"Can I explain why I wanted to jump off the top of a tower block? Of course I can explain why I wanted to jump off the top of a tower block. I'm not a bloody idiot."(From A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby)
Nick Hornby's A Long Way Down was recommended to me by a relative as a surprisingly funny book about suicide. This opening does set a witty, sarcastic tone, and if you're going to read a book about suicide, it helps if it's witty and sarcastic, right?
Thanks for the info. I just linked the book and it's first sentence to Rose City Reader!
ReplyDeleteSuicide is not something I want to read about but if I had to witty and sarcastic would be a help. Here is my post: Book Beginnings
ReplyDeleteHaha. I really like this beginning! This character seems rationally irrational.
ReplyDeleteYes, he sounds like he knows what he's doing and is irritated at having to explain it to idiots!
DeleteI listened to the audio of this one and liked it. Not my favorite Hornby, but enjoyable enough.
ReplyDeleteThanks for participating in Book Beginnings!
That's kind of hilarious.
ReplyDeleteYes, and it continues in that vein, now that I'm further into the book. These four people seperately decide to jump off a particular building, but when they get there, they kind of accidently interfere with each other, irritate each other, and ruin the suicidal "mood." Then they start to talk.
DeleteJumping of a Tower of blocks and living to talk about it, a miracle, isn't it? Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteYes, four miracles in this book, as four people who had intended to jump, don't do it and start talking to each other instead.
ReplyDeleteI love that beginning - very funny. I need to add this to my TBR. Nick Hornby is a great writer. Thanks for visiting my Friday post. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDelete