Luigi Francis Shorty Rossi, the tough-talking, fedora-wearing star of Animal Planet’s hit show Pit Boss, may stand only four feet tall but that hasn’t stopped him from living large, becoming a successful businessman and an outspoken advocate for pit bulls, the most misunderstood breed of dog in the world. A third generation dwarf, ex-gang member, and ex-con, Shorty knows what it’s like to be misunderstood and in this candid memoir, he shares his personal story for the first time. No one expected Shorty to live let alone succeed, and yet he has, overcoming every challenge, from an abusive home to the violent streets and gangs of South Central LA, to the notorious cell blocks of Folsom Prison where he was imprisoned for attempted murder. After 10 years, 10 months, and 10 days behind bars, Shorty gained his freedom and the chance to put his entrepreneurial and negotiation skills to the test. He cut the ribbon on his own business, Shortywood, with three goals: to turn his life around, act as a talent agent for little people and establish and fund charities that advocate for, rescue and place abandoned or abused pit bulls into safe homes. In the process, he became a reality-TV star. Now, with Hercules, his rescued pit bull and newly trained service dog by his side, Shorty continues to save pits from the basements and backyards of breeders and abusers while taking on new and even bigger challenges. And nothing is gonna stand in his way. Shorty Rossi is four feet tall—and rising.

In 1929, a band of gypsies invaded the North Dakota farm where five-year-old Ione Nettum lived with her family. Though shocking and scary, the encounter left behind something more precious than anything they stole: wanderlust, the desire to move, to travel, and to taste all that life has to offer. Tales from an Inkslinger: The Memoir of a Maverick, is the story of that life--a life lived both simply and on the road, and a life of romance filled with both grand adventure and simple pleasures. Looking back on the nine decades of her life, Ione picks and chooses her stories, giving us--her lucky readers--glimpses not only into her life, but into the changes the past century has held. Even now, with the Internet making the world a smaller and smaller place, her joys and experiences in life as a Wander Vogel (bird of passage), are some most readers can all only dream of matching.

In a world that associates stature, physical perfection, and race with a person's value, "Walking Tall" is about harnessing the power of self-worth as experienced by an African American, gay, Christian man who also just happens to be a dwarf. From early lessons in the deep south to escapades as Donald Duck at Walt Disney World to the Skittles-ridden cat and mouse games on his psychologist's couch, and finally to the finish line of accepting and loving himself, "Walking Tall" is brisk reading, full of charm, and has a devilish sense of humor. For anyone who has ever felt the slightest bit uncomfortable in their own skin, has been afraid to wrestle personal demons into submission or may have missed the directional signs while walking their own road less traveled, "Walking Tall" is a globe-trotting journey to self-acceptance.