Comments on: my writing notebook: straight man

By: cynthia

cynthia — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 15:28:24 +0000

In reply to KM Huber. I think you'll enjoy it, Karen. Report back and let us know : )

By: KM Huber

KM Huber — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 18:12:26 +0000

I have not read Richard Russo–he’s always in a reading stack somewhere–now, I’ll give Straight Man a try as the comparison to Jane Smiley’s Moo cinched the deal for me. Thanks for another great review, Cynthia.

Karen

By: cynthia

cynthia — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 21:52:25 +0000

In reply to Sarah Laurence. I thought it was hilarious too, Sarah. I have read Empire Falls, but my favorite Russo is The Bridge of Sighs. Happy summer!

By: cynthia

cynthia — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:45:24 +0000

In reply to Richard Gilbert. Richard, I do too! Hope you're having a good summer.

By: Sarah Laurence

Sarah Laurence — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:45:50 +0000

Russo is one of my favorite authors and this was one of my favorite books. It’s right up there with Jane Smiley’s Moo at capturing academia brilliantly. I thought it was hilarious. I read it ages ago when we first moved to this small college town. If you’re looking for more of a story arc, try my other favorite, Empire Falls.

By: cynthia

cynthia — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 22:41:47 +0000

In reply to Tina Bustamante. Hi Tina! What a coincidence, especially given that the book was published in 1997. And I agree about The Bridge of Sighs--my favorite of his. Good to hear from you.

By: cynthia

cynthia — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 01:37:06 +0000

In reply to Darrelyn Saloom. It's still in my stack : )

By: cynthia

cynthia — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 01:14:24 +0000

In reply to Claire Guyton.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Claire. It’s interesting to hear a different perspective because I love Russo’s writing here. The narrator’s insights into the other characters based on their words made the narrative feel layered and rich–and showed the narrator’s wit and his powers of perception.

By: Richard Gilbert

Richard Gilbert — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:48:43 +0000

I LOVE the way he explains and interprets others’ dialogue, statements. It is what we as humans do, always, and he’s trying to reflect that. Most communication is nonverbal even if it’s verbal.

By: Tina Bustamante

Tina Bustamante — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 02:26:32 +0000

So funny – I’m reading Straight Man right now. I brought a copy to Chile about five years ago and left it there. I got to my in-law’s house with only my kindle and iPad and was so in the mood for real paper. I found Straight Man high on a shelf and decided to give it another tey. I’m half way through it. The thing is I love Richard Russo. In particular The Bridge of Sighs – is an amazing book. Hope you’re doing well….

Tina