The Whore's Child, 5 stars

This story seems to be a real gem, receiving a perfect 5-star rating. It likely has elements that truly captivate the readers, perhaps a compelling plot, well-developed characters, or a unique writing style.

Monhegan Light, 3 stars

With a 3-star rating, Monhegan Light is also an interesting piece. It might have some good aspects, but perhaps it didn't quite reach the level of excellence of The Whore's Child. Maybe the story had some room for improvement in certain areas.

The Farther You Go, 1 star

Unfortunately, The Farther You Go only managed to get a 1-star rating. This indicates that it might have fallen short in many aspects. It could have had a weak plot, uninteresting characters, or poor writing.

Joy Ride, 5 stars

Joy Ride is another 5-star rated story. It must have something special that makes it stand out. It could be a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking concept.

Buoyancy, 3 stars

Buoyancy received a 3-star rating, suggesting that it is a decent story. It might have some亮点, but also some flaws that prevent it from being a truly outstanding piece.

Poison, 2 stars

Poison got a 2-star rating, which means it had some issues. It might not have engaged the readers as much as expected, or it might have had some problems with the pacing or the resolution of the story.

The Mysteries of Linwood Hart, 3 stars

Finally, The Mysteries of Linwood Hart also has a 3-star rating. It seems to be an average story, with some good points and some areas that could be improved.

3.5

I must say that I definitely loved a few of the stories in this collection. They were so engaging and well-written that I found myself completely immersed in them.

In fact, I would even go as far as to say that this book is worthy of being on anyone's bookshelf.

However, I did find myself wanting more from the first and last stories.

The first story had such a great setup and introduced some really interesting characters and concepts, but it felt like it ended a bit too abruptly.

I wanted to know more about what happened to the characters after the events of the story.

Similarly, the last story left me with a lot of questions.

It had a really unique and thought-provoking premise, but I felt like it could have been developed further.

Overall, though, I still really enjoyed this collection of stories and would recommend it to others.

I just hope that the author considers expanding on the first and last stories in a future edition.

Mixed bag, a couple of excellent stories between the average ones. The collection presents a diverse range of tales, each with its own unique charm and flaws.

"The Whore’s Child" stands out with 4.5 stars, captivating readers with its engaging plot and well-developed characters.

"Monhegan Light" receives 3 stars, offering an interesting premise but perhaps lacking a bit in depth.

"The Farther You Go" gets 2 stars, as it fails to fully grip the reader's attention.

"Joy Ride" earns another 4.5 stars, with its exciting narrative and unexpected twists.

"Buoyancy" unfortunately only manages 1.5 stars, falling short in several aspects.

"Poison" is rated 2 stars, being an average story that doesn't leave a lasting impression.

"The Mysteries of Linwood Hart" gets 2.5 stars, having some redeeming qualities but also some areas that could be improved. Overall, the collection is a mix of highs and lows, with a few standout stories among the more mediocre ones.

Russo is one of those writers, and Yates would be another example, who manages to extract gold from the dull life of unattractive people. He likes to delve into the ordinary lives of people who at some point discover how strong the gust of wind was that pushed them to the port where they now find themselves, a port they possibly never thought of heading to and perhaps it was inevitable that they would go there.

“Possibly”, “perhaps”, yes, because we are faced with stories, little pieces of life, with characters that we don't fully understand, open-ended, which by no means means diffuse. Stories that show us how in reality, and in the words of one of the protagonists of these stories, it is completely absurd to pretend to know the life of any person, to which I add: including our own.

To all the characters who star in the seven fantastic stories that make up this book... well, fantastic 6, or 5 if I'm pushed a little, some important truth about their lives or about the life of someone close to them or both things at the same time is revealed. From that nun in the first story who discovers in a writing workshop what she had denied herself until then and that conditioned her whole life, through the widower who brings his wife back to life in the eyes of the man who was her lover for years, or that son who confronts his mother with very different versions of what their escape together was like when he was still a child, or that one who returns with his partner to that island after a hurricane passed through all of them, or even that other child, on the verge of no longer being a child, who faces the suspicion that the world keeps turning, that the life of others continues, even when he is not present. And in all the stories we are left with a great desire to know what happens next, how that new life continues or that which will inevitably still be an old life. I think nothing better can be said about a story.

Good read. Russo is truly outstanding when it comes to writing characters. In these stories, not a whole lot seems to occur on the surface. They are simply about ordinary people going about their daily lives. However, I was completely drawn in and found them extremely compelling. It's as if I effortlessly immersed myself in these narratives. Russo has this remarkable ability to make the mundane seem fascinating. The characters he creates are so vivid and relatable that you can't help but become invested in their lives. You find yourself caring about what happens to them, even though their experiences may be quite ordinary. It's a testament to his skill as a writer that he can take the simplest of stories and turn them into something truly engaging.

