Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
30(30%)
4 stars
41(41%)
3 stars
29(29%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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The plot of this story is truly remarkable.

It keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end, filled with unexpected twists and turns that make it impossible to put down.

The author's writing is equally outstanding.

The descriptions are vivid and detailed, painting a clear picture in the reader's mind.

The characters are well-developed and believable, with their own unique personalities and motives.

The dialogue is natural and engaging, adding to the overall authenticity of the story.

Overall, this is a great piece of work that showcases the author's talent for storytelling.

I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good read.

Whether you're a fan of mystery, romance, or adventure, this story has something for everyone.

It's a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature.
July 15,2025
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I have a great affection for Richard Russo. His works have always held a special charm for me.

However, in my opinion, while his other works are good, they don't quite reach the level of "Nobody's Fool". That particular novel stands out as a masterpiece.

The characters in "Nobody's Fool" are so vividly drawn that they seem to leap off the page. The story is engaging and filled with both humor and heartbreak.

Russo's writing style in this book is truly exceptional. He has a way of making the reader feel deeply connected to the characters and their struggles.

Although I still enjoy his other works, "Nobody's Fool" will always hold a special place in my heart as one of the greatest novels I've ever read.
July 15,2025
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I can't say I loved this collection.

It does, however, end and finish strong.

"The Whore's Child" and "The Mysteries of Linwood Hart" are very good.

Especially the latter, which is told from a 7th - grade boy's perspective.

When I picked up this book, what I was hoping to encounter were the types of characters who populate his novels.

But that's a difficult feat to achieve in just a few pages.

The consequence is that some of the characters here are simply unpleasant.

They don't benefit from the time and explanation that one would receive in a novel to smooth out the rough edges and assist the reader in better understanding them.

This collection has its亮点, but it also has its不足之处.

Nonetheless, it still offers an interesting glimpse into the author's writing style and imagination.

Perhaps with more development and expansion, these stories could have been even more engaging and memorable.

As it stands, it's a decent read that may appeal to fans of the author's work or those interested in exploring different literary voices.

Overall, it's a collection that has its strengths and weaknesses, but it's worth giving a try.

July 15,2025
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The thing that truly impresses me about this collection of short stories by Richard Russo is his remarkable ability.

Within the limited number of pages, he manages to create a set of characters that are fully developed.

Perhaps it is more accurate to state that he supplies all the essential elements for the reader to completely flesh out the characters.

Many of these short stories have an impact that is nearly as profound as that of a novel, which is a clear testament to his great writing skills.

His use of language, his keen observation of human nature, and his ability to craft engaging plots all contribute to the overall excellence of this collection.

Each story is a little gem, filled with vivid characters and interesting situations that draw the reader in and keep them engaged from beginning to end.

Whether you are a fan of short stories or simply looking for a great read, this collection by Richard Russo is definitely worth checking out.
July 15,2025
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I am not usually a fan of short stories. However, I have to admit that I found these particular short stories quite interesting.

Although they might have a slightly dark tone to them, it didn't detract from my enjoyment.

The only exception was the last one, which I thought was very good indeed.

It was a quick read, which was another plus.

I was able to breeze through these stories in a relatively short amount of time and still get a sense of the author's creativity and skill.

Overall, I would recommend these short stories to anyone who is looking for a quick and engaging read, even if they are not typically a fan of the genre.

You might be surprised at how much you enjoy them.
July 15,2025
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I have kept this book of short stories by my bedside for quite a few months.

Recently, I had discovered that reading a story or an essay is a far better choice for my last reading of the day.

The reason is simple. That way, if I get sleepy, it doesn't leave me stranded in the middle of a complex plot.

I really enjoy Richard Russo's style.

Compared to the book I just finished yesterday, his subtle rhetoric and humor are truly delightful.

He has this unique ability where he doesn't have to explain every single twist and turn of every plot. Instead, he gracefully lets the reader figure it out on their own.

I, for one, really like to use my head when I'm reading a book. It makes the whole experience more engaging and fulfilling.

So, without a doubt, I'm definitely a die-hard Richard Russo fan. I look forward to exploring more of his works in the future.

