Russell Books

I had been given this journal years ago and have cherished using/reading/journaling in it. Recently i have met someone with whom i knew would enjoy it too...i searched on amazon and there it was! Will most likely purchase more in the future.

I was given this book by and friend, and I have to say, it may be the best gift I've ever been given. I have since purchased several cases, giving it out to many people that I care about. It provides inspiring, comforting and empowering thoughts for one to digest daily. Plus, it's supple leather cover and convenient size make it something for you to carry with you throughout each day. I cannot say enough about the power of this book!

This is one of my favorite books of daily devotions.
I've been through it several times and never tire of it.

I had a paperback copy of this book, and it really helped me to grow closer to God. So, I bought the journal..one for myself and a couple as birthday gifts for my friends. If you are searching for a closer walk...this book will help you find it...

I have been reading God Calling ever since the early 1970's. This book has helped me to know God in a personal way. I have given many copies away as gifts and worn out 3 paperbacks. I just received the Devotinal Journal and will now write in it along with my meditations. Every person I have given God Calling to has found peace, joy and guidance in their spiritual life and thanked me for introducing this timely book to them.

I tend to hop between books I read, having 10 or more in progress at the same time. Therefore, when I hop back to "The Law" for my second reading, I still forget occasionally that this book was written 150 years ago. I will get it confused with books written in 2007 or 2008 (other than the slightly odd grammar), as it deals with the exact same issues which are plaguing our government today.

You will recognize very similar topics to today's government. Read about bailouts for large businesses which are in trouble, when the government should mind its own business. Read how politicians protect their power by calling people "isolationists" (though it is called "individualists" in the book) when they ask for less government interference in foreign affairs.

The thing I enjoyed the most was the crisp line which was drawn for where the government belongs. He says that people have the right to protect their liberty and property. The people also have the right to organize together as a group (IE: government) to more effectively protect their liberty and property. Therefore, "The Law" should be used only as a means to protect liberty and property. The forced liberation of any group's wealth (property) for the benefit of another group is completely against the true purpose of government/law.

This is an excellent book which I read years ago. "The Law" by Frederic Bastiat, in which he discusses legalized plunder, is a highly recommended work which should be read by all Americans, especially before they vote. Should also be required reading by anyone running for public office, serving on a jury, or attending law school. In fact, why not make it required reading in all public schools? That would really change the political, social, and economic landscape! Let's all buy several copies and send one each to our Representatives and Senators, state and federal. We the People can make a difference, if we try!

Bastiat's Law is one of the most important documents you could ever read. It is the basis for the philosophy of liberty, and without adherence to these ideals liberty cannot last. This should be required reading in school, but once you read what this french philosopher had to say you may start to understand why those who tax us cannot afford to have too many people read this book.

While I agree with Bastiat entirely, the way that he has presented "the classic blueprint for a just society," is exactly why people who lean more towards socialist ideas scoff at those who are for capitalism, economic stability, and most importantly honoring the fundamentals of the need for law: to protect life, liberty, and property.

The first chapter started out wonderfully, articulately and simple. It was accessible and easy to understand and apply. I was excited as I hoped to share this with my husband to allow him to open up to my ideas on politics which are different from his (he's a democrat/socialist).

However, the rest of the book just seemed to be a rant that got more and more impassioned as it went along, which to me seemed to take away from the reader's ability to take what he was saying seriously. I was disappointed because even though I agreed with everything he said and thought his applications of his ideas were great, I felt sort of embarrassed about his inability to keep calm in expressing his ideas.

The book is sound, based on sound ideas and should appeal to any libertarian. I nodded a lot as I was reading it. "Yes!" I kept telling myself, "this is definitely true." Unfortunately the truth was told, in this case, in a way that I don't think would be very accessible to the people that Bastiat was intent on reaching. I think a democrat/socialist might mislabel it "too radical" when they really mean, "too impassioned."

It is for that reason, I'm sorry to say, I was unable to rate this any higher.

The substance of Bastiat's "The Law" is critical and accurate.

The good people at Cosimo Books, however, cut off the printing before the end of the book -- the penultimate section of the book ends in mid-sentence, and the last section of the book isn't there at all.

So I do very much encourage everyone to read Bastiat's "The Law," just don't buy this version from this publisher. (Buy it from the Mises Institute instead.)

