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Infinitely More
Abandoned by his mother in a St. Petersburg dumpster when he was only three days old, Alex Krutov should not have survived. But God had something else in mind.
Raised in the harsh Russian orphanage system, Alex’s life was one of hopelessness and despair until the arrival of Christian missionaries from the West when the Soviet Union collapsed.
Infinitely More is the inspiring true story of a young man who would not give up, and the God who relentlessly pursued him. Jesus said, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” This is the story of God coming to Alex, and the hope He offers to all of us.
Raised in the harsh Russian orphanage system, Alex’s life was one of hopelessness and despair until the arrival of Christian missionaries from the West when the Soviet Union collapsed.
Infinitely More is the inspiring true story of a young man who would not give up, and the God who relentlessly pursued him. Jesus said, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” This is the story of God coming to Alex, and the hope He offers to all of us.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2011
35 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 2, 2012
Resonated with the story completely. Each chapter in one way or another correlated with my own life. Cried multiple times throughout the whole reading process. A story that grabs your immediate attention and draws you in deeper with each chapter of Alex's life. Would recommend this book to anyone as it is not only a story of hardship, but also is filled with lessons that each of us learn throughout our lives such as humility, understanding, ability not to rely on prejudices, appreciation, and most importantly love.
December 5, 2013
The first hand account of a young man who grew up as a orphan in Russia and went on to become a Christian and serve other orphans. The writing in this book is nothing spectacular. The story is a straightforward narrative. However I never found it boring. If you, like me, have a heart for orphans and a desire to learn and understand, I have no doubt you'll enjoy this. If you don't particularly care about the subject and are seeking entertainment you might want to look elsewhere.
March 30, 2012
As the mother of a child adopted from Russia, I was really drawn to this book. I have spent many hours worrying about those children in Russia who do not get adopted (and it is an enormous number :-(, but Alex's story gave me hope that things could change for some-- and that is at least a start!
March 10, 2024
Excellent read. Simple, straightforward and honest. A glimpse inside of Soviet Russia from the eyes of a previous orphan. A story of resilience, triumph and God’s grace.
April 8, 2025
This was my second time to read this, and it was just as meaningful and encouraging to read it the second time as it was the first. The first time I read it, we had been fostering kids (7 and under) for a few years, but this book started planting a seed in me to be open to fostering teens. In Alex I saw someone who just needed to be given a chance. At the time of reading this a second time, we are 6 months into fostering a teen boy- someone who just needed to be given a chance. This book encourages me and reminds me why we are doing what we are (for the gospel of Jesus), and I'm thankful for Krutov's testimony and his ministry to orphans through The Harbor.
September 16, 2012
I enjoyed this book because it lays out plainly much of the experiences and plight of orphans in Russia. It is how one orphan broke free of the "there is no hope" mindset and how he is now helping other orphans do the same.
As far as how well it is written, it was written by a close friend who simply wanted Alex's story to be told to other people. She accomplished that purpose. I enjoyed reading Alex's story.
As far as how well it is written, it was written by a close friend who simply wanted Alex's story to be told to other people. She accomplished that purpose. I enjoyed reading Alex's story.
August 29, 2012
This is the second memoir I've now read. Never thought I'd be one to read memoirs, but I loved this one. Very good book!
October 8, 2023
Looking for a book that’s hard to put down? This is a moving account of a Russian orphan’s unbelievably difficult life as a child. The story doesn’t stop there, however! Krotov eventually ages out of the system driven to help others like himself finish their years in the Russian orphanage system equipped for a successful life on the outside. For Krutov, the most important aspect of this life needed to include faith in Jesus. With plenty of God-driven determination, Krotov works to create “The Harbor”, a place for emancipated orphans to find hope.
November 5, 2021
Wake Up America!
As the current push in our country toward Marxism is so alarming to those of us who love liberty, I think this book should be read widely by Americans. The story of Alex and what he lived through in Russia should remind us how blessed we are! Why do you think millions of people risk life and limb to come to the United States? Quit being blind to what is becoming of our nation!
As the current push in our country toward Marxism is so alarming to those of us who love liberty, I think this book should be read widely by Americans. The story of Alex and what he lived through in Russia should remind us how blessed we are! Why do you think millions of people risk life and limb to come to the United States? Quit being blind to what is becoming of our nation!
July 31, 2018
Left me speechless. Honest, moving, terrifying reality and infinite hope.
November 12, 2019
Great read about faith and Russian culture
March 23, 2020
Alex share interesting experiences in his life. I wish him continued success in helping others.
