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MY NAME IS RUSSELL FINK by SNYDER MICHAEL

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Russell Fink is twenty-six years old and determined to salvage a job he hates so he can finally move out of his parents’ house for good. He's convinced he gave his twin sister cancer when they were nine years old. And his crazy fiancée refuses to accept the fact that their engagement really is over.Then Sonny, his allegedly clairvoyant basset hound, is found murdered.The ensuing amateur investigation forces Russell to confront several things at once—the enormity of his family's dysfunction, the guy stalking his family, and his long-buried feelings for a most peculiar love interest.At its heart, My Name Is Russell Fink is a comedy, with sharp dialogue, characters steeped in authenticity, romance, suspense, and fresh humor. With a postmodern style similar to Nick Hornby and Douglas Coupland, the author explores reconciliation, forgiveness, and faith in the midst of tragedy. No amount of neurosis or dysfunction can derail God's redemptive purposes.

Unknown Binding

First published March 1, 2008

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302 people want to read

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Michael Snyder

55 books20 followers

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5 stars
69 (14%)
4 stars
142 (28%)
3 stars
188 (38%)
2 stars
70 (14%)
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22 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Michael.
47 reviews4 followers
July 28, 2008
Is it wrong to review your own book?
Profile Image for Cheryl.
223 reviews9 followers
June 4, 2008
Russell Fink is a man with many issues. He’s a hypochondriac. He sells office products for a living, a job he loathes. He’s engaged to a controlling actress wanna-be he's dated since high school. His mom is an alcoholic, his father a disgraced faith healer looking to re-enter the ministry and his brother has money problems, due to his gambling.

But the crux of Russell’s problems is the guilt he carries for the death of his twin sister years before and the anger he harbors toward God and his father, since neither one of them healed Katie. The grief over Katie’s death isn’t really buried in this family, but has wormed its way into their lives in destructive ways that still reverberate years later.

The only bright spots in his life are Geri, an old college friend he has secretly loved for years and his aging basset hound, Sonny. Both are two things Russell knows he can depend on in his chaotic world. But even those relationships change in drastic ways that leave Russell floundering to keep some sort of footing in his shifting world. Will he find solid footing once again or loose the only things that matter to him in this world?

This is the debut novel from author Michael Snyder and it’s a strong novel. He writes quirky characters with an off-kilter sense of humor. Some plot points and characters seem to evaporate as the book rollicks on, leaving the reader to wonder a bit about what happened, but not much.

My Name Is Russell Fink is a good debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Profile Image for Lauren Hidden.
32 reviews7 followers
August 17, 2010
I picked up this book when it was a Kindle freebie some time back but just got around to reading it. I actually am not generally a fan of Christian fiction, but didn't realize this fit that genre until I was already hooked.

This book has some moments when you ask yourself "Really??" and you have to entertain some pretty hardcore suspension of disbelief. The main character, Russell, is a pretty tortured soul in an unhappy relationship, stuck in a job he hates and more than a decade later, illogically blaming himself for his twin sister's death. The plot has many twists and turns and mysteries. An aging dog Russell parties with, a dysfunctional family led by a quacky, washed up faith healer dad, an alcoholic mother and an untrustworthy older brother. Burned out on religion, Russell runs into some characters and situations that make him question his lack of faith. Despite his shortcomings, Russell is very forgiving, and by the end of the book seems to be a bit surer of himself and what he wants out of life.

A professor once told me that a book needs to have a "satisfying" ending. I'm a bit bothered that not all the loose ends were tied up in this one and that I still had some lingering questions. But it's not so bad that I regret reading the book either.

