Elsewhere: A memoir Audiobook

" Great memoir. Lots to think abut in here. Glad the mom turns out be crazier than I am -- I was alittle afraid when I read the overview.... "

" The maxim holds: the truth is stranger -- and often sadder -- than fiction. I am a fan of Richard Russo's novels, which often feature very flawed men letting down the women in their lives. His stories include some sorrow, a great deal humor, and always a flame of hope. Russo's own story is one of a more serious struggle with a mother who was always feeling more than just let down -- betrayed, really -- by the primary man in her life, Russo. The story of how they spent a lifetime together is frustrating and fascinating. Readers never learn the "why" of Russo's patient machinations -- and later those of his wife and children -- to find a suitable spot in life for his mother. It can be frustrating to watch the true insanity of people doing the same things over and over and over again with the same result. And yet, it's a testament to Russo's skills as a storyteller that the reader just sticks with it. Either we're sharing Russo's maddening hope that this will make her happy. Or we're watching in anticipation and a little horror for the impending trainwreck. (BTW: I listened to the audiobook version, which is narrated by Russo, which adds to overall memoir experience, IMHO) "

" I enjoy Russo's fiction which is clearly based on his life but his memoirs lacks. "

" Interesting look into living with someone with mental illness. I've never read anything by Russo before (didn't read this either, rather listened to it on CD), but I am now looking forward to reading his fictional works. "

" Having been a big Russo fan, I had originally expected to see more character development of his mom. However, this isn't a novel and no one can know what is completely going on in another person's mind. This could be a very depressing story, but Russo's tongue in cheek humor lightens the story and makes it seem more real. I enjoyed reading about growing up in Gloversville- it has certainly set the tone of many of Russo's books. "

" I love Richard Russo, but I did not like this book. It was basically a long therapy session about his mother. I thought the book would be more of a memoir and instead it was completely about his relationship with his mom. Very odd and disappointing. "

" Excellent writing. Story got soooo repetitive. Russo could teach a class on how to be completely in denial and codependent. "

" One more time Richard Russo through the story of his mother helps me to understand my mother better. "

" Sad, but Russo does a very good job self-analyzing his relationship with his mother, and his mother's psyche. "

" I've never read a novel by Russo, but found this memoir about his mother riveting. "

" Interesting and entertaining book by a favorite author of mine. "

" I do enjoy Richard Russo's writing, and not only because he's more upstate NY than I was. This is a memoir about his identity as a writer, as well as an homage to his mom, and his struggles and responsibility, real and imagined for her and her well being. "

" looking back from a current perspective at Gloversville, Tucson, Phoenix, and other places (and people, too) "

" Insightful and painful. "

" Think you have a demanding mother? Well, read this memoir then re-evaluate. Suffice it to say that the author's mom was breathtakingly difficult. This book is an outstanding, hilarious, can't-believe-it, and quick account of Russo's life with her. "

" I am a great fan of Richard Russo but I must admit a life his fiction better than this memoir. "

" Interesting, but a bit of a slog. This memoir is really more a memoir of Russo's mother and his relationship with her. "

" Richard Russo is one of my favourite authors. I really enjoyed his surprising account of his lifelong stuggle to care for his "off the wall" mother who thought of the two of them as one entity. Well written and quite funny. "

" how can I not love something about a guy from my hometown succeeding even if the road was not perfect. . "