Everybody's Fool

A novel

By: Richard Russo

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

A New York Times 2016 Notable Book

An immediate national best seller and instant classic from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Empire Falls. Richard Russo returns to North Bath—“a town where dishonesty abounds, everyone misapprehends everyone else and half the citizens are half-crazy” (The New York Times)—and the characters who made Nobody’s Fool a beloved choice of book clubs everywhere. Everybody’s Fool is classic Russo, filled with humor, heart, hard times, and people you can’t help but love, possibly because their various faults make them so human.

Everybody’s Fool picks up roughly a decade since we were last with Miss Beryl and Sully on New Year's Eve 1984. The irresistible Sully, who in the intervening years has come by some unexpected good fortune, is staring down a VA cardiologist’s estimate that he has only a year or two left, and it’s hard work trying to keep this news from the most important people in his life: Ruth, the married woman he carried on with for years . . . the ultra-hapless Rub Squeers, who worries that he and Sully aren’t still best friends . . . Sully’s son and grandson, for whom he was mostly an absentee figure (and now a regretful one). We also enjoy the company of Doug Raymer, the chief of police who’s obsessing primarily over the identity of the man his wife might’ve been about to run off with, before dying in a freak accident . . . Bath’s mayor, the former academic Gus Moynihan, whose wife problems are, if anything, even more pressing . . . and then there’s Carl Roebuck, whose lifelong run of failing upward might now come to ruin. And finally, there’s Charice Bond—a light at the end of the tunnel that is Chief Raymer’s office—as well as her brother, Jerome, who might well be the train barreling into the station.

A crowning achievement—“like hopping on the last empty barstool surrounded by old friends” (Entertainment Weekly)—from one of the greatest storytellers of our time.

Perfect Follow Up to Nobody's Fool

Empire Falls, Nobody's Fool and Everybody's Fool are 3 great books. I've listened to all of them several times and enjoyed them each time. Richard Russo's books are must reads.

Perfect sequel

Best sequel possible.

For those who haven’t read “Nobody’s Fool”, the prequel, watch the movie; it’s perfectly cast (Paul Newman as Sully, and Bruce Willis as Carl).

Applause.

Grrrrrrrrrreat

Sassiest book I've ever had the privilege to read. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Russo can spin a phrase like none other. Had to read side by side with a dictionary. Starting Nobody's fool today.

Even better than Nobody’s Fool

Listened to this immediately on the heels of the first book in the trilogy. I was disappointed, as I often am when it happens, that a new narrator had taken it on. I soon came to prefer this one, despite the fact that the other was so good. Same feelings about the shift in emphasis in the story. It is filled with compelling, engaging characters and quirky, yet believable, tales. You can’t make this stuff up—but Russo does, creating a can’t put it down listening experience.

I enjoyed this even more than Nobody’s Fool, which I loved. Russo’s dependable wit and style seemed quicker and came even easier.

Can’t wait to begin Somebody’s Fool today.

Just a fun listen!

Great diverting plot, mostly excellent narration. I couldn't put it down! If you're looking for a well crafted distraction this is it!

Russo has done it again!

Another North Bath book that is heartwarming and humorous and all too human.

Listen to the further adventures of Sully and Rub (the man and the dog. You’ll see what I mean.) and laugh your way through all of the heartbreakingly poignant moments only Russo can write.

Brilliant

As you might have come to expect from this New York turned Maine writer, this book is a wonderful and intricate story of a cast of characters that even with flaws are loved. Russo gives texture to both his characters and their exchanges. His story reflects the complexities involved in relationships. I do not know how the story will appear to those not familiar with the earlier book nobody's fool, but I cannot think of any better word for this book then brilliant.

Strange story.
Did not care for this narrator nearly as much as the Nobody's Fool one.

I liked it

I liked these characters, enjoyable story and some good laughs . If I could change anything it would be to correct the part about Sully’s father . A bit of a continuity error between Nobody’s Fool and this book , something a good proof reader would have nailed, but didn’t. It was mildly annoying but in the end I just dismissed the new narrative as a slip of memory. It didn’t ruin the book but took me out of it for a minute.

Great story

Great character development. Here’s hoping Sully lives a few more years. Very good solid read.