Nick Hornby Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Plays

Publication Order of Stuff I've Been Reading Books

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Nick Hornby

Nick Hornby has become a prominent voice within and throughout the literary industry as a British writer. Becoming a household name for many, he has a distinct voice that stands out, making him one of the foremost figures within his field. Writing stories grounded in reality, he draws inspiration from the world around him and his own life growing up. Using real characters from his own life, Nick Hornby has almost become an institution, with many of his books not being instantly recognizable.

Just as well known for many of his short stories as he is his longer novels, Nick Hornby writes in a straightforward and down-to-earth manner. Many of his stories reflect real-life, and while they’re relevant to the location they’re set within, they also have a universality to their appeal. His writing has almost become a trademark at this point, with his work being a brand in itself for many. Resonating with readers from around the world, his reader know and understand what they’re getting when it comes to his work.

Many of his books have also gone on to be adapted for the big screen as well, with films such as ‘Fever Pitch’ and ‘High Fidelity being hugely popular. Other films include ‘About A Boy,’ and it’s his dedication to creating unique and memorable characters who really stand out from the page. Letting the reader into his world, each character has their own distinct personality, as they remain iconic for readers from all over. With so much more to come in the future, too, he’s not finishing up any time soon, as there’s so much more planned upon the horizon.

Early and Personal Life

Born in 1957 on the 17th of April, Nick Hornby was born in Redhill, Surrey, and would grow up in Maidenhead, England. Attending Maidenhead Grammar School, he was raised nurturing a keen interest in literature, developing it throughout the years. Going on to attend Jesus College in Cambridge, he would study English further, allowing him to really hone and refine his voice.

Before becoming a full-time novelist, he would work for some time as an English teacher in secondary school. Writing numerous essays, stories, and pieces for various different publications, he would soon proceed to make a name for himself as an author. Working with many charities, particularly that of autism charities, he’s a committed voice for progress as well as a full-time writer, currently living in North London with his wife and children, and also runs a charity committed to children’s literacy.

Writing Career

The first book that Nick Hornby would write would come out in 1992, and it would be a collection of essays about fellow writers titled ‘Contemporary American Fiction.’ He’d soon follow this up that same year with the book ‘Fever Pitch,’ which would be a memoir based on his own life looking at his love of football/soccer and, in particular, the Arsenal Football Club. His first fictional novel, ‘High Fidelity,’ would be published in 1995, gaining numerous awards in the process and lots of acclaim.

He would go on to write for numerous different publications, including a book review column titled ‘Stuff I Have Been Reading,’ running monthly since 2003 in ‘The Believer’ magazine. Also working as a screenwriter, he’s adapted the work of others, such as Lynn Barber’s novel ‘An Education’ back in 2009. Winning countless awards for his work and writing, he’s become a prominent voice and will continue to write for years to come.

Fever Pitch

Initially using the subtitle of ‘A Fan’s Life,’ this would be one of the earlier books from Nick Hornby, with it being a 1992 autobiographical essay. Published through the ‘Gollancz’ publishing imprint initially, it would win several awards, including the ‘William Hill Sports Book of the Year’ on its release. It would later be made into a 1997 film of the same name starring Colin Firth in the lead, and an American remake would come out in 2005 using Baseball as its sport instead of Soccer.

Charting the life of author Nick Hornby and his relationship with football up until that point, the book follows him and his love of the game. Watching matches from the grounds of his favorite team, Arsenal, it progresses in chronological order, with each chapter being a match from his memory. Running from childhood into his thirties, it manages to capture everything, looking at the sport and his own life in relation to it. Hornby also talks about his love of other clubs that play throughout the novel, too, looking at the Cambridge teams whilst he attends university.

This novel provides an excellent insight into the sport of football/soccer, providing a perfect entry point for newcomers to the game. It’s easily accessible, really capturing the highs and lows of following a beloved team and what it means to be a sports fan. Well written in a warm, funny, and engaging manner, it’s got plenty of character and heart, as it draws the reader in for the duration.

High Fidelity

Coming out through the ‘Victor Gollancz Ltd’ publishing house once more, this would be the first fictional novel from Nick Hornby. Released in 1995 on the 16th of September, it would later be made into a feature film in 2000, followed by a 2006 Broadway musical and a TV series in 2020. Following this, he would write and publish ‘About A Boy’ in 1998, which would be made into a 2002 feature film, and a 2014 television series.

Looking at the life of Rob Fleming, it sees him working as the thirty-five-year-old owner of a record shop called Championship Vinyl based in London. Recently leaving him, his girlfriend Laura, a lawyer, has left him in somewhat of a crisis, as he spends his time in the record store immersed in music and pop culture. Talking to his friends and fellow employees Dick, Rob, and Barry, they discuss mix-tapes and their perfect music mixes, along with pop culture and movies. Fearing commitment, as well as often acting out of emotion, he finally decides to make a token gesture and commit to Laura once and for all.