This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Russ Allen (Ed.D) is the Student Ministries Pastor at West Shore Free Church. He is author of the award-winning memoir, The Bonny Lane Club, and has written articles for a number of larger websites, including features in Relevant Magazine, MGM Studio’s LightWorkers, and The Rebelution. He and his family reside in Pennsylvania.
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In his memoir, The Bonny Lane Club, Russ Allen recounts his transition from high school to college, and his football, injuries, and spiritual growth. A severe knee injury necessitated ACL surgery and physical therapy. Bob Gorinski played a crucial role in Allen's recovery through unconventional training and faith discussions. Bob's basement became a key recovery site, and his support extended to both the physical and spiritual, with events like "Plyo Friday" and local touch football games. Despite additional injuries and rehab, Allen found inspiration in Bob's social media and blog, integrating these insights into his mindset. Allen continued to develop his fitness and faith, supported by Bob's evolving training methods, even as Bob faced terminal cancer. Allen's experiences with Bob deepened his understanding of resilience, divine love, and strength, culminating in a special nod at Allen's wedding in honor of their friendship.
“I knew that this new injury couldn’t be an accident either. Perhaps God had brought me back here for this.” Russ Allen takes a unique, non-linear approach as The Bonny Lane Club starts, allowing readers to see how past events continue to influence his present life and the ongoing impact of these experiences on his identity and worldview. Allen's voice is consistent throughout his retelling and marked by a blend of introspection and humor. His tone effectively mirrors the emotional highs and lows, making what he shares engaging and authentic. This might be Allen's memoir, but it is Bob who comes off as the star. I was completely blown away by the strength of the man physically juxtaposed with the tenderness of his heart. He was so clearly a stand-up guy and an inspiration. Bob’s physical prowess and extraordinary capabilities are depicted in pieces like where Allen points out that Bob could effortlessly deadlift 600 pounds for a warmup set. The writing is comfortably conversational, deeply inspiring, and a true delight to read. Recommended.
