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Long Way Down (Paperback)

"Can I explain why I wanted to jump off the top of a tower block? ..." (more)
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)

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Can I explain why I wanted to jump off the top of a tower block? Read the first page
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36 Reviews
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4.8 out of 5 stars (36 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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5.0 out of 5 stars Another perspective on suicide, in a Dr Phil culture., July 25 2008
By Tara Oakes (Winnipeg, MB, Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: A Long Way Down (Paperback)
Fantastic read- Hornby tells the tale of four would-be suicide victims, as different as they can be, from each of their own perspectives. No sappy words or formula-fiction here: just a biting, witty take on something many people have thought about at one point or another. It's a serious issue, but Hornby write's about it so it becomes laugh-out-loud funny. One of the best contemporary novels I've read this year!
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4.0 out of 5 stars 3.5 Stars for a 'Good' Hornby Effort, Jun 3 2008
By momo_adachi (Alberta, Canada) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   
This review is from: A Long Way Down (Paperback)
Nick Hornby is probably known best for "About a Boy" and "High Fidelity" but creedence should be given to his lesser-known efforts as well, such as this one, about a group of people meet on a rooftop on New Years Eve and have a common goal: to commit suicide for different reasons. Because of this commanality, form an interesting, complicated bond that changes throughout the novel through slow revelation and at times, laugh-out-loud dialogue.

The book seems shallow at first, a mockery of what is a serious psychological disorder. But the lighthearted tone of the novel is met halfway with brilliant moments of darkness and reflection, such as various moments involving middle-aged Maureen, who realizes her own stark loneliness while on vacation, and also comes to the revelation that she does not know how to truly live, having given her life to her disabled son and even moments of the rebellious, difficult (yet at times, annoying and unrealistic) Jess, who at the heart of her problems with her boyfriend and parents, misses her vanished sister. It seems Hornby makes a point of demonstrating that these characters are at odds with themselves in more ways than one, including their complicated friendship that sometimes seems to be of convenience but in the end, is a strong mutual bond of respect and love, even unbeknownst to the characters themselves.

At times, Hornby's writing style can be over-explicit and he allows little work for the reader while exposing, in very plain detail, characters' thoughts and revelations (for example, we do not necessarily need to be told that Jess wants her sister to come back - it is already implied; yet, Hornby goes into detail on the matter, making the book sometimes frustrating in its approach to the human psyche). As well, these characters and their situations are at times far-fetched and unbelieveable, despite being incredibly entertaining (such as when Jess tells tabloid magazines that the reason they spared their lives was because of an angel they saw). Although not without its problems, Hornby's always-entertaining dialogue makes for a great, complex, cerebral yet hilarious and lighthearted read that is sometimes so sad you forget that it's funny and sometimes so funny you forget that it's sad. What seems at first like a hopeless disregard for life's turns of events, in the end turns into a celebration of what rebirth, second chances, life and unexpected friendships can do for someone. It is definitely worth the read!
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5.0 out of 5 stars I feel the very same way, Nov 1 2007
This review is from: A Long Way Down (Paperback)
So many books come recommended to me from friends, the Internet, bestseller lists, etc, that it gets mind boggling sometimes just trying to tell who is right. Sure, I bought, read, and loved some of the ones recommended to me. Books like McCrae's Katzenjammer, Patterson's Lifeguard, and Kidd's Secret Life of Bees. I loved them-all different. But the premise of A LONG WAY DOWN. You CAN'T go wrong with that! What a knock-out idea for a book. And what the author does with this material is even better than the idea! The story begins with four people from very different backgrounds who use New Year's Eve, not as a time to make for resolutions for the coming year, but instead to resolve to end their lives by jumping off a building. Coming together at such a low point in their lives unites the foursome, which includes a down on his luck talk show host, an older woman caring for a disabled son, a teen girl who can't handle her first breakup, and an American guy in his 20s whose band broke up and girlfriend dumped him. As an English writer, Nick Hornby uses the American to show some of the cultural differences in language, which I found hilarious. Anyway, although they don't always get along, the group gives each other support, simply by sharing the same depressing feeling that there is nothing more to live for. Must also recommend the highly unusual KATZENJAMMER (Soon to be a major motion piciture) and the really bizarre and thoroughly enjoyable TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE, both which are equally as good as ALWD. I look forward to more books by Mr. Hornby as he's one heck of a great writer with wonderful ideas!
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 		 Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic
I picked up "Long Way Down" as the hardcover happened to be on clearance at a local bookstore. I loved "High Fidelity" and thought this book would be less then impressive due it... Read more
Published on Aug 8 2007 by Cary Brenson

5.0 out of 5 stars A Long Way Down is great
Anything (book) with an unusual premise gets my attention. You know, books that have a really, really, really creative idea and then a great follow through? Read more
Published on Sep 13 2005 by Cherry Phillips

5.0 out of 5 stars Sometimes I feel the SAME way
So many books come recommended to me from friends, the Internet, bestseller lists, etc, that it gets mind boggling sometimes just trying to tell who is right. Read more
Published on Aug 26 2005 by Sharon Vanderhoos

5.0 out of 5 stars A new Genre
There seems to be a new literary movement in the UK right now and I suppose Mr Hornby is at the forefront ( inspiring others like Tony Parsons, Steve Horsfall, Mike Gayle etc)... Read more
Published on Aug 11 2005

5.0 out of 5 stars Sure Fire Success
For anyone looking for a good multi-genre, sarcastic dramatic comedy "A Long Way Down" is a winner. Nick Hornby writes with the same fluent wry humor that catapulted "High... Read more
Published on Aug 8 2005 by Dover

5.0 out of 5 stars Best in a Long Time
A LONG WAY DOWN was fantastic! I haven't enjoyed a book this much in a long time. Great fiction writing, to be sure. Read more
Published on Aug 4 2005 by Jane Stedmore

5.0 out of 5 stars Situation Comedy ... of Suicidal Proportions
Although I generally prefer novels with a single protagonist, I ultimately enjoyed "A Long Way Down" in which the story is told by four separate POVs. Read more
Published on July 31 2005 by William Bryson

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable to say the least
I wasn't sure if I was going to like A LONG WAY DOWN; the premise did in fact sound a bit theatrical, and after reading Hornby's last novel HOW TO BE GOOD (which I found... Read more
Published on July 30 2005 by Robert T. Baker

5.0 out of 5 stars Every Page is Great
Nick Hornby is such an absolutely amazing author. I read "A Long Way Down" without putting it down once. It is page after page of captivation. Hornby can tell a story. Read more
Published on July 29 2005 by Dorthy Daibor

5.0 out of 5 stars It Comes So Easy
Nick Hornby is such an absolutely amazing author. I read "A Long Way Down" without putting it down once. It is page after page of captivation. Hornby can tell a story. Read more
Published on July 29 2005 by Dorthy Daibor

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