High Fidelity

High Fidelity by Nick Hornby

I’m almost certain that a lot of people—maybe men of a certain age in particular—can relate to Rob. In some ways, mostly nostalgically, I can too. I appreciate the musical references, the iconic independent record store, flipping through vinyl, leather jackets and blue jeans, the sexual freedom, and that feeling that we’re invincible. The whole vibe. I get it.

But Rob…well, he can be a lot. 😂

This is a fascinating book told very much from a male perspective, and that’s what makes it so refreshingly illuminating, frustrating, and—I hesitate to say—realistic. After all, I’m a girl, and this book is very much boy. So I’m just guessing that it’s realistic. It feels like it is, based on my experience. I’d hate to assume I know what reality is like for a boy (man) in his 20s trying to navigate love, responsibility, and the weight of both as we grow older.

Rob isn’t always easy to root for. He’s self-absorbed, a little whiny, and often stuck in his own head. But I think that’s also what makes him interesting. He feels like a pretty honest portrayal of someone who is still trying to figure himself out, grow up, and understand what he really wants.

I didn’t always like Rob, but I found myself understanding him more than I expected to—and maybe even recognizing a little bit of that younger, less evolved version of all of us.

So…was it good? Yes.

Did I like it?

Hmm. Maybe not quite. 😂

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