I truly so enjoyed this book. It was an absolute delight to read.

It has made me think that I'll definitely go back and re-read a couple of the stories within it.

Richard Russo is without a doubt one of my favorite authors. His writing style is so engaging and captivating.

The way he weaves the stories and develops the characters is just remarkable.

Each story in this book has its own unique charm and depth.

I find myself constantly drawn back to his works, eager to explore the different worlds and experiences he creates.

Russo has a talent for making the reader feel fully immersed in the story, as if they are a part of it.

This book is no exception, and I can't wait to revisit those wonderful stories again.

It's like coming home to old friends, and I know I'll enjoy every moment of it.

Love the title character's opening lines for creative writing class.

In a creative writing class, the opening lines of the title character can have a profound impact. They set the tone, capture the reader's attention, and introduce the essence of the story.

These opening lines have the power to transport the reader into a different world, making them eager to explore further. They can be mysterious, humorous, or thought-provoking, depending on the author's intention.

When students write their own stories, they should pay close attention to the opening lines of their title characters. They should strive to make them engaging and unique, so that the reader will be hooked from the very beginning.

By loving and analyzing the opening lines of great title characters, students can learn valuable lessons about how to start a story effectively. This will enhance their writing skills and make their own stories more captivating.

In conclusion, the opening lines of the title character are a crucial element in creative writing. They have the potential to make or break a story, and students should take the time to perfect them.

3 1/2 actually.

Good stories, read by the author.

The Whore's Child was especially good, I thought.

I will say that I preferred his novels about small town Bath and big-hearted Sully.

However, the stories are a nice change up.

They offer a different perspective and a break from the longer narrative of the novels.

The author's reading brings the stories to life, adding an extra layer of depth and emotion.

It's interesting to hear how the author interprets his own work and how he emphasizes certain details.

The Whore's Child, in particular, had a powerful impact on me.

The story was engaging and thought-provoking, and it made me think about themes such as morality, family, and identity.

Overall, I would highly recommend these stories to anyone who enjoys good literature.

They are well-written, engaging, and offer a unique reading experience.

I had never read this author's works before. However, after reading this one, I am definitely going to explore some of his other writings.

I have a great passion for short stories. But it's not easy to satisfy my taste because sometimes, as the author attempts to cram a lot of content into a short space, the stories can give a frenzied impression.

Thankfully, I didn't have that kind of feeling at all when reading these stories. They were diverse and short enough that I could finish a couple in one sitting. Although, to be honest, I actually prefer reading one story at a time so that I can relish and savor it a little more.

What's more, there was absolutely no predictability when it came to the characters or their situations. Each story was extremely fresh and unique, which really kept me engaged and interested from start to finish.

I'm looking forward to delving into more of this author's work and seeing what other wonderful short stories he has in store for us.

3.5 stars.

I really enjoyed these stories for the most part. They were engaging and held my attention.

However, there was one story that stood out to me in a not-so-positive way. It seemed to be a blatant ripoff of an extended scene from his novel, Straight Man. Coincidentally, I had read that novel just this past summer.

I understand that authors may draw inspiration from their own works, but this felt a bit too much like recycling.

Nevertheless, I guess there's nothing objectively wrong with it. Maybe some readers who haven't read the novel won't even notice.

Overall, despite this one hiccup, I still found the collection of stories to be quite enjoyable and would recommend it to others.

Good stories have the power to transport us to different worlds, make us feel a wide range of emotions, and leave a lasting impact on our hearts and minds. They can be thrilling adventures, heartwarming romances, or thought-provoking mysteries.

An amazing author is the one who can bring these stories to life with their words. They have a unique talent for creating vivid characters, developing engaging plots, and using language in a way that captivates the reader from the very first page.

These authors are able to paint a picture in our minds, making us feel as if we are right there in the story, experiencing everything along with the characters. They have a deep understanding of human nature and are able to convey complex emotions and ideas in a simple and relatable way.

