Penned with grace, power, and insight into the power and nature of both faith and discipline over the body, this compact memoir of recovery and mentorship packs a serious punch. At its heart is the inspiring figure of Bob Gorinski, the physical therapist whom Allen meets after an ACL tear upends Allen’s college football career. At the time, Allen, a sophomore, was a promising Christian athlete who felt out of step with hard-partying students —he recounts the “usual awkwardness of reading my Bible while [his roommate] played video games”—and some elements of the college’s curriculum. Recognizing a kindred spirit, Gorinski sprung a surprising invitation on Allen: “Why don’t you come to the house, and I’ll show you some exercises?” At Gorinski’s house on Bonny Lane, Allen soon found himself challenged to push himself and grow stronger through simple but innovative workouts, including obstacle courses, jumping and agility exercises, weightlifting, and more, all without what Gorinski would call “fancy gym equipment.” This proved fruitful not just for recovery, though Allen faced setbacks and fresh injuries that eventually ended his dreams of rejoining the team. Gorinski also guided Allen and other friends and proteges in workouts of mind and heart, through readings and spirited discussions. Gorinski’s faith—captured in conversations and excerpts from Gorinski’s writing—proved as nourishing as his PT, teaching Allen that faith’s essence “isn’t the absence of uncertainty—uncertainty is necessary—but rather just the right amount of confidence to act in spite of it.”
Allen’s briskly told account is inviting and moving, written with an open-heartedness and a commitment to caring for the body that will inspire young people. (Even the roommates who leave dirty underpants in his bed are treated, ultimately, with a touching lack of judgment.) The story’s end will stir tears, but Allen demonstrates, through his own mentorship and storytelling, that the wisdom and lessons of those who shape us have power as long as we keep them alive.
Takeaway: Rousing story of mentorship and a Christian athlete’s physical and spiritual recovery.
Comparable Titles: Blake Sebring’s Brave at Heart, Keith E. Webb’s The Coach Model for Christian Leaders.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
“Amid a sports-crazed culture, filled with misplaced identity, skewed priorities and idolatry, Russ Allen gives us a fresh and needed picture for coaches and athletes to consider. The Bonny Lane Club takes the reader on a challenging and inspiring journey of seeking God’s “kingdom come” and God’s “will be done,” amidst trying circumstances. It also speaks to the powerful legacy of friendship, mentorship, and community.”
“The Bonny Lane Club hit home for me as an athlete who has dealt with injury and the loss of loved ones. A story of overcoming obstacles and setbacks to come out with a stronger faith on the other side, Russ Allen shares how God brings people into our lives and uses them to lead us closer to Him. You will enjoy this well-written story. I know I did.”
“I found great comfort reading about Bob Gorinski’s ‘anti-gym.’ I have spent years of my life, probably decades, in those basements, garages, or shed facilities that are low on glitz and glamor and high on mentorship, leadership, and stewardship. Bob’s influence drips off the pages here and I found myself recollecting the influence of my old coaches. Russ weaves his life story (we HAVE to do something about his knees!) through the life and lessons of Bob Gorinski. It is worth the voyage of reading.”
“Adversity through suffering in our lives opens up the door for true meaning and purpose. Russ Allen shares a deeply impactful story of overcoming his own weakness and how that early foundation became a catalyst for perspective change. The Bonny Lane Club‘s greatest strength lies in its capacity to instill hope amidst despair. Through its personal vulnerability of wisdom and insight, this book serves as a true encouragement for those navigating the dark recesses of suffering, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we are never alone…and perhaps we truly need each other.”
“Russ Allen transparently shares a personal story of how the impact of a genuine, intentional mentor impacted his life during a crucial time and inspired him to mentor others. This is a must-read for anyone considering youth ministry as a reminder of the responsibility and potential of that calling.”
“The Bonny Lane Club provides a true vision of a radically normal Christian life in America. Russ Allen writes about how one man, living for Christ in the midst of his normal job, family, neighborhood, and even normal suffering, can create a kingdom of God-shaped space in the world that provides community, hope, health and healing to others. This book is inspiring. As a former member of the BLC, I can tell you that this book is true.”
“… engaging and authentic … comfortably conversational, deeply inspiring, and a true delight to read. Recommended.”
“An inspiring memoir about rehabilitation – and the physical therapist God uses to bring both physical and spiritual healing. The Bonny Lane Club tackles the question every Believer asks at some point in his life: ‘How can God be good when my circumstances seem to say the opposite?’ Russ Allen writes a compelling story of how camaraderie and faith triumph over pain and loss.”
“I had the privilege of knowing Bob Gorinski, and everything said here about this larger-than-life figure is true. Pound for pound he was the strongest man I’ve met, with a heart to match. The Bonny Lane Club is a simple story about this real-life superman, whose power is best seen in the impact he left behind.”
“Russ Allen’s inspiring memoir shares a hopeful reminder that despite all the pain and suffering in this world, God is still good. The powerful telling of The Bonny Lane Club provides a brief look into a handful of individuals who have a dramatic impact on not only one another, but an entire community, bettering one another through their love, faith, and competitive drive. The Bonny Lane Club is a must-read for those struggling with God’s faithfulness in the face of adversity.”
“Through a meaningful mentorship, today’s youth can be reached with the love of Christ. The Bonny Lane Club demonstrates an authentic, caring relationship through a shared interest and purpose. Russ Allen writes of his experience with Bob Gorinski, a man who embodies the love of Christ. By sacrificing his time and providing a sense of community, Bob encouraged young people to grow in faith and in strength of body. Being totally transparent about his own journey from despair to hope, Russ will draw you into the story and lead you to wonder how you can affect the same kind of change in the lives of others.”
“The Bonny Lane Club is a glowing example of God’s constant presence and provision in the face of trials, disappointment, and isolation. Russ’ story demonstrates clearly that, as in fitness, spiritual and physical recovery requires consistent actions over time to see results that seem impossible. Whether or not you’re an athlete, a fitness buff, or dealing with significant injury, you will rethink what defines you and will be encouraged to serve others before yourself. This story is a testament to God’s ability to work in and through any circumstance to bring people to Himself, and to a future where pain, injury, and suffering will be defeated.”
