Cracked Open is not your typical self-help book.
It's a quiet conversation between a 91-year-old master carpenter and a man in search of the truth.
Together—with the help of AI—they explore what it means to become a man in a time of confusion, isolation, and ego.
At the heart of this book is Russ: a deeply honest man who spent 50 years in Emotions Anonymous learning how to listen, forgive, and tell the truth about himself. He's not a guru. He's not polished. He's cracked. But the cracks are where the light gets in.
Each chapter begins with a "Russism"—a simple phrase or metaphor forged from a lifetime of carpentry and recovery. From there, the story unfolds through three voices:
- Russ, speaking in the language of tools, wood, and wisdom
- Gary, a man reflecting on his own stumbles and awakenings
- AI, a thoughtful observer offering insights and invitations for the reader
This book isn't meant to be read straight through. It's a field guide.
You can jump to a chapter on grief, regret, parenting, marriage, uncertainty—whatever you're wrestling with.
It's for men (and the women who care about them) who are tired of small talk and want to talk about what matters.
Cracked Open is for those who are done performing and ready to become unshakable, one honest conversation at a time.
