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Naperville community leader debuts book on ‘Love, Marriage and Blending Families’ with signing to benefit local pantry

Nick Ryan, longtime Naperville resident, community leader, CEO of Marquette Companies and developer of Water Street in downtown Naperville, has released his first book, entitled “From Jackass to Joy: The Art and Science of Love, Marriage and Blending Families.”

The book chronicles his two marriages and how together with both his ex-wife, her new husband, his new wife and her ex-husband, he raised five deeply connected children, and 11 grandchildren while offering practical advice on what he learned on his journey to a joyful family life. It is a story of failure, humility, honesty and a lot of laughter.

Married at 19 while he was still in college, Ryan made just about every mistake an immature young husband could make. His impulsivity, exuberance and sociability put his relationship with his young wife in jeopardy in short order, and despite having three children, seeking counseling and moving his family into his dream house, he was eventually separated from his wife and wound up on his sister’s couch , a broken man.

Ryan’s intentional journey through self-improvement eventually gave him the insights and skills that lead him to build strong relationships with his children, a healthy parenting relationship with his ex-wife, and a more circumspect and loving relationship in his second marriage, to the woman who proved just right for him. His book is filled with funny stories about the ups and downs it took to get there, as well as the deep realizations and specific actions Ryan took that brought his life from a place of loss and despair to one of great love, a warm and devoted blended family and abundance that most of us only dream about.

“This book is really for anyone who wants to build love and family relationships that honor and respect each member and stand the test of time,” Ryan said. “The steps I took intentionally, anyone can follow to build a life of abundance and joy. It may not be rocket science, but there is an art and science to it that must not be taken for granted.”

Ryan will introduce his book at a signing and reception at 7 pm Tuesday, July 26, at Anderson’s Bookstore, 123 W. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Naperville. To register for the event and a copy of the book, visit NickRyanAndersons.eventcombo.com.

Registration is required as space in limited. Half of all book sales will be donated to West Suburban Community Pantry.

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