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Effed Up!: Story of a Family
He's a pretty good guy, Robert. Reasonably honest, compassionate, dependable-okay, maybe he's a little too sarcastic, but all in all, he's a decent human being. Which is exactly how his fucked-up family takes advantage of him, and why, since college, he's strived to avoid them. With the surprising death of his father, however, he finds himself being drawn back into the horrifying familial abyss. At its core is Robert's mother Helen: she's the glue that binds them-or rather, the sucking tar pit that entraps them? After her husband's death, Helen embraces the role of "martyred widow" with the fervor of Mary Todd Lincoln. Robert's older sister is Darlene-a born-again Christian with a successful husband, two perfect children and an addiction to alcohol, pills and extramarital sex. She believes Robert judges her, and she resents him deeply for it. His brother Lenny, on the other hand, resents Robert because he has a steady income. Ten years Robert's senior, Lenny is still trying to live out the rock 'n' roll dream with his dying band, Pink Lloyd. Plagued by an enormous lack of talent, thinning hair and a hanging gut, at 45, Lenny is wildly bitter about life. Though his mother is vastly unimpressed with Robert and uncertain what he does exactly for a living, she's smart enough to realize that he is her only reliable offspring. And she works his sense of humanity like a maestro. To Robert's perennial chagrin, his mother adores his older brother Lenny, while she remains blithely unaware that he's a colossal failure. At the same time, she casually lobs damaging asides at her emotionally teetering daughter with the abandon of a troubled kid plucking wings off a fly. But, when all is said and done, Robert knows that beneath the darkness of his mother's disparaging and stinging remarks... well, there's a darker side. Things begin to change for Robert when he meets Amy, the beautiful sister of his gay, overweight, paraplegic neighbor. Amy is an astonishingly independent woman who captures his heart, and makes him realize that he doesn't have to remain the victim of a destructive family. Meanwhile, Robert's getting to know and care about his sister's 10-year-old son Danny. During which, he sees that Danny's childhood is similar to his own-that Robert's sister is another version of his mother. These revelations-in the midst of his family's jaw-dropping acts of selfishness-lead Robert to make the most crucial decision of his life. ------ "Wickedly funny, tragic and warm... all at once. For those looking for a definition of 'family'." Richard Dresser Playwright "This is a real modern family. Russ Woody is hilarious, insightful, and hilariously insightful." Dave Ihlenfeld Author of "Dog Days" "A darkly funny and meaningful book about a family in distress. If these characters are based on Mr. Woody's real family, I not only respect him, I fear him." Ted Danson Actor
233 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2013
4 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Russ Woody
4 books58 followersRuss Woody is an Emmy and Golden Globe winning television writer. He has written and produced Murphy Brown, Mad About You, Cybill, Becker, The Slap Maxwell Story, The Middle and The Drew Carey Show, among other comedies. He has also written for Hill Street Blues and St. Elsewhere.
Visit: russwoody.com
His new book TUESDAYS WITH TED: An uplifting, heartbreaking, occasionally funny story about a man with ALS, a sitcom, its star and just enough time for a son to say goodbye
ALAN ZWEIBEL (Original SNL Writer) says:
Tuesdays With Ted belongs alongside Phillip Roth’s Patrimony and Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays in its expression of love for those who loved us first. I had always known Russ Woody as a writer whose work was funny with heart. But in Tuesdays with Ted he has done the opposite – written a most passionate memoir that will make you laugh as well. A must for read for anyone who has ever had a parent. I also wanted to smack him for writing something I wished I’d written.
https://www.amazon.com/Tuesdays-Ted-F...
Visit: russwoody.com
His new book TUESDAYS WITH TED: An uplifting, heartbreaking, occasionally funny story about a man with ALS, a sitcom, its star and just enough time for a son to say goodbye
ALAN ZWEIBEL (Original SNL Writer) says:
Tuesdays With Ted belongs alongside Phillip Roth’s Patrimony and Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays in its expression of love for those who loved us first. I had always known Russ Woody as a writer whose work was funny with heart. But in Tuesdays with Ted he has done the opposite – written a most passionate memoir that will make you laugh as well. A must for read for anyone who has ever had a parent. I also wanted to smack him for writing something I wished I’d written.
https://www.amazon.com/Tuesdays-Ted-F...
