“Speaking with the Angel” is a collection of twelve short stories by young, hot, up-&-coming British authors such as Zadie Smith, Melissa Bank, Helen Fielding, Dave Eggers, and Colin Firth (yes, the actor from Pride & Prejudice and the Bridget Jones’ Diary). Edited by Nick Hornby (who contributes a story himself), this book is a fundraiser for TreeHouse, an organization that offers a unique and pioneering approach to the education of children with autism.

My favourite stories include Nick Hornby’s “NippleJesus” about a bouncer-turned-museum security guard who develops an obsession on a pornographic art/statement on public reaction and its artist; and Robert Harris’ “PMQ” about the British Prime Minister’s account to the House on why he ran away from a gas station and hitched a lift with a fifteen-year old girl. Irvine Welsh’ “Catholic Guilt (You Know You Love It)" is also interesting; it is an account on what happens when a homophobic thug dies.

Actor/writer Colin Firth writes a decent short story, entitled “The Department of Nothing” on a boy’s fascination with his grandmother’s fairytale. Although, I feel that the story could do with more editing.

There were two reasons why I bought this book: Nick Hornby and Zadie Smith. I have read a couple of Nick Hornby’s books; “High Fidelity” is my favourite book by this author. I wasn’t disappointed by his contribution in this book. As well, I’ve read Zadie Smith’s book debut, and a very amusing speech she gave during a book exhibition that was posted on-line. Thus, I was eager to read more of her work. Her short story, “I’m the Only One” was pretty good although I had thought that the story felt unfinished.

This book may be traded with another book; otherwise, it is on loan to any local bookcrossers who are interested in it.

Released on Sunday, February 23, 2003 at Released to friend in Kuching, Sarawak Malaysia.

Released to fellow bookcroser, hairy ape extraodinaire, during the First Official Bookcrosssing Meet-up in Kuching.. hehee.. good thing we all knew each other!! Hairy ape, finish the other book and start reading this one!

oops! Did I loan it to tarlia instead? I forget!! he hee.

Leaving the message that comes after the beep. I think I'll start on this book first... since short stories are easier to get through.

Well, I was wrong about it being easy to get through. Right after reading the first two stories, I can't even remember what they were about and it lost me pretty quickly after that. Passed it on to superkumquat - she likes British authors; I apparently don't. Didn't actually read the book, so I won't rate it.

Am reading this at the moment. Caught from someprimate

Book back with me. Traded it off in a book relay.

yay! I love Brit Lit and I also Like Nick Hornby quite a bit! I am super excited about reading this book!!!
Thanks someprimate!!!!

Reserved for Noumena

Well. I was surprised to receive this today. And from the looks of the previous journal entry...I don't think I was supposed to!

Jen-email me with an address and I'll send it on!

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/swoh/donate-books-3682.htm