A funny and sophisticated book. With Davids change in attitude towards everything, Katie does not know what to think in which she begins to get confused. When she does make the decision to stay, she may find it to be better for her family. A really good book, well recommended.
Customer Review: 19 August 2003
Reviewer: Maxine
I haven't read a book for ages - having been spending my time on the pc till late!! The last book I read was by Nick Hornby 'About a Boy' which I thoroughly enjoyed, so when I decided "Right .. that's it early nights!" I went and bought myself two more of his books, 'Fever Pitch' (which I'm about to start reading tonight) and 'How to be Good'.
Well, what can I say - I haven't regretted my early nights with my cup of Horlicks and 'How to be Good'!
Thanks to Nick for another classic - I don't think anyone could read it without being touched by the wide range of emotions and feelings in this book. In my opinion well worth a read - I'll certainly be reading it again sometime and would recommend as a very good read indeed.
Customer Review: 11 September 2002
Reviewer: A reader from Hampshire, UK
I liked it a lot. Less a novel than - boldly - a work of moral philosophy which manages to work in some pretty challenging questions. Neither dry nor dull, there's plenty of life and humour in this book. And I challenge anyone to finish it without questioning, just a little, the way they live. In 'How to be Good', David, self-proclaimed and professional 'angryman' has an epiphany which causes him to dump his cynicism and anger, start listening to his conscience and uncompromisingly challenge inequality and cruelty wherever he finds it. While not explicitly experiencing a religious conversion, David truly discovers the path of righteousness, with hugely embarrassing, challenging and uncomfortably amusing consequences for his wife Katie (who has always considered herself, a Doctor, to be a de facto Good Person).
Customer Review: 11 September 2002
Reviewer: A reader from Ladbroke Grove, London
Hornby has moved on, matured, and is looking at deeper themes. I think this is Nick Hornby's best book. I found it very convincing. We all know unbelievable people and situations that you'd think 'Nobody would ever believe this if it was put in a book.' I think this epitomises this novel and what somehow makes it more real than his previous ones. I know people who like Dave have suddenly become 'born-again' and completely changed their personality, and I know wives who have put up with a lot more than Katie. I though Hornby's portrayal of marriage was painfully true-to-the-marrow. Katie doesn't really want to be in the marriage, she doesn't want it to end, and so she just stagnates. I have seen so many people with marriages like Katie / David, and I found this book very sad, and also very funny. Hornby's unsentimental sympathy for humanity, the homeless and problems affecting the world was almost Dickensian - perhaps Hornby is proving himself as the Dickens of our day?.
Customer Review: 11 September 2002
Reviewer: A reader from London UK
Fantastic!! The tale of Katie Carr and her family is funny, witty, sentimental and brilliant all at once! with the great DJ Goodnews our Finsbury park guru, bring the alternative if not off the wall way of thinking!! and David the sharp converted. It is a real breakthrough to have a female lead in Hornby's tale of not just Katie, but the wonderful Molly who is 8 going on 35 ! How to be Good says it all, Nick Hornby knows how to be good, by writing such wonderful novels !!!.
Customer Review: 11 September 2002
Reviewer: A reader from the UK
I admit, I am biased, I love Nick Hornby's work! But this was a bit of a surprise, I was expecting another novel where we wander around the inner workings of a male's mind, where they work out what they are doing wrong and resolve it in time for, at least, a partially happy ending. This book has no such easy answers and I am pleased that Nick Hornby has moved away from that. This book is often bewildering, but nonetheless it is such an enjoyable read. It is funny, it makes you think, but most of all it reminds us of our real life foibles. If you were expecting another insight into the mind of music-loving, emotionally retarded men then you will be disappointed. I, however, am not and relish the change. This is a must have for all Hornby fans! Forget that, for any well-read person ever.
Customer Review: 11 September 2002
Reviewer: A reader from the UK
'I laughed, I challenged my thinking, I cried, I reshaped my life - good value I'd say!'
Customer Review: 11 September 2002
Reviewer: A reader from England
'This is one of Hornby's best books, although different from his others in the way that it is deeper and more question-provoking, with that same humorous touch that makes Hornby's literature so likeable. Written from a woman's point of view, it confirms the belief that Hornby really can write from all perspectives. If you enjoyed 'High Fidelity' and 'About A Boy,' then I can guarantee that you will find 'How To Be Good' equally brilliant.
[Hornby] writes with a funny, fresh voice which skewers male and female foibles with hilarious accuracy'
Guardian
'Hornby's aim is true....like all good comic writers, Hornby uses joke to confront more deeply, not side-step'
Daily Telegraph
'Hornby is a writer who dares to be witty, intelligent and emotionally generous all at once'
The New York Times
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Customer Review: 13 September 2006