CONQUERING THE MYSTERIES AND LIES OF GRIEF was recently named #1 BESTSELLING BOOK ON GRIEF and for a very good reason! Ms. Russell has a unique talent for comforting those who mourn the loss of a loved one. Her words are magical (if you will) and soothe the heartbreak that goes along with losing someone you love. Anyone who is suffering should read this wonderful book. You'll be glad you did!!!!!

Sherry Russell has done a great job describing what it is like to be a griever. I wish I would have found this book sooner. Losing a child has been the hardest thing in the world to deal with and reading her book has given me peace to know that what we are experiencing and doing is normal for parents of an unexpected death. I recommend this book not only to others who have lost a child but to those that are helping support parents who have lost a child. The feelings described in this book have been the closest I have found in any book to how our lives are 11 months later and can give the grievers support system insight to how it feels without having to experience it for themselves.

All I can say is thanks for writing this great helpful book. I'm sure you have helped many.

This short book is packed with tons of information and it speaks directly to your heart. It has really helped me and I wanted to pass the word.

I saw this book on a recommended list and was interested in the subject she writes about, having recently had to deal with the death of a family member. It's written in a way that is entertaining and informative. I would recommend everyone purchase this book. Sooner or later, we all have to deal with death, and it helps knowing that what we are feeling is normal and to be expected.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it is very informative, and accurate. we just started to apply these principals to our diets, and we have been eating healthy and feeling great.

Dr. Russell writes in a way that, to be consistent, one would have to become a 7th Day Adventist. He takes extinct Old Testament references regarding what Jews were supposed to eat and what they weren't supposed to eat, and acts as if they compose God's universal, timeless law. Poor exegesis. If he stuck to the scientific pros and cons of food I would have received him better (even though much of his data is controversial/speculative). There have to be better written books out there (I know Richard Foster does a much more thorough analysis of health and fasting).

The title of the book really says it all. God created us and gave us specific instructions on what to eat. We would be wise to follow them. I've given copies of this book to my whole family.

I have found this book to be very insightful about my eating habits. Putting biblical boundaries around my eating choices actually gives me the freedom I've been needing to say no to all types of junk food. It has also helped me learn to trust God's guideance in other areas of life. God knows His creation and wants the best for us.

This is the best book I have read with clear, easy to follow advice that will show you Bible references for all of it's tips. It has a page of foods with Bible verses to look up where the food is eaten. There are references for the unhealthy foods, too. If you want a straight forward book without a lot of the authors own "reasons why", you will be very happy. You will come away with the answers you were seeking.

Samarkand tells the story of Omar Khayyam and the writing of his Rubaiyaat. It crosses that biographical story with the story of an American scholar who discovers the real book later, in the midst of a journey to the Middle East.

Samarkand breaks nearly every rule that I have for myself about what kind of historical fiction I dislike. It name-drops famous people (characters sail on the Titanic. Khayyam is close to Hassan-i-Sabah and their stories intertwine, etc.). It makes historical characters modern. It indulges in fancy dress and exotic places. But still, that didn't really bother me. Perhaps that is because in the character of the student it seems Maalouf turns the camera back on himself. By giving a young, well-intentioned but ultimately callow character the role to interpret not only the past but the culture of the present, the reader is reminded that such things can not be so easily understood. Maalouf seems to remind us that their is no such thing as an omniscient narrative. And then somehow, just like that, I forgive him the rest of the devices in his book.

Samarkand is not perfect. The latter half, in particular is a little bit clunky. There is something not quite right about the structure. It may be the translation, but I am not completely sure. Still, a worthwhile read. A good use of time. (And now I have to run out and re-read the Rubaiyaat, which I will confess I did not take as seriously as I ought.)

This is the second book that I have read by Maalouf, the first being the magnificent Crusade Through Arab Eyes. I'm definitely going to keep reading in his body of work.

I only picked up the book because of FitzGerald's Rubaiyat and was happily surprised. The only two observations I would add to other reviews here are, first, that the novel was translated from French into English and so may lose some elegance and effect. Perhaps that's the origin of someone's remark, "surprisingly dry"? Second, I enjoyed the way the fictionalized characters were drawn from actual history, Medieval and modern, and how characters in the early history had thought provoking parallels in the modern story. So, I came away moved by the question of how different types of people influence history, or art, or the people around them. And the story opens a door into Persian history, including Islam, for those of us in the West who had little or no idea of it before.

