76 pages • 2 hours read
Nick HornbyAbout a Boy
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Nick Hornby's comedic novel About a Boy, 12-year-old Marcus moves to London with his loving but depressive mother and faces bullying at his new school. He befriends 36-year-old bachelor Will, who is living off his father's royalties and initially joins a single parents' group to meet women. Their friendship evolves, helping both navigate their respective life changes. This story includes discussions of mental illness, depression, suicide, and child neglect.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Hornby's About a Boy deftly blends humor and heart, offering a compelling look at unlikely friendships. Critics praise its sharp wit and poignant character development, particularly the dynamic between Will and Marcus. However, some reviewers find the plot occasionally predictable. Overall, it's a heartwarming read with genuine emotional depth.
Who Should Read About a Boy?
A reader who enjoys About a Boy by Nick Hornby is likely someone who appreciates heartfelt, witty stories about unconventional relationships and personal growth. Fans of High Fidelity by the same author or The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky will find similar themes of self-discovery and humor intertwined with poignant moments.