I hope ya'll don't kick me out of the girly bar for this, but I'm going to choose a book by a male author. Long Way Down, by Nick Hornby is a fabulous read. It begins on New Year's Eve in London as four people from different walks of life find themselves together on the roof of a tall building, each of them moments away from committing suicide.
Sounds like a knee-slapper, right? Well, actually, it is quite funny. It's also very genuine and sweet as well. I read this book awhile back, and although I can't remember specifics (I'm bad about that), I remember being very sad to finish and completely enjoying the experience of reading it.
If you liked the movies High Fidelity and About a Boy, based on Hornby books - books I'd venture are even better than the films - then give this book a go. I'll almost guarantee you won't regret it.
*The full title is actually Manhunt: The 12-day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, a non-fiction book describing the search for John Wilkes Booth after he fled the theatre where he shot Lincoln. I listened to this book on audio during a LONG drive to Georgia, and it made the drive go by in a snap. Yes, yes, I'm a big nerd, but the way it's written is very compelling and suspenseful. Also, I learned a lot, so now I'm that much Smartini-er!
2 tips left at the bar:
I've got Nick Hornby in my reading queue! High Fidelity and... something else are on my bookshelf! I love, love HF, About a Boy, and also Fever Pitch is based on a Hornby book. I've heard of a Long Way Down, but have yet to get to it, or any of the other actual books by him.
I think, even though he's a "guys' guy" author, that he had a definite romantic soul to him. Unless they're totally changing the plot when they make it into a movie script.
See, this is why this week's topic is fantastic! I don't think I've ever heard of him (Is this terrible? Should I be ashamed?) but now I know what to look for!
Yes! For books on tape. I made it through a 1000 mile drive in one day with several tapes from the Left Behind series.
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