daarom wel een boontje voor die klungelige dertigers van Hornby. Ze struinen niks-uitvoerend in het rond, leggen nog eens een lp-tje op, zijn super-onzeker, onhandig-kwetsbaar en we...more
1 like · like · see review
Have to admit, I only picked up this book because I'm shallow and it had a picture of Hugh Grant on the cover. Sad, right? But, it was only a dollar and Hugh is a sexy beast, so I figured why not. Fortunately, I was more than pleasantly surprised at how good it was. This book deals with some very heavy subjects (Suicide, Depression, Finding your place in the world) in a light-hearted way, through the eyes of a child and child-like adult, but I think it's necessary for the story to be told in suc...more
Feb 23, 2007
Steven Tiberius
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Anyone who despises Hugh Grant
I was very much prepared to hate this book for a roundabout reason. I've always had a great disdain for John Cusack, he was in High Fidelity which I continue to boycott to this bloody day, which was a book originally written by Nick Hornby. I continue to boycott the movie version of this novel for a similar disdain for Hugh Grant, but the book was halfway decent. There's an especially funny part where the kid watches the movie "Groundhog Day" with his mom who was recently released from the hospi...more
So, if anyone has seen the movie adaptation of this book, do not expect the book to be the same at all. I was a little disappointed at first when I realized I already knew what was going to happen, but it turned out I didn't...at all. The book is able to explore how the character's personalities change throughout the story, which was of course a good thing. I can't help (and call me shallow if you must) feeling a little sad to be missing the typical Hollywood ending that the movie has though. Ho...more
I watched the movie a little over a year ago and enjoyed it. I was surprised how well the movie stayed close to the book until the end bit, even using bits of dialogue or narrative word-for-word. This was an enjoyable read with a cast of some of the quirkiest - yet realistic - characters I've ever met within a book. Will's transformation from unrepentant bachelor and loafer to someone who finally joins the rest of the world was nicely done, as was Marcus's own evolution from Fiona's son to a nor...more
I really really enjoyed this book. It is probably my favorite Nick Hornby book I've read so far. But, I think that I can honestly say that I liked the movie better. But this isn't a movie review, so I will stick to the book. The book centers around 2 characters, Will, a self-centered, 30 something male, and Marcus, a very awkward teenager; and their unlikely friendship. It was very entertaining, especially the dead duck day chapter, it is also a very quick read. I would recommend the book to any...more
Nov 25, 2007
Maggie
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anyone and everyone, Hornby fans, men I've dated
I admit that I was slow to jump on the Nick Hornby bandwagon, but I'm quickly catching up. I saw the movie prior to reading the book, which is typically not my style but Hugh Grant and Toni Collette...what can I say? For the record, I also saw High Fidelity and Fever Pitch prior to reading those as well.
Anyway...I adored this book. The relationship that builds between Will and Marcus is alternates between the sweet, funny and heartwarming. I enjoy watching the progress as both Will and Marcus g...more
Anyway...I adored this book. The relationship that builds between Will and Marcus is alternates between the sweet, funny and heartwarming. I enjoy watching the progress as both Will and Marcus g...more
I can't help it, I just adore his STYLE. The way he writes. The way his characters develop. His humour. The ending is somewhat vague, but that is so not the point, the actual point is in the process itself, in Horny's style, his characters whom he has the power to describe so believably that I can see right through them, can understand everything they're feeling; in funny moments which the book is full of. I just laughed out loud several times during one chapter. I fell in love with the way Horn...more
I really liked this book. All the characters are really easy to get to know and you don't like them instantly. That is what I hate aobut many books. The author tries really hard to make sure you like some characters and dislike others. With About a Boy, NIck Horby did a really good job in letting you decide whether you like Will or not, most of the time I didn't. I also like that Nick didn't put curse words in for a better rating or something. Yeah, there were a lot, but it was for a reason. Not...more
of all of nick hornby's books, most of which I own and all of which I love--about a boy is my favorite and the one I most often reread.
hornby does such a beautiful job of creating the voices and characters of both marcus and will. I love how they will both describe the same scene--the dead duck day always makes me laugh (until they go home, of course).
the movie is wonderful as well, a lot of the dialogue and internal monologues are straight out of the book. and I think the cultural updates work...more
hornby does such a beautiful job of creating the voices and characters of both marcus and will. I love how they will both describe the same scene--the dead duck day always makes me laugh (until they go home, of course).
the movie is wonderful as well, a lot of the dialogue and internal monologues are straight out of the book. and I think the cultural updates work...more
1 like · like · see review
El mejor libro que he le��do en meses. Sin duda. Intento recordar un libro mejor y todos los que se me vienen a la cabeza hace un mont��n de tiempo que los le��. Me compr�� este libro cuando me qued�� sola en mi viaje, porque mi lectura hasta ese momento hab��a consistido en una gu��a de Lonely Planet de Budapest. No ten��a mucho donde elegir, en la secci��n de libros en ingl��s de Thalia en Viena (un libro <em>de verdad</em> en alem��n es demasiado para m��, sin diccionario), as�� q...more
This is a very comfy read. A perfect book to curl up on the sofa with on a very drizzly weekend. If you've seen the film, you'll know the plot. It doesn't sound exactly brilliant when you describe it...
