Last week I reviewed Nick Hornby’s lastest novel, Juliet, Naked. I’m back with Nick Hornby’s latest essay collection, Shakespeare Wrote For Money. This is actually the third collection of Hornby’s essays and book reviews. The first two volumes are The Polysyllabic Spree and Housekeeping vs. the Dirt. Hornby wrote a monthly column for The Believer magazine reviewing books mostly. Each column began with a list of books Hornby bought that month and a list of books Hornby actually read. As you might expect, Hornby is a witty reviewer. The choice of books is clever and astute. And, Hornby is an honest reviewer (a rare breed). One month, his list of Books Read is NONE. Hornby admits to being so addicted to the World Cup he didn’t read any books that month. Hornby also admits to abandoning a book if he finds it dull or insipid. Sarah Vowell’s INTRODUCTION is very amusing. If you’re looking for insightful and funny book reviews, give Shakespeare Wrote for Money a try. GRADE: B+
This looks great. I hope my library has it. I blew my book budget at the used bookstore.
SHAKESPEARE WROTE FOR MONEY is inexpensive, Patti. It lists for $14 but I bought it on AMAZON for $10. It’s a slim volume, about 130 pages.
Thanks for this one, George. As you know I was a big fan of the first two books (as well as his non-fiction book on his football/soccer fanaticism). I’m also a Sarah Vowell fan.
It’s sad that Hornby isn’t doing his review column for THE BELIEVER anymore, Jeff. SHAKESPEARE WROTE FOR MONEY will be the last of the series. I enjoyed the first two volumes, too. And Sarah Vowell’s INTRODUCTION is great!
This indeed does sound interesting (if something I read can “sound”). Like Patti, I think it’s a get-at-the-library book, and I’ll check there.
Jeff – Sarah Vowell? Gimme an A, gimme an E, gimme……..
You might have to “suggest” SHAKESPEARE WROTE FOR MONEY for purchase to your favorite librarian, Rick. I didn’t even know this book was out until I saw it listed in JULIET, NAKED. I’ve seen no reviews, hear no buzz. Yet, the book is terrific!