So many reviewers have described in such elegant terms this book I can only concur. I read this book in 1997 in French first (As far as I know Amin Maalouf writes all his books in both Arabic and French) and then I reread it in English. The translation is excellent. Like any poetry it is very difficult to translate Omar Khayyam's.
There is a rupture between the first part and the second. I do prefer the first half but the second half's end is remarkably incredible and full of hope.
Amin Maalouf is a master of "time travel" and takes you to exotic places like 15th century southern Spain during the Reconquista with Leo Africanus or the second century Persia with The Gardens of Light or the 19th century in the Otoman empire with The Rock of Tanios

This is easily Maaloufs best work. Totally different from all other writers, Maalouf never polarises. He writes with fine balance and invokes a deep respect for every culture and creed he writes of. No one , having read this, will finish it without having a deep understanding and respect for Iran and its people, its brutal history , its identity ,which it has had very little chance in creating due to constant invasions-Turks to Mongols- or tutelege-Britain and Tsarist Russia.
Using the verses of Omar Kayyams Samarkand Manuscript and the turn of the century constitutional and democratic revolts and its failure due to British and Russian interference (what would we give for the democratic Iranian state today-free of religious and political tyranny?!) Maalouf weaves a wonderful tale of -appropriately-Arabian Nights proportions and educates the reader on all the historical upheavals desires and missed opportunities of the region. The book divides into two main parts; 11th century Persia and the life of Kayyam, and the late 19th and early 20th century Persia; a nation trying to establish itself in the world.
A deep lesson lies here, of the importance of democracy freedom and justice to all people, and how fragile it is against vested interests.
This is a truly great novel. A wonderfully unifying novel that lifts the prejudices and fears between the east and west, and misconceptions of Iran and islamic cultures.
A masterpiece in humanitarian understanding.

Other reviewers have highlighted the charm of the book, with its evocation of Khayyam, the Rubiyyat and the fabled cities of the Silk Route. I would like to point out that it holds a frightening parallel to our present times. The book was published in 1988, so Maalouf could have had no idea how closely his book would mirror the early part of the twenty first century.

The book deals partly with the confict between the hidden leader of a violent sect and powerful empire. The second part of the book deals with the citizens of a country (ironically, today's Iran) striving for democracy and freedom from the oppressive rule of theocrats, but opposed by two great world powers of the time (Britain and Russia!) who wish to maintain the status quo for their economic benefit.

The book is written with great charm and makes the reader feel (s)he is there. Like a previous reviewer, I do not know enough to separate fact from fiction, but at the end of the book, one wishes with all one's heart that there IS such a book, written in Omar Khayyam's own hand, and that it is NOT at the bottom of the Atlantic.

An amazing and uplifting book.

Charlotte signed my guest book and it drew me to her website. I am very glad it did because her story is encouraging and hopeful. It shows me that I'm not alone in doing my own will in disobedience to God, but that He is merciful and loving and doesn't judge me or see me as I see myself.

While my life doesn't compare to her in most ways, I did identify with Charlotte in several others. And I noticed how well the scriptures she uses every few pages totally fits her situation. Those spoke to me as well.

Ms. Johnson, keep on the narrow path and remain thankful for everything He does for you. I am now ready to read your book Mama's Pearls. You have brought me back closer to God with this book and I look forward to wisdom from you dear mother. I too get dreams from God like her.

My sister recently bought me a book. She not being an avid reader and all, it shocked me. She purchased "A Journey To Hell And Back" by Charlotte Russel Johnson. Charlotte is a local author from here in Columbus, GA.

This book really touched me deep into my soul. It's a story of a very hard life started at a very young age. Charlotte told about how she grew up in the projects, left the projects and only to return to the saftey of the projects. She told us how she sold drugs right here on Victory Dr. A street many of us drive everyday. She told how she partied in Phenix City, right across the river where many of us work and/or live.

Charlotte went through so much. She sold herself as a prostitute. She married a man who abused her to no end. She even discusses how she received her 2nd and 3rd degree burns. She tells you the stories of her many trials she had to endure not only here in Columbus, but also in Atlanta and in New York.

Yet through all of this she has prevailed. She showes you how she was able to pull through and become a better person. For anyone who thinks their life is so far gone, or so far down in the dumps and it can't change, take a moment and read this heart touching story of one woman's struggle. And it all happened right here in our own community!!!!!

Thank You Charlotte for sharing your story!!!

I work at a bread store and a customer was telling me how great the first book was by Charlotte and in a few moments after her leaving in walked Charlotte. I have read the first book and am anxious to get the next two!!!! It is excellent and I have sent several of my customers to the book store to buy the books as well!! Thank you Charlotte for sharing the experiences with us. I am hoping you will make the book into a movie.