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 22, 2013
No one chooses the family that they are born into, but when you see one such as in this book, you wish you had the ability to do so. Completely lives up to the title, it is politically incorrect at times yet you laugh from crying, really takes dysfunctional to a whole new level. A definite page turner, Russ Woody gives the reader a story that will not only make you laugh from disbelief but also make you grateful for the one that you have.
Told by the perspective of Robert Nirth, you really grow to feel the guy. He’s the one who seems to be there when things are tough but isn’t really appreciated. A likable character, trying to make it through life, gets brought back into the drama that constantly cycles with his family. Afraid that history might repeat itself, he tries his hardest to separate himself and try to break the influences that keep creeping back into life.
The main source of his frustration is definitely Helen, his mother, who probably is the root of his problems with women. Runner up to mommy dearest, she seems to constantly center her life on her own needs and wants with no consideration to the feelings of others. Definitely someone that you wish her mouth could be zipped shut, says things that make her so unlikable most of which is insensitive and offensive.
As you get to know his father, Paul, you feel for him. You know the type who is married to someone who just accepts the doomsday package of this is what marriage is supposed to be like. He just sort has dealt with things without a fight. This was the type of life he lived. His life just seemed empty without an identity. When tragedy struck, it was then that Robert realized how empty his father’s life was. On a search to get to know who he really was, he not only learned about whom he was, how much he adorned and loved him but also gave him a different perspective other than what he had been led to believe.
Then we have his siblings. Lenny, a wannabe rockstar whose band is a knock off seems too old to be living a life that is going nowhere. Despite being perfect in the eyes of his mother, little does she know the contempt he has as he plots and schemes to find ways to get her money. Then there is Darlene, which really is the apple that didn’t fall to far from the tree. It seems like instead of the cycle being broken, she continued it with her own family. Funny how much she despises her mother, but if she looked into the mirror, there would be a carbon copy.
There is so much more that you take away from reading this book that I don’t want to spoil for you. Overall, I thought it was a really good story that really makes you think about your family when you read one like this. You really appreciate yours if you have a good one. The characters were definitely interesting making this quite the interesting read. Just to let you know, there are some moments that the characters say things that might offend here or there if you are sensitive to language but otherwise, I think you will enjoy this book.
Told by the perspective of Robert Nirth, you really grow to feel the guy. He’s the one who seems to be there when things are tough but isn’t really appreciated. A likable character, trying to make it through life, gets brought back into the drama that constantly cycles with his family. Afraid that history might repeat itself, he tries his hardest to separate himself and try to break the influences that keep creeping back into life.
The main source of his frustration is definitely Helen, his mother, who probably is the root of his problems with women. Runner up to mommy dearest, she seems to constantly center her life on her own needs and wants with no consideration to the feelings of others. Definitely someone that you wish her mouth could be zipped shut, says things that make her so unlikable most of which is insensitive and offensive.
As you get to know his father, Paul, you feel for him. You know the type who is married to someone who just accepts the doomsday package of this is what marriage is supposed to be like. He just sort has dealt with things without a fight. This was the type of life he lived. His life just seemed empty without an identity. When tragedy struck, it was then that Robert realized how empty his father’s life was. On a search to get to know who he really was, he not only learned about whom he was, how much he adorned and loved him but also gave him a different perspective other than what he had been led to believe.
Then we have his siblings. Lenny, a wannabe rockstar whose band is a knock off seems too old to be living a life that is going nowhere. Despite being perfect in the eyes of his mother, little does she know the contempt he has as he plots and schemes to find ways to get her money. Then there is Darlene, which really is the apple that didn’t fall to far from the tree. It seems like instead of the cycle being broken, she continued it with her own family. Funny how much she despises her mother, but if she looked into the mirror, there would be a carbon copy.
There is so much more that you take away from reading this book that I don’t want to spoil for you. Overall, I thought it was a really good story that really makes you think about your family when you read one like this. You really appreciate yours if you have a good one. The characters were definitely interesting making this quite the interesting read. Just to let you know, there are some moments that the characters say things that might offend here or there if you are sensitive to language but otherwise, I think you will enjoy this book.
