A Couple of British Novels (One Hornby, One Hornby-esque)

I keep getting behind on my book reviews.  This week I read two very British books.  One was written by Nick Hornby and one felt like it could have been.  Heck, even their covers were similar!

I think I liked One Day by David Nicholls better.  It was a very cool premise.  It followed a couple on the same day (July 15) for twenty years.  Each chapter was that day, one year later.  And while I was perplexed as to why Emma would waste so much time on Dexter, the alcoholic narcissist, I did enjoy their relationship.  I was more than a bit startled by the ending.  I gave it four stars on Goodreads, but I think I was being overly generous.  Three and a half is more like it.  I'm excited to discuss it in my Sisters Book Club next month.  (Katie, Abby, and Krista, get reading!!!)

Juliet, Naked was also interesting.  I like how Nick Hornby combines his love of music with his literature.  Again, I enjoyed the premise--a reclusive former rock star gets in touch via the internet with a couple of fans across the Atlantic.  Hornby created some very interesting characters in this one (all the Tucker Crowe lore was so convincing, I was sure he was a real person for a few chapters!).  I could have done with more (better?) resolution at the ending, but I often feel that way with Hornby (How To Be Good, anyone?).  Still, a very enjoyable and quick read.  I gave it three stars.

And now I'm all caught up!