If it wasn't decades since I read him and if I had read more, I would be tempted to say there is something of Mark Twain in Russo's novel.

It tells the story of a boy growing up in a northern New England town on the skids. The town has lost its bank and its movie house, just like in "The Last Picture Show".

The town is populated by deftly characterized deadbeats, misfits, and those recently on or off the dole. Many of them have more wit and resourcefulness than cash. In other words, nobody who might stand much chance of benefiting from Congress's latest tax plan.

Except for one guy who married into local money after WW II but soon expires on the golf course in a twosome with the pro's fiancé, with his expensive golf slacks and underwear down around his knees.

Russo fills the narrative with a string of such quirky, quietly ironic, and droll stories. They are observed, overheard, and told by the observant, sometimes bemused, young hero, Ned (AKA "Sam's kid").

Readers looking for less talk and more action will probably grow impatient. The story rambles on at the speed of a young boy's growing up: slowly, with regular pauses for the next elaborate anecdote.

In the second half, Sam's kid has grown up, moved as far away as possible, made a mess of his life, and begins to go home again periodically. He takes up and forges the father-son relationship left stunted in childhood by Sam. Sam is the sort of man no mother would want her daughter to marry and the outstanding local character among many in the failing town.

As Ned's life turns for the better, not much changes up north as the characters who populated Ned's youth age and fade away. There is something endearing about most of them, particularly the dangerously charming Sam. Though perhaps one begins to tire of their unremitting good-ole-boy banter, misogyny, and misbehavior by the end.

This author has once again delivered another reliable novel that is set in small town America.

The story is filled with an interesting cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and quirks.

The situations they find themselves in are both relatable and engaging, drawing the reader in and keeping them hooked from start to finish.

The author has a talent for bringing the small town to life,描绘出 the idyllic landscapes and the close-knit community that exists within it.

Whether it's the local diner where everyone gathers to catch up on the latest gossip, or the quiet streets where children play and neighbors wave hello, the reader feels as if they are a part of this charming world.

This novel is a must-read for anyone who loves stories about small town life and the people who inhabit it.

After having read the outstanding "Nobody's Fool" (1993), when I came to read "The Risk Pool" (1988), I couldn't help but view the latter as a sort of rehearsal for the former. Russo's characteristic sharp dialogue is evident here, as are his ever-relatable yet flawed characters. The backdrop for both novels is a small town in upstate NY, with numerous memorable conversations unfolding in the local bar.

Although the two novels are not precisely the same, the connections are impossible to overlook. One could almost draw direct character parallels, starting with Sam Hall = Sully. And all the qualities that make Russo's writing so delightful are simply more refined in the later novel, which is also significantly funnier.

It's interesting to see how Russo's style and themes evolve from one work to the next. In "The Risk Pool," we can already see the seeds of what would become even more fully developed in "Nobody's Fool." The setting, the characters, and the dialogue all have that Russo touch, but there's a certain roughness around the edges that is smoothed out in the later novel.

Overall, while "The Risk Pool" may not be as polished as "Nobody's Fool," it still has its own charm and is well worth reading for fans of Russo's work. It gives us a glimpse into the early stages of his career and shows how he was already developing the skills and techniques that would make him a beloved author.

It's true that for me, a significant part of this book's allure lies in how intimately I know these characters. I'm not just talking about a superficial acquaintance; I truly understand them on a deep level.

However, whether or not you can immediately relate to the characters from the very beginning, by the time you reach the end of the book, you will at least be able to empathize with them. Russo has crafted each role with such clarity, providing the necessary anecdotal background that brings them into sharp focus.

But his true talent shines through in the dialogue. Anyone who has spent time in the backwoods, homegrown bars will recognize these conversations instantly - although perhaps not in such specific detail or coming from the mouths of such colorful eccentrics.

For those who haven't had such an experience, welcome to a new and authentic perspective on small town Americana. It's a world full of unique characters, their stories, and the rich tapestry of life that unfolds within the confines of these small communities.

Not read.

The book was too boring and extremely long-winded.

It seemed to drag on and on without ever really getting to the point.

The story lacked excitement and failed to capture my attention from the very beginning.

The writing style was dull and uninteresting, making it a chore to get through each page.

I found myself constantly losing focus and having to reread passages just to try and make sense of what was going on.

Overall, it was a disappointing read and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and enjoyable book.

I hope that future books I pick up will be more captivating and will keep me hooked until the very end.

A True Gem

Five stars simply aren't enough to describe this remarkable book. It's the kind that makes a true reader deeply grateful for not having missed it. At the start, there were characters I didn't have much interest in, but as the story unfolded, they managed to tug at my heartstrings and make it ache. On the other hand, those I was initially loyal to, eventually lost my favor. Without a doubt, I would be more than safe in naming this as my best read of the year, and I would do so with great pride. For a long while, I never wanted this captivating tale to come to an end. However, as the plot thickened and my emotions were pushed to the limit, I found myself begging for it to finish because my heart was breaking. Thank you, Mr. Russo, for creating this literary masterpiece that has left such a profound impact on me.

