Juliet, Naked - Nick Hornby

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It is the story of a British couple who has been together for years, probably out of laziness. It’s the story of a singer who was once famous, then decided to stop singing, and years later is trying to figure out where his life has gone, and how to make something out of the time he still has to live.

The two stories intersect, and what comes out is a funny and witty novel. I liked the fact that every character (even the minor ones) is so well described, that one cannot like a little each of them (even supponent Duncan), that it talks about music, about life, about purpose, without becoming philosophical.

It is probably the book I enjoyed the most from Hornby. It goes on lightly, but makes you think.

Slam - Nick Hornby

I have the habit to read a book in english after I have read one in italian - this way I keep my english fresh, while enjoying reading (the need to keep my english fresh is also the reason why I write in english on my blogs).

This is the third book from Nick Hornby I have read - the other two were "High Fidelity" and "A Long Way Down". And so far, it's the one I have enjoyed the most.

The writing is fresh and simple, the narrator is Sam, a 16 years old boy that finds himself in a difficoult situation - at least difficoult for his age.

I am really surprised by the ability of Hornby to become the voice himself of this 16 years old boy, talk and think as he would.

The book is funny (I was laughing aloud on the couch when the boy said -"I am expecting a baby!". It's just brilliant!) and an easy read, and I really reccommend to anyone to read it.

I got so enthousiastic about this book, that I bough his last one too, to be read pretty soon.

A note on languages. I have to admit that I read the other two books from Hornby in italian - I had borrowed them from my sis. I think part of the reasons I liked this one better, is that I read it in its original language. I

 find english much more immediate than italian: it goes faster to the point, sentences are usually shorter, it is, in a way, "lighter" and easier.