Reeves publishes book about Newton

By Lauren Volarvich

          A Newton native has decided to write a book based on his experiences in the city of Newton as a child. The book will be available Oct.1.

        Rusty Reeves was born at the Newton Hospital and lived here until the age of 15. Reeves attended Newton High School and was an athlete on the football team until a tragic accident in a game against Forest changed his life forever. "I was doing something I had done several times, but this time it was just a fluke thing," Reeves said. "I am now paralyzed from the shoulders down."

       Despite his physical disabilities and other  trying times in his life, Reeves has been successful as a writer for many years. "I wrote a column in The  Madison County Herald for a period of a little over two years, and I collected them and made them into a book," Reeves said.

"Newton Ave." is the third book by Reeves to be published. A fourth book will be released at the first of this year.

      "It ("Newton Ave.") is a collection of my memories in Newton. They are all true - no embellishment." Reeves said.

       Reeves has lived in Madison for 23 years with his brother, Tim.

      "He's my arms and legs. He helps me out in the mornings and at night, but I'm good on my own for the rest of the day." Reeves said.     

       Reeves had a happy-go-lucky tone during the conversation and said of his paralysis, "The first two years were really sad. You either have to accept it and move on or collapse in your misery."

       Reeves said all of his books an be bought online at his web site: www.rustyreeves.com or can be purchased by ordering through a book store.

      Reeves' other works include: "Beneath the Velvet Skies" and "Revealing the Covenant". The book coming out at the first of the year is titled "Lightning Tree".