2000 Lives : A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby.

I picked this book up in a charity shop down Watford way, quite a while ago. It then sat on my shelf waiting in the long queue of books I hadn't got around to reading yet. I read and loved High Fidelity years ago, perhaps due to the music references, but I enjoyed the writing style as well. Obviously, I've also seen most of the film adaptation of About A Boy. How could I miss it when ITV2 replay it about 5 times a month? Not my favourite film, but not offensively bad either.

Aside from the price tag, and the fact it was written by Nick Hornby, what attracted me to this book was the subject. The briefest synopsis is this : four strangers meet on the roof of a building, they were all planning to jump off of it.

The narrative cycles through each character with every chapter, so we get a good insight into each of the character's reasons for wanting to kill themselves. All bases are covered, you've got a male and a female of both the young and the old variety. Actually I think that most people will be able to relate to at least one aspect of each person. Equally I found aspects of each character annoying too. On reflection, I guess this what you would call writing good, well-rounded characters.

I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, but obviously if they all jumped off the roof, there wouldn't be much of a book. So, I can say that not all, or maybe any, of them kick it at the beginning of the book. I enjoyed the subsequent interaction between four types of people that otherwise would never have met. I was also pleased that instead of just brushing suicide under the carpet as a convenient story starter, it is the main theme throughout. You may be thinking now 'this sounds depressing Laura, why should I read this?!'

Well buddy, firstly, let me defend depressing things, or in fact any thing that doesn't have your typical happy ending. It is much more advantageous to you as a person to learn about ALL aspects of humanity, because although fantasy worlds are nice from time to time, you do not live in one.
Secondly, this book is FUNNY. In a lot of places. Also, I guess, hopeful. The characters spend a lot of time trying to think of reasons for the others to go on living. So, that's quite nice.
Thirdly, if you are still struggling (although COME ON), there is a film adaptation. With Aaron Paul. I haven't watched it yet*, but maybe you should read the book before you get distracted in your swooning?

If you have read it, what did you think? Let me know, I'm always interested in other people's take of books.  

Next week - The White Queen by Phillipa Gregory

*It's on the list....