Originally Posted by Karen 4th October 2005


Nick Hornby sprinkles references to music, lyrics, musicians...as well as books and authors in his stories. Why do you think he does that? How does it affect you as a reader? Does it add to the story, or understanding of a character for you? Or no?

Jae


The ordinary references to bands, music, authors, etc...helps the reader bond more intimately with the story line and the characters. I think this was especially important due to some of the uncomfortable subject matter, suicide, broken families, infidelities, lost dreams...it can be rather depressing to read about their fallen lives for entertainment purposes. (I kinda dreaded getting started on the book because it was rather moody.) The common references broke down the boundaries for me not to view this from a distance and anchors in some of our own reality to an unrealistic situation. I doubt many of us would find ourselves in the dilemma of these four people. If we just looked at the story from the side of the woes, the book would have been difficult to get through and would leave you, perhaps a bit angry and unsympathetic. But with the more ordinary references and snippets from our own life, you can’t help but wonder what you would do in that situation and you find yourself routing for the characters to prevail. It draws you in more to the conflict.

On the other side of that, I feel like Hornby lets down the veil a bit and exposes a little about himself with these signature references. So it made me wonder about him periodically along the read. When I would get these glimpses, I thought that Hornby would be an interesting person to sit down with and have a pint and a chat. If ever in Nashville….

Karen


Intersting thoughts Jae....I'd love to sit down with him too...we know he has an extensive love of music...rock especially. LOL

Shoot, I'd love to sit down with all of our authors.

That reminds me, I am about to send off the questions for Mr. Hornby..does anyone have a last minute question for him? They are going out tonight...I am behind in getting them ready. AACCKK

Jae


Yea, Karen, ask Hornby when he wants to come to Nashville for a pint? LOL! I will email you some questions this afternoon. Thanks...I am glad to know I didnt miss the opportunity!

MerryK


I'm thinking too .. along those same lines.. that he threw in those type of references so that there may be some common ground between the reader and the characters in the book so there would be more of a connection to them.

Deppraved


Well, I appreciate his contemporary referrences, as it reflects the current day. I just don't know what else to say about this.

MerryK


I didnt see this brought up.. but I was thinking about it the other day. Did anybody else catch the reference that was made to the book "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" ???? I thought that was kind of neat since that is one we read & discussed and is Johnny connected too.