Education Books

Hey-I really dug Dead Meat. I've been around the youth gangs, and I was surprised how well Dale Alger handled the problem. It is an important book.

I don't usually review books, but Dead Meat is a fine exception, a story for young adults and parents who want to be greatly entertained, while at the same time getting to the root of gang culture. It is a wonderful story and a wonderful lesson.

I recommend this book to anyone in middle or high school and to parents of teens. The author has realistically described the choices faced by teens, particularly in our larger city schools. This story is well developed and has a well defined morality. I had to finish this well written book at one sitting. Thanks to the author, we can understand and help our children with some of these difficult choices.

If you want an uplift, a feeling that all is not lost, then the book to read is Dead Meat. How vividly I could see young Mitch timidly entering his new school for the first time and how passionately I could feel the struggles that he encounters in that situation. In today's uncertain world, this situation happens more than we can imagine. How can gang control be uplifting? The strain of good vs evil comes through loud and clear as young people grasp for any straw to maintain sanity and life in the real world, inching step-by-step into the unknown with false ideas about how far one young man can go. Good wins and clear heads prevail in a manner that we all hope can encapsulate this world. It is easy and fast reading, high interest and real life situations that face young people today.

Dead Meat is a stark description of the urban cultural challenges of adolescents who struggle to fit in and also meet parental expectations. It is bibliotherapy for youth that feel they are facing insurmountable problems. This story is a realistic, fresh picture of contemporary cultural challenges. Dead Meat clearly defines the elements of power and friendship, both idealistically and realistically. Adolescents are able to see that there are answers that go beyond submitting to gang power and violating parental trust. This book inspires courageous strength in the mean streets of youth.

I am a huge fan of this fine writer. I became a fan after reading some of his poetry. Poetry is a passion of mine. Anyway, if you have not had a chance to read any of his masterful works then you have picked the right book to start with. I literally could not put this book down. Yes, it is that good! You are in for a rare treat!!! Go ahead and order your copy today. You'll be glad you did!

(Highly Recommended!)

"The Dead of Winter" by Jay Squires reads like a runaway train. The suspense builds as each plot unfolds, only to be encased within another equally suspenseful plot. Sound confusing? Not at all, Mr. Squires has woven an intriguing novel, keeping the suspense level high throughout. A masterfully told story, quickly engaging the reader in a complex design that is easy to follow, Noah Winters is a man to be reckoned with, while being admired and respected by friends and foes alike. This is the type character we would love meet again in future novels. We will certainly hear from Mr. Jay Squires again; his talent cannot be denied!

I did not want to finish The Dead of Winter. That is to say, I did not want it to end. Reading this book is a pleasure to be savored. Author Jay Squires has a monumental gift. His prose is so lush and descriptive it evokes every scene to perfect realization. The protagonist, Noah Winter is a fully human hero who must confront the ghosts of his own past to solve the disappearance of an old friend's boy, in a mystery intertwined in Native American myth and mysticism. A brilliant and thrilling mystery--a must read for fans of the genre. I can hardly wait for the next Noah Winter book by Jay Squires.

Jay Squires is a poet. I'd know this even if I hadn't been lucky enough to read some of his poetry before I read The Dead of Winter, because his narrative is nothing short of lyrical. You don't get just a mere glimpse into the enthralling world of Noah Winter; the author describes it so beautifully and completely that you feel the icy winter rain and the texture of Noah's Armani suit, you smell the old leather and mahogany in his library and hear a coyote's eerie howl as you watch a primitive ritual performed in a bonfire's flickering glow. Mr. Squires coins metaphors that bring each scene to vibrant, Technicolored life and project into his readers' minds images that titillate one moment and terrify the next, moving seamlessly from an awe-inspired reverie to a graphic portrait of horror.

Noah Winter in a protagonist on a grand scale--rich, handsome, intelligent, and charismatic--but he's also an ex-cop who is haunted by dreams of his young son's tragic death. His innate sense of loyalty and honor send him on a quest to rescue an old friend's nephew who has been mysteriously abducted, and he finds himself in the middle of so much intrigue that it takes all his wits and experience to get out. Then, just when he thinks he's succeeded, he must face a foe who calls evil a comrade and embraces death as a lover.

