Saab Books

As an educated professional, and life long reader, I've had the opportunity to read many books. For the most part, you can separate literature into two categories, fiction and non-fiction; however, every once and a while I have the pleasure of reading a book that goes beyond the two dimensional pages that it is written on. This type of book surges with the unique literary power to reach into ones soul, challenging its reader to embark on a journey of spiritual change with the ultimate end being authentic happiness and eternal peace.

This is a must read for any young man or woman, who has struggled with the questions: What is my ultimate purpose in life and what steps do I need to take in order to fulfill that purpose once it is realized?

As a "successful," thirty-one year old, attorney I can honestly say this book has helped me to rethink my definition of success. Mr. Saab has thrown down the gauntlet for a new generation of young professionals challenging us to reorder our selfish desires by setting new life-goals centered not on ourselves but on that of the common good.

This is by no means the stereotypical "self-help" manual. This book is a conversation with a young man that has seen and experienced the world's definition of the meaning of life and found it wanting.

Regardless of your religious or moral predilections, this is a fun and lively read. In the words of the man that recommended this book to me "it is a real page turner."

Gut Check: Confronting Love, Work, and Manhood in Your Twenties is a interesting new book by Tarek Saab. I only recently became aware of Mr. Saab as I heard him being interviewed on several Catholic podcasts and he presents an interesting story. One of his claims for fame is that he was a contestant on the reality show The Apprentice and he advanced fairly far before being fired by Donald Trump. I've never seen the show since so-called reality shows aren't my thing. But the book itself only talks very peripherally about his experience on the show and the book addresses much more serious topics.

Tarek Saab is the son of a Lebanese father and American mother and grew up Catholic. The book mostly begins with his experiences in college and the story he tells will be familiar to many. His schooling becomes a time when faith is put on the back burner and partying and chasing after women becomes the number one priority. Though Tarek never quite loses his faith in school and would still attend Mass as more of a social thing than out of any love for the Mass. While going to school at times he evaluates his life and sees the wrong in it and then sets himself out on the right path only to stumble and fall back once again into familiar habits. Something else that many of us can relate to. He relates these periods of self-reflection and the pursuit of a belief in God.

This book follows around the course of a conversion story, but it is not an overtly apologetic one of coming to fully believe in specific doctrines and making the case for them. His story is more of someone who never quite leaves faith out of his life, but at the same time never fully lets his faith enter into his whole life. He kept his faith in a sphere separate and groups of friends within each sphere. After college he enters a Fortune 500 company and is soon on the fast track in the corporate life.

Reading through the book I was reminded of St. Augustine's "Give me chastity and continence, but not yet.", something that he also later goes on and quotes in the book. He writes in a forthright manner and is quite frank on his failings and the various episodes in his life before his fuller conversion. I found his spiritual biography to be quite insightful with many things to ponder. You could see the hound of Heaven following him and while at first he was not fully living a life as a Catholic, his Catholic faith was always there even if in a weakened state. This is a good reminder to those with children who have left the practice of the faith or have only made it a cultural expression. God is always pursuing is and there are those moments of grace when we slow down and actually let him catch us.

I found this to be a quite enjoyable read and Tarek is a good writer who could write about himself without at the same time making the book all about himself and making his story relatable to others.

What Tarek Saab has done in this short, humorous, incisive book is offer persuasive measure to challenge most males to strip whatever vestiges left, be they big or small, of boyhood and embrace true manhood. Such an aim is ambitious and the author understands his limitations but he makes a brillaint start. Drawing on such great Catholic scholars and saints as Augustine, Francis De Sales, Chesterton and Fulton Sheen, Saab humbly makes the case, taking careful, subtle lessons through hard weathered personal experience and masculine grit. He comes off as neither heavy-handed nor shying away from tough matters. The pop culture (movies, rap, rock, etc.) mixed with the scriptural and theological is a potent apostolic combination and, as I told Saab in person at the 2008 Boston Catholic Men's Conference, his book may go down as one of the great spiritual works of the early 21st Century.
This is a book for any man, or any men you might know, who need to "get their act together" spiritually or otherwise.

Don't let the title of Gut Check: Confronting Love, Work, and Manhood in Your Twenties fool you into thinking that former reality television star Tarek Saab's debut book is only for men or twenty year olds. On the contrary, this 44-year-old wife and mom can't recommend Gut Check highly enough. I started off reading the book from the vantage point of a mother of two sons, hoping that my study of Tarek's journey to manhood might shed a glimmer of light on the precarious path of parenting two sons in today's world. But in the process, I found myself truly connecting with the book not only from that perspective, but also more completely as a spiritual seeker. Although Saab's book relates experiences during his formative post-college years, his concepts of seeking real truth in this life are relevant to anyone, at any age, who struggles to make the most of every moment of this time on earth as a voyage to our ultimate goal - eternal life with God.

In today's society, we find ourselves surrounded by media-obsessed, instant gratification, celebrity driven lifestyles. Our children are growing up in a world where one's tally of unmet "friends" in a virtual world trumps real life relationships. We emulate the rich, the impossibly skinny, the overnight sensations - and these action messages trickle down to our kids and speak to them more effectually than the words we speak. So, in reading Gut Check I did learn a thing or two about the type of mom and role model I want to be for my sons. But more significantly, I learned about the importance of "focusing on death" to achieve a true measure of personal success in this life. This book reads almost like a novel, in "can't put it down" fashion, but also has a depth that will make you want to go back and truly study and meditate upon many passages. Tarek Saab's sharing of his own conversion journey has truly touched my life, which will in turn hopefully make me a better wife and mother.

I'm pleased to give Gut Check by Tarek Saab my highest recommendation.

It is amazing to me that a book about getting closer to one's spirituality and understanding what it really is to be a man would find itself in the middle of what is clearly an orchestrated effort at a shill review campaign.

Is it actually possible that 15 out of the first 16 reviews were all first-time reviewers who just happened to select this little book published by a niche publisher? And that each and every one of them without fail gave it five stars? And that each review conveiniently uses buzzwords from the book's own promotional materials?

Does it make sense that many of the reviews were posted within hours of the book's release? What were there lines outside the B Dalton's at midnight, ala a Harry Potter novel? And that these first-time Amazon reviewers read it so voraciously that they didn't even have time to pee before rushing here to give it a wildly positive, perfect review?

If this book is so perfect that 16 strangers would all find themselves in a near-stupor of compliments, wouldn't it seem that such a WONDERFUL book would at least have gotten some reviews or publicity?

I applaud Tarek Saab's (or anyone's) personal exploration into manhood and spirituality, but one has to wonder if such subterfuge really brings one closer to God and self-awareness. At the very least I would hope Amazon's system would catch these blatant abuses of their rating and review systems.

There's probably not too much to add to the reviews already up. This is a great book that everyone should read. If you like reading works that actually have something to say, this is the book for you. Intelligent and inspired, Lofton's latest piece is sure to please.

Saab Lofton is simply one of the most important writers of our time. His undertanding of the plight of the oppressed of this world is second to none. The way he conveys his views with compassion & humor & wit to spare ....... we'd live in an entirely different world if more people found themselves opening up to the truths which this writer describes. I cannot recommend this book more highly.

The plot moves along very smoothly, and the content is exciting and inciteful. When I had finished the book, I felt I knew much more about the experience of being African American in the US. I was, in addition, enamoured by the metaphorical use of Super Heros to increase interest and complexity of the content. The introduction of sci-fi elements was also important to my enjoyment of the book even though I've never been a fan of science fiction. This is truly an important book and thoroughly enjoyable.

After years of incisive work writing a column for Las Vegas' City Life, Saab Lofton has distilled his views and aims into Battle Neverending. Despite its sometimes rough, sometimes cartoonish dialogue and Lofton's own bouts with paranoia, Battle Neverending encapsulates Lofton's views on the collaboration of seemingly antagonistic organizations, the master race, and what humanity would do if we were finally faced with a unifying enemy other than ourselves.

