From Rock to Water

Nino Surdo moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting and bodybuilding. His twin brother, Leonardo, joined him there, and for a while the two seemed to be on the verge of stardom. Hollywood is hard on dreams, however, and Nino learned that his brother harbored dark habits. After Leonardo died in his arms from a drug overdose, Nino reexamined his life and embarked on a path toward a very different kind of success.

In his poignant and inspirational memoir, "From Rock to Water," Nino looks back at the childhood that shaped his and his brother's youthful idealism and how it all went wrong. He explores a grieving process that led to a spiritual reawakening and renewed sense of purpose as a life coach and teacher.

Many years after his brother's death, Nino continues his successful career in academia. He discovered the art of qigong and studies the mystical healing power of Eastern philosophies. In sharing his memories, Nino hopes to show others how traumatic events often serve as catalysts for new beginnings.