March 7, 2014
Kids need a mom and a dad. They need to grow up in a family where they will be loved, nurtured, and trained. We know that--even just instinctively, we know that. But the more I learn, the more I read, the more I experience. . .well, the more I see how much better God's ways are. Reading Infinitely More by Alex Krutov reminded me of what I already knew, yet painted an even starker reality of the future for orphans than I previously understood.
Alex grew up in the Russian orphanage system and his story begins when he was abandoned as an infant as the Soviet Union collapsed. He shares what life was like in the orphanage, his experience with adoption "disruption", and the bleak future orphans face as they age out of an orphanage. It becomes a story of hope, however, as he interacts with christian missionaries and grows in his knowledge of and relationship with Christ and His followers. His story culminates with his beautiful desire to serve other orphans and pass on the hope and purpose he received by the grace of God.
I was most struck by the emotional and spiritual desert orphans face as a result of their lack of family. Alex effectively illustrated how throwing money at a situation and buying stuff does nothing to address the core, heart issues.
"missionary dollars were flowing into the orphanages, yet it did not change the outlook for the orphans' futures to have nicer bathrooms or hot water. There was no real investment in their morality, their spirituality, their identity, value, dignity, or purpose. We watched, over time, as orphans left the system, hopeless. In fact, the Russian society honestly believed it would be better for everyone if they just died"
I think we all know about the horrible lives many orphans lead after they age out of the system,
"For all these reasons, along with the emotional issues of hopelessness, isolation, and depression, the vast majority of emancipated orphans begin to make poor choices, choosing the streets as their 'home' and selling drugs and their bodies, or stealing, to survive. At least ten percent of them end up committing suicide."
But I hadn't thought about orphans having a sense of entitlement since they had never learned to work for what they had (little though it was) or had the opportunity to realize their needs were met because they were loved (as I was, or as my children are).
"There is a phenomenon with orphans, at least for those who grew up in an orphanage, that goes contrary to expectations: a sense of entitlement that comes from years of someone else providing for you. Never mind that their core needs of love and affection were never met, or that their provisions were secondhand, ill-fitted clothing and shoes, or that their showers were cold. Their perceived needs were always met by someone else--and not anyone close to them, either, but by an impersonal 'them'. Similarly, there is a concept with orphans known as 'silent love': their inability to express appreciation. They were never taught how to show appreciation or express affection".
I am inspired by Alex's story and growth in the Lord. There were certainly times he was immature, selfish, greedy. . .all sorts of ugly character traits. . .but I appreciated that his story didn't gloss over his own imperfections and growth. That wouldn't have been realistic or honest, nor would it be helpful to others walking behind him.
"Too many missionaries believe you just bring the gospel and lead people to the Lord and then they'll be fine. Yet, that is just the starting point. You need to deal with the emotional baggage of these orphans, working through attitude and emotional changes, forgiveness, and validating these kids as individuals."
Reading stories like this touch my heart and make me think there's room for one more child in my heart and home--surely there's room for one more child who needs a mom and dad, security, love, the gospel. . .
For information on Alex's ministry to disciple and mentor orphans in family-style communities, check out The Harbor.
Alex grew up in the Russian orphanage system and his story begins when he was abandoned as an infant as the Soviet Union collapsed. He shares what life was like in the orphanage, his experience with adoption "disruption", and the bleak future orphans face as they age out of an orphanage. It becomes a story of hope, however, as he interacts with christian missionaries and grows in his knowledge of and relationship with Christ and His followers. His story culminates with his beautiful desire to serve other orphans and pass on the hope and purpose he received by the grace of God.
I was most struck by the emotional and spiritual desert orphans face as a result of their lack of family. Alex effectively illustrated how throwing money at a situation and buying stuff does nothing to address the core, heart issues.
"missionary dollars were flowing into the orphanages, yet it did not change the outlook for the orphans' futures to have nicer bathrooms or hot water. There was no real investment in their morality, their spirituality, their identity, value, dignity, or purpose. We watched, over time, as orphans left the system, hopeless. In fact, the Russian society honestly believed it would be better for everyone if they just died"
I think we all know about the horrible lives many orphans lead after they age out of the system,
"For all these reasons, along with the emotional issues of hopelessness, isolation, and depression, the vast majority of emancipated orphans begin to make poor choices, choosing the streets as their 'home' and selling drugs and their bodies, or stealing, to survive. At least ten percent of them end up committing suicide."