Whether it's a classic novel or a modern bestseller, a good story and an amazing author are always a winning combination. They have the ability to inspire us, educate us, and entertain us for hours on end. So the next time you pick up a book, take a moment to appreciate the amazing author behind the words and the wonderful story they have created for you to enjoy.

This is a truly remarkable compilation of stories that is not only good but also often funny.

Each story within this collection has its own unique charm and appeal. Some of them will make you laugh out loud with their witty dialogues and humorous situations.

The characters are well-developed and come to life on the pages, making it easy for the reader to become fully immersed in their adventures.

Whether it's a lighthearted tale of friendship or a comical misadventure, there is something for everyone in this collection.

It's the kind of book that you can pick up when you're in need of a good laugh or simply want to escape into a world of entertaining stories.

Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a well-written story.

He is an outstanding writer.

At certain moments, I yearn for a bit more flamboyance in his style. However, this is more of a matter of personal preference.

His ability to unearth profound insights is truly remarkable. It is so delicate and nuanced, yet exquisitely crafted.

Each word seems to be carefully chosen, and every sentence is constructed with precision.

His writing has a certain charm that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged from start to finish.

Despite my wish for a different style at times, I cannot deny the brilliance of his work.

He has a unique perspective on the world, and he is able to convey it in a way that is both thought-provoking and captivating.

Overall, he is a writer who truly stands out in the literary world.

I'm not a big enthusiast of short story reading. However, I have thoroughly enjoyed all the Russo novels that I've read. For instance, "Nobody's Fool" deserved a solid 5 stars. So, I was more than willing to give this collection of short stories a try, especially since I picked it up second hand.

Some of these stories have the power to send a shiver right down the spine. But I have to admit that I felt a bit short changed by their brevity. That's just the nature of short stories, and it's partially the reason why I'm not a huge fan of this form.

Most of the stories in this collection rate around 4 stars. There were a couple of consecutive ones that bored me a little, which isn't a good sign in a short story. However, in the last story, there are passages that are so engaging that they demanded to be reread out loud. It's these kinds of moments that make the reading experience worthwhile, even for someone like me who isn't typically a short story aficionado.

Great Russo, but not his best. He has a tendency to repeat himself in this work. However, the title story is truly outstanding and can be considered as pure gold. The repetition might cause some readers to feel a bit bored or impatient at times. But when it comes to the title story, it stands out and grabs the reader's attention immediately. It has a unique charm and quality that makes it shine among the other stories. Despite the flaw of repetition, the overall work still has its merits. Russo's writing style is engaging and his ability to create vivid characters and interesting plots is evident. The title story alone makes it worth reading, as it offers a deep and thought-provoking experience.

Recently, I had a conversation with someone.

They expressed their dislike for sci-fi, stating that it wasn't realistic enough. Instead, they preferred to read things that were "real" and that they could "buy".

Ordinarily, I depend on reading (non-sci-fi) books to gain that sort of understanding into the minds of others who are completely different from myself.

Well, this book most definitely meets the criteria of being realistic.

I wholeheartedly believe that this is precisely what it's like to be a middle-aged professor whose marriage has become a bit lackluster.

The author has done an excellent job of描绘 the emotions, thoughts, and experiences of this character in a way that feels genuine and relatable.

It makes me think about the complexity of human relationships and how they can change over time.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a realistic and engaging read.

Russo is a writer who is decent enough, yet he is very much a New England WASP. His characters seem to be constantly grappling with their anger towards mothers and ex-wives. It appears that there might be some personal issues at play here. The title of his work refers to a nun who is enrolled in a creative writing class. She is one of his few sympathetic female characters. Russo's writing style may have its merits, but the consistent theme of male anger towards women gives one pause. It makes one wonder if he is using his characters to work through his own personal demons. However, the presence of the sympathetic nun character shows that he is capable of creating complex and multi-faceted female characters as well.