I like the author's writing style, the interesting characters, and the lack of a "holier than thou" tone. It wasn't perfect, but it kept my attention, I enjoyed it, and I finished it in two days. Definitely worth the read.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
3,079 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2012
Russell Fink is a young man that can not forget the past and therefore never grows up. He seems stuck. You might say he is somewhat of an idiot but a fun loving one at that. With the death of his twin sister, he struggles with who God is and if God has faith in him. His grampa reminds him to remember who Jesus is and what he did for him. And his dog, helps him with his problems in the most unusual way. With many disfunctional personalities, it is more of satire of the disfuctional. The book was funny at times and at other times how many bad things can happen to one person in a span of a week. Russell never seems to take himself to serious which is a good lesson however, he does learn about what life is ultimately about.
Profile Image for Beth Brekke.
164 reviews34 followers
April 8, 2019
I'm not really sure how to classify this book. It's a bit mystery, romance and I think it would work as a YA novel also. It's published and promoted as Christian Fiction but it's not what you think when you think about that genre so don't let that put you off. It's OK if you are put off by a weak plot, painfully slow story-lines, a dead dog, and unanswered questions (did Russell ever get his biopsy results??). There was just enough substance and likeable characters with a happy (although predictable) ending to bring it up to 3 stars for me.
Profile Image for Amy Binkerd.
Author 1 book7 followers
June 2, 2012
This book was a little weird. But since I'm not picky I rated that I like it! But he has a clairvoyant dog.....so what more do you need really?
Profile Image for Dailycheapreads.
80 reviews
February 28, 2011
My Name is Russell Fink is a sort of coming-of-age story, in a Gen-X slacker way. But it also has humor, romance and a hint of a mystery.

Russell Fink is a dysfunctional but likable character. The story unfolds in a natural unhurried way, which makes you feel like you’re reading in real time. Each of the many characters adds a complexity to Russell’s life. A favorite was Russel’s self-centered, beauty-queen fiancee who insisted that Russell was not going to break up with her, she would break up with him. There was also his imprisoned grandfather, with whom Russell Fink shares his name; his disgraced, former evangelist father; borderline alcoholic mother; gambling brother; deceased twin sister whom Russell is convinced he gave cancer; a basset hound turned drinking buddy; chronically cold inventor roommate; a boss who is considering bucking a 60-year tradition and firing Russell; a doctor who compassionately tolerates Russell’s weekly health crisis; and an old college friend who sews her own clothes out flags.

Michael Snyder captures ordinary moments that turn funny and tragic all at the same time, weaving in a subtle message about faith. The story did have a first-novel “everything but the kitchen sink” feel to it. At times I wondered if the author was figuring out the story as we went along. For instance, it never made sense that Russell’s beautiful fiancee was dating him. At the beginning, Russell’s character was emphasis on dysfunctional, certainly not likable.

But story continued to take unexpected turns and looked at life is such fresh perspectives that I was eager to return to it and found it an enjoyable read.
12 reviews
August 24, 2009
A confusing, more-than-usually dysfunctional set of characters careens through the pages. None of them are particularly believable, their choices are overblown and I couldn't follow the sequence of events. Worst of all, this turns into a prayer-fest about 3/4 of the way through. No thanks to THAT. Blegh!!!!

UPDATE: Okay, I was a little harsh on Russell Fink. After chatting back and forth with Mike Snyder, the author, and after a spirited discussion with members of our book group, I can better understand the book's characters, their motivations and the like. The book is filled with many great descriptions of unlikely, yet hilarious, events.

