I have always been accused of taking the things I love – football, of course, but also books and records – much too seriously, and I do feel a kind of anger when I hear a bad record, or when someone is lukewarm about a book that means a lot to me. Perhaps it was these desperate, bitter men in the West Stand at Arsenal who taught me how to get angry in this way; and perhaps it is why I earn some of my living as a critic – maybe it's those voices I can hear when I write. 'You're a WANKER, X.' 'The Booker Prize? THE BOOKER PRIZE? They should give that to me for having to read you.
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In "Fever Pitch," Nick Hornby reflects on his deep emotional connections to football, literature, and music. He expresses frustration when he encounters indifference towards things he cherishes, feeling anger when a bad record or an unsatisfactory book confronts him. This passion for his interests is amplified by the experiences and disappointment he faced while supporting Arsenal, which have shaped his fierce dedication to these pursuits.
Hornby’s intensity and criticism stem from a desire to convey authenticity in his writing. The voice of his fellow frustrated Arsenal fans resonates with him, perhaps influencing his role as a critic. He acknowledges the potential harshness of his responses to mediocrity in art, suggesting that his critical perspective is informed by personal investment and a yearning for genuine quality.
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