The aching desire for connection is vividly depicted in all the ways we manage to get in the way of ourselves. It's as if we are our own worst enemies when it comes to forging those meaningful bonds. We create barriers, we second-guess, and we hold back.

Yet, within this sea of self-imposed obstacles, there are those precious few moments when it all just works. These moments shine like grace through Russo's writing, cutting through the chaos and uncertainty. They are like rays of light in a dark room, offering hope and a glimmer of something more.

Russo has a remarkable ability to capture both the pain and the beauty of human connection, to show us the messiness and the magic. Her words draw us in and make us feel, make us question our own actions and our own desires. It's a powerful and moving exploration of what it means to be human and to long for that connection with others.

I truly loved these tales.

They had a certain charm that captured my imagination from the very beginning.

The stories were filled with interesting characters, unique settings, and thrilling adventures.

Each tale seemed to transport me to a different world, allowing me to experience the emotions and challenges of the characters firsthand.

Among all the tales, the title one held a special place in my heart.

It had a captivating plot that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

The characters in the title tale were well-developed and relatable, making it easy for me to empathize with their struggles and joys.

The author's writing style was engaging and descriptive, painting vivid pictures in my mind as I read.

Overall, these tales were a wonderful escape from reality and I would highly recommend them to anyone who loves a good story.

If you are a fan of Richard Russo, as I am,

then you will thoroughly enjoy this selection of short stories.

Russo's stories are filled with characters that you can truly believe in.

He is equally adept at portraying men, women, and even little boys.

The stories also manage to evoke a strong sense of place.

If reading fiction is a means of understanding how other people function,

then you can't make a better choice than by reading any of the works by this wonderful author.

His stories offer a vivid look at the goings-on in small town America.

Each story is like a window into the lives of the characters,

allowing you to experience their joys, sorrows, and struggles.

Russo's writing is细腻 and engaging,

drawing you in and making you feel as if you are a part of the story.

Whether you are a long-time fan or new to his work,

this collection of short stories is sure to delight and entertain.

I especially relished the title story.

I have a penchant for a mysterious character, and she was precisely that. Even though she disclosed a significant portion of her backstory, it was a clever ploy.

The other stories were also enjoyable. They were well-written in a predominantly straightforward style, with the occasional breathtaking sentence that left me in awe.

The characters were predominantly men and boys. The boys, due to their innocence, were more sympathetic. On the other hand, the men often seemed to have fallen short in fully maturing.

It was interesting to observe the different dynamics and personalities within the stories. Each character had their own flaws and virtues, which added depth and complexity to the overall narrative.

The author's ability to create such vivid characters and engaging stories is truly remarkable. I look forward to reading more of their work in the future.

It would be extremely tough to pose any additional demands on a compilation of short stories.

My sole "frustration" lies in the fact that the more excellent stories were not actually the commencements of novels.

I simply have such a profound connection with Russo's work.

At present, I am engaged in re-reading THE RISK POOL.

This collection of short stories has truly captivated me, and I find myself constantly drawn back to it.

The characters are vividly portrayed, and the plots are engaging and thought-provoking.

Each story offers a unique perspective on life, love, and human nature.

Russo's writing style is both accessible and profound, making it a pleasure to read.

I can't wait to see what other works he has in store for us in the future.

I haven't read many short story collections. However, I must say that I really enjoyed this particular one.

Russo's writing style is truly captivating. He has this unique ability to bring the characters to life in the most vivid way.

The characters he creates are not just ordinary fictional beings. They have depth, complexity, and individuality.

Among all the characters, Linwood Hart stands out for me. There is something about him that makes him extremely interesting and engaging.

Maybe it's his personality, or perhaps it's the way Russo portrays him.

Whatever it is, Linwood Hart has definitely left a lasting impression on me.

I look forward to reading more of Russo's works in the future and seeing what other wonderful characters and stories he has in store for us.

I've always had a deep passion for reading short stories. There's something truly captivating about the concise yet powerful nature of these literary works.

And the ones I've recently come across were simply compelling. The characters were so well-developed that they seemed to leap off the page and into my imagination. Each one had their own unique traits, flaws, and motivations that made them feel real and relatable.

Moreover, the plot development was both engaging and meaningful. It didn't just follow a predictable path but rather took unexpected turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The stories explored various themes such as love, loss, friendship, and self-discovery, leaving me with a lot to think about long after I'd finished reading.

