I read Heroic Heart: A Story of Fathers and Sons a couple weeks ago and have to admit I mostly read it because the author Russ Woody and I went to high school together. We saw each other every day in home room. How could we not know one another, Woodworker and Woody? We sat in the last two seats in the last row. So to be honest, I thought I should read his book out of kindness and respect. I actually read his last two books, but this one caught my attention, my mind, and my heart.
Russ is a more than terrific writer, but this does not surprise me as he was a smart kid. What does surprise me is the depth of the story, which in truth might be the best love story I have read in a very long time. Mr. Woody had ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) a terribly debilitating and ultimately fatal disease, yet he came fully alive in the last chapter of his life and Russ captured it.
Reading this book is like watching a home movie. It gives you a peek inside some family dynamics that were not only personal but very painful at times. The story is also humorous, warm, inspiring and a touching intimate story of a dying father and a loving son. This is truly an excellent tribute to a father who was deeply loved by his son.
I do not usually promote books on this site, but today I am encouraging you and your friends to read Heroic Heart: A Story of Fathers and Sons by Russ Woody.