Battle Neverending's first short story, "Rapture," delivers Lofton's views on The Nation of Islam and its collusion with White American Capitalism. In it, a guardian spirit named Dudley who dares to question the Collective Consciousness's (God's) ways is sold out to the Garbage Man (Satan). The story reads more like a comic book at times, but Lofton makes excellent use of both the Biblical book of Job and Heinlein's Job: A Comedy of Justice. Ultimately, Lofton very entertainingly tells us that we are all pawns in the larger game.

"Make Love, Not War" is hands-down the best story in the collection. Written as a diary of the starving-artist, J.B. Stoner, "Make Love" relates how Stoner was kidnapped by a Dr. Moreau-type mad scientist, ironically named Dr. Noah, and taken to "Paradise Island." Dr. Noah's breeding experiment involves mating black men and white women (Frederick Douglass would be proud). This story carries one of Lofton's primary theses: the inevitable mingling of the races into, as Lofton puts it, a world of Lenny Kravitz/Halle Berry look-a-likes who no longer oppress or exploit on the basis of race; however, what Lofton ultimately shows his audience is that while, in his mind, this ideal race may be laudable and unavoidable, it cannot be externally forced by Dr. Noah types. It takes true genius for an artist/philosopher to see a dark side in his or her own all-encompassing view and deconstruct it, and Lofton absolutely nails it here.

The title story, "Battle Neverending," is another piece with a comic book feel involving a fictitious interview between Bill Moyers and Tomorrowman, an appointee of the typical intergalactic anthropologist-type aliens who had almost all given up on mankind ever being civilized enough to join the "Interstellar Community." The whole story reads as a Socratic dialogue wherein Tomorrowman voices Lofton's views on contemporary politics. The real gem in the piece is Tomorrowman's explanation of why governments cover up alien contacts.

Saab Lofton is a very promising writer and thinker who will, in time, take his rightful spot between Octavia Butler and Robert Heinlein as an important critical commentator on the persistently pernicious divisions of class and race in our world. Until then, Battle Neverending is a worthy sojourn.

Battle Neverending is one of the most important books you'll read. Enjoy!

I just finished reading, Battle Neverending by Saab Lofton, the radical columnist formerly with the Las Vegas CityLife. What a read! As I followed the fictional interview between Tomorrowman and Bill Moyers, I found myself wishing that what was written here would be historically true. Meaning, we'd look back on that story and see what really happened: Nader as president, all nuclear weapons are destroyed ... it sounds like a world straight out of the utpian future we hope for.

Lofton has a special way of connecting to his readers. He's honest with us. The dialogue between the characters is realistic. I could easily visualize these interactions taking place even though they sometimes take place in fictional places. And yet, Lofton is up front about this being a work of "edutainment," or "infotainment." It is an effective and intelligent blend of fact and fiction.

Scattered throughout the fiction are bits of the real world; quotes from Stephen Hawking, Ronald (6) Wilson (6) Reagan (6) --- 666, Ray Bradbury and others. This blur between the world as most of us see it and the world that Lofton envisions induces a whirlwind of fruitful green energy that plants the seeds of change deep within the consciousness of all who read Battle Neverending.

This is definitely a book that folks will point to at some point in the future as an influence on their lives. A book that radical organizations will be sure to stock on their shelves so that new members might get a sense of the vision they feel. This book is a must read, not just because it's written by Saab Lofton, but because it will reignite the smoldering flames within you and encourage you to keep fighting against the corporatist, capitalist elite.

This book is a comprehensive review of the life of the 9-3. If you love your 9-3, you have to check it out. It's a great gift too for the Saab owner in your life. High quality hard cover makes it a great coffee table book. I have the 9-5 one too Saab 9-5: a Personal Story, and the rare Saab's Half Century Saab: Half a Century of Achievement, 1947-1977

I have a 9-3 but my husband drives a 9-5 so I bought this for him for Christmas. He read it all in one day! Just a lot of fun if you're dedicated to 9-5's - see the history and and the classic models. I also have the 9-3 book Saab 9-3 and we have the Saab's Half Century of Achievement which is a collector's item Saab: Half a Century of Achievement, 1947-1977.

Excellent product at an excellent price! Much more through than any Chilton or Haynes manual I have ever used. The illustrations are also exceptional.

