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lizaroo71's review against another edition
3.0
I love Russo's writing and the way he creates memorable characters with rich lives. But, the setting of this novel makes it more relevant to me as it is a small liberal arts college with our main character, Hank Devereaux Jr., as an English professor.
I was laughing at memorable conversations between the colleagues. I made note of several observations about the politics within this contentious group (it's the same in high school).
I found the story meandered at times, but I liked the characters enough to stick with them.
Not my favorite by this author, but a solid story.
I was laughing at memorable conversations between the colleagues. I made note of several observations about the politics within this contentious group (it's the same in high school).
I found the story meandered at times, but I liked the characters enough to stick with them.
Not my favorite by this author, but a solid story.
emkotch's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lmsmango's review against another edition
5.0
Funny how a book can just... find you at the right moment. Longer review next time!
lizwisniewski's review against another edition
5.0
Read half. I liked it, I just got bogged down, it was not pulling me along and I finally decided I needed to return it to the library. I think I will try again.
pattydsf's review against another edition
3.0
I have had this book for quite some time and just never got around to reading it. It seems fitting that while I was reading it, my husband was offered the job of interim provost at a college similar to West Central Pennsylvania University. I say similar because I believe that politics in colleges and universities are much alike. There is never enough money and always enough infighting.
I think Russo got all of this correct in Straight Man. I know he has taught at Colby College and so has inside information on how colleges work. Not only does Russo get his story right, but he manages to make his characters humorous, but still loveable people. (For the most part)
This book reminded me that I enjoyed Empire Falls and so now I need to read some more Russo.
I think Russo got all of this correct in Straight Man. I know he has taught at Colby College and so has inside information on how colleges work. Not only does Russo get his story right, but he manages to make his characters humorous, but still loveable people. (For the most part)
This book reminded me that I enjoyed Empire Falls and so now I need to read some more Russo.
emjay2021's review against another edition
4.0
I read most of this book in a day (then had to wait till the end of the work week to finish). I was immediately sucked in by the amusing characters and plot. Many of the characters were very familiar, I must say. Academics sure are special snowflakes! With the exception of all my lovely colleagues on Goodreads of course :-)
kmatthe2's review against another edition
5.0
For anybody who has ever spent any time in any English Department anywhere. I felt as if Russo had somehow sat in on 99% of my staff meetings. Hilarious while being surprisingly sweet.