I liked this story and thought it was a good bookclub pick. There were some pieces of advice from Russell and Grandpa that I highlighted, as they were excellent insight into our egos and self-centered human nature. I did not expect to be as shocked as I was to the anger and hurt of this young man, and it made me think of how many Eddie's there are out there without such a support network. I do remember being his age and being full of selfish desires and having high expectations, only to be let down. The hard-knocks school of life can be the best teacher sometimes. Throw God in for the path to atonement and redemption, and you will see the beauty in your life.

You're right, wouldn't it be nice if all the children/teenagers/people struggling out there had a Grandma and Grandpa to see them through? As well as a recognition of the Russell's that are sent their way through other people (and certainly real Russell's sometimes) by a loving God who IS still there and IS still looking out for all of us.