But I hadn't thought about orphans having a sense of entitlement since they had never learned to work for what they had (little though it was) or had the opportunity to realize their needs were met because they were loved (as I was, or as my children are).
"There is a phenomenon with orphans, at least for those who grew up in an orphanage, that goes contrary to expectations: a sense of entitlement that comes from years of someone else providing for you. Never mind that their core needs of love and affection were never met, or that their provisions were secondhand, ill-fitted clothing and shoes, or that their showers were cold. Their perceived needs were always met by someone else--and not anyone close to them, either, but by an impersonal 'them'. Similarly, there is a concept with orphans known as 'silent love': their inability to express appreciation. They were never taught how to show appreciation or express affection".
I am inspired by Alex's story and growth in the Lord. There were certainly times he was immature, selfish, greedy. . .all sorts of ugly character traits. . .but I appreciated that his story didn't gloss over his own imperfections and growth. That wouldn't have been realistic or honest, nor would it be helpful to others walking behind him.
"Too many missionaries believe you just bring the gospel and lead people to the Lord and then they'll be fine. Yet, that is just the starting point. You need to deal with the emotional baggage of these orphans, working through attitude and emotional changes, forgiveness, and validating these kids as individuals."
Reading stories like this touch my heart and make me think there's room for one more child in my heart and home--surely there's room for one more child who needs a mom and dad, security, love, the gospel. . .
For information on Alex's ministry to disciple and mentor orphans in family-style communities, check out The Harbor.
August 16, 2013
We have all heard about the plight of the Russian orphan, but only as outsiders looking in. Alex
Krutov gives us his own, first-hand account of growing up as an orphan in Russia. While heart-breaking and eye-opening, his tale is far from despairing. This book will remind you of God's sovereignty and care even in the midst of extreme need. I was challenged to hear of people who chose to be the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus to the vulnerable and needy. I was deeply moved by Alex's vulnerability in describing what it was like to live under the expectations of those who have helped him. Realizing that their expectations stemmed from a desire to see him succeed in life did not make up for the fact that he simply lacked the life-skills to live up to those expectations. In telling this part of his story, he highlights the fact that helping those in need is not a simple fix. It is a complex issue that involves more than meeting physical needs or giving opportunities. Alex is an amazing man who has persevered, grown and lives his life with purpose - to give orphans in Russia the opportunity to be loved and to have a hope and a future. Reading this book will inspire you to open your eyes to the opportunity you have to be an answer to the prayers of those around you and across the world.
Krutov gives us his own, first-hand account of growing up as an orphan in Russia. While heart-breaking and eye-opening, his tale is far from despairing. This book will remind you of God's sovereignty and care even in the midst of extreme need. I was challenged to hear of people who chose to be the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus to the vulnerable and needy. I was deeply moved by Alex's vulnerability in describing what it was like to live under the expectations of those who have helped him. Realizing that their expectations stemmed from a desire to see him succeed in life did not make up for the fact that he simply lacked the life-skills to live up to those expectations. In telling this part of his story, he highlights the fact that helping those in need is not a simple fix. It is a complex issue that involves more than meeting physical needs or giving opportunities. Alex is an amazing man who has persevered, grown and lives his life with purpose - to give orphans in Russia the opportunity to be loved and to have a hope and a future. Reading this book will inspire you to open your eyes to the opportunity you have to be an answer to the prayers of those around you and across the world.
December 15, 2012
Alex Krutov grew up a war of the Soviet Union after his mother, at eighteen, signed away her parental rights after leaving him in a dumpster. Thus begins a tragic life of trying to grow up before finding hope, joy, and religion with missionaries and caring American people who saw the atrocities of the Russian orphanages under Soviet rule and decided to try to help.
Alex was always self-sufficient but what got in his way was his self-esteem. Only until he reached a few milestones, did he realize his self-worth and begin to advocate for himself and others that were growing up as he did.
I will admit the first part was more intriguing than the second part as I wasn't really interested in his religion and his life now as I was his life growing up and what it's like today in Russian orphanages. Still, definitely helps understand a part of Russian culture but also makes you think about how all countries treat their orphans.
Alex was always self-sufficient but what got in his way was his self-esteem. Only until he reached a few milestones, did he realize his self-worth and begin to advocate for himself and others that were growing up as he did.
I will admit the first part was more intriguing than the second part as I wasn't really interested in his religion and his life now as I was his life growing up and what it's like today in Russian orphanages. Still, definitely helps understand a part of Russian culture but also makes you think about how all countries treat their orphans.
