50 Books Challenge 2012 - # 13: The Understudy by David Nicholls

Title: The Understudy
Author: David Nicholls
Story: Recently divorced actor Stephen C. McQueen (no relation, unfortunately) seems to have a knack for bad luck. But a failed marriage, a stalled career, a judgmental ex-wife, a distant daughter, a horrid little studio apartment in the far reaches of the London suburbs–all these pathetic elements seem to pale in the chiseled face of his newest tormentor: the Twelfth Sexiest Man in the World, Josh Harper. And just when Stephen’s sure he couldn’t resent Josh more, he meets Josh’s witty, restless American wife, Nora . . . and discovers he likes her a little too much.
Start: march 20th 2012
End: march 28th 2012
Comment: I stated my love for David Nicholls' books twice before, when I read "One Day" and "Starter for Ten". Stephen is kind of an anti-hero, desperate for succes. He did everything from playing a dead body to a dancing and singing squirrel. He gets an understudy role for the most annoying actor, but also very much adored by the audience, actor Josh Harper. When Stephen meets the perfect woman, Nora, the worst thing thinkable happens. She's married to Josh. Stephen isn't the perfect man, but because of all the bad luck he has and the visible flaws he admits to having, Stephen is an extremely likeable character. This book is just as irresistible, because it's thightly packed with sparkling dialogue, well paced comedy, quirky characters and uproarious plot turns thrown in for good measures. I can genuinely say David Nicholls is in danger of making the phrase 'laugh out loud' credible again. People say his writing is a lot like Nick Hornby's. I can see it, but I'm very close to even liking Nicholls more. "The Understudy" was such an enjoyable, romantic and witty novel. Good for every mood.
Rating: 4/ 5

50 Books Challenge 2011 - # 62: Starter for Ten by David Nicholls

Title: Starter for Ten
Author: David Nicholls
Story: The year is 1985. Brian Jackson, a working-class kid on full scholarship, has started his first term at university. He has a dark secret—a long-held, burning ambition to appear on the wildly popular British TV quiz show University Challenge—and now, finally, it seems the dream is about to become reality. He's made the school team, and they've completed the qualifying rounds and are limbering up for their first televised match. (And, what's more, he's fallen head over heels for one of his teammates, the beautiful, brainy, and intimidatingly posh Alice Harbinson.) Life seems perfect and triumph inevitable—but as his world opens up, Brian learns that a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing.(
Start: december 12th 2011
End: december 24th 2011
Comment: I fell in love with David Nicholls' writing after reading "One Day". When I saw this book, I just wanted to have it. It is different from "One Day" but it didn't disappoint me one bit. Nicholls has a rare talent for humorous, clever and witty writing and I seriously had some laugh-out-loud-moments. Especially the part where Brian bought himself weights. Although the humor is very clever, it's an easy read. Brian is a great character. I loved him right away and I totally got him. I think having a friend like Brian in your life isn't all that bad. I also liked how every chapter started with a trivia question. I still have to read "The Understudy", which is waiting on my shelve. I can honestly say that David Nicholls is one of my favorites and I love this book. Can't wait to read more of his work.
Rating: 5/ 5

50 Books Challenge - # 26: One Day by David Nicholls

Title: One Day
Author: David Nicholls
Story: Emma and Dexter meet for the first time on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways. So where will they be on this one day next year? And the year after that? And every year that follows? Twenty years, two people, one day.
Start: may 5th 2011
End: may 11th 2011
Comment: When I started reading I found several similarities with "When Harry met Sally", but as the story developed it became a story of its own. I thought the way the story was told was unique. Each chapter covers the same day every year over two decades. I love how Nicholls described the relationship between Emma and Dexter. It's a realistic bond between a man and a woman, who think they can be just friends after spending a night together. Even though at least one of them is in a relationship everytime the meet each other again, the reader knows that Emma and Dexter are supposed to be together. I especially loved Emma. She was such a sweet woman. That's what made this ending so sad. And also because Dexter is growing on you as well, you feel sorry for him at the end. I can recommend this book to anyone, especially when you also like Nick Hornby books. This is a book that made me both laugh and cry, I truly loved it.
Rating: 5/ 5