If you are sick of the Saab 900, you need this book to understand the exclusive technics of this car.
I would say, that this book is the best compendium and better than books of other suppliers like Haynes.
But, what you have to know, this book is not complete either. You don't find all wiring diagrams of all years in this book. Some necessary explanations like changing a convertible roof will not be found in this book. That's really bad because the car on the cover suggests information like this. Moreover I think that the book could be revised the next time, because after 15 years finishing of production you don't get anymore all parts for the 900/1. Some ideas could be helpful. But you can be sure that you get good explanations and tricks that you need to let your Saab live longer.

This is a must for the eager home-mechanic. It's the B202 and B212 Bible!

I bought this manual because I expected it to be an improvement over my other manuals - and it certainly was. This is probably the most complete SAAB service manual in existance without acquiring the actual SAAB service manual(s) themselves.

I recently bought a 1985 Saab 900S and this service manual was given to me with the car. I new the car had a bad starter when I purchased the car, but I figured that it wouldn't be much of a problem. I have replaced many starters on many different vehicles...so no big deal right?...WRONG! I looked for the starter under the front part of the engine, but I couldn't find it. I then looked in the manual, which did not have even 1 picture or diagram of the starter anywhere! Not only that, there was absolutely no mention of its loacation anywhere in the manual or how to remove and replace it. I had to trace out the positive lead from the battery to find it! It then took me approximately 5 hours, just to figure out how to remove the starter and remove it. I had to remove many hoses and assemblies, just to get into position to remove the starter, and even then it was extremely difficult! Yet, there is NOTHING in the manual to guide you through this, not even a lousy picture or diagram. I guess that they must have assumed that its all routine for the novice mechanic. Either that..., or an oversite on their part!? I called several 'saab mechanics', and the 'saab dealership' as well. They all considered this a major job! One mechanic even declined to take on the job! The dealer wanted $975.00 to do the job and also told me that I would be without my car for several days! Lucky for me, I was able to get it done myself somehow.
The next thing to do was to replace any worn or suspicious looking bushings,hoses and belts. I figured that it would be better to do this now, rather then wait for another problem!? This was reinforced in me one evening while driving home. I was almost home when a worn bushing exploded when I downshifted and hit the gas. The location of this bushing affected not just the carberation, but also the power steering! The car wouldn't idle and was extremely difficult to steer, but I made it home. After this, I decided to replace all suspicious looking bushings,hoses and belts. I did this with little trouble on my own, never referring to the manual until I got to the belts. I referred to the manual for the second time for this repair, after being NO help to me with the starter motor! The manual does did have picture this time, but not so fast. There are 4 belts to be changed. There are 2 alternator/waterpump belts, 1 power steering belt and 1 ac compressor belt. The manual tells you to refer to figure # for the ac compressor belt pulley..which is nowhere to be found! There is no figure or illustration for this particular belt! The manual did have diagrams for the other two belt repairs...but not this one! Even though they refer to a diagram that isn't even there! Another oversite I guess...
I have since been able to replace all 4 shocks, replace all 4 rotors and break pads all around and tune up the car (distributor, rotor and plugs), without referring to the manual! I did call upon it twice and was disappointed both times...especially the first! I have owned the car for about 4 months now and came to Amazon.com to find a more complete and user friendly manual. If there isn't one out there...'do it yourselfer's' like myself with equal or lesser automotive knowledge, will find themselves in a pickle.

I now have three manuals for my 83 SAAB, this one is the only one I use.
Clay

This is a complete book for the Saab 900, but I have found parts that are seriously wrong - i.e. The firing order of the spark plug wires on the distributor - it seems to have an image from the 8 valve engine - not the 16 valve. There are some interesting pages, but fortunately I had a Chilton Imported Car book around or my 900 might still be in the driveway. It might be better a reference book if it were about $10 less...

This is the best and easiest Saab repair book. This has easy to read wiring diagrams post 85. This gem stays in my car all the time. Just in case.

If you love your Saab, chances are when anything goes wrong, you'd like to either fix it yourself (if you are a "DYI" person) or would like to know what is involved in a repair at the shop. The illustrations and text within are worth every penny, as well as some tips that can save you invaluable amounts of time and money in a repair situation!

