'Tender Hands' Booksigning Opened to a Full House

Tandberg, Kathy. "'Tender Hands' Booksigning Opened to a Full House." Beulah Beacon, 10 December 1998, 13.

An open house/booksigning was held on Sunday, December 6 in celebration of a book by local resident Ruth Kusler.

The afternoon started at l p.m., a full hour early because many wanted to be sure they got a signed copy of Ruth's story.

The book, Tender Hands: Ruth's Story of Healing, was written with the assistance of Ruth's grandniece Peggy Sailer O'Neil.

The book was published by the Germans from Russia Heritage Collection, NDSU Libraries, Fargo, North Dakota.

Professor Michael M. Miller, Germans from Russia Bibliographer at NDSU, worked with the family on the book. He officiated at Sunday's open house.

Miller grew up in Strasburg, North Dakota and says he first spoke German and later learned English.

"It is a privilege that we (NDSU Libraries) had the opportunity to publish this book," Miller stated.

Miller says the book goes beyond North Dakota. NDSU Libraries has a web site available on its books. Since the book went on the net two weeks ago, Miller says there have been orders from South Africa, Germany and Australia.

Many of these people are interested in the special healing of "Braucher" according to Miller.

Miller also stated that never before have the medicinal remedies of the practice been available in a bookstore.

The story includes a brief history of Ruth's maternal family in the Ukraine. The family practice of "Braucher", faith healing, is one which was passed down through the generations. Ruth's mother taught her secrets of the practice to Ruth.

O'Neil says over 150 books were sold at the booksigning reception. She and Ruth are excited and happy with the wonderful reception the book has received.

The books sells for $14 and may be purchased at the Beulah Beacon.

Reprinted with permission of the Beulah Beacon, Beulah, North Dakota.