The Polysyllabic Spree

The Polysyllabic Spree compiles Nick Hornby's monthly book review columns from The Believer magazine, spanning September 2003 to November 2004. Each entry begins with two lists - books purchased and books read - followed by Hornby's reflections on his reading life during that period. The book includes excerpts from notable authors and chronicles Hornby's journey through various literary works, from classics to contemporary fiction. His commentary ranges from personal reading habits to broader observations about literature, with a self-deprecating look at the gap between reading ambitions and reality. The collection takes its name from Hornby's comparison of The Believer's editorial staff to the choral group The Polyphonic Spree, imagining them in white robes with maniacal smiles. This book is the first in a series of four collections of Hornby's literary columns. The work explores the relationship between readers and books, examining how we choose what to read and what these choices reveal about us. It speaks to the universal experience of book lovers who buy more than they can read while maintaining a sense of humor about literary aspirations.

Readers value Hornby's honest, casual approach to discussing books, comparing his writing style to chatting with a friend about reading. Many note his self-deprecating humor and ability to make literary criticism accessible. Readers liked: - The format of monthly reading lists with commentary - His frank admissions about books he couldn't finish - Insights into an author's reading habits - Book recommendations across multiple genres Readers disliked: - Too much focus on Hornby's personal life - Limited depth in book analysis - Some found his tone pretentious - Several mention the columns work better in their original magazine format "Reading about someone else reading sounds boring but Hornby makes it entertaining," notes one Amazon reviewer. Another adds, "His enthusiasm for books is infectious." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (90+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.9/5 (900+ ratings)

Leave the World Behind: The Story of Reading Chronicles a year of reading with personal reflections on books, mirroring Hornby's approach to examining the reading life through monthly dispatches.

An Experiment in Criticism by C. S. Lewis Examines how different people read and what their reading habits reveal about their relationship with literature, providing insight into the reader-book connection.

Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman Documents the author's life through essays about books, collecting, and reading habits with observations about the reading life that connect to Hornby's reflections.

Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose Explores the relationship between reading and writing through close examination of literary works, offering a perspective on engaging with literature that complements Hornby's approach.

The Year of Reading Dangerously by Andy Miller Records the author's journey through fifty challenging books, presenting monthly reading updates and self-deprecating observations about literary ambitions.

🔖 The book's title refers to staff members at The Believer magazine, who Hornby playfully depicted as wearing matching white polyester cult-like robes. 📚 Nick Hornby's novels "High Fidelity" and "About a Boy" were both adapted into successful films starring John Cusack and Hugh Grant respectively. 📖 The columns that make up this book were originally published in The Believer magazine, which was co-founded by author Dave Eggers. 📑 Each column follows a strict format: beginning with lists of "Books Bought" and "Books Read" that month, highlighting the often amusing disparity between the two. 📚 Despite being known primarily as a novelist, Hornby has written extensively about both music and sports, including the memoir "Fever Pitch" about his obsession with Arsenal Football Club.