July 15,2025
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I discovered Richard Russo in a used book store in Portland, Maine. We were on vacation and I’d run out of books to read. Empire Falls was the first of his books I read - what a discovery.

It was like stumbling upon a hidden gem in a vast literary landscape. The characters in his books came to life, their struggles and joys palpable.

The first two stories in this collection of short stories were good. They had a certain charm and depth that kept me engaged. However, I found the rest disappointing.

Perhaps my expectations were too high after being so impressed by Empire Falls. Nevertheless, I still appreciate Russo's writing style and his ability to create vivid settings and complex characters.

Despite the disappointment with some of the stories, I will continue to explore his work, hoping to find more of those magical moments that made me fall in love with his writing in the first place.

I believe that every writer has their off moments, and this collection may just be one of those for Russo. I look forward to seeing what else he has in store for us.
July 15,2025
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After commencing this collection, I heaved a sigh of relief.

It is truly remarkable to be under Russo's adept hands! There are no literary missteps or experimental endeavors within these pages.

Instead, what we have are substantial stories that revolve around the ordinary aspects of daily life, yet they offer pure pleasure and enjoyment when one delves into reading them.

Russo has a unique ability to craft narratives that are both relatable and engaging, drawing the reader in and making them feel as if they are a part of the characters' lives.

The simplicity and authenticity of these stories are what make them so special, and it is a joy to experience the world that Russo has created through her words.

Whether it's a story about a family gathering, a romantic encounter, or a personal struggle, each one is told with such skill and precision that it leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Overall, this collection is a testament to Russo's talent as a writer and is sure to be a favorite among readers who appreciate well-written, character-driven stories.
July 15,2025
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The article I read was truly fascinating. It presented a unique perspective on a particular subject that really piqued my interest.

The author's writing style was engaging and easy to follow, which made it a pleasure to read.

One aspect that stood out to me was the way the author presented the evidence and supported their arguments.

It was clear that they had done their research thoroughly and had a deep understanding of the topic.

This attention to detail and严谨的论证方法 made me want to look into more of his work.

I am eager to explore other articles or books written by this author to gain further insights and expand my knowledge on related subjects.

I believe that by delving deeper into his work, I will be able to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and perhaps even discover new perspectives that I had not considered before.

Overall, the article left a lasting impression on me and has motivated me to continue my exploration of this interesting field.
July 15,2025
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Great stories with solid writing


The collection of stories presented here is truly remarkable, boasting great writing that engages the reader from the very first sentence. Each story is crafted with precision and care, drawing the reader into a world of vivid characters and compelling plots.


Joyride is probably my favorite of the bunch. It is a masterful blend of lightness and darkness, often within a single sentence. The story takes the reader on a wild ride, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.


I've read a bit of Russo over the last few years, and this collection would be a fine sampler of his work and his characters from New England. His writing is rich and detailed, painting a vivid picture of the people and places that inhabit this region. Whether you're a fan of Russo or simply looking for a great read, this collection is sure to satisfy.
July 15,2025
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An interesting collection of short stories awaits you within the pages of this book. I truly liked it from the moment I started reading. The stories are presented in a way that makes it an easy read, allowing you to breeze through each one with enjoyment. Each story has its own unique charm and offers a different perspective or theme. Whether it's a heartwarming tale, a thrilling adventure, or a thought-provoking piece, there is something for everyone in this collection. The author has done a great job of creating engaging characters and plots that will keep you hooked until the very end. If you're looking for a book that will provide you with entertainment and a bit of escapism, then this collection of short stories is definitely worth checking out.

July 15,2025
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Like a box of chocolates, these fine stories offer you a profound taste of the depths within Richard Russo's novels.

As I delved into them, I recognized one story that, in its extended form, constituted a significant part of the novel Straight Man.

This recognition perhaps provides a fascinating glimpse into the writer's creative process.

It makes one wonder how Russo weaves these individual tales into the larger fabric of his novels.

Maybe he starts with a simple idea, like the one presented in this story, and then expands and develops it, adding layers of complexity and depth.

Or perhaps he has a whole novel in mind from the beginning and these stories are like building blocks that he arranges and rearranges to create the final masterpiece.

Either way, it's clear that Russo's creative process is both intricate and inspiring, and these stories serve as a wonderful introduction to the rich world of his novels.
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