I somehow thought I had read Nobody's Fool by Richard Russo, but it turns out that I had only seen the wonderful movie (some 15 years ago). What a treat! This book is easily as good as Russo's Pulitzer-winning Empire Falls (thanks again to Mark for turning me on to Russo in the first place!). I had the added pleasure of picturing Paul Newman as Sully in every scene. He absolutely nailed that character. This was a rare case of a movie being almost as good as the book, although Mark reminded me that the endings aren't the same. Stupid Hollywood.
If you haven't read this book, I urge you to get it. In fact, I insist. As with Empire Falls, Russo's giant heart and good humor come shining through, even as he's contemplating the life and death of a run-down town and its inhabitants. Beautiful writing, unforgettable characters and images.
Next you have to read Straight Man. Fall off the couch funny.
Posted by: Laura | July 13, 2010 at 09:18 PM
Oh, I have read it! Wonderful!
http://verbatim.blogs.com/verbatim/2007/08/another-gem-fro.html
Posted by: Karen | July 13, 2010 at 09:24 PM
Uh oh. I had that book on my shelf for years and never read it, and now I think it's gone. I did see the movie, though! I have never been able to get into Richard Russo.
Posted by: Elena | July 13, 2010 at 09:29 PM
Now I'm starting to doubt myself. I'm not so sure the ending is different! This script says my memories going: http://www.script-o-rama.com/movie_scripts/n/nobodys-fool-script-transcript-russo.html
I'm going to have to get this one from Netfix, quick.
Posted by: Mark | July 13, 2010 at 09:38 PM
*memory's
Posted by: Mark | July 13, 2010 at 09:39 PM
Okay, after reading this (http://briansawyer.net/2003/10/30/nobodys-fool-book-and-movie/) I think it was different, but perhaps not different in the way we discussed.
Now I have to rewatch the movie AND reread the book!
Anyway, have you read "That Old Cape Magic" yet? More like a novella, and the perfect quick summer read.
Posted by: Mark | July 13, 2010 at 09:54 PM
The Risk Pool was my first and favorite Russo novel. Straight Man was good too.
Posted by: Sharon | July 13, 2010 at 09:58 PM
Oh, I absolutely LOVED "Nobody's Fool!" And yes, the movie was excellent and perfectly cast.
Posted by: Tonya | July 13, 2010 at 11:22 PM
Oh boy, nothing I love better than a good Richard Russo discussion! I believe that "Empire Falls" is his hands-down masterpiece, but, like Sharon, I also loved "The Risk Pool"—definitely a strong #2 for me. Like you, I saw the movie of "Nobody's Fool" first, and so had the pleasure of watching Paul Newman in my head while reading the book. Not a bad thing while reading late at night.
Posted by: Susan Champlin | July 14, 2010 at 06:44 PM