I have read "A Journey To Hell And Back" by Charlotte Russell-Johnson, and found it to be a most inspiring book, and very relevant to many young women of today, who are in need of the kind of guidance and insight offered by this book. I have also had the pleasure of meeting Charlotte Russell Johnson, and from my two encounters with her, I believe her to be as genuine as her personal testimony. Her book is a must-read for every young woman in search of direction for her life. I encourage everyone to read this book. It will keep you engaged from the front page to the back.

I JUST FINISH READING A JOURNEY TO HELL AND BACK. GOD HAS TRUELY BLESSED HER. IT IS A BLESSING THAT SHE LIVED TO WRITE THIS BOOK, GOD WAS TRUELY WITH HER ON HER JOURNEY TO LIFE. I HAVE THIS COUSIN THAT IS OUT THERE ON DRUGS. I HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR HER AND I KNOW GOD IS GOING TO DELIVER HER. I JUST HAVE TO BE STILL AND LET GOD HANDLE HER.

MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU CHARLOTTE AND I PRAY THAT YOU CAN TOUCH A LOT OF LIVES.

On The Loose is certainly one of the most beautiful and inspiring Books ever written. It is simple and short but packed with inspiration. This book should be taught in the schools as a nature primer...children would love it and then continue their journey into the wide world.

but encountering this book again after 35 years brings tears to my eyes.

(A note on the description: If you will examine the font in the text, it's "Tang-jar", not "Jang-jar." Tang is the orange flavored powder concentrate that the early astronauts drank in space. At least that's what the commercials said. Untold thousands of ordinary Americans drank it too.)

Excellent, quick read...wide range of quotes both poetry and proes...pics are breathtaking...these two young men have infected me with their philosophy of life.

What a treasure to find that On The Loose is still around. This book is full of wonder and joy on every page. On The Loose found me in 1967 when I was an undergraduate student. It is still with me. I was wandering and On The Loose spoke to me of the wilderness as something full of awe. This is truly a beautiful book. It continues to remind me over and over that, as I can see I will keep looking and as long as I can walk, I will keep moving. I am so happy that with the reprinting of On The Loose it will now find its way into my grown children's hands as they continue to make their way and look beyond the light and dark.

There are so many wonderful and amazing photographs and quotes in this book. This book is truly an invitation towards insights gained by looking outward and beyond. Let yourself go beyond where you can barely see. Buy this book. Always ride for the high points! This is the book to take with you.

D. Budd
Edmonton, AB Canada

If I had to choose 10 books that I would bring with me to a desert island, this would be one of them.

"The Divine Plan of the Ages" was written in 1886 by Charles Taze Russell, one of the innovative religious thinkers to step forward in the United States during the 19th century. Other examples would include Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Eddy and Ellen G. White. Russell founded the Bible Students, a movement that much later developed into the Jehovah's Witnesses. However, the Witnesses have abandoned many of Russell's original ideas, so this edition of "The Divine Plan" is not published by the Watchtower Society, but by a independent group of Russelites in Canada. Amazon customers should note that this is only the first volume in a seven-volume work, known as "Studies in the Scriptures". The entire set is available at another product page.

Russell's ideas are really to complex to be commented upon in a short review. Only the bearest out-line of "The Divine Plan of the Ages" is possible here. Anyone who reads the Bible is immidiately struck by real or apparent contradictions, for instance between the Old Testament and the New Testament, or between the Pauline epistles and Revelation. Russell attempts to harmonize the various end-time scenarios with each other, creating a fascinating synthesis of his own. His main idea is that God have offered different kinds of salvation to different categories of people. Jesus came to gather a small minority of really devout followers, who would be willing to sacrifice their humanity to follow him completely. These will be transformed into mighty spirit beings at the Second Advent, seated in Heaven next to Jesus, from where they would rule the world. The majority of Christians, however, while justified by faith in Jesus, will never reach such a high level of perfection. They will be resurrected to an earthly existence during the Millenium. Russell imagined that the Millenium wouldn't be completely perfect. Mortality and evil would still exist, but at a much smaller scale than today, since society would be ruled by the resurrected saints of the Old Testament, and ultimately by Jesus himself. Esentially, the Millenium is a kind of benign theocracy. Thus, Russell harmonizes the more spiritual Kingdom of God of the Gospels with the more political Kingdom of Revelation or the Old Testament, by declaring that they are both true.