A year ago, so all I can say is that he is a truly gifted writer. His stories are set in the same town and seem to be telling the same overarching story. It really reminds me of a certain period in my life when I was in the bar world. I am extremely glad that I have left that behind me.

Moreover, it also reminds me of the town where I went to high school, Canton, New York. Had I stayed there in later years, perhaps I might have been able to write companion stories to Mr. Russo's. It's yet another escape for me.

His characters are complete, understandable, and believable. They come to life on the pages and draw you into their world.

I would highly recommend reading his works to expand your knowledge of the lives of humans in small, seemingly dead towns. However, you may not necessarily need to read more than one. I, myself, have read several of his books and have found each one to be a unique exploration of the human condition in such settings.

As I was driving through Gloversville, N.Y., approximately five years ago, I caught sight of a brick house that was in the process of being demolished. It seemed to have endured a fire at some point. Maybe due to its proximity to the houses on either side, it was being torn down manually, without the aid of heavy equipment. During the short time that I drove by, I witnessed a group of robust men pounding away with sledgehammers. All that was left of the house, standing perfectly free, was the front facade. As I passed by the front of the house, it resembled all the other homes on the block, except that through the windows, I could see the sunlight streaming in where there should have been living rooms and sofas.

That image remained firmly etched in my mind as I read "The Risk Pool."

In my hometown, there would have been a row of lawn chairs placed out front, filled with sidewalk superintendents who would maintain a constant stream of narration throughout the demolition process. That's pretty much the only distinction between my hometown and Gloversville.

Now, I'm online, fulfilling the role of a sidewalk superintendent when it comes to Russo's book and his writing. Sumus quod sumus.

Seldom do I give 5 stars, but this book truly stands out.

It remains faithful to its narrator, Ned Hall, from the very beginning to the end. As he lives in and later revisits his hometown, Mohawk, NY, he endeavors to understand, grow up with, and endure his parents and the various characters in his surroundings.

On his journey, he encounters an egomaniac father, a mentally fragile mother whose husband refuses a divorce out of pure stubbornness, along with assorted drunks, bar owners, petty crooks, and one wealthy family.

The characters are not mere caricatures as Russo depicts their humanity with great authenticity and without any sloppy sentimentality. We are privy to Ned's thoughts as he progresses from childhood to adolescence and then to adulthood, somehow managing to avoid insanity, meanness, or a lack of compassion.

He not only survives but also discovers that he desires connection, although he doesn't always obtain the answers he longs for regarding love and life.

This book offers a captivating and poignant exploration of one man's life and the complex web of relationships that shape him.

Another reviewer has put it more eloquently than I could: this book was an enormous letdown for me as it simply seems to go around in circles.

Of course, certain things occur, but the experience of slogging through one scene after another and page after page of rather limited action, as recollected by an adult reminiscing about his childhood, does not result in an engaging or fulfilling read. Russo is a beautiful writer, and his command of language is often exemplary. However, this book staggers and flounders from one (non-)event to another, leaving the reader feeling bewildered and, quite frankly, uninterested.

I find it hard to believe that this is the same author who penned "Empire Falls". I finally abandoned it after 321 pages.

It's a shame, really, because there were moments when Russo's talent shone through. But overall, the lack of a coherent plot and the meandering nature of the narrative made it a chore to get through. I had such high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver.

I would not recommend this book to others, unless they are die-hard Russo fans who are willing to slog through a less-than-stellar offering. For everyone else, there are far better books out there to spend your time on.

It took a really long time to complete this book.

The literature within it is excellent. The story progresses at a rather brisk pace, and the characters are all beautifully etched and extremely lovable.

However, I still spent almost a month finishing it. Maybe it's because I simply didn't want it to end, to leave the charming town of Mohawk, or to part ways with Ned as he enjoys his sandwich at The Elms.

Perhaps I also wanted to hear more of Wussy's conversations with Sam's kid. Or maybe it's because I just wasn't ready to let go of Sam Hall himself yet.

This is such a beautiful book, and I only truly realized it as I wiped away my tears towards the end.

It's a story that lingers in your heart and mind long after you've turned the final page, leaving you with a sense of longing and a deep appreciation for the wonderful world that the author has created.

This is a captivating story that delves into the complex relationship between Ned and his highly unreliable father. His father has a penchant for excessive drinking and gambling, which leads to significant difficulties in maintaining a stable job and paying his bills. Throughout Ned's childhood and adulthood, his father's appearances are inconsistent, resulting in unreliable parenting.

As some have pointed out, the story does have its repetitive moments and can feel a bit long at times. However, similar to many of Richard Russo's books, when he is at his best, it is absolute perfection. Russo is truly a master writer. The dialogues are engaging and the character development is nothing short of exceptional. He has an uncanny ability to bring the small town to life, making the reader feel as if they are right there in the midst of it all.

Despite its flaws, this story offers a deep and poignant exploration of family, relationships, and the impact of an unreliable parent. It is a testament to Russo's skill as a writer that he can create such a memorable and thought-provoking narrative.