Nobody's Fool by richard russo

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Third time's a charm, right?

Nope.

This is my third attempt at this particular task or activity. And this time, I managed to reach 109 pages. However, I'm finding it extremely boring and more of a chore to get through. It's become such a tiresome experience that, once and for all, I'm out. I just can't continue with it anymore.

In my very humble opinion, it is nowhere close to the excellence of Empire Falls. Empire Falls seems to have a certain allure and quality that this simply lacks. It makes me realize that not everything can be as captivating and engaging as we might hope. Sometimes, despite multiple attempts, things just don't click or meet our expectations.

And so, with this realization, I'm moving on from this particular endeavor and looking forward to finding something more fulfilling and interesting.

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Hoshyko

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I can truly appreciate the effort and hard work that was put into this book. However, unfortunately, it simply wasn't a good match for my personal taste. I found that I didn't have any affinity for the characters. None of them seemed to resonate with me or make me feel any connection. In particular, I didn't like Sully at all. Moreover, I wasn't fond of the various situations that were presented in the story. The structure of the book also didn't appeal to me. The only character that I really took a liking to was Miss Beryl. In fact, I could have easily read an entire book dedicated solely to her. But all these men who spend their days drinking and treating each other and everyone else poorly just don't hold much interest for me. I'm certain that this book is outstanding for the right kind of reader. But clearly, that reader isn't me. I will admit that I thought the last chapter was the most interesting part of the entire book. However, it was quite a struggle to get to that point. It took me a whopping two months to finish reading this book. In contrast, I've managed to read several books of the same length in just 2 - 3 days.

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safirebluedragon

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I have truly adored the other books penned by this author, namely Empire Falls and Bridge of Sighs. However, this particular one simply failed to capture my interest. Just like the others, it is situated in a small, withering town in upstate NY.

The ensemble of characters in this book was particularly unappealing, and I simply could not engage with the story. As a result, it took me a whopping 6 weeks to complete this 550-page epic.

Thankfully, it did manage to improve slightly towards the end. But I'm still left wondering why I put myself through such torture for so long.

I had such high expectations based on the author's previous works, but unfortunately, this one just didn't measure up. It's a real pity as I was really looking forward to another great read.

Perhaps others may have a different experience with this book, but for me, it was a bit of a disappointment.

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ChairmannVonT

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I thoroughly enjoyed reading _Nobody's Fool_. As I delved into the pages, I couldn't help but vividly picture Jack Nicholson playing the part of Sully. In fact, in my mind's eye, the mischievous Sully *was* Jack Nicholson. This thought popped into my head spontaneously and unbidden. I was so certain that everyone who read the book would have the same perception. However, a short survey I conducted proved me wrong. This truly puzzled me because I was firmly convinced that the choice of Nicholson to play Sully would be blatantly obvious to everyone. So, I was more than a bit disappointed when Paul Newman was ultimately chosen to play Sully in the movie. Even though I have a great affection for Paul Newman, it seemed to me that he portrayed Sully in a rather quiet and low-key manner. I had envisioned Sully as a much more lively and endearing rascal. To this very day, I still wish that I could witness how Jack Nicholson would have brought Sully to life on the big screen. I'm still on the lookout for someone who shares my opinion.

BTW, this was the very first and only occasion, while engrossed in a book, that I imagined a particular actor in the role of the protagonist.

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kuroror

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Richard Russo, much like the diverse characters he creates, has an uncanny ability to handle fascinating themes. These themes include change, the delicate balance between free will and obligation, the role of luck, the weight of responsibility, the power of forgiveness, and the intricate bonds that hold together a community, friendship, and family.

He presents readers with astute observations of various human types and their behaviors.

And Sully, the main protagonist, is quite the character. He's an underdog, an older man who seems to always be down on his luck.

Within the pages of this book, a great deal occurs. Punches are thrown, trucks and marriages meet their demise, there is litigation, and even death rears its head.