One of Russell's more innovative ideas was the notion that all humans, living or dead, would be given a "second chance" during the Millenium. In this way, he solved the vexing problem of the unsaved millions of humans, who according to traditional Christian belief go straight to Hell, for no other fault than never hearing the message of the Gospel. In Russell's scenario, all humans are resurrected during the millenial reign of Christ, and put on probation. If they refuse to accept the Gospel message even then, they will eventually be destroyed. Thus, Russell was not a strict Universalist, but his scenario nevertheless allows for more people to be saved than, say, Calvinism.

Other ideas usually associated with Russell are also expounded in this book. Russell denied the existence of Hell and an immortal soul, no doubt because of a literal reading of the Old Testament, some would say over-literal. He believed that the resurrection of Jesus was spiritual. Jesus rose from the grave as a spirit-being, not as a human. This idea, anathema to "traditional" Christians, explains the curious appearences and disappearences of the resurrected Jesus recorded in the Gospels. Also, Russell points to Paul's statements about "heavenly bodies" as proof of his contention. He is not unsympathetic to the plight of the workers, and occasionally lashes out against giant corporations, predicting sharpened class struggles and even socialist revolutions. However, Russell eventually recommends his followers to abstain from politics, instead concentrating on spreading the Gospel and live moral lives. Russell was also a Christian Zionist, believing that Israel would become the most prominent nation on Earth during the Millenium. While it would be a Christian Israel, in other writings he explicitly rejected attempts by Christians to convert the Jews, instead supporting a return to Orthodox Judaism. The rationale behind this is not explained in "The Divine Plan of the Ages". Russell's failed prophecy about the Millenium commencing in 1914 is not included in this work either, but belongs to the second volume. However, the curious idea that God has a body, and is hence limited in space, although omnipotent in power, is mentioned.

Some of these ideas sound vaguely familiar, probably because we associate them with the Jehovah's Witnesses. Others sound odd to us, since the Witnesses rejected them during their amazing expansion through-out the world. In a sense, Russell is the least known of the innovative religious founders of 19th America. Reading this book fills a gap.

A absolute must read , if you want to know the God of Justice and not the God of Just Us.

This book abolutely opened my eyes to the incredible Plan God has as revealed in the Bible! The author lays out beautifully how God has different periods of time which progress toward the blessing of all mankind. There are so many good people today who are not Christians, but the DIVINE PLAN explains everybody will actually have their first real opportunity to choose God when Satan is out of the way in God's Kingdom. Everybody is already praying for His will to be done "on earth as it is in heaven." But this book explains how that will work. And it explains how all the evil in the world is not because God doesn't have enough power or love to stop it. It gives scriptures for everything. It makes so much sense!

This book is the only one that accurately and harmoniously presents the truth of the Scriptures. It lives up to its title, "The Divine Plan of the Ages". It answers all reasonable questions on the Scriptures. A must have and a must read.

It is truly a vindication of the character of God.

As an explanation of the problem of evil, this book is the best ever written. C.S. Lewis made a valiant attempt in The Problem of Pain, but his book is an apologetic of discredited Christian traditions, and as Amazon reviews demonstrate, is unsatisfying at an emotional level.

The Jewish answer is famous, too: "Why Bad Things Happen to Good People." It's conclusion: there are some things even God can't do.

The Divine Plan of the Ages, which was written in the 1880s, was a seminal work that, as Progress and Poverty by Henry George did to the world of economics, turned the religious world upside down. It was considered so subversive that bookstores refused to sell it, and churches organized book-burning parties to destroy it. It's a credit to our day that Amazon carries this book, which has been almost entirely promoted for the last 120 years by people who love the Bible, whose lives were changed for the good by the powerful insights contained in this book.

If you're a Christian who, say, wonders about the controversy between Calvinism and Arminianism, this book is for you.

If you're a missionary who feels like you are trying to sweep back the tide with a broom, this book will revive your faith.

If you're a skeptic who has become disillusioned with the answers offered by Christian apologists, you'll discover that the Bible is more harmonious than you ever dreamed, and the reasonable prospects for the future of mankind are brighter than even Christians have dared to hope.

I read this book at the age of 17 and it changed my life forever, leading me to receive Jesus Christ as the Lord of my life. More than that, it unlocked the simple, Biblical keys that present a victorious gospel, a fair and just God, and a balanced view of what's happening in the global village today.

This book is different than other books on relationships that have ended. It is the best book I have read on it and what they have you do really works!