Will(played by Hugh Grant in the film - ugh)is a bit of a flash git. He's a single-man (by choice) in his thirties, with no kids and he lives off of his inheritance in a nice area, drives a nice car, and generally lives the life of riley.
He's a bit of a twat though, as we discover...
He pretends t...more
Will(played by Hugh Grant in the film - ugh)is a bit of a flash git. He's a single-man (by choice) in his thirties, with no kids and he lives off of his inheritance in a nice area, drives a nice car, and generally lives the life of riley.
He's a bit of a twat though, as we discover...
He pretends t...more
I know its long past the time when everyone and their mother has either read ‘About a boy’ or seen the 2002 movie adaptation staring; Hugh Grant, Nickolas Hoult, Toni Collette and Rachel Weisz. What can I say, I’m a slow bloomer.
I actually saw the film when it came out and immediately listed it as one of my top 100 favorite films to-decade. And not just because the casting was brilliant: the story line won me over hands down as well.
When I saw the movie, I thought my emotional connection to the...more
I actually saw the film when it came out and immediately listed it as one of my top 100 favorite films to-decade. And not just because the casting was brilliant: the story line won me over hands down as well.
When I saw the movie, I thought my emotional connection to the...more
¿Viene la madurez con la edad? ¿Basta sentarse a cumplir años y tener la apariencia y los modos de un adulto para serlo a todos los efectos? Quizá en ocasiones el hábito sí hace al monje, y baste cumplir el papel diciendo y haciendo lo adecuado en el momento, aunque sea mintiendo o por no ir más a fondo. Pero si la madurez es aprender de la experiencia y de lidiar con los problemas, tal vez un niño excéntrico e introvertido de 12 años, cuya madre hippie divorciada y con depresión crónica ha inte...more
Good book with good story line and interesting characters.
I have no idea why I really didn't enjoy the book. It was just really boring. I had to force myself through page by page. I didn't really get the 'humor' in a lot of the situations others found humorous. The only bit I actually snickered was when Will showed off his new bought baby seat. I didn't see the movie and I don't know why it was just so boring, but it just was.
What I couldn't help but feeling was that it was just so predictable....more
I have no idea why I really didn't enjoy the book. It was just really boring. I had to force myself through page by page. I didn't really get the 'humor' in a lot of the situations others found humorous. The only bit I actually snickered was when Will showed off his new bought baby seat. I didn't see the movie and I don't know why it was just so boring, but it just was.
What I couldn't help but feeling was that it was just so predictable....more
Quirky, full of British pop culture references, dry and understated, subtle humour for the most part. Simple and revealing philosophy about life, love and "growing up".
The entire book is about "Growing up"... the process of growing up, for multiple people.
Story of a 12 year old "boy" who has just moved to London with his mother after his parents split up. He is eccentric and weird mainly because his mother is eccentric and weird, and because he is only 12 but constantly put in adult situations.
M...more
The entire book is about "Growing up"... the process of growing up, for multiple people.
Story of a 12 year old "boy" who has just moved to London with his mother after his parents split up. He is eccentric and weird mainly because his mother is eccentric and weird, and because he is only 12 but constantly put in adult situations.
M...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Did you think this had a weak ending? | 7 | 55 | Oct 18, 2012 02:07pm | |
| About a boy | 7 | 49 | Aug 15, 2011 08:34am | |
| Promoção no Submarino | 1 | 4 | Nov 17, 2009 04:07pm | |
| About a Boy | 5 | 50 | Oct 25, 2008 03:34am |
Nick Hornby is the author of the novels A Long Way Down, Slam, How to Be Good, High Fidelity, and About a Boy, and the memoir Fever Pitch. He is also the author of Songbook, a finalist for a National Book Critics Circle Award, Shakespeare Wrote for Money, and The Polysyllabic Spree, as well as the editor of the short-story collection Speaking with the Angel. He is a recipient of the American Acade...more
More about Nick Hornby...
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“There had been times when he knew, somewhere in him, that he would get used to it, whatever it was, because he had learnt that some hard things became softer after a very little while.”
—
72 people liked it
“This thing about looking for someone less different... It only really worked, he realized, if you were convinced that being you wasn't so bad in the first place.”
—
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Sep 06, 2008 08:40am