This is a book that everyone should read! Makes you realize how important family is and what having moral values really mean. It also makes you think about what kind of person you want to be remembered as and especially what you would like to teach your children. I absolutely loved it. Wish we still lived in those days. The world has changed so much and I can't say it's for the best.

This is a book that everyone should read! Makes you realize how important family is and what having moral values really mean. It also makes you think about what kind of person you want to be remembered as and especially what you would like to teach your children. I absolutely loved it. Wish we still lived in those days. The world has changed so much and I can't say it's for the best.

Read this after the passing of Tim Russert.... what a wonderful son and father he was. It is a wonderful tribute to his Dad, Big Russ, and fond memories for his family to cherish always.

It was a challenge getting it...delivery glitches...but it is here and all I had hoped it would be...thank you...

I really had a hard time trying to finish this book about the perfect son and the perfect father and the perfect democrats and the perfect priests.

I still don't know if this was ghost written for the catholic church or the liberal democrats as Tim wore both very prominently on his sleeve.

Tim Russert was a highly intelligent man and it was always fun to watch him on Meet the Press, but with this CD set, you get to hear how this man got to be who he was and how his father, Big Russ, helped to shape his life. I bought the book and the CD's, but the CD's are especially nice, since Tim Russert is the narrator. The book is filled with his humor, insight, humanity, and ethics.

I loved this book. It brings you back to much simpler times when children respected their parents and did not question authority. Big Russ reminded me so much of my own father, who passed away in 2006. My father always said, "What a country!". I wonder have many vets of that era used that expression and have many of their families thought they were the only ones who did! I only wish I had read the book prior to Tim Russert's passing, so that I could have contacted him and expressed my appreciation for such a well-told, all American story.

I loved this book. It brings you back to much simpler times when children respected their parents and did not question authority. Big Russ reminded me so much of my own father, who passed away in 2006. My father always said, "What a country!". I wonder how many vets of that era used that expression and have many of their families thought they were the only ones who did! I only wish I had read the book prior to Tim Russert's passing, so that I could have contacted him and expressed my appreciation for such a well-told, all American story.

Simply written. Obviously, a story from the heart of the love & devotion of a son for his father by relating the years growing up in his family & neighborhood, of the lessons of life from those times that shaped & molded young Tim into a man of principle & purpose. Good read.

a truly warm and wonderful audio book that I will listen to again and again

I have not, personally, read this book. It was a gift for my son, who is an avid reader, and an admirer ( who wasn't ? ) of Tim Russert.I did read the review, and will get this book for myself.

It is making me fall in love with Tim Russert all over again. While I don't believe it's a classic piece of literature, it is a wonderful, charming, insightful tale about Tim, aka Timmy, and his family, most especially Big Russ.
I'm loving reading it, although it makes me sad with the realization that we'll never get to see him again - and this year being so wonderful relativve to the political scene. He was relishing in it - glad to have his book. I also have his other book which I will read after this.
Worth the purchase price and the time to read it.

There were many things in his book that my husband and I can relate to! Really enjoyed it---my respect for Tim has doubled after reading this.

Very enjoyable. Most anyone with a Greatest Generation Dad would find this enjoyable.The stories and anecdotes about the political figures of the sixties,seventies etc. are excellent.Easy read

I grew up Catholic in Dallas Texas in the 50's and could totally identify with Russert and his life experiences. Having had some of the same opportunities, and made it on my own, having learned from all of my experiences from those days, his story really came to life for me, and I understood exactly where he was coming from.

Now that he is gone, I relish having this story sporken in his own words. He struck me as a neat, well grounded guy, who loved his family, and loved his place in life. I truly regret that I never had the chance to know Tim Russert personally.

Tim Russert has written a wonderful, well-deserved, tribute to his father. It's also an unintended tribute to himself. After all, as a good, worthy son, he absorbed his father's valuable lessons of morality, life and living and displayed it in his own life. And the tributes never come across as boasting or bragging. He tells it all with a great sense of humor.