If you appreciate unconventional characters who are not in as much control of their lives of they'd like to be--but who are trying--you may enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Deb.
590 reviews8 followers
March 4, 2011
This novel is full of quirky characters--a little too quirky as I had trouble following their convoluted actions at times. Russell Fink, the main character, is a copier salesman with serious family issues, work/money issues, fiance issues, neighbor issues, and dog issues. It doesn't help that he feeds his dog dog biscuits soaked in liquor in the hopes that his dog's clairvoyant gift will give him guidance. Then when Russell's dog dies he is convinced someone killed him and goes off on a quest to find out what happened. He enlists a colorful cast of characters to do this, and along the way clears up his love life issues and his work issues and somehow manages to save his family from some sort of danger that I never fully understood.[return]The characters are fun and there are some good lines at times, but the plot is way too mish-mashed. I can't really recommend this.
20 reviews
February 29, 2012
The main character is kind of a schmuck. If anything could be wrong with his life, most of it has already happened. Not that the book is a great work of literature, but I like the bizarre characters and unfortunate situations that develop around the main character. I felt like I have been there with him. There's not so much of a plot as there is a journey through his life to watch how he reacts to the challenges. The humor of it all tempers the sadness, but I still felt a rush of emotion. A pleasant read and very entertaining. You can probably identify with much of this book yourself.
Profile Image for Kathryn Witzel.
165 reviews4 followers
March 4, 2012
Solid read with a tale of faith journey as an integral part of the story. Russell's intimate experience with religion taints his view of Christ. Through family and friends he discovers his own relationship with God despite the short comings of modern day Christianity. This is a story of reconciliation and hope.
Profile Image for Tommi Powell.
Author 3 books10 followers
June 9, 2018
Michael Synder's first novel, My Name is Russell Fink, is dubbed "Christian Fiction" in some circles but don't let that dissuade you; it's quirky, neurotic, intense, and cleverly executed almost entirely throughout.

Let's introduce some characters to give you a full sense of what Synder does in this fun little book.

Russell Fink: Our hero and the teller of our tale. This young man has more issues than publishing clearinghouse. Seriously. I think they make medication for people like this. He is a hypochondriac who goes to the doctor almost as much as he actually shows up at his job - he's an office supply salesman and he isn't exactly happy about that either. He's an artist, of sorts, and like most artists, his muse is a woman. He lives with his parents. He blames himself for his twin sister's death (she died of cancer when they were young) and in addition to self-loathing, he has issues with his Bible-thumping TV evangelist father, alcoholic mother, gambler brother, and God. He loves his dog, Sonny, hates his neighbor, and has been head over heels for his college chum Geri for years.

Sonny: Old basset hound who prefers his dog biscuits soaked in vodka. He may or may not be clairvoyant. His murder sends Russell on a quest to find the culprit.

Alyssa: Russell's (ex) fiancee. Wannabe actress. Prom queen mentality. Every thing she does must be dramatic, including her on-again off-again relationship with Russell.

Peter Fink: Russell's older brother. Gambler (deeply in debt), coffee-shop owner, a bit shady, obsessed with winning a Pulitzer for his family memoirs. Hates Sonny. Subject of threatening letters.

Gary Fink: Russell's father. Pastor. Rose to fame when praying for a group of cancer-ridden patients, his daughter included. A large number of them were "healed" - his daughter was not one of the survivors. Desirous to be on TV.

Geri: Russell's best friend. Able to tell when the time zone changes whilst traveling. Makes her own clothes out of things like Canadian flags and Russell's old sweatshirts. Has a few secrets of her own.

Other characters include Russell's alcoholic mother, the neighbor who puts dog poop in the mailbox, Geri's cousin Dan - owner of the pet funeral home who tends to heat everything before eating it - including oranges, coworkers, a PI, and Russell's grandfather, a man who found Jesus while in prison for killing his wife.

The book runs quite smoothly until the end, where everything rushes into a neat and tidy conclusion, which does the book a disservice. But I would recommend it. Not a bad first novel. And certainly worthy of a beach read.