This is a book that will stimulate your mind with its complexities, entertain you with its engaging, three-dimensional characters and their lively dialogue, enrich you with a sampling of the author's vast wit and wisdom, and scare the bejeezus out of you in more ways than one. You may find yourself gripping the book in agitation as you near its brutal climax, but rest assured that Mr. Squires does not disappoint on any level and you'll be glad he took you along on this virtual safari through his imagination.

With this first in a series of Noah Winters mystery thrillers, author Squires lays some exciting groundwork indeed. His writing style is literary mainstream, with well developed narrative and dialog, the characters robust.

Noah Winters makes a quite appealing main character. Tall, powerful, successful, decent, this ex-cop turned millionaire entrepreneur struggles with a haunted past. When his nephew Robbie disappears, reportedly headed to meet up with Noah's childhood friend Clayton, Noah goes in search of the boy.

From there Noah is drawn into a web of seemingly unrelated events that threaten his professional standing and eventually his life. Native American mysticism plays a part, as Noah tracks the sinister and charismatic Solano. The shocking truth is revealed slowly as Noah works against the clock. Can anyone be trusted? Will those he loves survive? And will his money, decency and strength be enough to circumvent disaster?

The Dead of Winter is not light reading. The prose is intelligent and engrossing, deftly put together. Jay Squires has a winner here.

I agree, every professing Christian should read this book and then pass it on. This is one of my favorite Puritan Paperbacks that is out there. This is a rare topic within todays watered down messages.

The Doctrine of Repentance took me a little while to get through. The Puritans usually packed an awful lot of truth into very few pages. I find if I just read through it I learn very little, but if I read little by little I retain a lot more.

Watson really changed my idea of repentance. There is a whole lot more in the concept of repentance than just asking God for forgiveness.

He cautions the reader about "Counterfeit Repentance" Being sorry for your sin and being repentant are very different from each other. Judas was very sorry for his sin after he betrayed Jesus, but he was not repentant. A man may leave one sin and only replace it for another. Or perhaps give up a sin for ulterior motives, such as a man may stop stealing because he's afraid of going to prison. "True leaving of sin is when the acts of sin cease from the infusion of a principle of grace." (p. 17).

Watson wrote for about 30 pages on The Nature of True Repentance, which he says that repentance involves 6 things:

1. Sight of Sin - you must first be aware of their sin before they can repent of it.
2. Sorrow for Sin - you must feel sorrowful for the offense rather than the punishment of the offense.
3. Confession of Sin - your confession is not of sin in general, but you acknowledge specific sins by diligently inspecting your heart, and take whatever steps necessary to ensure you will not go back.
4. Shame for Sin - sin is vile and filthy, and that's what it makes us. An interesting point Watson makes is that our sins are worse than those of unbelievers because we sin against light.
5. Hatred of Sin - "Christ is never loved till sin be loathed." (p. 45).
6. Turning from Sin - you must truly forsake your sin and never return to it.

Watson goes on in the book to give numerous reasons to repent, and to repent speedily. To those who plan on repenting on their deathbed he makes some interesting points. Many times death comes quick and you wouldn't know when your end was coming. Many people also loose their minds on the deathbed, so who's to say you would be in a stable frame of mind? Furthermore, it seems that God usually punishes those who have neglected repentance all their lives with hardness of heart in the end.

I heartily recommend this book to every believer. There are many truths in this book to be learned and applied. As with all Puritan books, you just need to give it the time it deserves - a quick, cursory reading will profit little.

Sadly, we live in an age where everyone does what is right in his own eyes; An age where there is no distinguishable difference between the Church and the unbelieving world. Too many "Christians" today want to be saved "in their sins" not "from their sins". But Jesus said, "... except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." There must be a change of heart. There must be a turning away from all sin. This book addresses an issue that is not heard from the pulpits of today's churches nearly as often as it should be. This book speaks not only of what true repentance is but also the importance of genuine sorrow over sin. Every believer in Christ should read this book.

