poikilia's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
mka0204's review against another edition
3.0
While I'm glad I read this book, I don't know if I'll be reading more Russo any time soon. I would actually like to have given the book 3.5 stars, not just 3. I think it was extremely well written and the character development was wonderfully done...except...in some cases they were a bit over-done. As I neared the end of the book, I felt I could easily skip some of the 'back story' for the main character because 1) I already felt I knew him (and based on the subsequent events, I think I did); 2) I had already figured out some things about his life he hadn't; 3) the back story wasn't all that interesting. As one of the reviews on the back of the book said, 'No one does small town life better than Richard Russo,' and I agree. Keep in mind that nothing happens in small towns. And if something 'big' does happen, it sometimes feels contrived (as it did in this book). I'd be willing to give the book it's full 4 stars if it had left me wondering what would happen next with the main characters. But it didn't. I'm caught between thinking I already know what would happen and not caring. Leaving me with that feeling is why I think the book was over-developed. Wouldn't it have been more clever, more compelling, to leave me wanting more instead of completely (and skillfully) sating my curiosity about the folks in Empire Falls? I think so.
_sarah_reads_'s review against another edition
3.0
I wish goodreads allowed half stars. I give this one 3 1/2.
spbakeritalia's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
juliana_aldous's review against another edition
5.0
What happens to small town when the only industry shutters its doors? Who are the people that stay behind and why? I'm reminded of the famous Seattle billboards from the seventies, "Will the last person to leave Seattle, please turn out the lights?"
This book won the Pulitzer and it captures what happens in America when small towns lose their livelihood to corporate and individual avarice.
Russo is a master at creating characters and motivations. I was delighted with how well he pulled themes throughout the book.
I'm creating a new bookshelf for books that perfectly capture a time and place in America and adding this book to it.
This book won the Pulitzer and it captures what happens in America when small towns lose their livelihood to corporate and individual avarice.
Russo is a master at creating characters and motivations. I was delighted with how well he pulled themes throughout the book.
I'm creating a new bookshelf for books that perfectly capture a time and place in America and adding this book to it.
nasakok's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bookishwendy's review against another edition
3.0
Arg! This book took me forever to read! Not a good sign. I'm not particularly fond of soap-operaesque books, but this one kept veering in that direction. Throughout the first 400 pages, the main character Miles is a passive doormat who allows his ensemble cast to scrape their boots on him. And all the adult women in this story are thoroughly unlikeable people. I did like Mile's witty, witheringly sarcastic daughter Tick (maybe she reminded me of me), but even then I almost put this book down. At long last when our meek main character finally (finally!) steps up and asserts himself I experienced a cathartic whoosh of satisfaction. I'm not sure the excruciatingly long set-up was worth the pay-off, but at least there was a pay-off. I still have some quibbles about how certain threads were wrapped up: there are so many characters that it's not really possible to have a "neat ending" without everything seeming *too* convenient...but when in real life do we have neatly packaged endings?
booksmjc's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
danie_joye_breit's review against another edition
5.0
You're captivated by the first chapter. I'm sure I've never seen an author better design flawed and beautiful, infuriating and endearing characters. Every chapter, paragraph, and sentence is packed with purpose that is so altogether relatable that one can find insight into one's own internal dialogue. I feel that I can better voice my own emotions--embarrassment followed by swift denial, contained pride over a small, personal victory, and uncontrolled rage fueled by a past regret. I will recommend this book to anyone willing to read it.
adavidgraham's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0