Nick Hornby

Nick Hornby is a British author, essayist, and screenwriter known for his works such as 'High Fidelity', 'About a Boy', and 'Fever Pitch'. His writing often explores themes of music, sports, and personal relationships.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. High Fidelity

    This novel revolves around the life of a record store owner in his mid-thirties who is obsessed with pop culture, particularly music. He has just been dumped by his long-term girlfriend and begins to question his life choices. As he revisits his top five breakups, he decides to get in touch with the exes to find out what went wrong in each relationship. Throughout this process, he learns a lot about himself, his fears, and his shortcomings while trying to make sense of his life.

    The 892nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 2. Fever Pitch

    A Fan's Life

    The book is a memoir that explores the author's deep-seated obsession with soccer, particularly his unwavering devotion to the Arsenal Football Club. Through a series of personal anecdotes and reflections, it delves into how this passion has shaped his life, relationships, and identity. The narrative intertwines the highs and lows of Arsenal's seasons with pivotal moments in the author's life, illustrating the profound impact sports can have on an individual's emotional and social world. The book captures the essence of being a dedicated fan and the intricate ways in which sports can mirror life's challenges and triumphs.

    The 3202nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  3. 3. A Long Way Down

    The novel follows four individuals who coincidentally meet on a London rooftop on New Year's Eve, each intending to end their own life. As they confront their personal struggles and contemplate their decisions, they form an unlikely support group, navigating their way through shared experiences of despair, humor, and hope. Through their interactions, they explore themes of redemption, friendship, and the complexities of human connection, ultimately finding reasons to reconsider their choices and continue living.

    The 8172nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  4. 4. Ten Years In The Tub

    A Decade Soaking in Great Books

    "Ten Years in the Tub" is a compilation of a decade's worth of monthly columns written for a literary magazine, where the author shares his candid experiences and reflections on reading. The book combines humor, insight, and a deep love for books, as the author discusses the various works he has read over the years, ranging from the obscure to the popular. His musings not only cover the content and impact of the books but also intertwine with anecdotes from his own life, offering a personal perspective on how reading can fit into and enrich everyday life. This collection serves as both a diary of literary exploration and a commentary on the role of reading in the modern world.

    The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  5. 5. Funny Girl

    Set in 1960s London, the story follows Barbara Parker, a charismatic young woman from Blackpool who dreams of becoming a comedy star like her idol, Lucille Ball. She reinvents herself as Sophie Straw and lands a role in a groundbreaking television sitcom, navigating the challenges of fame, gender expectations, and the evolving entertainment industry. As she rises to prominence, Sophie grapples with personal and professional relationships, ultimately finding her voice and redefining success on her own terms. The novel explores themes of ambition, identity, and the transformative power of humor.

    The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. About A Boy

    The novel explores the unlikely friendship between a 12-year-old boy named Marcus and a 36-year-old bachelor named Will. Set in London, the story delves into themes of growing up, loneliness, and the search for identity. Marcus struggles with bullying and his mother's depression, while Will is a carefree, wealthy man who avoids responsibility. Their lives intersect when Will pretends to be a single father to meet women, leading to a transformative relationship for both. Through their interactions, Marcus learns to navigate adolescence, and Will discovers the value of genuine connections and maturity.

    The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. How To Be Good

    In this witty and thought-provoking novel, a London-based doctor named Katie Carr finds herself grappling with the complexities of morality and personal fulfillment. Her marriage to David, a cynical and often irritable columnist, is on the rocks, and her life takes an unexpected turn when David undergoes a sudden transformation into a do-gooder after meeting a spiritual healer. As David's newfound altruism disrupts their family dynamics, Katie is forced to confront her own beliefs about goodness, happiness, and the true meaning of being a "good" person. Through a blend of humor and introspection, the story explores the challenges of balancing personal desires with ethical responsibilities.

    The 17098th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  8. 8. Just Like You

    In a vibrant exploration of love and societal norms, the story unfolds around Lucy, a middle-aged, recently divorced mother of two, and Joseph, a young, aspiring DJ working at a butcher shop. Set against the backdrop of a politically divided London, their unexpected romance challenges preconceived notions of age, race, and class. As they navigate their differences and the opinions of those around them, the narrative delves into the complexities of modern relationships, highlighting the beauty and chaos of finding connection in an ever-changing world.

