High Fidelity

Nick Hornby's book has also been made into a reasonably popular movie starring John Cusack.

The movie is a celebration of a 35 yr old typical 'loser' guy starting with his latest girlfriend moving out on him.

Amongst the several delights in this 'light reading' book, there is this particular line towards the end which sums it up - "It's easier to have parents if you have a girlfriend"

The book features the protagonist Rob Fleming, his assistants at his record shop - Championship Vinyl - Dick and Barry and his girlfriend (ex or whatever) Laura. There are assorted other characters including his top 5 ex-girlfriends who dumped him/got dumped by him.

The story is ideal Sunday reading and is full of comic setpieces. For a moment, I am ignoring the substantial featuring of sex as a theme.

The best part of the book is the substantial dedication to music and the incredible list mania that runs through the book including one for Top Five Bands that will have to be shot Come the Music Revolution! (Simple Minds, Michael Bolton, U2, Bryan Adams and Genesis, in case you were interested) I disagree with U2 being on that list but the lists are brilliant fun to read.

I would strongly urge all self certified loser type professionals (SCLTPs) to read it. The last mentioned acronym is my tribute to the book which has several such...

And true to Horby's other stories - About a Boy, Fever Pitch, this one too has a happy ending.

Good Read. Now for finding my Laura...