The Straight Man : A novel

Rating:
Summary: Whoa...did I miss something?
Review: After reading review upon review claiming that this was the funniest book ever, I have one question....what are you people reading out there? I will admit that there are a few smiles and chuckles tossed in here and there, but I've laughed harder reading my horoscope. I really tried to like this book, but our "hero" is such a wenie who takes nothing seriously and is obviously just completely miserable in his own skin (as was I for the majority of this book). His constant smart-a** replies become extremely annoying and you begin to think that if you met this guy in real life you might like to tell him where he can stuff it. I understand the comic effect Russo was trying to capture with his petty and paranoid professors, but he managed to fill this English department with some of the most loathesome characters I've ever run across. If they're going to whine and gripe all the time they could at least be funny. Overall, it's hard to give a damn about what happens to this sniveling bunch and this is what really kills the book for me. This isn't the worst thing I have ever read, but I certainly wouldn't recommend it to anyone. The only good thing about this book, however annoying the characters and monotonous the plot, is its author. I will most likely give Russo another chance just for the sake of his graceful writing style and language, which is just about the only thing that gets you through this book but isn't enough to save it.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I've ever read, period.
Review: Perhaps this book appealed to our family because we live in the bizarre world of academe. However, the writing was so exceptional that even those not familiar with the unique workings of academic politics will enjoy Straight Man. The two adults and 24-year old son in our family laughed until tears ran down our faces...then read the book again. Its strength is not just the exceptional humorous writing, but its ability to tap into human frailty and vulnerability, as well. I plan to read everything this man has ever written, and I wish he'd write more!

Rating:
Summary: A Marvelous Book
Review: This is one of the most entertaining novels I have read in a long time; several passages had me laughing out loud. It's a wonderful story about a man who tries to keep his sanity in a world of people who take things much too seriously. Be sure to check out Russo's other books as well; they are all great.

Rating:
Summary: If you love a good story.....
Review: This is the first book I've read by Richard Russo and I intend to read the others! He's an amazing storyteller in the truest sense. The main character is so offbeat, you actually believe he's real (even after the book is done)! Those in academia will especially enjoy it!

Rating:
Summary: Witty, engaging entertainment.
Review: The best book I have read in months (and I read often). Strong character development and subtle, wry humor make the book enjoyable. I actually laughed out loud in public during a few scenes!

Rating:
Summary: Must reading for anybody in academics
Review: I don't know if the author has spent much time as a faculty member, but anybody who has will love this book.

Rating:
Summary: Who wants to read another academic satire?
Review: A friend of mine gave me the book, and as I dubiously looked at its cover and cover blurbs, I couldn't help wonder why he'd been attracted to it in the first place. I mean, who wants to read another academic satire? I know I didn't, but in deference to his opinion -- he bought me a new book because he kept his -- I plunged in, managing to get past the plodding adolescent prologue that I vaguely remembered reading in The New Yorker. But by the third chapter, I found myself hooked on Hank Devereaux, one of the most hilarious, unpredictable characters I've read about in a long time. The point of this review isn't to give you an idea of what this book is about, but rather to make sure you don't let it slip by because you've read a slew of other marginal academic satires. . . .

Rating:
Summary: Hilarious!
Review: This was one of the funniest books I have ever read! The tone remains satirical and sarcastic throughout the entire novel, and sometimes you can't tell if William Henry Devereaux, Jr., is joking or not, but at the same time, the sarcasm is very revealing of his character. A must read for anyone entrenched in academe.

Rating:
Summary: Middle age is not funny but this book is
Review: If you are of a certain age this book could be your autobiography. My husband and I almost felt this way when we read this book. His experience with kidney stones and my experience on the faculty of a high school English department made us both identify totally with the main character and laugh out loud at the absurdity of his life spiraling downward dizzily and hilariously. The pleasure of the catharsis we both experienced in being able to laugh at ourselves vicariously was complete. I had no idea that English department politics are so ridiculous universally! Well, if you have to get older and face embarrassing health problems and loss of power and status, it's great to be able to laugh at them as these problems are portrayed by a genius of comedy.

Rating:
Summary: Irreverent look at life in a small college town !
Review: Great characters, especially the protagonist. A fun look at life in academia. Unfortunately, an all to quick read!