Great writing is the cornerstone of any outstanding piece of literature. It has the power to transport readers to different worlds, evoke a wide range of emotions, and make them truly engage with the story. When combined with great story telling, it becomes an unbeatable combination.

A well-told story has a clear beginning, middle, and end, with interesting characters and a captivating plot. It keeps the reader hooked from start to finish, making them eager to find out what happens next. Great story tellers know how to build suspense, create conflict, and resolve it in a satisfying way.

This combination of great writing and great story telling is something that I definitely recommend. It can provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment, as well as expand your vocabulary and improve your own writing skills. So if you're looking for a good book to read, look for one that has both great writing and great story telling.

I have an unwavering love for everything that Russo pens. Even though I'm not exactly the most avid short story enthusiast, I found great pleasure in all of these shorts.

Well, almost all. There was one particular story that, I must admit, I didn't manage to read beyond the first two pages. It simply didn't have that distinct Russo flavor that I've come to know and love, and as a result, I wasn't deriving any enjoyment from it.

However, putting that one exception aside, this is truly a remarkable collection of short stories. Russo has a unique talent for crafting engaging narratives that draw the reader in and keep them hooked from start to finish. Each story in this collection offers a different perspective and a different set of characters, making it a diverse and interesting read. Whether you're a die-hard short story fan or just someone looking for a good read, this collection is definitely worth checking out.

Overall, I highly recommend this collection of shorts by Russo. It's a testament to his skill as a writer and a great addition to any bookshelf.

Title: The Whore's Child and Other Stories

Author: Richard Russo

ISBN: 009943752X

ISBN13: 9780099437529

Pages: 240

Publication Year: 2002

This collection of stories by Richard Russo, titled "The Whore's Child and Other Stories," offers a diverse range of narratives. With 240 pages, it takes readers on a journey through various lives and experiences. The ISBN 009943752X and ISBN13 9780099437529 ensure easy identification and access to this literary work. Published in 2002, it has stood the test of time and continues to engage readers with its unique storytelling. Each story in the collection has its own charm and depth, exploring themes such as love, loss, family, and more. Russo's writing style is engaging and vivid, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the world he creates. Whether you're a fan of short stories or simply looking for a good read, "The Whore's Child and Other Stories" is definitely worth checking out.

Someday I want to write this well.

Writing is an art form that allows us to express our thoughts, emotions, and ideas. It is a powerful tool that can connect people, inspire change, and make a difference in the world.

I have always been passionate about writing, but I know that I still have a long way to go to become a great writer. I need to practice more, read widely, and learn from the masters of the craft.

I believe that with dedication and hard work, I can improve my writing skills and create something truly remarkable. Someday, I hope to see my words published and read by people all over the world.

Until then, I will continue to write, learn, and grow as a writer. I will not give up on my dream, no matter how difficult it may seem. Because I know that the journey is just as important as the destination.

I have long been an ardent fan of Richard Russo.

I have read nearly every single one of his novels, commencing with his Pulitzer Prize-winning work, Empire Falls.

This collection of short stories also bears his distinct mark.

What I cherish the most about Russo's writing is his remarkable ability to fabricate characters whom we instantly care about.

Within just a few pages, we are able to step into their rather unremarkable lives and discover connections to our own.

It is my sincere hope that there are numerous more books in the pipeline by this highly talented author.

His works have a unique charm that keeps readers engaged and longing for more.

I look forward to seeing what else he has in store for us in the future.

This is a truly fascinating collection of short stories penned by Richard Russo. The title story is particularly engaging as it features an elderly nun in a creative writing class. She shares a remarkable tale about her childhood and her journey into the convent. It's a story that hooks the reader from the very beginning and keeps them intrigued until the end.

"The Whore's Child" has been selected as the short story to be read by thousands at the 2011 Boston Book Festival in October. This is a great honor for the author and a testament to the quality of his work.

The author's ability to capture the essence of his characters is truly remarkable. He brings them to life on the page, making them seem like real people with real emotions. In addition, he exhibits a touch of quiet humor in some of the stories, which adds an extra layer of depth and charm.

Love it!

This expression clearly shows a positive attitude towards something. It implies a great deal of enthusiasm and enjoyment.

However, there is a caveat. The person loves everything except for the last story. It's interesting that they are not sure why they have this particular feeling about the last story.

Perhaps the content of the last story didn't resonate with them as strongly as the others. Or maybe there was something about the way it was presented that didn't quite click.

Despite this one exception, the overall sentiment is still one of love. It makes you wonder what aspects of the other stories or elements really captured their attention and made them feel so positive.

It could be the engaging plot, the well-developed characters, or the unique writing style.

In any case, this simple statement of "Love it! Except for the last story. Not sure why!" leaves room for further exploration and discussion about what makes something truly lovable and what might cause a slight deviation in that feeling.