From the Heart of a Grateful Man

Experiencing this book is like being wrapped in a warm home-made quilt on a cold day. You'll feel love and gratitude on every page of these true heart-warming and humorous stories, observations, and poetry. This book explores and celebrates many of the things that can make life so rich: Love, soul-mates, family, and friends. With his refreshing combination of honesty, vulnerability, humor, gratitude, and love, there is no doubt that Russ speaks from his heart on every page of this delightful book. "Inspiration comes from many sources and it is personally defined. Yet, I challenge anyone to read Russ' book and not feel warmer, kinder, better and committed to being a part of the world he creates through his beautiful words and experiences. His stories reflect his limitless capacity to find joy, give generously and receive graciously. This is a book about our best selves. Russ holds up a mirror that reflects that which we often neglect to see - the subtle wonder and magnificence of the human spirit. I dare you not to feel similarly. It is a delight to read anything that Russ writes; it is a gift to call him my friend." -Mimi Krumholz Russ's compassion, wisdom, laughter, and heart all shine through in spades whenever he takes up a pen. No matter what the subject matter is, he addresses it with a kindness and understanding that leaves you feeling as though you've just had a conversation with an old friend. Whether you are a new reader or already familiar with his work, he will inspire you, delight you, and lay before you ideas that will make you think about your life and the way you live it. - Andrea Kelly, Author of "The Adventures of Baseball and Zooey" and Blogger at "The Hand-Written Life"