Karen King Russo grew up with an extraordinary father. The cofounder of the TraveLodge Corporation, he was often referred to by neighbors as "the most unforgettable character I've ever met." While other dads golfed, watched football, and read sports magazines, Russo's father preferred to write poetry, read Greek philosophers, and walk on his hands across the living room. Her home was the only one in the neighborhood with an airplane parked in the backyard.
A shy man with a gentle spirit, self-deprecating humor, and wise soul, this eccentric entrepreneur also harbored a dark side. A struggling alcoholic, he was prone to bursts of anger, spitefulness, and bigotry. The same mind that spawned such potent and seductive creativity also fostered a devastating addiction.
In Costs of Creativity: As Told by the Daughter of an Alcoholic, Russo recounts the years of both joy and pain she experienced with her father. Though she was neither abused nor deprived, she nonetheless suffered damage-and yet, she prevailed.
Looking back with great warmth and appreciation, this powerful memoir will touch the heart of anyone affected by the cruelty of addiction.
About the Author: Karen King Russo has spent the last fifteen years working as a journalist, writing weekly columns and editorial features in several local newspapers. She is also the author of There is More to Football than a Tight End, a woman's guide to football. Prior to her writing career, she lived in Palos Verdes and spent twenty years as owner and manager of Discovery Travel in Redondo Beach.
Currently residing in Manhattan Beach with her husband, John, she enjoys and appreciates the time spent with her son, daughter, and five grandchildren.
Drawing on the premise that creativity and addiction are often connected, she wrote Costs of Creativity: As Told by the Daughter of an Alcoholic to show that the same creative people who can add tremendous color to life can also bring a lot of pain.
