The Destiny Thief

“Admirable…. [Russo is] wry, idiosyncratic, vulnerably bighearted, a craftsman.” —The New York Times Book Review

“As much fun to read as his best-selling novels…. At times funny, always touching…. If you want to be a writer this is a must book to read.” —Albany Times Union

“Witty and wise…. Thoughtful, funny, endearing—and surprising.” —The Portland Press Herald

“Captivating. . . . Generous-hearted. . . . Fully display[s] Russo’s trademark warmth and wit…. Puzzles with the mysteries of what good writing is and what good living is.” —BookPage

“A heartfelt exploration of [Russo’s] life as a writer.” —PopSugar

“More than a few wise reflections on the craft of writing.” —Southern Living

“Masterful…. Wonderfully candid.” —Tulsa Book Review

“A remarkable and insightful exploration into the mind of a wonderful writer.” —Book Reporter

“All-encompassing…. Anyone in search of an eye-opening series of essays by a distinguished writer about writing and the writing life need look no further.” —The National Book Review

“Certain to please anyone familiar with his short fiction and novels…. Readers seeking a deeply insightful record of the creative process and the life guiding it will find resonance here.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“[A] splendid collection…. These are wise, personal pieces, and readers get to know the author as a comforting, funny, and welcoming guy.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Brilliant…. Scholarly yet accessible…. Russo lets his readers behind the curtain to divulge the myriad sources of his profound wisdom and boundless generosity as both writer and teacher.” —Booklist

“Dazzling and moving…. Reveal[s] glimpses of forces that drive a bestselling fiction writer.” —Publishers Weekly