Apologies for the rather risque title for today’s Daily Bookshot, but the first thing I thought of when I saw the cover for Nick Hornby’s new novel – Juliet, Naked (Penguin), was Austin Powers. Maybe I’m wrong on that observation but one thing I’m not wrong about is how delicious this cover looks. I’m sure you agree?
I love retro designs I really do (I think the layout of RobAroundBooks may suggest as much), so you can bet that this cover appeals to me in big way. The typography, which is quite obviously the most significant design element on this cover – front or back – is the work of Studio Oscar, a design house in London who specialise in hand-crafted typography (don’t they just). I’d recommend spending a few minutes on their website and being equally blown away by the quality of some of their work.
I guess I should briefly say something about the book shouldn’t I? because after all, it is from the pen of the great Nick Hornby, most famously known for his bestsellers High Fidelity, Fever Pitch and About a Boy. This latest novel from Hornby looks set to hit to top of the charts too, if the synopsis is anything to go by:
Annie and Duncan are a mid-thirties couple who have reached a fork in the road: their shared in Duncan’s obsession with the reclusive musician Tucker Crowe might not be enough to hold them together. When Annie hates Tucker’s ‘new release’, an awful demo of his most famous album, it’s the last straw – Duncan cheats on her and she throws him out. Via the internet, Annie’s harsh opinion reaches Tucker himself, who couldn’t agree more. He and Annie start an unlikely correspondence which teaches them both something about moving on from years of wasted time.
OK, that’s all I’m saying on Hornby’s new novel, at least until I set about reading it. So in the meantime, if you want to know more, head on over to the publisher page for the book, where the good people at Penguin have offered up an extract from the opening chapter.
Penguin Books | 03 September 2009 | £18.99 | HARDBACK | 256 PP | ISBN: 9780670915651
About Rob
My husband and I both laughed at your title! I’m just annoyed that we probably won’t get this groovy Power-esque cover in the US. I may have to buy a UK copy.
says:
A moment of divine inspiration with that title Kristen. Don’t hold your breath though. It’s unlikely I’ll ever be as comical again.
Seriously though I’m glad I brought a little sunshine into your (and your husband) life.
Warmest
Rob