When it comes to books making their way to the big screen, I have to admit, there’s no better author than Nick Hornby. There’s something about the way he tells a story that lends itself perfectly for motion picture adaptation. Anyone who’s seen the movie High Fidelity can attest to that.
If you haven’t seen High Fidelity, trust me, it’s a must-see. It tells the story of a middle-aged record store owner who must face the undeniable fact that he’s growing up. But, far more entertaining than the main story is the quick-witted banter between Cusack and his faithful sidekick, Jack Black, who are constantly arguing about the likes and dislikes of music. No matter how many times I watch this flick, it doesn’t get old.
Another Hornby fav’ o’ mine has to be About A Boy. Now, I’m not exactly a Hugh Grant fan, but he does do a decent job as his portrayal of Hornby’s Will Lightman—a thirty something year-old slacker who’s been living off the royalties of a song written by his deceased father. Once again, we find our main character struggling to come to grips with the realities of adult-hood. I guess sooner or later, you gotta grow up.
Of course, out of all of Nick Hornby’s work, I have to say that the one book that stands out of the crowd, for me, is A Long Way Down. This novel takes a subject that is rarely talked about and makes it the focal point of the story—suicide. Four strangers meet on New Year’s Eve atop a building known for taking one’s life, and make a pact to help each other out during the harsh holiday seasons.
Now, I hope I’m not jinxing this, but rumors are abuzz that A Long Way Down will finally join its brothers in Hollywood sometime in 2012. And if this is true, I just suggest running out and getting yourself a copy of this wonderful story. I promise you, once you start reading it, you won’t be able to put it down.