My Name is Russell Fink; Michael Snyder

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)

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - My Name is Russell Fink; Michael Snyder

Every Tuesday I host First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros where I share the first paragraph sometimes two from a book I am reading or thinking about reading soon. I purchased this eBook on Amazon a while ago and think it sounds good in a quirky kind of way.

My Name is Russell Fink; Michael Snyder

Zondervan Press - 2008

Part One

Thursday

"My conscience must be out of order.

Otherwise I'd feel at least a tinge of guilt as I consider making this call.  Only two reasons exist for dialing this number: first, to inform Max Hengle III that I'm about to land a big sale, and to say this is rare would be an understatement.  It's happened exactly twice. And neither transaction was the result of any Herculean effort on my part, more like fortuitous timing or dumb luck.  But this did not prevent me from taking full credit.  Sales is a tough business.

The second reason for dialing this number -- the egregiously more common reason--is to call in sick.  One could argue hypochondria, but I prefer preventative maintenance.  Still, I contend that over the life of my career, these measures will have made me a happier and more productive employee.  And who wouldn't want a whole stable full of happy and productive employees?"

What do you think -- keep reading or pass?  

(Feel free to join in this week by posting your intro below?