My Name is Russell Fink; Michael Snyder
Zondervan - 2008
Twenty-six year old Russell Fink, the neurotic protagonist of this novel is a character reader's will not easily forget. He sells office supplies, a job he hates, lives with his alcoholic mother and televangelist father who he also has issues with. He also has a brother, a gambler, who he allows to take advantage of him. Oh, and he has an (ex) fiancee who is a piece of work as well.
The faithful, love of Russell's life is Sonny, an elderly Bassett Hound who is fond of vodka-dipped dog biscuits, and just might be a tad clairvoyant. When Sonny ends up dead, Russell is certain he's been murdered and he's determined to find Sonny's killer.
If this book sounds a bit over the top, it really is. Russell carries a lot of baggage and guilt. He fears that he was the reason his young sister died of cancer when they were small, and he's sure he'll leave this earth the same way his sister did.
A funny, yet feel good debut novel, I found myself both laughing and rooting for Russell Fink, a lost soul who is just trying to find his place in the world. I enjoyed Russell's journey of self-discovery, but the ending just seemed a bit too rushed. Still a fun read overall. Readers who need a good laugh, and enjoy quirky characters and family dysfunction might enjoy this one as well.
I was surprised to read, after finishing this book that Zondervan is a Christian Publishing group and a subsidiary of Harper Collins. Other than the fact Russell's father was a televangelist, this book did not feel at all preachy.
3.5/5 stars
(Kindle purchase)
This sounds like fun, except for the fact the dog dies.
ReplyDelete:( -fortunately with so many laughs it wasn't a painful scene.
DeleteThis sounds like a quirky read and definitely not what I would associate with Zondervan's usual fare. Glad to hear it was entertaining without being preachy!
ReplyDeleteI never read anything from this imprint, so I was pleasantly surprised after leaning it was Christian Fiction.
DeleteIt's funny, Dad knew someone by that name back at the turn of the century (MOL), he was a bit quirky too. Sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteToo funny Brian.
DeleteYou had me at Basset Hound. (we had them for years)
ReplyDeleteThey are sweet looking dogs.
DeleteI do enjoy quirky characters and I'm always glad when I can root for them. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMe too Laurel.
DeleteZondervan got it's start in a town close to me. I will keep this book in mind when I need a laugh.
ReplyDeleteI think I got it free or for $1.99 on Amazon in 2010.
DeleteSo glad it wasn't preachy. I haven't tried any of the "Christian" novels because I'm always scared off by the preachiness.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of Christian fiction, but this was fun.
DeleteI do love quirky characters.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun change of pace. It's interesting that you didn't even think of it as a Christian fiction story.
ReplyDelete