(This review originally appeared on my now defunct book review blog on 7/19/2012)
Profile Image for Taunya.
57 reviews
December 29, 2017
This book made me laugh out loud and cry. I loved the way it wasn't about any one specific aspect of the protagonist's life, but many things all at once, just the way real life is. It was just not a usual story or unfolding of events and I really enjoyed it. I will say the ending felt a little deflated, and perhaps a little rushed.
Profile Image for Abigail Rice.
19 reviews
December 3, 2022
This is a bizarrely delightful book. The storyline is kind of insane and some of the plot points get a little muddied but the writing style is just exquisite and the characters are fun and fresh—that’s really what makes it enjoyable.
Profile Image for Janel.
181 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2023
It’s quirky, that’s for sure.
Profile Image for Nora St Laurent.
1,629 reviews102 followers
July 9, 2015
Russell Fink seems to be going through the motions of life but not really living it. He's got everything anyone could want - a good job, a really beautiful fiancé, good family and lots of friends, but he feels empty. What is his mission? Russell wakes up one day to find his trust-worthy companion, Sonny, is dead. Yes, he was very old, but foul play is suspected. Russell is now on a mission to find Sonny's killer...even if it's the last thing he does. Things become clear to him as he searches for clues. Does he really love the woman that he is engaged to? He has been dating her so long it's just become a habit. Do they have anything in common? Russell goes to the doctors so much that he and his doctor know each other by their first names. His doctor asks him "Why don't you get a job you really like so you can see me less?" Russell didn't think his doctor was paying attention to how many times he was seeing him a week. After all, he was in there this time because he thought a mole he had was changing color. Wouldn't his doctor be glad that he was taking care of his body? Russell wakes up and starts living his life instead of watching it go by. No one is ready for that – not even Russell.

This book is funny, unpredictable and entertaining, while at the same time,about Russell looking at the serious things of life. You will never look at life the same after reading this book. You will start looking for guys like Russell in your own life and try not to laugh!! There is a fun interview in the back of the book with author Michael Snyder that will crack you up! He explains that he really isn't Russell and other important questions you want to know about the author. Discussion questions follow the interview and you get a sneak peek into the next book that will be out by Michael entitled 'Return Policy" due out in December 2008. You'll want to check that out for more laugh-out-loud fun!!

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Profile Image for Kelly  Schuknecht.
291 reviews28 followers
November 27, 2010
Russell Fink sucks at life. He sucks at his job. He sucks at relationships. His life is a train wreck that you can't stop watching (or reading).

Have you ever had "one of those days"? That pretty much sums up Fink's life - one of those days that just keeps going on and on and on. Fink, a copy machine salesman who hates his job, is the neurotic son of a televangelist, miracle-working father and a quietly alcoholic mother. His grandfather is in prison for a double homicide. His twin sister died of leukemia when they were young, and Fink has always blamed himself for her death. His brother gets in some trouble with gambling and is kidnapped. While at risk of losing his job Fink feeds his Bassett Hound whiskey biscuits and believes his dog has the ability to predict the future. His controlling fiance will not allow him to break off their engagement while he discovers he is in love with a friend from his past.

At some point the bad luck in Fink's life begins to cross the line...how can all of this possibly happen to one person? But, the story begins to turn around and holds the reader's attention until the very end. It doesn't have a perfectly happy, everything-works-out-in-the-end kind of finale, but more of a there-is-hope-for-Russell-Fink-in-the-end. It's definitely a good read.
Profile Image for Yvette Mocete.
20 reviews
July 15, 2010
I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I randomly picked this book up off the shelf in my local library but I was in for a pleasant surprise about the content and the story.

While tackling deep issues on loss, death, love, choices, forgiveness, and most importantly believing in God/Jesus, the story stays light and didn't overwhelm me at all while I was reading. I really enjoyed how heartwarming it was without going into intoxicating sugar mode and the whit and humor made it all the more fun to read.

I can't say that this is a beautiful work of art but its simplicity and lightness while tackling difficult subjects is worth recognizing. I recommend this novel someone who wants something quick to read and still get something meaningful out of it.
Profile Image for Roxanne.
497 reviews8 followers
August 13, 2012
This is a story of a coming-of-age preacher's son or "PK" as some people call them, who is struggling with his job, relationships and religion. The writing is okay but the plot is sometimes confusing and not cohesive. I really disliked the ending especially with so much left unresolved. I do like some of the character development of the main character, Russell, because initially I just thought of him as a self-absorbed, "woe is me" 20-something year-old guy when as I read on I learned of the depths to his personality and the reasons for his "woe is me" attitude. Overall, it was an okay book. I didn't hate it... but I didn't absolutely love it either.
Profile Image for Elaine.
2,258 reviews2 followers
May 6, 2010
Russell is a hypochondriac who's down on his luck. While he tries to make his life happen, life happens to him. A job he doesn't like. A charge card that doesn't work. Dog doo in his mailbox. A fiancee' who, for too long has called all the shots. The weight of the world seems to be following him.