December 8, 2013
Effed Up!, by Russ Woody, is, quite possibly, one of my favorite books I’ve read in awhile. Poor Robert Nirth. All he wants is to live his life, and it’s impossible to do with his insane family surrounding him. We’ve all had to deal with our family’s eccentricities or little quirks, but the Nirth’s take the cake. This is one of those stories that had me so angry by the end that I wished Robert’s entire family would just collectively jump off a building. While it made me feel a bit better about my own family, it also made me feel so sad for the author because it felt as though the family dynamic came from personal experience. My favorite character was, oddly enough, Lenny, Robert’s oldest brother. He’s a complete screw up and in his mid-40s. He’s in a Pink Floyd tribute band, but he would never tell his mother that. He’s ridiculous and stupid and silly, but there’s a part to him that makes me sad for him. Overall, the characters are awesome, even the ones I would personally push off that building, and the story is funny, sweet, sad, and frustrating all in one.
March 10, 2014
Wow. I finished this book in one sitting; it was just too good to put down. Russ Woody, author of Effed Up, is an amazing writer. This book has some of the best character development I have ever read. The author paints a picture with words so vivid that you can see the characters and feel their emotions coming off the page.
The dysfunctional family is a pretty common theme, but in this book, it is taken to a whole new level. The main character is the focal point of the insanity of his family as they all look to him to clean up their emotional baggage. Woody has captured the essence of family history, where a look, a word, even a sigh can unleash a whole cascade of intense emotions between members of the same family.
The book is both funny and achingly sad. Looking at the missed opportunities as well as the pain and suffering parents can inflict on their children, I am glad that in the end there was a happily ever after.
The dysfunctional family is a pretty common theme, but in this book, it is taken to a whole new level. The main character is the focal point of the insanity of his family as they all look to him to clean up their emotional baggage. Woody has captured the essence of family history, where a look, a word, even a sigh can unleash a whole cascade of intense emotions between members of the same family.
The book is both funny and achingly sad. Looking at the missed opportunities as well as the pain and suffering parents can inflict on their children, I am glad that in the end there was a happily ever after.
February 16, 2014
A fantastic story! I really enjoyed the way Mr Woody tied everything together - which can be difficult when a family is this full of dysfunction. I am getting ready to read Mr Woody's other book Heroic Heart: A Story of Fathers and Sons, and look forward to it. I have been lucky enough to have several conversations with Mr Woody - and although he assures me that Heroic Heart is quite different than Effed Up!, I look forward to reading more from this amazingly talented author.
This is an ADULT book. Situations and language are adult. I think Mr Woody did a fantastic job with this book. I've already gotten two friends to read it, and they equally enjoyed it. If you're from a dysfunctional family, you will relate to poor Robert and his family...whether you want to or not!
This is an ADULT book. Situations and language are adult. I think Mr Woody did a fantastic job with this book. I've already gotten two friends to read it, and they equally enjoyed it. If you're from a dysfunctional family, you will relate to poor Robert and his family...whether you want to or not!
February 8, 2014
Great book!
In ways (all good ways) it reminded me of one of my all-time favorite books, Joseph Heller's "Good As Gold"
But....where "Effed Up!" has the edge over "Gold" is in its heart. While it's just as wildly, darkly humorous a take on a nearly impossibly crazy (yet all too believable)family, it is also touching in a real and very human way.
In ways (all good ways) it reminded me of one of my all-time favorite books, Joseph Heller's "Good As Gold"
But....where "Effed Up!" has the edge over "Gold" is in its heart. While it's just as wildly, darkly humorous a take on a nearly impossibly crazy (yet all too believable)family, it is also touching in a real and very human way.
January 4, 2015
Reasons you should read this book:
1. Chapter 1 is one of the funniest first chapters ever. It sets the tone perfectly.
2. Who dies and how they die (shock and LOL)
3. The graveside funeral scene
4. All discussions with the brother-in-law
5. The scene where Robert finally connects with his father
Effed Up is a seriously dark and hilarious snapshot of a family who loses the one person who holds them all together. It's a story of enabling dysfunction, a look at cyclical behavior proving the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and a demonstration of coping by doing what's easiest through placation and avoidance. There are so many relatable stories - just maybe not quite at the level that is described. This book will either make you feel good about your family or normal that someone else experiences what you have experienced.
