Book Thoughts--My Name Is Russell Fink by Michael Snyder

My Name Is Russell Finkby Michael Snyder--what can I say? Along the lines of Nick Hornby's About a Boy and High Fidelity and Richard Russo's Straight Man, Russell is a guy who can't seem to grow up and get his life together. A closet artist, he's living with his parents, working as a salesperson for an office supply company, and engaged to a drama-queen because he can't seem to ever make a clean break. He's never really made a decision that he could call his own.

Until he discovers his dog dead.

Now, Russell has to deal with the guilt that he might have contributed to Sonny's death through alcohol poisoning (on top of dealing with the guilt almost his whole life of giving his twin-sister cancer), investigate who else poisoned Sonny, move out of his parents house, and figure out how to make a sale in order to keep his job. On top of that, he's falling in love--and the girl ain't his fiance.

It's funny, folks. These characters, strange as they are, are real.

And you know how I love my metaphors. Oh, the metaphors! "Sleep eludes me like a watermelon seed on freshly waxed tile." Or "the whole break-up ordeal feels as hollow and pointless as renouncing my spleen." And they're all over the place! 

This story deals with forgiveness and the issue of the problem of evil. It's honest. There are no easy answers. Between laughing at the witty dialogue and the quirky characters, you'll find yourself grappling with the same question Russell does--if God is good, where is He?

I've read this book in its entirety twice. There are few books I do that with. I suggest you read it at least once.