Every professing Christian should read. I thouroughly enjoyed it. Other than the replacement theology present I found the work sound in its definition and application of repentance in conversion and sanctification. A must in every Christians library.

Few books have had the impact on me that this one has. In fact, I would say this is the most influential book (non-divinely inspired book that is) I have ever read. I have read and re-read passages until they soaked deep into my soul. Much more than a how-to, it's a book of great depth and conviction. Would that we all would constantly have a godly sorrow that leads to repentance and great joy.

Yes, it's true. I've read this book three times since I first obtained it back in 2004. Autism was a serious weakness in my game at that point so I knew that I had to improve my knowledge base. I first heard about it from a superintendent with whom I interviewed who identified it as one of the publications in the field that everybody was reading. I definitely was not disappointed by what I found. Time and again it has strengthened me and assisted me in my work. It's a sound gospel upon which to draw--particularly in lieu of what can only be described as an autism craze that's sweeping the country. More and more physicians are diagnosing (over-diagnosing?) the disorder at present, and this tome is just the medicine that diagnostians need. It offers great statistics and research along with--in Chapter 16--solid suggestions for assisting the afflicted and their families.

The book came very fast. Faster than I actually expected. It was in brand new condition. Thanks

I have many resources on the subject of teaching autism, but this book is one of the best I have found. I highly recommend it. This book gives research-based information for identifying learning difficulties in children with autism and strategies for teaching these students.

This book is the real deal. It is informative and gets to the point fast. Definetly worth buying!!!!

I bought this book after reading most of it on-live via the library. It's one of those books that brings a lot of information together, and it has the authoritative seal of the Council for Exceptional Children. I bought it because my son's school administrators and staff are living in the Dark Ages. The administrative law judge needs to be enlightened regarding the current professional standards == widely recognized and accepted theories, educational methodologies, elements for multi-disciplinary programming, for children on the Autistic Spectrum. A must for serious advocates' bookshelves/offices.

I'm the mom of two boys (13 and 10) who usually hate to read. The only books they have devoured are Harry Potter and the Stinky Boys Club series! And the Stinky Boys Club books are amazing because I think four year olds would like them, too. My kids cannot get enough, and even FIGHT over who gets to read them in the car. My 13 year old thinks they are hilarious (he writes his own humor); my ten year old loves to read about burps and farts. These authors know kids!

Our son, age 8, is addicted to the Stinky Boys Club! He cant get enough. He re-reads each of these books...which is a huge achievement for a boy who didnt want to read. He will even sit down and read to his little sister! He loves all of the gross and cool things the stinky boys do (who wouldnt love a throw-up recipe?). Sam and MJ are so good at coming up with pranks, kids of all ages will laugh.

I am a parent of two children who loved this book. It was very fun and funny to read... and even funnier when my kids read it to me. The character descriptions are particularly cool and interesting, we loved all the characters. A really good start to what I hope is a nice, long series. I look forward to more.

One of my friends recommended The Stinky Boys Club because her two kids loved it. So I read them to my 7 and 9 year old boys and they thought the Stinky Boys were the best! They loved the characters and to hear Mom say 'poop' and 'fart', oh they thought that was the highlight. The nicest thing I can say about The Stinky Boys Club is after I was done reading, I noticed both my boys picking them back up and reading the books on their own, what more could a parent hope for! I think the stories are great fun and I highly recommend them for young readers.

I have a six year old boy and a ten year old girl. My daughter loved the full page illustrations with desriptions of kids at the school. My son was interested in the throw up recipe, but really loved being able to read the word FART. Fun reading for all.

The best of the Fulbright Program in a brief book. Interesting descriptions from various students, who witness the most important aspect of the Fulbright Program: it promotes a shift in the way of thinking about life and work, changing mentalities and opening minds, giving the chance to brilliant students and researchers to spend a period in an American University. Useful for future perspective international students and Fulbrighters! Interesting for the Fulbright Alumni, to share the wonderful experience they have lived!