July 25, 2013
This book helped me, as someone who took in an emancipated Ukrainian orphan. I really feel like I failed because "my kid" never had any internal desire to grow.
I have to believe that somehow God will still do a work. That even Alex in this story struggled with the Entitlement issues and lack of motivation.
The book did seem to sag after a time. I think there was alot of pages spent to acknowledge people who were in his life. This made it tough for the outsider reader and detracted from the story. My wife and I read it while waiting for registration in Ukrainian government offices, so the length was ok, in our very specific case. (Plus it helps that she's Ukrainian and the same age as Alex and could verify much of the info he shared about Soviet life. We laughed alot)
Give this to an editor, and I think they could help bring some polish to it that would make a stronger book.
I have to believe that somehow God will still do a work. That even Alex in this story struggled with the Entitlement issues and lack of motivation.
The book did seem to sag after a time. I think there was alot of pages spent to acknowledge people who were in his life. This made it tough for the outsider reader and detracted from the story. My wife and I read it while waiting for registration in Ukrainian government offices, so the length was ok, in our very specific case. (Plus it helps that she's Ukrainian and the same age as Alex and could verify much of the info he shared about Soviet life. We laughed alot)
Give this to an editor, and I think they could help bring some polish to it that would make a stronger book.
September 4, 2012
I am appalled that such a poorly written book could have been published. Until the end, I had assumed it had been the work of Alex and was hence willing to make certain allowances for English not being his first language. Imagine my surprise when I discovered a native speaker was actually responsible for this disgraceful memoir. Beyond the elementary English, the non-stop references to God were nauseating. I mean no disrespect to Alex's story and admire his strong faith and the impact it has had on his life. There are many incredible reads that focus on individuals overcoming incredible obstacles because of their beliefs (e.g. Man's Search for Meaning, Left to Tell). However, this book comes off as proselytizing and detracts from what could otherwise have been a compelling memoir.
June 17, 2012
This was not the best written book I've ever read but it's about a boy who was brought up in the Russian orphanages. He was fortunate that he got linked in with some American missionaries after the door was opened for them to come in. In that time he trusted God and his life went a direction that most Russian orphans did not go.
Good read and I highly suggest it to all. Just be less than critical of the writing.
Good read and I highly suggest it to all. Just be less than critical of the writing.
October 27, 2023
I got this book because I really wanted to see tumult shaped into miracles. There are so many people who have such difficult circumstances who turn them around to live something beautifully. I wanted to be reminded of such miracles and to see that hope. I struggled with this book because it felt so judgemental and egocentric at times. There is some personal growth that is reflected in the end. I applaud Alex for his efforts and for strengthening others. But this book is a 2.5 for me.
August 18, 2012
Brought tears to my eyes several times thinking of two of my own children who are from former Soviet countries. Amazing story of protection and redemption. I plan on looking into the ministry he helps run as it is an area of need my husband and I have long hoped to support but never knew quite how.
September 9, 2014
First of all I want to thank Jackie Davis whom took the time to write about Alex.
It had opened the door more for me to pray for our group Sons of a Carpenter.
We travel and work locally in our home town to help people with rebuilding homes after disasters.
We had callings to AL, TN, IL and MS to help plus locally.
But we always had funding come in to help!
Keep up the great work!
It had opened the door more for me to pray for our group Sons of a Carpenter.
We travel and work locally in our home town to help people with rebuilding homes after disasters.
We had callings to AL, TN, IL and MS to help plus locally.
But we always had funding come in to help!
Keep up the great work!
January 8, 2014
The story of a man who grew up in orphanages in Russia, who is now helping orphans. While the writing is not terrific, it gives an insider's view into the orphanages and the system in Russia. It gives me hope to read such an uplifting story.
August 15, 2011
I loved this book. It's a compelling, page-turning read.
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February 25, 2016kindle 216 (adoption)
June 9, 2012
Such a beautiful story. Sad and tragic, yet full of hope!
May 2, 2012
Very inspirational.
June 5, 2012
A wonderful story of God's grace and an overcoming spirit. Having been to see the orphans in St. Petersburg, this story really opens one's eyes.
October 17, 2012
The life of a boy, Alex brought up through a Russian orphanage and his success through the workings of God. Some repetition throughout yet amazing Alex's presistance to let God work through him.
January 29, 2013
Good story, but slow at times.
March 13, 2013
Eye opening to the reality of life in a Russian orphanage. An easy read - recommend for adoptive families or someone considering adoption from Eastern Europe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews