Long Way Down Unabridged Cd

3.25 stars

Maureen, JJ, Jess and Martin meet on a rooftop on New Year's Eve, where they've each planned to jump. They have nothing in common, except for this. But, this one thing is enough for them to decide to form a "gang", exchange phone numbers, and plan to meet back on the rooftop on Valentine's Day.

It was o.k., and a little bizarre. The four of them are so different. In any "normal" circumstance, they wouldn't even take note of each other, let alone talk to each other, or plan to meet up again. The book switches perspectives between all four characters, but it's easy to follow since each section is marked by whose perspective it is.

Not one of Hornby's best but funny and interesting anyway. A pretty good read, all-in-all.

This is a book about four people who decide to commit suicide on the same night, at the same place at exactly the same time. Throughout there meeting, they not only talk themselves out of jumping off the roof of the Topper House, they end up forming friendships which take them on crazy adventures on that night and in the months to come. This is a great book about rediscovering the value of human life, recognizing things to change, finding the courage to change them, and the power of conversation and new relationships. I highly recommend!

This novel delivers a truly gripping story, exploring the fundament human psyche, and the feelings of spectacular people, who, seemingly, fit the stereotypical label of “normal”. The characters in this book jump from the pages and attack your mind, as so many of their feelings and thoughts are ostensibly stolen from your mind. Maureen, a middle-aged mother coping with the state of her disabled son, shines with compassion, courage, and overall triumph. She is truly one of my favourite characters so far this year, as it seems her personality is never outwardly revealed, her thoughts never concisely exposed. Furthermore, the characters of this book make it worth reading. Their circumstance, however, is somewhat oppressive, but that state accentuates the true nature of their character even more so. This novel is charming, hilarious, and, quite often, masks true pain with hilarity. Ultimately, this novel teaches you about the glory of life through the possibility of death, and less-than-great circumstance.

This novel was definitely interesting. It was a lot different from what I expected, though. I was prepared for a really serious, depressing novel about four suicidal people, but instead it was actually quite light and humorous. It read like a 4-way memoir, and reminded me of Mister B. Gone by Clive Barker, because rather than their stories just being told, its as though they're "speaking" directly to you.

A story of four people planning to commit suicide on New Year's Eve bumping into each other: Martin, JJ, Jess, and Maureen. A novel trying to capture people's feeling of lost and the search for the meaning of life. Hilarious and fun to read, but in truth I like Hornby's earlier books better.

I've always been a big fan of Nick Hornby's writing and Long Way Down did not disappointed. Four misfits, a rooftop and a collective goal, suicide. Don't let the subject matter turn you off. The lives of the characters are woven together, with wit and charm. A poignant story that shows you are never really alone in the world. I enjoyed Hornby's rich characterization. I became attached to the characters and thought about them long after I finished the book. The true sign of a good book is when it ends too soon. A sequel to this book could easily be written. I really want to know what becomes of these misfits.

I was initially timid to embark on a tale of failed suicide. However, loving Nick Hornby's work as I do , I decided to read this novel. I am very grateful that I did. It is a true testimonial to the human need for understanding and contact, if not true friendship. Few writers could pull off a novel about multiple failed suicides without being morbid or overtly melodramatic. When the four rather ordinary characters climb down from the roof Hornby, to his credit, does not make their problems disappear of resolve easily. Rather he shows us how a little human contact and perspective help to change our views. I recommend this novel to Hornby fans everywhere.

Nick Hornby has done it again. In A Long Way Down, he takes a dark senario and adds his own twist of humour to it, making it both funny and serious at the same time. It's the story of four people -a humiliated talk show host, a single mother of a severely disabled son, a seemingly insane teenage girl and a musician who's lost hope in music- who meet on New Year's Eve as they attempt to kill themselves. It's the story of their lives from that moment on, and how they deal with their problems. A fabulous read for anyone who enjoys dry wit and inspired storytelling.

Nick Hornby managed to write yet another awesome book which could be yet another awesome Blockbuster.
Four characters brought together by depression & desperation meet at the top of a building known for suicidal jumps on New Year's eve: it's at this end of the rope that their journey begins.
These lives are intertwined in page after page of funny, witty, touching and thought-provoking "entries" the characters make in the book.
Simply brilliant. No surprise there.