My Name Is Russell Fink

Russell Fink's world is so much fun. In his debut novel, Michael Snyder has created a classic. What else can you call a story that prominently features an alcoholic basset hound with drunken tendencies toward clairvoyance? Some reviewers have classified Russell Fink as chick-lit. If so, this non-chick just discovered a new favorite genre. To me, a guy who doesn't really know what chick-lit is or isn't, MY NAME IS RUSSELL FINK reads like a timely work of literature, coming-of-age in a world that makes no sense. It's a post-post-modern manifesto, a declaration that the system is broke and we're all just supposed to do the best we can to survive it without losing hold of who we are in the process. Russell Fink is an everyman. Every reader is likely to see themselves in the title character. There are so many plot points that make one stop and think. The relationship with an incarcerated grandfather who has become the family's black sheep. The self-centered finance who dictates the rules in a highly choreographed, passionless relationship. The real love of Russell's life, who he's afraid to acknowledge, and who is afraid to be loved in return. The quirky friend who operates by his own set of rules and can't seem to fit in with proper society but doesn't seem to care. The career-driven parents who see Russell as a roadblock to their success. And, of course, that timeless bond between boy and dog that death can't even break. This is a Christian book, and nearly all of the characters in it--even the most random, unlikely characters--display a spiritual wisdom that seems lacking in so many Christian circles these days. But far from being preachy, Snyder explores issues of faith, service, and forgiveness honestly through the eyes of a smart-alack slacker (the character, not the writer). God is a present force in this book, popping up at times when least expected and even unwelcomed, but popping up nonetheless. RUSSELL FINK is also an exploration of the celebrity-driven church, a tender glimpse beneath the idyllic mask of spiritual perfection at the things that lurk behind the public face of big-time ministry. Here, good and bad coexist, held together by mercy and love. There's something almost perfect about the imperfection of a fallen evangelist's dysfunctional family, and how that family loves even when the way they show that love doesn't look like love at all. The only thing that would have made RUSSELL FINK a better novel is if the story had continued on for another three hundred pages or so.

Poor Russell! Yeah, he's probably a little neurotic, but who wouldn't be? He still lives at home with his mom, a secret drinker, and his dad, an ex-con former faith healer. He works, sometimes, selling office supplies, at least when he's not seeing a doctor to confirm his latest dire self-diagnosis. He's still beating himself up over his sister's death from cancer. His fiancee' refuses to break up with him. And his brother may or may not have been kidnapped. Then there's Sonny. If Russell feeds his basset hound liquor-soaked dog biscuits, Sonny seems to answer questions....until Russell finds him dead under the kitchen table. Who murdered Sonny? Was it the same person who's sending threats to Russell's family? And will Russell ever realize how he really feels about Geri, his friend since college? Snyder's book is chock-full of oddball characters and unexpected plot turns. He's woven issues of faith and second chances throughout. The book was a delightful read. It seemed to end a little hastily but maybe Snyder is setting us up for a second Russell story. That would be fun!

I loved the book as very funny and creative character-driven fiction. I hate using the word "quirky" to describe his characters, so I won't use it. I'll call them extra-human; they are flawed but goodness shines through in unexpected places. I couldn't classify this under a genre such as chick-lit, lad-lit, dog-lit, or chicken-soup-for-whatever-group-lit. I mean, how many books besides this one have a clarvoyant dog, a family named "Fink", and will genuinely move you while tickling your funny bone? In creating Russell Fink, Michael Snyder has crafted something unique that reflects the influence of writers such as Douglas Coupland, Nick Hornby, Ray Blackston, and Carl Hiassen. I'm looking forward to what the author does next.

"My Name Is Russell Fink" is about an average, quirky guy who faces unpredicatable changes in his life while negotiating the complexities of relationships. It is a book written from a Christian worldview though it is not blatantly so. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and would compare the writing style to that of Douglas Coupland. The characters are quirky and the story is interesting complete with love, loss, mystery, and a basset hound that gives sage advice. Overall, a light and fun read!

If you are a fan of Ray Blackston, you are going to want to check into Michael Snyder. With fresh and humorous storytelling, Snyder dumps us into the world of Russell Fink. Russell oozes dysfunction what with being named after his imprisoned grandfather and doomed to inherit his father's double chin. Russell fears the notoriety of both male role models and bad genes have pretty much cooked his own goose. After all, he's already killed once and just awaits the cancer that will surely be his reward. With a sharp wit and troublesome tongue Russell both severs relationships and endears himself to a quirky cast of characters. Can Russell shed his wacky fiancee so that he can embrace true love? Will Russell ever find faith instead of empty religion? Does Russell deserve anything good or satisfying? I wanted to hug Russell and make him a homemade meal, or at least pour him a bowl of cereal. I found myself surprised with a completely unexpected revelation within the story which was nice. My only non-rave, but not big enough to keep it from a five star read, is that the end felt a little rushed with the unraveling of the details. But this was definitely a minor concern. If you must have "all your ducks in a row" in your endings you might have an issue with some ambiguity. Russell is a satisfying and introspective read. Fans of Annette Smith's A Bigger Life should find it appealing also. I am a Snyder fan, and am anxiously awaiting the next release. I wouldn't mind a follow-up to Russell, I wasn't quite ready to leave him.