One interesting concept that I especially grasped onto was the idea of wallowing in what you didn't or don't have rather than celebrating what you do have.
The characters in the book:
Mom who punishes the world for her life
Dad who puts up with mom and seems to be a wallflower
Oldest brother who is a loser
Older sister who lives a facade life that is on the brink of crashing around her
Narrator youngest son who has avoided his family until he cannot anymore
I lost track of how many times I laughed out loud (waking up my husband or getting weird stares from my kids). The writing is genuine and quite good. I loved the descriptions, the perfect amount of detail, and the cynicism. I also really appreciated the transformation of the narrator. Where he gets to in the end felt good to him and to me as the reader.
Warning that if you do not like foul language or explicit descriptions of sex, or you don't like to read about not perfect families, you should not read this book and then rate it badly because you don't like these things. Inform yourself before you read, please!
If you enjoy dark comedy and twisted reality, and can appreciate dysfunctional families, then read this book!
1. Chapter 1 is one of the funniest first chapters ever. It sets the tone perfectly.
2. Who dies and how they die (shock and LOL)
3. The graveside funeral scene
4. All discussions with the brother-in-law
5. The scene where Robert finally connects with his father
Effed Up is a seriously dark and hilarious snapshot of a family who loses the one person who holds them all together. It's a story of enabling dysfunction, a look at cyclical behavior proving the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and a demonstration of coping by doing what's easiest through placation and avoidance. There are so many relatable stories - just maybe not quite at the level that is described. This book will either make you feel good about your family or normal that someone else experiences what you have experienced.
One interesting concept that I especially grasped onto was the idea of wallowing in what you didn't or don't have rather than celebrating what you do have.
The characters in the book:
Mom who punishes the world for her life
Dad who puts up with mom and seems to be a wallflower
Oldest brother who is a loser
Older sister who lives a facade life that is on the brink of crashing around her
Narrator youngest son who has avoided his family until he cannot anymore
I lost track of how many times I laughed out loud (waking up my husband or getting weird stares from my kids). The writing is genuine and quite good. I loved the descriptions, the perfect amount of detail, and the cynicism. I also really appreciated the transformation of the narrator. Where he gets to in the end felt good to him and to me as the reader.
Warning that if you do not like foul language or explicit descriptions of sex, or you don't like to read about not perfect families, you should not read this book and then rate it badly because you don't like these things. Inform yourself before you read, please!
If you enjoy dark comedy and twisted reality, and can appreciate dysfunctional families, then read this book!
December 29, 2013
Effed up! Story of a Family by Russ Woody is an amazingly hilarious novel about a more than dysfunctional family. Woody characters in this novel are so well defined and as the reader you will relate to each and every character at some point in the story.
Effed Up focuses on Robert's life and how he interacts with his crazy family. He has a mother who is me me me and goes off on everyone at the drop of a dime. His brother is an old want to be rock star with a drug and drinking problem. And his sister an alcoholic Christian who doesn't think she has a drinking problem.
Woody takes all of these characters and gives the reader one heck of an adventure. Take a chance to discover that happens ti Robert as he is the only one in the family that seems somewhat normal.
Family means everything to him and it's hard being in a family that only thinks and acts for themselves. The novel is short, sweet and to the point. I cannot wait to read more of Woody's work.
Effed Up focuses on Robert's life and how he interacts with his crazy family. He has a mother who is me me me and goes off on everyone at the drop of a dime. His brother is an old want to be rock star with a drug and drinking problem. And his sister an alcoholic Christian who doesn't think she has a drinking problem.
Woody takes all of these characters and gives the reader one heck of an adventure. Take a chance to discover that happens ti Robert as he is the only one in the family that seems somewhat normal.
Family means everything to him and it's hard being in a family that only thinks and acts for themselves. The novel is short, sweet and to the point. I cannot wait to read more of Woody's work.
April 26, 2019
This book might be a little too graphic for a lot of people, but rarely have I laughed at a novel the way this thing made me laugh. Cracked up in public a number of times, which I love. Probably not for everyone, but I really enjoyed it.
