A quiet book for chaotic times.
From high atop a hill in the New Mexico desert, Dean Rudoy surveys seven decades of “this hard, sweet life.” Psychologist, teacher, activist, son, friend, he offers inspirational stories of indelible encounters with the extraordinary, arising from familiar and uncanny events alike.
Growing up with a necessary secret in a small Midwestern town, Rudoy awakens to the private yearnings of others. Troubled young men in a New York hospital struggle for clarity; children proclaim truths that adults have long forgotten; desert ravens attend an act of atonement; the touch of friends banishes pain; the departed make their presence felt. Small kindnesses offered to him by larger-than-life figures such as Paul Newman, Harry Belafonte, and Edward Kennedy adjoin meaningful gestures from migrant workers, aging parents, and thoughtful young people finding their way.
All are emissaries bearing the message that life is lived well, when lived with an open heart. Resounding throughout these stories is a deep reverence born of the author’s conviction that all things in this world are connected in a matrix of meaning.
In his lucid, generous, and engaging style, Rudoy has written as much a guide for the perplexed as a memoir. Reading Emissaries is akin to walking along a country road with an old, reassuring friend.
“… fascinating life filled with thrilling experiences”
“… enviable encounters with the greatest icons of our times”
“… his artful prose makes the book fly by”
“I would have liked to be this author’s friend as the perspective of the world would be comfortable to be a part of.”
“This book contains charming stories with wit and humor, heartfelt notes of past experiences.”
“A book to treasure.”
“Truly a wonderful book filled with the most amazing short stories … immersive stories that are inspirational and will make you smile and cry at the same time. It’s a must read!”
Each Story Was So Full of Emotion, Powerful and Moving! Love It!
“I could not put this book down. Every story was so vivid and full of real human connection and emotion.”
“An incredibly well-written book which is simple to read. It deserves to be reread.”
“An interesting and colorful life. Very cool perspective. I would love to high-five Dean.”
“Please read for YOU!”
“I don’t know the author, but his stories make me feel like I do or that I should.”
“… takes you by the hand and walks you through a tapestry of beautifully woven stories”
“… this immersive read is a must”
“The author eloquently conveys anecdotes of familiar themes that move and stir.”
“I recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique and refreshing read.”
“I found myself stopping and thinking in many of these stories and the deeper I went the more connections I found.”
“Dean writes so beautifully and poignantly, packing a punch in each story.”
“A highly inspiring and moving book. Read, pay attention, then re-read again. Who knows, it might just change your life.”
Inspirational, Heartwarming Stories for a Rainy Day
“… well-written, thoughtful, and heartwarming … like listening to the stories of a kind, wise grandpa.”
“Great book to read just before bedtime. Filled with charming stories, leaving the reader to reflect on their own personal journey.”
“This book is filled with compassion and grace.”
“Read and recognize yourself and your own stories. Savor this book.”
“I will read it multiple times to refresh insights.”
“An immensely wise, thoughtful, and empathetic memoir.”
“I felt that I learned and grew so much from this book.”
“What a transformational experience!”
“Dean has a way of drawing you into his personal experiences of joy, grief, vulnerability, and reflection that gently invites you to do the same.”
“This book is filled with compassion and grace.”
“At times funny, and also sad, Emissaries is a book rich with absorbing, insightful reflections on what it is to be human.”
“In a time of division and turmoil in the world, this book gave me hope.”
“This book contains amazing, fascinating, and inspirational stories that you will be captivated by from start to finish.”
Pleasant Read, Positive and Charming
“… a book to be read with tenderness and appreciation … many stories, actually, that will become a part of you.”
MAKES YOU THINK AND REAWAKENS MEMORIES
“It awakened subtle memories I hadn’t thought about for some time, and brought others back to life I’d thought I’d lost.” “… offers insights and wisdom without ever trying to tell you what to think or feel.”Dr. Marc Pollentine