[LM_NET] Book: A Long Way Down - High School only

[Janice Davies <jgdavies2004@YAHOO.COM>]

I've decided to post some of the reviews I did for my book review sessions before I 
retired. I read A Long Way Down for myself and at first discounted the idea of 
putting it in the school library -- I'm always a little wary about adding books 
that are about suicide -- but I think Hornby's approach is really unique, and in a 
quirky way, very positive.    

  A Long Way Down
  Nick Hornby
  Riverhead Books/Penguin Group, Copyright 2005
  1-57322-302-6
  24.95
  332 pages
  

  In London, there is (for the sake of the story) a fifteen story building called 
Topper’s House where people who are feeling suicidal go with the intention of 
jumping. One New Years Eve, four people decide to end their lives. The coincidence 
that brought all of them there that night results in them getting in each other’s 
way – distracting them from their intentions – and they decide they will put off 
their suicides until Valentines Day. These are bitter, not particularly likable 
people and while they are not inclined to be friends, they reluctantly find 
themselves involved with each other because of their shared goal. The narration 
alternates between the four characters which gives the reader some reassurance that 
none of the four will succeed with the original goal of suicide. Despite the grim 
subject matter, the book is funny and ultimately positive. Each character realizes 
that with a lot of hard work, the willingness to make changes, and the support of 
their friends,
 they will be able to take “the long way down” – i.e., take the stairs rather than 
jumping.
   
   
  Jan Davies
  Retired Media Specialist
  Columbia, Maryland
  jgdavies2004@yahoo.com



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