Rating: 
Summary: Poignant AND Funny or vice versa
Review: I have no connection to academe, but the locale of the tale seems universal. A loving, bewildered wife; an assortment of misfit friends; a rambunctious dog; a job that is perhaps worth fighting for, perhaps not. This could happen anywhere. I was truly impressed with both the storyline and the writing. Amazingly, if the author ever checks in, I picked the book up for free from a new cable network BookNet at the National Cable Show in Chicago. And it was an autographed copy! I'll read more Richard Russo material and I'll keep this autographed version.
Rating: 
Summary: 'The Straight Man' by Russo is Updike's 'Centaur' revisited.
Review: How is Hank Deveraux, Jr. not George Caldwell? Both are academics teaching in New England. Both have their counterpoint references: Caldwell's is the myth of Chiron, Deveraux his Occam's Razor. And, both men are consumed by conflicts generated from tenacious humor, perceived sexual opportunities, and their familial infrastructures. It works. Richard Russo has captured John Updike's voice from 'The Centaur' which I have missed and enjoyed revisiting. I know I will read Russo's other novels, and urge others to enjoy 'The Straight Man.'
Rating: 
Summary: Great reviews! Cool cover! What a bore!
Review: Are all Russo's best pals in the book review business? The jacket and a couple of pages reading in the shop made me think I'd found something worthwhile. Funny? A couple of laughs here and there. The characters? All charmless bores. Bah!
Rating:
Summary: Meaning
Review: While my initial reason for reading the book was to enjoy some dark humor about the academy-my goal changed as I delved deeper into the text. I laughed out loud at many of the antics-and being an academic administrator I can attest to the reality of some of the most satirical moments. However, in the end I was very moved by the insights about the meaning of relationships. In fact, I had one of those brief moments of insight and clarity that make everything seem worthwhile.
Rating:
Summary: Not Exactly a Page Turner...But Well Worth The Time
Review: This book took me forever to read, even though I totally enjoyed it through and through. Similar to Richard Ford's "The Sportswriter" and "Independance Day", the plot (what there is of one) is not really the point here; rather, it's the protaginist's ruminations on his life, his friends and collegues, his wife, his dog, and, to especially hilarious effect, his urinary track. I've enjoyed Russo's other books, but he is truly in top form on this one. The book is stunningly funny without being annoying or seeming like a one trick pony. The dialog is sharp and constantly entertaining, and the last sections concerning the main character's father and father-in-law are two of the funniest set pieces I've ever read. Now that I really think about it, maybe I read this one so slowly because every page and paragraph is meant to be savored.
Rating:
Summary: Funny with a good story! Fantastic Characters!
Review: One of the funniest books that I have had the pleasure of reading. The characters are original and well-developed...flaws and all. Once I picked up the book and started reading it, I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended! I can't wait to read all of Richard Russo's other books.
Rating:
Summary: A very funny, serious book
Review: Straight Man rivals Confederacy of Dunces for the funniest book I have ever read. This book had me laughing out loud, many times eliciting an inquiry of "what are you READING?" from anyone within earshot.I disagree with the opinion that this is a lightweight book. That seems to pat a response for any book unafraid to be funny. Some of the darkest books I have read are also the funniest (Heller, Vonnegut, Robertson Davies, John Irving etc.)
Rating: 
Summary: Lightweight, Entertaining in Spots
Review: Rather disappointing after all the touting from reviews by other readers and word-of-mouth from friends and colleagues. Hank Devereaux Jr whines about everything in his life just to come to the conclusion that he has a pretty good life afterall. Mid-life crises are never very interesting, and this one is no exception. Still the writing is good -- I wish there was a better story.
Rating:
Summary: Don't believe The Moron Who Dared Give this ONE STAR...
Review: I wasn't going to write this review until I saw there was a sad, bitter individual who had dared give this book one star. Giving this book one star, saying it's not in the least funny, is something akin to saying James Joyce is not in the least bit difficult to read. Not only is William Henry Devereaux Jr. one of the funniest entities I've encountered since Ignatius J. Reilly (I would say funnier, but I know too many people who would dismiss me for it), he is also mired in the muck of educational nightmares I have witnessed to some from the outside. I could not have, in any way, shape, form or function, enjoyed this book any more than I did. I actually annoy friends and relatives because I forget which ones to whom I've recommended it, and I'm going around the block for the fourth time on 'em... As with "High Fidelity," my other modern fave, I only ask this: Read the first 20 pages. It shouldn't take too long. This is another book where, if you don't find those first few pages funny, it ain't your book. But don't, like The Moron Who Gave This One Star, keep reading if you ain't laughing, because it's not going to grow on you. And if the latter is true for you, I merely suggest you seek happiness counseling.
Rating: 
Summary: Is comedy supposed to be this run-of-the-mill?
Review: Bought this novel after recommendation upon recommendation. A part of academe myself (English Department, no less) I was looking forward to this. However, I found the humor safe and predictable; I found the characters a little too surface. I really didn't care about any of them, they were all too humdrum. I did, however, think the very ending was excellent.
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