When I found out about this book, I was yet again trying to recover from another failed relationship attempt. The question I kept asking myself was "why do I keep repeating similar relationships that end in similar fashion". Fortunately, it was also at this time that I met Russell Friedman, who encouraged me to read this book and do the work. Here I am, a little over one year later, happier and possessing a greater understanding of what was standing in the way of the relationship that I desired. Best yet, after several successful and fun dating relationships, I have MOVED ON and MOVED IN with the right guy for me. Thanks John and Russell for giving me the tools to build "it" right this time. Sara

I first learned about the Grief Institute through a raido program. I was intriqued and bought this book. WOW. Many concepts I needed to learn since, as the book points out, many of us learn myths about grieving. I too learned to be "strong" where people see us happy and able to deal...when that is only a cover up of our feelings and not dealing. I also like the STERBs concept. Short-term energy releasing behaviors. I was doing many things I thought were helping with grieving, but they were only short lived. This lead me thinking "Time would heal my wounds" which we now know isn't the case.

This book helped me in many ways and I recommend it and even buy it for friends. This is a must book for everyone. No...it isn't the complete all book as nothing in life is complete, but certainly a fantastic book in the journey of life and giving you some tools to help along the way.

This was a great book. I listen to the author on a radio talk show Audrey Chapman and had to purchase this book. The execrise along with the reading really helped me get with my most recent relationship. I have finished reading the book; however, I still review certain chapters weekly. I strongly recommend this book for anyone getting over a bad relationship and want to love to forgive.

Pennye James

Great book...better than great. I had several epiphanies about myself that made a real difference. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to grow and be free of past mistakes.

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!!

Nora St. Laurent - Book Club Servant Leader
www.psalm516.blogspot.com

Michael Snyder has just published my NEW Favorite "Christian" Novel.
I have a problem labeling anything as "Christian". I only do so here because you are going to want to read this book and it can only be found in the "Christian" section of your local bookstore.

This is the type of book you give to friends that don't like to read, because you know if they read this one, it will turn them into a bookworm!

"Russell Fink" is a ton of fun. It has everything you would want in a book... Mystery, Humor (and lots of it), a bit of Fear, a touch of Romance, and a clairvoyant dog.

From the Back Of The Book: "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. His crazy fiancee refuses to accept the fact that their engagement really is over.
Then Sonny, his allegedly clairvoyant basset hound, is found dead.
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 it's 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 Copeland, Snyder explores reconciliation, forgiveness, and faith in the midst of tragedy. No amount of neurosis or dysfunction can derail God's redemptive purposes."

Snyder has a HUGE talent for writing and I can't wait for his next book!

I just finished reading My name is Russell Fink and I have to tell you this is one of the more bizarre novels I have read this year and Micheal Snyder has to be an amazingly interesting person to have written such a fun novel his first time out. I found this book refreshing and fun. The novel is packed with quirky characters and crazy twist. It is a little edgy at times for the Christian market but I truly enjoyed this Lad Lit and eagerly look forward for more wacky tales from this new author.

For a real treat be sure to read the Q&A with Micheal Snyder and the deleated scenes in the bonus section of the book.

Michael Snyder's novel "My Name Is Russell Fink" is an eclectic mix of humor, mystery, pop-culture, suspense and God - not necessarily in that order. Russell Fink is a rather inept, but incredibly artistic, salesman and practiced hypochondriac with a really obnoxious girlfriend who refuses to let Russell break up with her, a crazy family and a completely wonderful, and supposedly clairvoyant, dog! When Sonny, his dog, is murdered, Russell must find Sonny's killer.

This incredibly witty novel is "The Office" meets Rene Gutteridge. I love the details put into this publication: from the rave reviews for the novel on the back cover written by several of the characters, to the page flip cartoon in the lower right corner of the text. The sense of humor of those responsible for putting this book together is evident - literally - from cover to cover. I am also a sucker for discussion questions, and these are incredibly fun. They almost make me want to start a discussion group!

I really enjoyed the book. It is rare to find a book in the "Christian" genre that doesn't have an agenda, other than to be entertaining. I was so happy to read a very funny, witty, sarcastic book about a truly squirly guy. If there was an agenda, it might have been to show that life is messy, but they Gospel is real. But it did so in a non-preachy way, that just seemed a little quirky like Northern Exposure or Pushing Daisies. Infinitely better than that silly little book on Amazon's top 10 - "The Shack"... You won't leave this book needing a detox.