Prompt – ‘A book with a pun in the title’ – hmmm…. sort of, it’s more like word play, but I’m counting it!
Medium – Book
About the book – Richard Ayoade writes a sort-of autobiographical, sort-of serious film criticism of ‘View from the Top’, a early 2000s film starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Mark Ruffalo. A rom com, this film tells the story of a young girl from the ‘wrong side of the tracks’, who strives to become an air stewardess. Ayoade approaches the subject matter as Kermode would do a serious film, with plenty of sarcasm and dry humour. He points out the cliched nature of romantic comedies and the view of women explored in turn of the millennium popular culture.
My rating – 9.5/10. I loved this book! I already really like Richard Ayoade and find his brand of humour compulsive. This book made me chuckle all the way through and led to some rather embarrassing moments on the train as I giggled my way between stations. Ayoade approached the film so mock-seriously, despite the rather ‘interesting’ subject matter. His humour was dry and I liked the way that he superimposed times in his own childhood with events in the film.
I can’t think of much more to say about this book – I loved it, read it, pass it on! Plus, please do watch Richard Ayoade’s explanation of his writing of the book from the Graham Norton show – it’s brilliant!
Would I read it again? Yes – once I get it back from my husband, who has now decided he’s having it…
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