Big Russ & Me

Author: Tim Russert
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Publish date: May 2005
Format: Paperback
336 pages




Why do we read memoirs? Is it the inherent curiosity in man's nature to know about a fellow being's life? In this case, I am generalizing the memoir to mean a personal account of events that happened to someone and/or a description of the characteristics of a person. The book was quite simply written and was a smooth read, in spite of being a non-fiction. The book is sort of a tribute to a father from a son, as well as events that shaped the author, Tim Russert, to be the way he is.

Life in the 50s and 60s in America, some insights into the non-combat aspects of the World War II, from a layman's stand point and other simple day-to-day activities of an ordinary family fill up the pages. It shows that the objective of parents everywhere was one thing – to make sure their kids had a life better than what they did. The priorities were providing for family and how the man of the house did that unflinchingly, without a word of complaint, is outlined clearly in this book.

As is the case with every book, there are lessons that can be learnt from this too, for those who want to learn. One specific quote that comes to mind in this regard, is Big Russ, as the author's father was fondly known, saying "All I'm asking—wait. I'm not asking, I'm telling you is, don't do anything to embarrass our family name. If you embarrass yourself, you embarrass all of us. We all make mistakes, but if you go out there and do something you know you shouldn't be doing, that's a tough one." I think that could be taken with an update to the context even today.

It was heartening to see that family values, that have been long dismissed as old fashioned, were prevalent in their strongly Irish Catholic home. Tim Russert, as a face in the TV, always seemed solid and unblemished, and therefore, it was interesting to see the background that got him here. His stint at his school newspaper seemed instrumental and it is amazing to note that his interests and goals in life were formed at such an early age.

One of the incidents mentioned in the book, that stayed in mind, was how Big Russ tells Tim to make sure he puts the broken pieces of a glass in a box, because, he was looking out for the guys, the garbage men, of which he was also one, not long ago. Another memorable instance was how Tim was sure he wasn't returning to his job at the sanitation department and how he sort of was aware, even then, that he was meant for bigger things in life and his motivation to move forward in search of a better life.

The book is quite honest, a quality he seemed to portray that he was keen to imbibe from his father and pass on to his son. There is evidence in the book that Tim used to look to his father over the years for advice, regarding his public and private lives.

The book interjected with just the right number of pictures, was an enjoyable read.