I have recommended this book to dozens of friends and family members, young and old. If you don't get a lump in your throat, reading about the positive thinking, fair-minded, objective, intelligent and kind-hearted father-son duo, then you must examine your life and priorities.

Do read the book!

Until Russert's recent death, I had ignored his book, under the rule that media superstars usually hire their staffs to do the research and most of the writing; and they then just edit these "told to" tracts, revealing just enough so that their agents can get them on the best sellers list. As a result, there are some really bad "told tos" circulating "out there."

Not so in Tim's case.

He and Big Russ are the genuine articles: This book, an excellent and a quick read, is a true page from Gothic America. While reading this book all I could do was recall my relationship with my own father and then envy Tim's relationship with Big Russ. Most of us baby boomers had fathers who fit the "Big Russ mold:" Men who served in World War II as draftees into the army as part of America's "only upward mobility program."

They came home from the war with both rich experiences as well as with physical and psychological scars but wouldn't talk about either, unless prompted, and then usually only very late in their lives. All got married and raised a family, and did so out of the same kind of duty that had caused them to serve in the military. It was done automatically because it was what was expected of them.

It is easy enough to forget that this silent call and response to duty: to family and country, before duty to self, is what made America a great country. Big Russ came home got married, and raised a family of four on a garbage man's salary. How many of us in today's social climate would be as genuinely proud of our fathers as Tim was of "Big Russ" if our fathers had been garbage men for thirty years?

All one needs to know about Tim's character is that he proudly "pulled garbage can duty" along side his father during school breaks. To me, that is the book: That about says all that needs to be said about Tim, his father, and their relationship. It is a love story between father and son, that was passed down to the next generation.

This is the hidden formula for how great men are made. Thanks Tim. Thanks Big Russ.

Five stars

I enjoyed this book very much. My son borrowed it to take on his vacation last week and he liked it as well. It came in i timely fashion and was in excellent condition.

We learned a lot about Tim Russert due to his untimely death. This book makes it even harder to fathom and is a wonderful tribute to a great news man and his devotion to family is obvious.

The Russert story is a vivid example of how 'family' is everything, and why financial wealth is much less important in the 'pursuit of happiness.' This book should be read by young people especially, regardless of religious belief, to see how love, ethics, a sense of humor, and personal responsibility matter most in life.

Anyone who grew up in the 50's era must read this book. It takes us through our own history as well as the history of our country. Tim Russert is everyone's brother, and the passion he felt for his life and his country, driven by his father's wisdom will cause any reader to reflect on his own journey. Absolutely wonderful!!!

After listening to the week of tributes to Tim Russert we had to purchase the book. The book is a wonderful tribute to his Father and all the Fathers that instilled the core value in the 40's and 50's born children. After my 63 years on this earth and raising 2 girls, I finally got it. Tim's Father said it all in one sentense. You will always be loved but your never entitled. No matter what age you are, your always going to have to work on gaining the respect and admiration from people you have known for years, as well as the people you meet today and want to have their friendship in the future. this book is a great lesson for young and old. Tim Russert was an honest and truely Great person. He will be missed but his wisdom in this book will be cherrished.

This was a wonderful story to follow. What a guy, and what a huge loss. He was a wonderful role model, and I loved the lightness and humor of his story.

I loved reading "Big Russ And Me" What a wonderful relationship Tim Russert had with his father. He was fortunate to have grown up back when life was simple. Big Russ was quite a father and I am sure is very proud of his son, Tim. I am sure Tim's entire family is quite proud of him...Luke is so lucky to have had him for a father.I miss watching Tim on Meet The Press, I never missed a Sunday morning show...It is not the same without him!

Disappointed that I paid almost twice times the price of a book that is listed for $13.95

Written with love by a son and father himself, Tim shows us that love is what makes you the man you become

This book is a true winner with its down to earth warmth - I loved every page of it and it is quite a tribute to a father from a son and a legacy to pass on to his son.

