Synopsis
Narrated in turns by a dowdy, middle-aged woman, a half-crazed adolescent, a disgraced breakfast TV presenter and an American rock star cum pizza delivery boy, A Long Way Down is the story of the Toppers House Four, aka Maureen, Jess, Martin and JJ. A low-rent crowd with absolutely nothing in common - save where they end up that New Year's Eve night. And what they do next, of course. Funny, sad, and wonderfully humane, Nick Hornby's new novel asks some of the big questions: about life and death, strangers and friendship, love and pain, and whether a slice of pizza can really see you through a long, dark night of the soul.

My review
This was a dark comedy which I really enjoyed. Each character was different and believable, and I enjoyed how they all interacted with eachother. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to give anything away. If you want a light hearted cheery book, this one isn't for you.

Thanks Michyj. Looking forward to reading it. As pm'd, if no-one else joins the ring, I'm wild releasing this when I'm done, OK?

I really enjoyed this - another one of Hornby's great reads. Dark, but funny and somehow true.

Are there any more ring participants, or shall I wild release? Thanks Michyj

Received this book in my mailbox today - thanks e-p-i & michyj

I wasn't sure whether I was going to get into this book at the beginning, as I wasn't intially drawn to any of the main characters. By about 1/3rd of the way through I found that I was more drawn into the story and enjoyed that way that Nick Hornby drew the characters as real people with every-day flaws and problems, not unusual or over the top. Some scenes were even amusing - Jess's "love-in" or planned intervention provided some laughs, and the ending, although up-beat, didn't provide any easy answers or fairytale endings.

Thanks for sharing the book michyj

Arrived in the mail today - have a couple of books ahead of it - but have a few weeks off - so will get it out in a couple of weeks.

Why do book rings always arrive in packs :) LOL!!!

Reading this was a bizzare experience - but one I am glad I had. No answers to the meaning of life in this one :)

Will mail on as soon as I get a snail mail address.

RELEASE NOTES:

Off to c-a-m in today's mail

Rec'd today. Thankyou sally906.

Being sent off to michyj today. Thankyou for the opportunity to read this lovely book.

Yeah, my bookring made it back to me! Thanks to everyone who participated! This will go in the Purist Bookbag which should arrive on my doorstep any day.

After doing its rounds on a bookring and making it home to me, I decided to add it to the Purist Bookbag. Surely there must be a dark sided Nick Hornby fan within this bookbag group?!

thanks michyj. I read "About a boy" a few months ago and liked it, I see this one isnt as cheery so I'll read it when im in a good mood