I started the book and by the time (i thought) i should goto sleep, the book was over. I couldn't able to put it down before reading upto the last page.

Great book, so many experiences, so many advises, specially for student like us who came from other side of the world to study in USA.

I have one complain though, the book should have included more essays from more fulbrighters of other parts of the world.

anyway, it is 5 start book.

I have applied to Fulbright Scholarship this year, and this book as i thought proved to be a perfect virtual tour of this prestegious program and its impact on one's life.

Anyone interested in Cross-Cultural studies, and planning to be a Fulbrighter should read this book.

I reall like this small to-the-point book.

I am a trainer in one of Fortune 500 companies on Cross Cultural issues. I have found this book a great source to see our own country (USA) from totally new perspective(s).

One of the Essay "5 Definitions of America!" in this collection of essays can be used as a reference material in IR and Cross-Cultural learning.

Another essay "Get Back to where you now belong" from an Austrain Fulbrighter who lost her passport is great.

Should read if you want to travel to any of the contributors' countries.

Well! When I got this book as a gift from one of my friend, my initial thought (after reading few pages was) that it will have similar definitions and "New things" again and again by different scholars in the following pages.

But, that wasn't true, each scholar experienced USA in a unique way, every one has their own set of definitions and likes/dislikes about USA.

USA is the most diverse country (I believe).

I really enjoyed the essay of a scholar from Pakistan.

I highly recommend this book for all who are intersted in Fulbright Program, USA or different cultures.

Someone recommended this author to me and I almost didn't read the book when I got it because of the cover, it looked like it was for very young readers, but it was a great book! I have read almost all of Janette Rallison's books now and I really like them.

Loved it. Janette Rallison really knows how to keep a reader entertained and her brand of humor is so subtle. At times, I had tears in my eyes from laughing. Her protrayal of a high school play gone awry is priceless.

I wasn't expecting this book to be that great, but it was. The characters are very realistic. It's about a young girl who wants to be a star. She broke up with her boyfriend, but then wants him back. Meanwhile, a new boy shows up. Turns up that he is the son of a big movie star. Find out more! It's really good!

I used this book for a book report, now im not into reading much but this book was the best one i have ever read. I love to act so it was a great book for me. it took me about two weeks to read it but wonderful book. If your doing a book report there are lots of charaters. Ilove that book

There is simply no other way to put it-- this book is hilarious. I was lying on my bed reading it and laughing out loud! If you love humor with a touch of everything else this book is perfect. It ends off perfectly. At first I thought the book looked a little babyish, but it was just sooo awesome. Enjoy!

As the mother of a challenging teenager with a long list of `disorders', I cried while reading GENIUS! George and Joanne Lynn write with a raw honesty that cut straight to my core.

In the Editor's Preface, Joanne writes "Families such as ours live in a crucible, that chemistry lab vessel made of a material, steel or platinum or porcelain, that doesn't burn away in a furnace...George and I live in the furnace of our son's wild neurology, and our job is to contain him so that he can grow, without burning up in his own heat. And we must not burn out in the nurturing of him."

This beautiful book, is written from the intimate perspective of parents who have lived in the furnace with their own son, as well as their perspectives as therapist and poet. George Lynn writes with professional authority about attention differences - in particular AD/HD, Asperger Syndrome, bipolar disorder and Tourette Syndrome. Yet this is not just a book about coping with syndromes and disorders. It is about seeing the brilliance within our child. It is also about how we parents need to focus inward, nurturing our own genius, and giving it expression. Taking care of our own health, mind and spirit strengthens us to meet the challenges of living amidst the daily chaos. This book is like finding an oasis in the lonely desert of cultural misunderstanding and judgement. Thank you George and Joanne for this gift.

While acknowledging that ADHD and other "neurologically different" children can be disruptive and have problems affecting both others and themselves, the authors - whose teen son has been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and Asperger's Syndrome - acclaim these exceptional people as also having a "genius" or "guiding spirit" that can help them make important, even vital, contributions to society.

