What We're Reading: Laurie

Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby

Duncan is obsessed with Tucker Crowe, an American singer/songwriter who has been a recluse for the past twenty years, and considers himself a scholar on the subject. Annie and Duncan have been in a relationship of convenience for the past fifteen years and Annie is indifferent about Crowe's mystique. She likes his music, but is not a sycophant as is Duncan.
After traveling from England to America to visit all of the last known places of Tucker Crowe, Duncan receives a copy of the stripped down version of Juliet (considered Crowe's masterpiece) and life begins to unravel for Duncan and Annie. Duncan writes a rave review of Juliet, Naked while Annie writes a harsh criticism of the new record and posts it to Duncan's favorite Tucker Crowe fan site. Annie recieves an e-mail from Tucker praising her critique of the album and they begin a harmless flirtation until Tucker comes to England.
Hornby is witty, insightful and creates characters full of depth and regret. This is a must read for any Hornby fan.