    The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  9. 9. State Of The Union

    The book explores the complexities of marriage through the lens of a couple, Tom and Louise, who meet in a pub before their weekly marriage counseling sessions. As they engage in candid and often humorous conversations, they reflect on their relationship's past, present, and potential future. Through these dialogues, the couple navigates issues of trust, infidelity, and personal growth, ultimately examining whether their marriage is worth saving. The narrative delves into the intricacies of love and commitment, offering a poignant and witty portrayal of modern relationships.

  10. 10. Juliet, Naked

    The novel explores the complexities of relationships and the transformative power of art through the lives of Annie, her longtime boyfriend Duncan, and reclusive musician Tucker Crowe. Annie and Duncan's stagnant relationship is tested when Annie becomes disillusioned with Duncan's obsession with Tucker, a once-famous musician who has been out of the spotlight for decades. When Annie writes a critical review of Tucker's newly released acoustic album, "Juliet, Naked," she unexpectedly forms a connection with Tucker himself, leading to a journey of self-discovery and new beginnings for all three characters. The story delves into themes of love, regret, and the impact of art on personal growth.

  11. 11. More Baths, Less Talking

    Notes from the Reading Life of a Celebrated Author Locked in Battle with Football, Family, and Time Itself

    This engaging collection of essays offers a witty and insightful glimpse into the reading habits and literary musings of a passionate book lover. With a blend of humor and sincerity, the author reflects on the joys and challenges of navigating through a diverse array of books, from contemporary fiction to classic literature. Each essay captures the essence of the reading experience, celebrating the transformative power of stories while candidly sharing personal anecdotes and opinions. The narrative invites readers to explore the vast world of literature, encouraging them to embrace the pleasure of reading and the endless possibilities it offers.

  12. 12. Shakespeare Wrote For Money

    The Last Collection of Monthly Writings

    In this witty and insightful collection, the author shares his musings on the joys and challenges of reading, offering a candid glimpse into his literary adventures over the course of a year. With a blend of humor and sincerity, he reflects on the books that have captivated him, the ones that have disappointed, and the unexpected gems that have enriched his life. Through his engaging commentary, readers are invited to explore the transformative power of literature and the personal connections we forge with the stories we encounter.

  13. 13. Housekeeping Vs. The Dirt

    Fourteen Months of Massively Witty Adventures in Reading

    This collection of essays offers a witty and insightful exploration into the world of literature, capturing the author's reflections on a diverse array of books he has read over the course of two years. With a blend of humor and candidness, the author delves into the joys and challenges of reading, providing personal anecdotes and critiques that reveal his deep passion for storytelling. Each essay serves as a window into the author's literary journey, highlighting the transformative power of books and the enduring impact they have on our lives.

  14. 14. The Polysyllabic Spree

    A Hilarious and True Account of One Man's Struggle with the Monthly Tide of the Books He's Bought and the Books He's Been Meaning to Read

    In this witty and insightful collection of essays, the author chronicles his monthly reading habits, offering a candid glimpse into the mind of a passionate bibliophile. Each chapter presents a humorous and often self-deprecating account of the books he buys versus the ones he actually reads, revealing the joys and struggles of balancing literary aspirations with everyday life. Through his engaging narrative, the author explores themes of guilt, pleasure, and the ever-growing list of must-reads, making it a delightful reflection on the universal love of books.

  15. 15. Slam

    In this coming-of-age novel, a teenage boy navigates the unexpected challenges of impending fatherhood after his girlfriend becomes pregnant. As he grapples with the realities of growing up too soon, he finds solace and guidance in his imaginary conversations with his idol, a famous skateboarder. Through a blend of humor and heartfelt moments, the story explores themes of responsibility, maturity, and the unpredictability of life, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of love and family.

  16. 16. An Education

    Set in the vibrant backdrop of 1960s London, this memoir explores the transformative journey of a young woman on the cusp of adulthood. As she navigates the complexities of love, ambition, and societal expectations, her encounters with a charming older man challenge her perceptions of life and education. The narrative delves into themes of self-discovery, the allure of sophistication, and the bittersweet nature of growing up, ultimately highlighting the pivotal moments that shape one's identity and future.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  17. 17. The Elopement

    null

    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  18. 18. Miss Austen

    null

  19. 19. Songbook

    A collection of short, witty personal essays in which the narrator explores thirty-one songs that have shaped his life, using each track as a springboard for reflections on memory, relationships, pop culture and the emotional power of music; blending analysis, anecdote and humor, the pieces reveal how songs can mark moments, comfort, embarrass and connect people, offering affectionate criticism of both the music and the listener's own reactions.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org