As a counselor of children and adults, George Lynn says many of his AD/HD adolescent clients "are sports champions or team captains at the high school level. As performers or musicians they tend to be creative and innovative composers, and charismatic on stage." And there are many examples throughout history of prominent achievers who are neurologically different.

This book is fantastic as well as all of his books. George Lynn is not only a therapist, but also a parent who has raised a child with many neurological challenges. I would highly recommend this to anyone!

This book will be high on the short list of titles I recommend to parents of challenging children who ask "which books are worth reading?" This title is clearly worth the investment of time, not only because George Lynn is a skilled therapist who has seen and helped scores of neurologically challenged kids, but because he has lived it as a parent. In addition to wise advice, this book records a very personal journey in which we can see what he and his wife experienced from the inside out.

I was particularly struck by his reminder that every human being needs a "Great Story" with which to frame their talents and strengths, something to serve as a beacon in darker times, a reminder that we each are much more than the sum of our liabilities. Kids with multiple difficulties need such a beacon especially, but while dealing with the stresses of daily living, it is all too easy to forget.

In the process of reminding parents and kids to seek the Great Stories they all have to tell, George Lynn has given the gift of a Great Story for himself.

George and Joanne Lynn know first hand that the process of taking care of a neurologically eccentric child is emotionally taxing and all consuming; so much so that the child's deficits tend to take center stage at the expense of an appreciation for their gifts. Many of these gifts, they explain, are the results of the very eccentricities that brought on the diagnoses. With empathy and amazing insight, Lynn helps us to appreciate and learn to cultivate these gifts in our children so that our children may develop the positive self image necessary to reach their potential. This potential may exceed our wildest imaginings. Their disabilities are an undeniable part of their genius and the tapestry of their lives telling a story of where they have been and where they are going. With care, their genius can be cultivated and become a powerful and positive force in their lives. The Lynn's emphasize strengthening the positive without denying the challenges of these children, as both contribute to the child's sense of self and their path thru life. In-as-much as every virtue when examined from a different perspective can be seen as a flaw, so the struggles and "symptoms" of these remarkable children can influence them in very positive ways. A very encouraging read for the parent who is lost in the sea of doctors, diagnoses, frustration, and hopelessness and may have lost touch with their child , their family, and even themselves in the process.

I know why they call this a program you will love, because it is not hard. I enjoy the exercises and will continue to perform them, but I am not making this my primary workout. Instead I will adapt it for use three days a week on my easy days, as this is a perfect complimentary workout. I consider myself in good shape, but not great, and I was easily able to jump in and do the 12th week workouts precisely how Fitzgerald specified, boots and all. There were only several out of the 46 total exercises that I could not perform easily. The only way someone could say that it is deceptively hard is that a few exercises are nearly impossible. I found those are strictly for the abs though however and not any other part of my body feels a workout. I am not sore or exhausted, and the cals are the only valuable part to me as the running in week 12 was not that advanced- anyone can tell you to run for two 20 odd minute intervals with 5 minute walking breaks. The ab work is good, but other than that it is not challenging for someone who has some flexibility and performs cals regularly as I had. I have no doubt that these are valuable exercises, but this is far from the billing that I was reading on everyone else's review about what a workout you'll get from it. If you want a challenging workout buy something from Stew Smith and adapt this workout to include all the exercises for the off, or easy, days. It deserves four stars because this is probably good for most people who don't stretch enough and/or want to ease into a workout. All the supporters of this book must forgive me for making it sound so bad, it is a quality purchase, this just doesn't seem like the ultimate workout.

Like most I also received thisbook thru a military book club. At the time, I was beginning my long hard road to the SEALs, this pub helped tramendeously!! I was in better shape then in boot camp. This book is truely a keeper, that won't collect dust on a shelf.