Big Russ and Me: Father and Son: Lessons of Life
I have not read this book yet! I ordered it for my Mom who is 82 and loves to read and reads all the time. She has told me that she is reading it and can hardly put it down. It is very interesting.
As soon as my Mom finishes Big Russ and Me I am next in line to read it.
Sherry

A great book from a generous soul. This book captures the life and times of a post WW II family in a way that is familiar to us all. Tim Russert's mantra of family, faith and hard work resonate from start to finish.

Big Russ will be great to read as I have followed his work and I am glad for your quick delivery

The American Dream is still alive! Results of your life depend on the beliefs in your heart, not the situations you have had to endure. Overcoming the negative situations with a positive attitude change the consequences of the negative actions. Big Russ demonstrated perseverance in the mundane of the difficult day to day; Tim Russert lived out his Father's perseverance which produced in him proven character and hope. The love of God truly flowed out of him to others. This book rings true of the "Lessons of Life" and how it can personally impact choices to change your future by honoring self-discipline, respecting others, and treasuring your country.

The book "Big Russ & Me" was never received by my son. It was to be a Father's Day gift. The seller emailed me that she could not be responsible for the postal service. I stopped payment on my credit card and have received no further contact from the seller.

For Father's Day I sent my 4 sons a copy of Big Russ. They all loved it. One said he doesn't read non fiction too often and it was one of the best books he has read. He was on a flight to LA for 4 hours each way and finished the book on the plane. They all highly recommend it.
Thank you Tim Russert for sharing your Dad with all of us.

Book was back ordered, I just received and have not read the book and I
have already sent this review once. Please do not ask me again.

Thanks you, Betty

I received what I ordered in a timely fashion.....I was very pleased with the entire process.

Do I really need to explain the reason why I chose to read this book? Tim Russert is one of the greatest minds of modern time. He is a top journalist. And has spent more than 20 years in the media. To read about the love this man has for his father was breathtaking. But this book is much more than a bonding experience between a father and son. It's about life lessons, it's about the choices we make, it's about values and hard work. Big Russ and Me: Father and Son: Lessons of Life is an incredible story about how experiences and choices shape the path we walk in life.

At the end of the book he quoted one of my favorite verses, Luke 12:48c.

I bought this book 4 years ago while visiting Washington, D.C. We had just missed Tim's book signing at Barnes & Noble. I never got around to reading it, but over the past few months moved it to the top of my stack. On June 13, I reached for the book and discovered I had bought an autographed copy. I'll keep it forever. I've finished the book and no words can express what a loss his departure from this earth will mean for all of us. What a countryman!

Great book. At first, I thought it read a little too corny, but then I realized that it could not have been written any differently. Read this book.

What a great book. I'll miss you Mr. Russert.

Joel Simkhai

Tim Russert unexpected death shocked us all. My heart sunk when I heard of this tragedy. The Today show anchors were all very emotional when speaking of their colleague. This speaks volumes for the love of the people who knew him.

He was loved and respected by many friends and fans. He was one of the few political reporters that gave us both sides of the story. When he talked we listened and knew it was a strong and valid opinion to hear.

Merna

This book should be required reading for all young men who eventually will become fathers. It's filled with wisdom and real-life examples of how to set the stage for success in raising a child.

It reads like a novel but in the end it's like an invauable user's manual for fatherhood.

I highly recommend it.

--Guy P. Harrison, author of 50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God

I read "Big Russ and Me" by Tim Russert last year. Just never got around to posting a review. Now that Tim has passed so suddenly, I belatedly am posting my little tribute to such a wonderful son, and father himself. I know that his son took much from the book, and well he should. Tim Russert was a wonderful man, and he will be very much missed.

