Book info

• Title About a Boy
• Author Nick Hornby
• Year 1998
• Genre Contemporary

Thirty-six-year-old Londoner Will loves his life. Living carefree off the royalties of his dad's Christmas song, he's rich, unattached and has zero responsibilities - just the way he likes it. But when Will meets Marcus, an awkward twelve-year-old who listens to Joni Mitchell and accidentally kills ducks with loaves of bread, an unlikely friendship starts to bloom. Can this odd duo teach each another how to finally act their age?

Thoughts

I love the film adaptation of this and Nick Hornby does write a good novel, so this was an easy choice to read. I listened to the audiobook and Stephen Mangan was doing the narration which made it next level, he’s great. The story is fab, too, really delving into the heart of mental health, depression, how awful it can be when you don’t fit in at school, and when you grow up as well, plus trying to navigate relationships at all ages. It’s funny but also heartbreaking, and ultimately a really good, challenging but somehow also cosy, read.

Rating: 5 / 5