The workout programme described in this book is deceptively difficult! Having read many of the recent titles which detail Navy SEAL workout regimens, I have found this one to be the most practical and time efficient. Some of the exercises would be considered obsolete by many, but once you get down to the nitty gritty this is a hardcore training programme (As one would expect from a former Navy frogman!). The instructions are very clear and presented with wry humour. The weekly and daily schedules are particularly effective as you can monitor your progress daily which is very motivating. It is also interesting to note that this book was first published in 1985! If you can find a copy, Buy it!

This is the most amazing exercise book I've EVER read. It's literally a crime they don't publish it anymore. Fitzgerald's exercise regimen is guaranteed to give you unbelievably "cut" muscles in a short time. His regimen will also force you to dig deep inside yourself for stamina, willpower, and endurance. Sound familiar? It should: Fitzgerald is ex-UDT.

For lower body conditioning, nothing I've seen compares to Fitzgerald's book. However, readers should add the upper-body and cross-training exercises found in the recent publications by Caracci, Helvenston, DeLisle, Smith, and other Navy SEALs.

This book is designed to put the reader through two workout programmes simultaneously. There is a Calisthenics programme, and a Running programme. This is a 12-week cycle; as Fitzgerald says, special forces are always changing and adapting, so there is no 'official' cycle that remains constant forever. Thus, this is flexible here, too. This book is all the reader needs except his own muscles and desire to succeed. No special equipment to buy or anything else. The back cover says this is not for the timid or the lazy. This is like being in the military. No excuses - just do it!

The author is a former Navy frogman named Tom Fitzgerald. He continues his fitness goals by running in the Boston Marathon and other such events. Fitzgerald promises better self-esteem, better motivation, and better accomplishment for those who will complete this programme.

The conditioning programme targets five different body parts with 46 different exercises. The running involves running and rapid walking with some intervals of sprinting. There is also a good deal of stretching involved. If you cannot give this one or two hours a day every day for 12 weeks then maybe this is not the book for you. But one could still get it and look at the exercises that have good descriptions and are useful, even if not following the programme.

Stretching
There is stretching prior to each session. This helps prevent muscle injury and makes one limber. Stretching after also helps healing faster, too.

Diet
This book does not go too much into diet since there are other books ready for that, but it gives some general rules. Vitamins and supplements are discussed and basic common sense like not drinking alcohol or too much sugar or caffeine before a workout. Their advice is humourous: 'If you're looking around for a mate, consider marrying a nutritionist.'

Other general instructions
This section deals with sore muscles, shoe and foot care (very important for the heavy running schedule). Keeping count and keeping at it is important too! At the end of the book is a record for keeping track of progress.

The Stretching Programme
There are 14 stretches in this, and each of them are done both before and after the calisthenics and running programmes. An important note is that this stretching routine was developed at a university training programme and not by the Navy. The chart at the end of the section shows what you should do, including how much time this should take. The opening stretches should take 5 minutes, and the final stretches should take 2 minutes.

The Calisthenics Programme
There are 46 exercises that are done over the course of the week that will exercise ever muscle in your body. There are five main categories.

General Warm-up
There are 10 exercises in the general warm up, and these exercises work to prepare the whole body for work.

Abdominal Exercises
There are 11 exercises in the abdominal section, and they work to strengthen and stretch the abs and your lower back.

The Side and Obliques
There aren't too many exercises in this part -- only 5, but they are important. These are really tough exercises beyond the usual stuff for sides and obliques.

Leg and Groin Exercises
There are 12 exercises in this section and legs are one of the major muscle groups in the body and often get overlooked. People think of abs and arms for fitness, but the legs carry the body weight all day long.

Arm Chest and Shoulder Exercises
There are 8 exercises in this final section for the upper body. The book said no special equipment is needed, but once will need a place to do pull-ups.

At the end of this section is the 12-week chart for how many exercises need to be done. Out of the 46 exercises you will do about half of them each day. Some things like leg stretchers are done almost every day. Some things like the one-legged push-up are done less often.