In conclusion, these short stories have once again reminded me of the beauty and power of this literary genre. I can't wait to discover more wonderful short stories and embark on new literary adventures.

This is an extremely interesting collection of short stories.

I have a deep affection for Richard Russo's characters. His portrayal of them is so vivid and lifelike that they seem to jump right off the page.

Moreover, having lived in coastal Maine myself, I am very familiar with the settings he describes. It gives me a unique perspective and makes me feel even more connected to the stories.

Most importantly, the stories themselves are so compelling that they leave me constantly craving for more. Each one has its own charm and吸引力, drawing me in and making me reluctant to put the book down.

Overall, this collection of short stories is a real gem that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys good literature.

I really loved each of these stories for different reasons.

Some of them had engaging plots that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The characters were well-developed and relatable, making it easy for me to invest in their journeys.

Others had beautiful writing that painted vivid pictures in my mind and made me feel as if I was right there in the story. The themes explored were thought-provoking and made me reflect on my own life and values.

Best of all, these were quick reads, which was perfect for my busy schedule. I could easily pick up a story and finish it in a short amount of time, yet still feel satisfied and entertained.

I would highly recommend these stories to anyone looking for a good read that won't take up too much of their time.

I came across this book as it was handed down to me and had received rather good reviews online. The author is highly regarded in the literary world, and the blurb seemed captivating, although it wasn't exactly the kind of thing I would typically choose. Unfortunately, I was quite let down by this collection of short stories and will not be looking for more works by this author.

The aspect that sticks with me the most is that it was very evident that the collection was penned by a man. Now, I'm not suggesting that I only enjoy books that give the impression of being written by a woman - not at all. I believe that unless the book is written in the first person, it should have a rather neutral feel in terms of the author's gender. For instance, Hilary Mantel - one can't tell she's a woman. And Mike Gayle - one can't tell he's a man. Both of those authors write about male characters, but it seems as if they are simply describing the characters as they are, rather than writing about them from their own female or male perspective. Does that make sense? (Probably not!)

Consequently, this book felt like a series of stories mainly about somewhat bitter, middle-aged men who hadn't quite achieved what they desired in life and thus projected a miserable attitude towards the rest of the world. And because all of these characters of this type were so similar at their core, that's how I envision the author to be, which is perhaps unfair. Three out of the seven stories have a different 'type' as their lead character - an elderly nun (seen through the eyes of a middle-aged male lecturer), a ten-year-old boy (with a questionable father figure), and a twelve-year-old (with another questionable father figure and a mother who takes him on a road trip to escape said father, encountering other dubious middle-aged men along the way). The women in most of the stories are peripheral, shallow, and only seen through the eyes of the men. When they take the lead, they are not in any way likable or sympathetic. Most of the stories were also rather depressing - even the 'happy ending' of The Mysteries of Linwood Hart didn't seem like it would bring long-term happiness.

I really didn't enjoy this book much at all. It was quite a negative read, and there wasn't a single character with whom I felt I could identify.

I embarked on this collection of Richard Russo's short stories following the perusal of two of his books. One of them, I found myself deeply enamored with, while the other failed to capture my interest in the slightest. After delving into the first couple of short stories, I was on the verge of throwing in the towel. However, I summoned the willpower to persevere. And what a fortunate decision that was! As it turns out, I truly adored the last three stories. In particular, the final one featuring the boys' baseball team left a profound impression on me. It vividly reminded me of the days when my sons were part of such teams, surrounded by parents and coaches of similar dispositions.

This collection of short stories, initially a bit of a struggle, ultimately proved to be a rewarding read. Russo's ability to craft engaging and relatable characters shone through in the latter stories, making it well worth the effort of pushing through the initial lackluster ones. I'm glad I didn't give up too soon and was able to discover the gems hidden within this collection.

I have a profound love for Russo's short stories, and the reason is identical to that of my love for his novels.

His works are a unique blend of humor and sadness, frequently presenting both emotions simultaneously. The characters within his stories are often losers, yet one can't help but feel a sense of empathy and affection for them.

Russo has a remarkable ability to capture a specific male malaise without undermining or slighting the female characters. Instead, he portrays all his characters with fairness and depth.

Moreover, his stories are filled with a quiet, subtle sense of hope. It's as if beneath the surface of the often-depressing situations and flawed characters, there lies a glimmer of something better.

This collection is truly a gem from one of our finest writers. It showcases his talent for creating engaging and thought-provoking stories that leave a lasting impression on the reader.