This book is a must-have for any Saab owner who even thinks about doing any repair or maintenance work. More complete than other publisher's manuals. The one drawback, and I think this is common in an book of this type, is when you see the words "assembly is the opposite of disassembly" instead of a step by step procedure. But, this book contains info, specs, step-by-step directions, wiring diagrams, photos and drawings, etc for anything you'd need to do to your saab, except possibly rebuilding the tranny!

PS - The reviewer from Villanova, PA commented: "The firing order of the spark plug wires on the distributor - it seems to have an image from the 8 valve engine - not the 16 valve." I'd like to point out that this book is INTENDED for the 8-valve version of the classic 900, NOT the 16-valve versions - as the name implies. Thus, this diagram is correct. Bently publishes a DIFFERENT version of this book for the 16-valve cars, that has the correct diagram for those cars.

I really enjoyed reading this history on Saab cars. There are plenty of pictures and the chapters are well organized.

First of all, I love this book! Despite the title, this book tells of
the entire history of Saab. The short length of the book is merely
reflective of the small number of Saab models that have been produced
over the years.

I can only reflect on what Saab could have been. Saab could have built
on the success of the turbo model to equal or better BMW. That would
have been a tall order but it was possible. Instead Saab is now on
life support and soon production will be moved to Opel factories in
Germany. But we'll always have the 92, 93, 95, 96, 99, C900 and
the "brilliant" 9-5.

The author has several automotive books to his credit and it shows. In his history of this classic car, told from a British perspective, the text is easy to read, and the author displays a thorough understanding of how cars work. There are plenty of excellent photos, some in color but mostly not. I learned *why* the ignition key is on the floor (safety feature), and got further insights into this small company's heritage as an innovator, e.g. how, with the 96, they had an extremely aerodynamic car rivalled only by the Citroen DS, or how they insisted, for safety reasons, on using heavier sheet metal than other makers, explaining its enduring status among automotive brands.

We've used lots of recipes from this book (one of my kids' favourites is the sweet potato pancakes). It has a wide variety of simple, fairly healthy meals and snacks made with readily available ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Also full of great basic nutritional information specifically about young kids. Several of my friends own this book too. As a vegetarian family the dinner section is useless to us since it's all meat, but there are several good vegetarian meals in the lunch section.

I love this book! The recipes are excellent, yummy (according to my 3 year old daughter) and easy to prepare. We especially love the Soft Banana and Oatmeal Cookie recipe when we have some left-over bananas. Definitely worth the investment!

This book is so hard to find! I had to get it for my brother who is a Saab fanatic and he LOVES it. It's the thing to have if you love Saabs. Even if you don't, the photos are amazing so it's great to flip through. If you know someone with a 9-3 this one's the best: Saab 9-3 or a 9-5: Saab 9-5: a Personal Story

Every Saab fanatic should add this book to their collection. While not as complete as "The First 40 Years of Saab Cars" by Lindh, it does have some insight into the elements that make Saab a unique driving experience.

A well balanced "must have" book for the Saab enthuasiast. It's well illustrated with an easy to read layout and contains lots of hard to find photos. Dymock explores some of Saabs innovative contributions to the automotive world - well worth the money. It's not overly technical, but it serves as a nostalgic look at Saab history from a respected automotive journalist.

...I paid a small fortune for this book only to read about the perfect vacation.

It is a photographer's dream come true and a fine insight to an area that I will (someday) be able to fly fish.

I'd buy another copy because of the sheer glory of the story, the binding and the (prior to GM) story of travel in the finest engineered car ever built.

If you have the $$$ buy it. Like Garrison Keillor, Mr. Swanson lives his dreams. Too few of us ever do.

A book of the reality of fishing. The author captures the attraction and reality of fising for the true enthusiast. The reality; the anticipation of the preperation, the rush to fit pleasure into our crowded lives, the hurt of getting skunked while others succeed. The attraction; the instinct to hunt, the allure of pitting ones knowledge and skill against the instinct of a wild animal, and communion with the elements. All set in Gods own country, Norway. A lovely little book.