Editor of Michele Cozzens' award winning women's fiction A Line Between Friends

I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Tim Russert. Obviously I didnt know him on a personal basis, only through the media. But he made each and every one of us feel he was our best friend. I saw a man who was deeply religious, sweet, good, loving of his country and a great father, husband and friend. You could tell how important family was to him and this book only solidifies the obvious. Warm and touching, it is a great read. Not just for father's, but for everyone. You were bigger then life. Thank you Tim, you will be sorely missed.

Just purchased a copy of Tim's book on Big Russ and lessons on life after spending much of this past weekend viewing his tributes on MSNBC. I'm purchasing this book to have as a memoir of how to live life and achieve the ultimate here on earth, which is a legacy. Not just any legacy, but one enriched with touching others both near and far. While Tim was the gold standard of journalists, he's the elite standard as a human being. My father had a similar untimely death at a similar age, and viewing Tim's personal story, relationships, and family bonds has made this a personal must read for me. Tim Russert made all of us feel that he was one of us, which is why the political news scene and that bond of trust and credibility will be so sorely missed. Tim, thanks for your boyish enthusiasm, every-man sensibility, and good old fashioned faith and adherence to living a life with values.

Tim, thanks for laying this book down for all of us. Your legacy is secure.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Tim's passing. He was a true gentleman and a family man. He loved his wife, son and family. He was one of a kind and his smile and dedication was infectious. Although we do not understand why one passes we need to trust that the Lord has our plan. His son just graduated from Boston college three weeks ago and we know how proud Tim was. He was with his family up until his enterance into the Almighty Kingdom of God as God Must have needed someone whom could provide great coverage honestly.

I will miss your smile. I will pray for your wife, son, Father and all of your NBC friends who will truly miss you.
I know you are with God as you wore Jesus' smile every day of your life. Thank you Tim for showing us his face and eyes in you.

Thank you for being tough and being you. You were one of a kind and I know the world is a better place and you showed us a lot. I hope we can learn and apply your knowledge to our loves.

God Bless you!

I had purchased this book in hoping to support a writer among many who was not afraid or proud to share what his roots met to him. Instead I found passion and respect for a country that many feel has fallen them. Tim showed us all, that as bad as times are there is always family and friends to support you.

My husband and I were devastated and so sad to hear of his family's lost and how his colleagues admired this bigger than life man. To us Sundays will not be the same without Tim on Meet the Press. We too have lost something but also are reminded of how little time we have left to pull someone up and let them know they made a difference. Tim Russet made a difference in our lives and we are better for knowing him even if only through a link on a web, his book or television broadcast.

I will treasure both of his books and when a dose of Tim is needed I will know where I can hear his voice again....

Devoted and sad
Samm and David

If you lived through the 50's and 60's think it would been even more meaningful. It does tug at the heartstrings though. More than once I had to stop because of the tears. I wish I could have been as lucky to have the realtionship with my father. A quick, easy and lighthearted read.

and insipid waste of trees and ink. Look up the words "whiny" and "cloying" and you will almost certainly be rewarded with photographs of the pablum that is Timmeh's dreary little life. The Hackensack phone book offers a more engaging and undoubtedly more innovative way to spend what little leisure time you have, so please don't fritter it away on this heartwarming offal.

What would you think of a guy who is directly involved in a major Washington scandal, the Plame affair, reports upon the affair as if he even could be an objective news source, failing to inform his viewers and readers of his role testifying before the Plame Grand Jury? How about a guy who promotes his own son's radio sport's show on Meet The Press without telling his viewers that it's own son that he is promoting? How about a guy who is Dick Cheney's personal Mr. Potato Head, wears "Bush/Cheney for President" buttons on the underside of his suit lapels, and then flashes the buttons at Washington cocktail parties like he WAS the dancing girl in the pasties??? Well, you get the picture...and now this Republican mole in television's Dick-bird seat on Sunday mornings writes a quaint little book about how his propensity for foping his family and servicing the Administration is the greatest thing since his daddie! One star, but only because I can't choose zero stars.