# About a Boy

By Nick Hornby

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/about-a-boy-3450fb4d/

Will Freeman invents a toddler so he can join a single-parent group and meet women. Then twelve-year-old Marcus starts taking up space in his carefully unencumbered life.

## What makes it funny?

In the opening excerpt, Marcus regards his mother’s breakup partly as a problem of excess pizza. He also thinks sharing a bathroom should create some obligation to stay in touch.

### The comedy at work

Marcus asks direct questions that adults mistake for sarcasm. Will supplies the opposite problem: a grown man whose ingenious dating plan depends on pretending to have responsibilities.

### Try this if…

For readers who enjoy awkward conversations, unlikely friendships and adults who still have growing up to do.

### Good to know

The story includes depression, a suicide attempt and school bullying.

## What to expect

- Genre: Contemporary & literary
- On the shelf: Coming of age
- Kind of humor: Dry wit · Situational comedy
- The atmosphere: Warmhearted
- Audience: Adult
- Format: Novel

## Sources & further reading

- Publisher: [Publisher and excerpt](https://penguinrandomhousehighereducation.com/book?isbn=9781101147368)
- Review: [Kirkus review](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/nick-hornby/about-a-boy)