When Chicago investment-banker Russell Henderson—newly divorced and suffering from depression—makes a spur-of-the-moment decision to go on a camping trip to explore the Western United States, he steps outside his usual safe mode of operation and opens up a wealth of new, and scary, possibilities.
Somewhere in Iowa, he picks up a woman hitchhiker, who challenges everything in which he believes. This sets off a chain of events that involve an American Indian sweat lodge, a Tibetan Buddhist Rinpoche, and a road trip through stunning countryside. His relationship with the woman becomes more complex, and deep self-reflection eventually leads him to step outside the confines of his upbringing and discover who he truly is.
Part road trip, part romance, and fully visionary, this is a delightful story that both inspires and entertains.
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What Readers are saying:
“The protagonist, Russell, enters the story as a self-centered, left brained, irritating alpha male. When his wife walks out, he is deeply shaken and embarks on a journey of self discovery, traveling westward across the US. Almost immediately he picks up hitchhiker who rocks his world. He is rapidly introduced to new cultures, new ways of thinking, and new ways of behaving. He discovers within himself a new generosity and depth of honesty. His love of music reemerges and blossoms. A thoroughly fun read with philosophical nuances.” Rini Twait
“A masterful dialogue between two opposite souls that found their way to togetherness. Lehner has written a dance on awakening we can all relate to, an unfolding song of renewal from adagio to andantino.” Linda Hinde
“The Awakening of Russell Henderson by Ed Lehner is a sedately-paced story of one man’s journey of discovery, not just of a broader and more interesting America than he knew existed, but of himself. The author slips interesting tidbits of history and geography in a compelling story that keeps its main focus on the principal character and his evolution. Despite the sedate, almost leisurely pace of the story, there is nothing boring or mundane about it. Definitely a book to add to your library.” Charles Ray
About the Author:
Ed Lehner, a retired professor of graphic design from Iowa State University, has written poetry over forty years and recently began writing short stories. The Awakening of Russell Henderson is his second novel. He lives with his wife, Julie, and Emma the cat, in Durango Colorado. He can be reached at www.elehnerauthorsite.com
