Housekeeping vs. The Dirt (review: 3.5/5)

I sincerely hope that Nick Hornby’s writing isn’t as effortless and carefree as it reads. It just wouldn’t be fair. Especially because all he had to do for this book was read books (which he already does), and write about them (albeit under the cracking whips of the Polysyllabic Spree).
This book was especially good in light of the interview I read two days ago, where Chuck Klosterman mentions how criticism is really autobiography. There’s a lot to learn from Housekeeping. I really like how Hornby weaves his comments with a little background about how he came across the book, what kind of reading phase he was in, etc. Mix in a little self-effacing Britishness or some affectatious declarations (e.g. “I decided today that from now on I will only read books recommended by…”), and you’ve got a really fun package.