At times, it can be truly maddening. There were moments when I felt like hurling the book to the floor in the hope that the subplots would simply vanish. Of course, how foolish of me - that wouldn't make them disappear; it would only make me leave!

Still, with all those characters milling about, they each have a story to tell. And sometimes, these stories serve as a nice diversion during the slower moments of the main narrative.

It's almost as if one is spending time in the little town itself. I find myself a little curious about strolling around the town, checking things out, and being pleased to eavesdrop and catch a glimpse into some of these lives.

But then again, what if I can't escape this town alive?

Yikes, then what?

However, perhaps, just perhaps, I might miss Sully, if only a little. Because he is someone we can look upon with a certain degree of fondness. At least until the next novel arrives.

And arrive it does.

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Eskies

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Note to self: Don't wait so long to post a review. Your addled brain will lose all cohesive thoughts.

I don't know of a writer more skillful in crafting characters than Russo. His characters are not just fictional entities; they are practically beating hearts, cracking joints, and consciousness, trying to claw their way into our world. I found myself growing to love the citizens of Bath, ME, as if they were people I encounter in my daily life. Each one was complex, full of grace, bad judgement, annoying habits, and a mean streak - either buried deep or right on the surface. All the while, they made me laugh at my own foibles. Even the minor characters, like Hattie, were so well crafted that I half expected to bump into them on the street.

For a book that seems to be about nothing, much like a Seinfeld episode, I couldn't put it down. And I'm truly glad I didn't. At first, I couldn't see the forest through the trees, but then I realized that the fact that nothing was happening was the entire point. The more things change, the more they stay the same. This book is a masterful exploration of the human condition, and I highly recommend it.

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Neomagnetix

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

In my mind, Russo stands out as one of the preeminent authors in the literary world, and this particular book of his is truly among his finest works.

What makes it so remarkable is the way he masterfully weaves together humor, real-life scenarios, down-to-earth people, genuine empathy, and a captivating plot. Oh, and let's not forget his exceptional writing skills.

"Nobody's Fool" boasts several of the most unforgettable characters of all time. Sully, with his likable flaws and a shrewdness that belies his appearance, is a survivor in a seemingly small world that Russo has so skillfully crafted. This world holds great significance for the reader, drawing them in and making them care deeply about its inhabitants.

Another memorable character is the comically unassuming Rub. He is a luckless yet loyal sidekick, and it brings me great pleasure to envision that there is someone like him in every small American town.

Russo's ability to create such vivid and engaging characters, along with his deft handling of the story, makes "Nobody's Fool" a must-read for any lover of great literature.

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XayLies

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I truly adored his book Empire Falls. As a result, I made up my mind to give another one of his works a try. And I was handsomely rewarded with yet another outstanding book by Richard Russo. I firmly believe that he has now secured a place on my list of authors whose every work I must read.

This particular book is filled with a plethora of fascinating characters. However, the main character, Sully (the shortened form of Sullivan), is the kind of person that the majority of people would be inclined to keep at a distance. And chances are, he would concur that this is the wisest course of action. He is the very embodiment of "his own worst enemy". In nearly every situation, it appears that when faced with a choice between a smart decision and a foolish one, he will opt for the latter, even though he is fully aware of its folly. He is incredibly stubborn. Regrettably, he is also highly likable, which makes it impossible for people to simply shun him. For one thing, it's a small town, and it's extremely difficult to avoid anyone without relocating to another city. Additionally, he is not at all greedy. He will freely give away money to his friends simply because he knows that if he holds onto it, it will vanish without serving any useful purpose. He is a good person who just can't seem to do what is best for himself.

The book was rather lengthy, but I didn't have the slightest bit of aversion to it. It was constantly engaging and humorous. And I think he underwent a certain degree of change towards the end, so there was a modicum of redemption - albeit not a great deal.

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Nobody's Fool

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