1. I've never read Fever Pitch, although the movie was more amusing than expected, and I had no idea Hornby was involved till I saw the credits. It's quite an adaptation, but what Shaftoe (I think) said about plot definitely holds up -- it hits all the right turns in the right places.
2. I quite liked High Fidelity, but probably because I'd read one section beforehand as a separate work. It was published in Granta as "To Laura, Age 14," and was just the perfect length -- an obviously subjective reflection on pop music and discovering how relationships work (or don't). The novel, to me, seemed a lot like an elaborate gilt frame around that one chapter and a bit. Is it the sad songs that make us miserable or is it the misery that makes us seek out sad songs? I love that question.
3. If you dislike Songbook, you may or may not want to show up Mr. Hornby in this McSweeney's feature I just stumbled across after reading this thread. The invitation for submissions is still open, and the list of favorite songs seems pretty broad.
At least, the Dr. Octagon essay is a lot of fun. |
