Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby

Annie’s put fifteen years into safe, slightly obsessive Duncan and now she’d like her money back, please. It’s time to move on. But she lives in Gooleness, the north’s answer to a question nobody asked. Is she really going to find real, proper, feel-it-deep-down-in-your-boots love on a damp and windy seafront? Or perhaps she should follow her heart and pursue Tucker, the reclusive American rock star, who keeps emailing her his smart advice.

But between Annie and her second chance lie a few obstacles. There’s Malcom, the world’s most judgmental therapist, and Barnesy, the north’s most extrovert dancer. There’s what men and women will do and won’t do for love. And, of course there’s Tucker…

Well the synopsis pretty much explains everything so I’ll keep this short and sweet. Annie is a fan of the reclusive musician Tucker Crowe while Duncan is a little more than obsessed about him. The story begins with Annie and Duncan going on a tour of places associated with Tucker Crowe including the public bathroom where he allegedly decided to pack in his career as a rock star. The story focuses on relationships, ageing and kids.

I have to say that I really enjoyed this book and there were moments when I laughed out loud. The characters are well developed and a little wacky. The story touches on regrets and what a person should do when they find that they have wasted the last 20 odd years of their life. This may sound depressing but it is told is the humorous fashion that is Nick Hornby. It’s a light but meaningful book. An easy and enjoyable read. 3 ½ out of 5

Describe it in two words: Funny and Honest