A LONG WAY DOWN By Nick Hornby

Published : 2005
Pages : 257
Overall Mark : 8/10

Martin, Maureen, Jess and JJ have nothing in common, except they all tried to commit suicide at the same time in the same place on New Year’s Eve. When they all decide not to kill themselves, but instead stay alive until Valentine’s Day to see if anything gets better, their lives become irrevocably intertwined to the point that they slowly and grudgingly become friends. The question is; will their friendship last past February 14th?

Considering the subject matter, this was a very entertaining and very amusing novel. As usual Hornby has the right level of comedy and pathos and combines them in such a way that they sneak up on you in the narrative. The characters are unique from each other which furthers the story greatly, and the notion of telling the story from each of their perspectives in alternating chapters gives us a better insight into what each character is thinking.

GATEWAY By Frederik Pohl

Published : 1976
Pages : 313
Overall Mark : 9/10

Bob Broadhead is lucky enough to win the lottery, and he uses his winnings to buy a one-way ticket to Gateway, a spaceport where people can take salvaged vessels from the mysterious alien race known as the Heechee and take risks in using them to travel through space in search of wealth. Following one disastrous journey, Bob finds himself talking over the events with an artificial psychiatrist, feeling responsible for the events that transpired on the trip.

This is one of the better science fiction novels I’ve read of late, with Robinette "Bob" Broadhead portrayed as possibly one of the most complex characters I’ve ever seen in fiction. He is neither heroic in his actions, nor actually evil in any way, but his endeavours and his attitude towards them make for a great read.