Reviews

Straight Man by Richard Russo

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esk913's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

nonlocalflow's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book has stayed with me from when I read it as a teenager and through my adult life. Nostalgia may play into it my fondness for it. I remember the characters and their antics clearly today, and the lessons it taught me on my way into adulthood about the rabbit hole of crisis, self-imposed or not, and how to relinquish to the absurdity and laugh when possible. It is a lighthearted and even silly take on the sudden buildup of a life crisis, how its tendrils strangle the satisfaction from nearly every aspect of life, and I credit the book for keeping me from slipping into existential anxiety more often than I am already predisposed to. It's a colorful, living book and still my favorite from Russo.

joshhall13's review against another edition

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This reads like someone's journal about their day-to-day goings on a very unexciting life. Drab.

danleland's review against another edition

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4.0

This was my first Russo novel. The story resonated with me as an academic and our similar timely trails of dropping enrollment and stiff competition. I found myself chuckling at Russo’s witty comments yet somber at times with the character struggles. Well done Mr Russo, I guess I’ll add Empire Falls to my list.