SEAL training calls running programmes 'conditioning hikes'. These involve running, walking double-time, and sprints in a programme on varying terrain, mostly on sand, which goes from being soft to hard-packed to ridged to in the water, often done in boots. The book makes recommendations for running in boots, and running with ankle weights or other kinds of terrain variations.

The first week involves running two miles in 15 minutes and makes progress up to eight miles at a maximum for the rest of the programme.

The exercises are described in good form each with pictures of each step. All exercises can be done by males or females. The pictures are basic black-and-white and sometimes a little grainy.

One drawback is that this is a tough workout programme from the very beginnin, and some people not be able to tolerate the stress and muscle effort from the outset. A Week Zero or prep conditioning programme would probably be a good idea to add if the book is ever reprinted.

The last part of this book involves setting out the schedule in a good format. There are also pages are for recording a personal record of progress and that can be motivating.

This second edition has many of the numbers updated which reflects the most current demographics being taken into account. Specific research includes data released during 2007. The new appendix makes the demographic situation of American Jewry even more clear. The book continues to be a great call for action. I recommend Getting Our Groove Back as a manifesto for Rabbis, Synagogue Presidents or anyone interested in the vitality of American Jews. Kudos to Mr. Shay for his candor and commitment to such important issues we face for the future of American Jewry and as it affects our children and future generations.

This book is a fantastic call to action. Mr. Shay has clearly done his research and used his qualified experiences and level-headedness to lay out convincing and practical solutions to the crisis that faces American Jewry. His dedication to American Jewry is refreshing and his optimism is inspiring. Because Mr. Shay writes to the point, the book is not dense and can easily be read by any individual regardless of education or religious experience. As a 23 year old recent college graduate, I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in seeing the amazing tradition, culture, and religion that has helped shape the lives of great Americans continue to shape the lives of others in the future.

Written by Scott A. Shay, Chair of UJA-Federation of New York's Commission on Jewish Identity and Renewal, Getting Our Groove Back: How to Energize American Jewry is a straight-on look at the numerous obstacles confronting American Jewry today. Chapters question whether Hebrew schools can ever be made to effectively transmit Jewish identity, why Jews are giving less to Jewish causes and what can be done about it, to the modern erosion. of the American Jewish population due to intermarriages without conversion and declining overall birthrates. "In my view, if we accept zero population growth as desirable - which not all people do - Jews should be exempt from this concern. Contrary to other populations across the world that have grown exponentially, the Jewish population has declined in the past fifty years. Jews still have a great deal of catching up to do, whether it be to restore the population lost during the Holocaust or simply to reach numbers proportionate to the level of population growth internationally and in America." Getting Our Groove Back also stresses that the state of Israel is utterly important to the Jewish identity, and encourages trips to Israel for all Jewish teenagers. A hardcore guide to strengthening the cultural identity and influence of the Jewish tradition among American Jews of all branches of Judaism.

Scott Shay's book, Getting our Groove Back: How To Energize American Jewry, is masterful. Mr Shay has applied his keen, scientific, problem-solving mind to important issues facing Judaism.
Jewish community problems are discussed with reference to today's best sociological research. Mr. Shay presents thoughtful, forward-thinking answers to help the Jewish community solve its issues.
Practical solutions are Scott Shay's contribution to the Jewish community.
Anybody who is serious about improvement and change within Judaism must read this thought-provoking, creative book.

I was intrigued by a review in the Jewish Week and devoured the book. I've since bought copies for the Rabbi and President of my Conservative Synagogue... bought more copies to give to our Seder guests.. Shay brings a thoroughly refreshing perspective on both the problems confronting American Jewry as well as possible solutions. He is totally non-partisan or denominational. His only agenda is securing the future of American Jewry. He's critical of Orthodoxy for assuming that if they are successful they can save us on their own. Shays shows they don't have the critical mass. He's critical of Reform for patrilinear decent and the havoc it creates.. and he's critical of Conservative Judaism for loosing it's position as the largest denomination... if they are loosing members... we all lose. You don't have to buy all his solutions.. but they will certainly make you think. Get the book. Read it. Get copies for agents of change and let's energize American Jewry!