New author's book gives readers an entertaining ride

These days, MTV is dominated by Britney Spears, 'NSync and, quite possibly worst of all, Carson Daly. Together, they sap energy out of people everywhere who sit lifelessly in front of the television - all under the pretense that they're bringing you the best music.

Surprisingly enough, MTV is now helping emerging authors put out their books. Allied with Pocket Books, the team "continues to break out fresh, talented voices through its line of hip trade paperbacks." One of these books is "tunnel vision" by Keith Lowe, who is an editor in the United Kingdom.

"Tunnel vision" is Lowe's debut as an author, and his work's not too shabby. Being from jolly old England, the novel is set (naturally) in London. At first glance, it seems interesting enough - a romantic comedy about one man's obsession with the London Underground.

Upon further reading, the book is really much more entertaining. The main character, Andy, is indeed obsessed with the Tube, as is his friend and rival, Rolf. "Friend and rival?" you ask. Yes, for not only is Rolf obsessed with the Tube, he's obsessed with Andy's fiancˇe, Rachel.

On the eve of his wedding, Andy is out enjoying a few drinks and some Tube talk with Rolf, when a challenge is brought forth.

"The idea is impossible," Rolf said.

"No it's not. Anyone could do it," Andy said.

"I bet you couldn't."

"Why not? Other people have done it. The world record is 18 hours and 19 minutes - given a whole day, any old fool could do it."

In a moment of idiocy, Andy and Rolf have made a bet in which Andy has to finish traveling the entire Tube in one day. Andy has wagered his credit cards, his keys, his passport, his travelcard and his honeymoon reservations, while Rolf has wagered his collection of every type of Tube ticket that has ever been issued in the history of the system. To make the bet more interesting, Rolf has hidden all of Andy's possessions at various Tube stops, which he has to track down one by one during his quest.

Andy tells Rachel about the bet but not all the details of it. He tells her he simply has to finish the Tube; it's a matter of pride and honor, as well as a chance to prove Rolf wrong. He conveniently leaves out how the honeymoon is at stake. Rachel simply tells him that she will be leaving on the Eurostar train at 1 a.m. to go to Paris for the wedding with or without him.

Will Andy finish the Tube? Will he make the train and be with Rachel? What happens to Rolf? Read it for yourself - I won't spoil the ending here.