A little suspense. A little romance - well, more than a little but likable because it's so real.

I am laughing at the scene on the bus with the bus driver named Jerry!

I think parts were a little difficult to follow - difficult to understand what just happened.
Profile Image for Samuel.
Author 1 book2 followers
October 17, 2012
I had the pleasure of reading this book a few years ago. If you look at other reviews, the most commonly used word to describe it is quirky: Quirky characters who quirky decisions in a book with a quirky plot.

So...that sums it up. But it is also humorous and entertaining. It is definitely a Christian book, but it isn't preachy, the characters are imperfect and make bad decisions. At the same time, the book maintains a Christian worldview. If you haven't read it yet, I definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Lisa.
395 reviews8 followers
April 12, 2014
The Jesus juice doesn't thicken until the very end but it is a definite theme, not in an obnoxious way because it is very relevant. I also didn't think I would like it in the beginning because I hate sad saps, but it improves pretty rapidly. You also have to suspend your belief which I'm terrible at doing normally, but I rolled with it. However, I did get left with a lot questions you have to work out yourself depending on your "faith" in God? Humanity? Your own cynicism? It is cute little story with wacky characters and a wackier non-linear plot.
28 reviews
April 18, 2010
With the many LOL parts of this story, this definitely has to be one of the better free downloads for the Kindle. No matter how quirky you may think you are, after being inside the mind of Russell Fink you will very quickly feel normal. But in defense of Russell, if my life was filled with such random acts of bad luck perhaps I'd be just as neurotic. The one negative side of the story was the rushed ending which left some key questions unanswered. All in all a very entertaining read.
Profile Image for Terri.
25 reviews
November 9, 2013
i would have to agree with some of the assessments following mine, listed below. I am not a great analysts of the writing style of authors, nor am i good at philisophical analysis of the meaning of the story. I just read the words at face value. I found this to be an interesting story, the style of writing, the storyline was not what i am used to reading. i did not have time to finish the book. i never read the same book twice, but this one i may just pick up and finish it entirely.
16 reviews
March 14, 2010
This was one of the many FREE books I've downloaded onto my Kindle. I actually really liked this book (although only 3 stars because the writing although funny, was hard to follow at times). I recommended this book to my sister because I thought it was funny and she could relate to the main character's outlook on life. If you have a Kindle...definitely download.
Profile Image for Shelley.
713 reviews49 followers
June 29, 2010
I enjoyed this very much. It seemed that poor Russell could not catch a break no matter how hard he tried. Then his dog died and the investigation began. It was a funny, sad and sometimes strange read. It did tend to drag here and there and I would have to put it down until I could get back into it but all in all, it was good.
Profile Image for Cait.
494 reviews16 followers
September 6, 2010
This felt very "My Christ is pastde on YAY." Which is to say it is a novel that self-identifies as Christian, wherein the main character undergoes a religious re-affirmation- it just didn't feel organic to the story. Until the Jesus bit, the story reminded me of Dave Barry style hijinks, then BAM, Jesus! Church!
Profile Image for Rev. Linda.
665 reviews
September 28, 2012
This is one of the strangest books I have read in a while-the main character is a comedy of errors and I found myself constantly thinking "Oh no you didn't-bought it at a discount store to read on the plane-glad I only spent $2.00-it put me to sleep twice! Would not recommend except that it is set in Nashviile and mentions many places I remember from the past
Profile Image for Diane.
64 reviews4 followers
September 15, 2008
This is light fiction/romance despite the main character getting over the death of his twin sister as a child. Engaging characters and enough surprises for the genre. Three more pages to work things out with the girl.
8 reviews
Read
March 14, 2010
I put "To Try Men's Souls" on hold and started reading this book. If you love humor, you'll love this one! Written from the character's point of view so you're right inside his head. He's an "interesting" character to be sure.

I'll get back to "To Try Men's Souls" when I have this one done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

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