December 26, 2024
After reading this book, I definitely feel as though I had a relatively normal family! I was NOT prepared at all when I started to read this book. It was a rollercoaster the entire ride through, and I loved it. As I kept reading, I could easily imagine myself in the main character’s shoes, even though I have never seen a family quite like theirs. All in all, this was a fun read and it certainly made me appreciate my family more.
September 16, 2024
Buckle up for a wild ride. Russ Woody takes us on an insane journey with this high functioning but seriously dysfunctional family. I found myself laughing out loud many times throughout this book. My laughter was not only a result of the wickedly humorous writing, but also because thanks to this family, my family seems so normal.
September 1, 2014
The story bounces back and forth between stories of the Robert's childhood, and his current predicament, in the hospital with his dying mother. The characters are twisted, hate runs through their veins. Robert is the only one who seems to be somewhat normal, and that says a lot.
You'll read this book, and realize your life isn't as bad as it could have been compared to Robert. Getting to know Robert throughout this his effed up life, was an adventure I'm glad I embarked on. I found it humorous, enough to laugh out loud at some parts. Robert's life is so accurate to so many people out there, you can't help but feel the frustration he feels.
I really appreciated the vocabulary Woody uses throughout the book, it definitely kept me interested. Of course, with a vocabulary like his, there were no spelling or grammar issues, as expected. The title itself was interesting enough for me to pick this book up, I wish it had a better cover to match.
You'll read this book, and realize your life isn't as bad as it could have been compared to Robert. Getting to know Robert throughout this his effed up life, was an adventure I'm glad I embarked on. I found it humorous, enough to laugh out loud at some parts. Robert's life is so accurate to so many people out there, you can't help but feel the frustration he feels.
I really appreciated the vocabulary Woody uses throughout the book, it definitely kept me interested. Of course, with a vocabulary like his, there were no spelling or grammar issues, as expected. The title itself was interesting enough for me to pick this book up, I wish it had a better cover to match.
September 1, 2014
The story bounces back and forth between stories of the Robert's childhood, and his current predicament, in the hospital with his dying mother. The characters are twisted, hate runs through their veins. Robert is the only one who seems to be somewhat normal, and that says a lot.
You'll read this book, and realize your life isn't as bad as it could have been compared to Robert. Getting to know Robert throughout this his effed up life, was an adventure I'm glad I embarked on. I found it humorous, enough to laugh out loud at some parts. Robert's life is so accurate to so many people out there, you can't help but feel the frustration he feels.
I really appreciated the vocabulary Woody uses throughout the book, it definitely kept me interested. Of course, with a vocabulary like his, there were no spelling or grammar issues, as expected. The title itself was interesting enough for me to pick this book up, I wish it had a better cover to match.
You'll read this book, and realize your life isn't as bad as it could have been compared to Robert. Getting to know Robert throughout this his effed up life, was an adventure I'm glad I embarked on. I found it humorous, enough to laugh out loud at some parts. Robert's life is so accurate to so many people out there, you can't help but feel the frustration he feels.
I really appreciated the vocabulary Woody uses throughout the book, it definitely kept me interested. Of course, with a vocabulary like his, there were no spelling or grammar issues, as expected. The title itself was interesting enough for me to pick this book up, I wish it had a better cover to match.
April 24, 2016
I could not find this book anywhere, so ended up ordering it on Amazon. It came like a galley book and was a bit odd in how it was put together - it seemed to not be edited, so I don't know what was up with that. However, presentation was nothing when it came to how fun and heartbreaking and bizarre this book was overall. A seemingly together guy has an effed up family. His mom is a bit crazy and quit narcissistic, his father is a bit of a recluse with a life no one knows about, his sister is a religious perfectionist on the outside, crazy alcohol slewing, sleeping around, bad mom on the inside, and his brother is a washed up wanna-be musician. Thus, he tries to keep them altogether while barely keeping himself together. It's like Everybody Loves Raymond on drugs. With some tragedy thrown in. Cleverly written, I couldn't get through it fast enough and I was sorry when it was over. Dysfunction t it's finest. This could give Augusten a run for his money.
January 16, 2014
awesome read!
December 19, 2014
Sharp, funny, bittersweet, and totally engaging story about a guy from a terribly dysfunctional family who figures out how to make his own family unit more functional.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews