Shaw Books

Characters are often interchangeable in war novels. This is true even in the works of some of the best novelists of the WWII era; including Mailer (Naked and the Dead), Wouk (The Cain Mutiny) and even James Jones (The Thin Red Line). Shaw is able to portray soldiers as true individuals fighting to remain individuals in the framework of the military and a world war. While this novel covers much in the way of history and geography, it is really the story of three very-real and independent men who live in a world that does not value independence.

The Young Lions is a powerful novel written in the years immediately following World War II. It is a gritty and passionate novel, and in reading it the motivatations of men in times of war to acts of courage, cowardice and base violence come to life in the protagonists. Shaw is a artful in the of crafting his words and sentences in a provoking yet thoughtful manner that is nothing less than masterful. Shaw presents and discusses many complex themes through his characters and vignettes in the story that, having read The Naked and the Dead, it is difficult to tell which one comes first as the truly post-modern American novel.

Although it is a somewhat thick novel, it reads exceptionally fast.

Don't be put off by the war setting. This brilliant epic novel revolves around a richly drawn cast of characters - just ordinary people at the onset of the story - and shows how their lives become entwined in the ensuing conflict of WW2. One word of warning, though: James Salter has written a great reflective introduction to this new edition of the classic novel (first published in 1949) but spoils it by giving away the ending of the story and divulging the fate of the three central characters you're supposed to be rooting for over 662 pages! If you haven't read The Young Lions before, then I suggest you skip the introduction and go back to it after you've fininshed the novel.
As for the author: one of America's greatest and most-gifted novelists and short story writers, Irwin Shaw is best remembered for his Rich Man, Poor Man TV mini-series in the 1970s (now available on video). The quality of writing and depth of character in his classic novels is far superior to most of his predecessors today. A groundbreaking pioneer of the big multi-character blockbuster novel, every author who has followed Irwin Shaw - from Stephen King to John Grisham - owes a debt to this literary trailblazer. My favourite novels are The Young Lions; Rich Man, Poor Man; Nightwork; Evening in Byzantium; Two Weeks in Another Town; and the short story collection Five Decades, which contains such gems as 'The Girls in their Summer Dresses' and 'In the French style.'
Try to get your hands on the brilliant biography, Irwin Shaw by Michael Shnayerson, for the full story of this legendary author's life and work.

I have never been presented with a better view of World War II. Usually, I get the point of view of a U.S. soldier in France, pushing against the Panzers. Never have I had the opportunity to see the war through Nazi eyes, or even Jewish eyes. Seeing that our enemy was just a kid, concerned with nothing more than his own well-being. Seeing the German Army as a unit just as dysfunctional as the U.S. army is usually portrayed was absolutely beneficial, as was the presentation of Christian's hesitation in turning a Jew in, but does anyway, just out of duty. The perspectives is the first of two standout characteristics of The Young Lions. The second is the way Shaw manipulates the characters to manifest them into believable, tangible people, to which everyone can relate. Even the Nazi, usually hated by Americans, is portrayed realistically and humanly, instead of in the more typical animalistic, murderous way.

This is truly one of the great novels dealing with World War Two. Throughout, the novel switches perspectives from that of a German lieutnant to an American private. The story begins shortly before the outbreak of war, and continues until the war's ending.

Irwin Shaw seems to capture the flavor of both the American and German armies, and what the attitudes and perspectives of their soldiers might have been like. One thing that Shaw cannot be criticized for is soft-peddling the crimes of the German Army. One of the things the reader will see is the slow descent of the German protagonist from an essentially good man to a thorough skunk. Personally, I thought Shaw might have overdone it a little bit (just my opinion). To clarify: I thought it might have been more effective to show the German soldier as a basically good man caught up in an organization committing wrongful deeds. Instead, Shaw chose to have the character himself become evil. Well, that's the author's choice to make, and Shaw certainly tells a compelling story.

This is an engaging story that has a strong authentic feel to it. I found it to be a rich reading experience and this is one of the truly great stories of World War II.

This book will give you peace and understanding to help you not just throught difficult times but for every day issues that we all face. Highly recommend this book.

Lucado is a unique writer of the evangelistic angle. In A Gentle Thunder he uses the gospel of John as a touchstone and each of his vignettes describes God's voice and our response in a unique way. He uses the ordinary and the unusual to creatively demonstrate God's faithfulness. Wile E. Coyote, hummingbirds, Cinderella, New Yorkers and a waiter/cat are a few of the unique characters that Lucado portrays in this book. Lucado's vintage Bible character portrayals, some rare moments he experienced as a missionary in Brazil, and the metaphysical side of a wedding reception with no cake makes the ancient come alive and the everyday become exciting. Lucado poignantly portrays how God will do whatever it takes to get our attention, but leaves the choice to us. That's the message of this book: the relentless pursuit of God. Many people have been helped by Lucado's writing.
Trish New, author of The Thrill of Hope (Amazon.com), South State Street Journal, and Memory Flatlined.

In this Book you will find God does whatever it takes to get our attention, alot of times not in the way we would expect Him to, but He does whatever it takes to pull us back to Him over and over again.

We may never understand what it is exactly He is doing with us, but we can trust His Heart and trust Him to do what is right.

If you need a reminder of His Love and an assurance of His strength and an example of His Kindness then this is the Book for you!

You will be blessed with His Gentle Thunder!

Max Lucado has written a devotional masterpiece that can attract the attention of any philosopher who is searching for the meaning of life or give insight to any clergyman who is in search of material that can supplement his or her preparation for a thought-provoking sermon.

I am generally wary of those who attempt to use individual biblical quotes to postulate their personal opinions and then formulate themes that they call daily devotions. In other words, beware of those who attempt to use scripture to "fit" their points-of-view.

Lucado, on the other hand, does the opposite. He presents a variety of stories that range from moral tales to historical accounts of triumphs and disasters, all of which parallel the fables and parables of ancient times, and while reading each chapter, one should conclude that if there is any point that Lucado is trying to get across, it is not for his own personal benefit; instead, it is this: we fail to realize that there are so many modern-day events in our world that make the works of the gospel writers just as relevant today as they were in the past and that many of these happenings brought to life are just as applicable to the so-called ordinary individual as they are to the famous figures who headline our daily news.

This book allows us to see God's word applied to situations we have been in and can relate to. Further proving the awesome power He has!

This book lives right next to my meditation cushion. Every morning I read a simple & profound tidbit which sets my heart beating to a rhythm of peace. Throughout these tumultuous past months when the country's political climate creates so much fear, anger and unrest, Scott Shaw's book has been helping me stabilize in a personal peace. He has spoken truth in simple words that go in easily and resonate deeply. I just purchased this book for the Peace & Justice Center Library in our town. We can not create peace out of anger. Thank you for this gem, Scott Shaw!

I've sold some books on on-line websites, but this is one that I would never consider parting with. I purchased this book when I was on "a mission of self-discovery" and I believe it was a valuable part of that journey. I bought it at regular price, and it was worth every penny. I don't have the book in front of me at the moment so it's hard for me to be specific, but I can tell you that this is a book I will go back to time and again.

After reading this wonderful book from cover to cover several times I now include it in my morning meditations by reading one page per day. The words are simple, kind, loving and to the point. Thank you Scott, for sharing your thoughts so that my life is enriched.

This was book was recently introduced to me by a co-worker, who has now become a very dear friend to me. In my never ending quest to feel peace with who I am and where I am in my life, this book is helping me achieve this. I read a page every morning and it truly helps me make the most of each day. Well worth purchasing. Enjoy each day and may there be Peace within always.

I received this book from a dear friend for Christmas. I have read it ever since, and read it just about every day. It is simple, to the point and profound. It gets me back on the spiritual beam and back to peace every time I read one of the 108 entries. This is how I want my life to be..........at peace! Thanks for writing it Scott!

This book can easily be used as a college textbook on Oracle RAC. I am studying for the Oracle Certified Master exam and this is possibly the most high level book on Oracle I have read.

It has 3 major strengths which I found to be superior to any Oracle RAC books I have read (including the manual from Oracle).

1)Technical Depth
2)Comprehensive Overview and instructions
3)Quality of writing


1)Technical Depth
The authors write about Linux and Oracle and are high level experts in the subjects. For example, the authors have a very detailed description of how Oracle Cache Fusion handles locking across all the nodes in a RAC environment (probably the crown jewel of RAC technology). They also discuss, in detail, different types of CPU, memory, and storage and contains detailed description of each architecture. Lastly, it contains vast number of "how to" install, configure, change, analyze, backup/restore, and utilize Oracle RAC and Linux.

2)Comprehensive Coverage and Instructions
No small amount of detail has been skipped. The book contains every utility (there are many) provided by Oracle to implement RAC. It provides a good step-by-step coverage of Linux and Oracle RAC installation as well what each step is adding to the RAC environment. To top it off, it adds how to performance tune, administer, troubleshoot, backup/restore, and use Dataguard in a RAC environment. I can't think of a subject on RAC which the authors did not cover.

3)Quality of Writing
I was pleasantly surprised how well written this book is. Although far from a Pulitzer Prize material, it certainly belongs in that category amongst the Oracle books. Every praragraph has been well organized and written. The proofreader of this book deserves major praise for their work.

Many books around Oracle's advanced topics simply parrot the manuals. Julian avoids that. Instead, he describes Real Application Cluster technology from the ground concepts up to full implementation, with practical notes and tips. He gets into topics that the manuals never touch, and much of what he writes can be useful in any RAC environment, not just Linux.

I whole-heartedly recommend this book and own both the paper and eBook version which I often reference.

This book delivers what it promises. It contains a great balance of technical detail,examples and theory. It encompasses all aspects of implementing/maintaing 10g RAC on Linux.

Very well written. No mater you are a Pro or a newbie, it will be helpful. A very well written book.


Highly recommended.

This is a very hands on command line oriented book. Good understanding of RAC concepts. I found it extremly useful in my day-to-day work.

Highly recommended.

Thanks!

I love this book. It's small but don't let that fool you. Each page packs a punch as the author gets straight to the point. Trans Fats: The Hidden Killer... is extremely useful in providing extensive information on TFA's (trans fatty acids), educating the consumer on how to identify products containing TFA's and most importantly, how to avoid them. This book, among others regarding our scandalous government and food industry has opened my eyes to the unfiltered version of our controlled society. I no longer spend my hard earned money supporting food companies that manufacture foods with TFA's and I hope that the information in this book impacts enough people so that they too will reject purchasing foods with TFA's to send a reminder on who's really in charge.

Big business does not care about the public's weel-being; they are only interested in the bottom line! This little book exposes them for the greedheads they are, and reveals the truth about the toxins they are feeding us every day, everywhere. It should be required reading for every high school student in the world.

The author urges us to read labels so that we are informed about
the contents of the food we eat. For instance, canned sodas can
have a widely varying amount of sugar per can. Sugar grams can
vary from 0-50 or more grams/can of soda. For diabetics, diet
soda, seltzer, bottled water and certain diet teas contain
a minimum amount of sugar-near zero grams in most cases.

Transfats and partially hydrogenated fats contain little nutrient value. They can be colorless and odorless yet cheap to manufacture. Most physicians will recommend 5 or more fresh fruits and veggies a day in order to receive the highest nutritive value in the daily diet.

The author provides the public a service by depicting sample
food labels to demonstrate the non-food content which can be
detrimental to our health. The acquisition would be valuable
for any personal health library.

A book like this is worth it's weight in gold when it comes packed with references, and this book excels with the references and research that was included. I've long found it ridiculous that food companies label their products as "trans fat free" in bold print, while the ingredient list clearly states "partially hydrogenated oil", all thanks to the FDA's approval (apparently if the trans fat serving is small enough, it doesn't exist! Amazing!) That the FDA could make this approval of deceptive labeling is just unbeliebable!
I've cut trans fats completely out of my diet and I've seen a much improved quality of living and health. I would advise people to check out this book, and then start reading labels on foods. A simple rule: IF THE INGREDIENT LIST INCLUDES HYDROGENATED OIL, PUT IT BACK ON THE SHELF!

For the past couple years, I have been half heartedly avoiding trans fats. But mostly in the grocery store where labels can easily be read. Now I will re-double my efforts. And I am putting my money where my mouth is. I'm buying 120 copies from the publisher to give away to our 75 employees and a few friends, with a few left to sell in our hotel restaurant.

The historical perspective was great, but was I left wanting to see a little more technical / scientific data. It is an easy, quick read which I appreciate. I just wanted more scientific information to satisfy my curiosity. This is probably one of the least understood and most important issues facing people today. From all that I have read from this book and others, cutting out trans fats is absolutely crucial for good health.

I consider Jean Carper to be a little better nutritional writer because I think she is more direct. On my underlining test, I find myself underlining a lot more in Carper's books. But Judith Shaw is now on my short list of good authors writing about important issues. Occasionally she got a little wordy, but I would not call the book too wordy overall or verbose. It is relatively direct, and the subject matter is of utmost importance.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is still breathing and able to read. Thanks Ms. Shaw for researching and writing it.

I just wanted to leave a bit of review here for my mom (the author). Hopefully she'll see this someday and know that despite what she has viewed as shortcomings, she has always been an inspiration not only to others but to her family and all those closest to her. I've had my own difficulties and was raised amidst many of hers. With a great deal owed to her example and support, I was able to carve a path from high school drop-out to acceptance at a prestigious university for the fall. You have been and continue to be an amazing mom and I love you!

If you haven't yet read this book, you are missing out on an experience everyone deserves to have. If you guys loved her debut work as much as I did, please keep an eye out for her upcoming titles. They're on the way!

-Andrew

The author tells her story about how she succeeded in her dreams and kept pushing herself further. She definitely makes the point that she was not a super woman along the way; she made plenty of mistakes. The author always seemed to have a clear sense about who she was and what she wanted. Her personal stories added a great deal about her advice. Her stories happened to her and she was simply not repeating stories of friends or patients. From who she was, to who became is an inspiring story. How the basics like writing letters helped her network. How she wanted to blast salsa music in her suburban neighborhood. Through the toughest times, the author maintained a strong sense of self.

I've just begun reading this, after picking it up and seeing answers to some of my own dilemmas in its pages. She says things with finality, and I don't always agree with her. For example, I like to think that, someday, I WILL drive a Jaguar. But, that said, when she talks about letting go of things that haven't worked in the past, and moving forward to a better future filled with achievable goals... this is a very good book for people who are depressed or otherwise feeling "stuck" in life. If you don't actually buy a copy yourself, ask your library to order it.

I am not an avid reader. I tend to read more newpapers, professional journals. When I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. I finished this book in one night. A record for me.

This book is uplifting, inspiring and true!!! I felt motivation I haven't felt in a long time since I read this book.

This is a very inspiring book. When I initially started reading, it felt like just another feel good book with general advice. However as I progressed it picked up and became quite interesting. The advice given by the author is not new or unique, but offered in the context of her own life experiences, become very useful.
One shortcoming of this book, as for many books of this nature, is that it seems to address primarily a younger audience. What about the readers who are now in their mid-forties, early fifties and have less time to start over and be effective? Understandably the author is in her thirties, hence this shortcoming. Nevertheless, I wish I had a book like this available to me when I was in my twenties, because the ideas offered are inspiring and most valuable.

As first-time parents-to-be, my husband and I read this book together and couldn't put it down. It stirred many emotions--laughter, tears of joy, and smiles of anticipation. It brought to life the magical relationship between parents and children. We both agree that this is the perfect gift for expectant parents.

Just when you think you know nothing about parenting, pick up this book and discover that you're in the same boat with every other mom, dad and grandparent. As the quotes, stories and poems in For the Love of Children so beautifully illustrate, your kids will suprise you every day. This treasure of a book is as warm and comforting as a soft blanket.

For the Love of Children, is filled with wonderful stories and quotes that will let any parent at any phase of parenting know that they are not alone.

It is delightful to hear other people give voice to my parenting challenges, such as Robert Frost's statement about a father and mother toward son and daughter. One of the best quotes, "If you don't want your children to hear what you're saying, . . . . pg 27

The topic of this book is children but it's really written for everyone to enjoy -- grandparents, parents and even non-parents like myself. If anything, it recalled long-forgotten childhood memories and helped me get in touch with my own child within.

BOOK REVIEW By Maryanne Raphael, Writers World

FOR THE LOVE OF CHILDREN is an inspiring treasure of quotations, poems, and anecdotes that celebrate today's children and the child living within each of us. As comforting as advice from Grandma and long-time family friends, this charming book can refresh exhausted parents giving them the courage and sense of humor they need to carry on. It includes favorite stories of famous parents, showing how they met the challenges of rearing children, communicating, setting boundaries, encouraging creativity, intelligence and compassion, sharing love and letting go. This book is truly a reminder of the joy and special magic that is childhood, helping us recognize its fleeting nature and precious beauty. We have more love, patience, joy and awe for our children. Every page is easy to read with humor, memorable quotes, and sensible advice. FOR THE LOVE OF CHILDREN gives us "a reason to thank the Universe for the incredible gift of childhood."

Book arrived on time and in the shape and form advertised! Great seller to do business with!

This is one of the most useful reference books for those in nursing who are going to focus in psychiatric nursing. This is a great book but it can get wordy at times.

Other than the Chapter materials, there are many additional useful information including an online resource, tables, examples and images to facilitate learning.

This book was required for my mental health class, and I thought it was very appropriate and informative.

I purchased this book because of my psych clinical rotations in Nursing School. I have found the book to be very informative and fairly easy to understand. The chapters on specific disorders are really interesting. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to understand psychiatric disorders; you need not be a nursing student but some knowledge in medical terminology is helpful.

I read this book about two years ago and return to it frequently. It is filled with ways I can meet with God while also meeting the needs of my children. I've recommened this book many times to friends. It gave me hope that I don't have to live as a frazzled mom alienated from God.

I first heard about this book from an online journaling group. The very name called to me. I knew then I had to have it and I was not disappointed. The subtitle is "Restoring Rich Relationship with God in the Midst of Motherhood." I had to hear how this then mother of three could manage a relationship with God while mired down in the quagmire of motherhood. And she proposes not just any relationship, but a rich relationship! I had to know more. The author, Ann Kroeker, states in the first chapter, "I can't guarantee goose bumps, but I propose that it is possible for everyone to restore a rich relationship with God. Yes, even busy women in the midst of motherhood." Hallelujah! It could be done. Ann gives practical tips to finding time to be alone with God. I recommend this book to every mother - no matter what the stage of your motherhood - new mom, tenured mom, empty nester. Pick up your copy today and find a love like no other.

I love Ann's book. As a Christian writer, I read a lot to get my own creative juices flowing, but this one hit me where I live--as a half-crazed mom of two wanting nothing more than to be a good servant of Jesus and a decent wife and mother to boot. Ann Kroeker pulls it all together: She gives you the tools to begin and good coverage of the methods to True Sanity through the madness, regardless of where you are in your faith walk. Check it out!

I first heard about this group through an online journaling group. The very name called to me. I knew I had to have it and I was not disappointed. The subtitle is "Restoring Rich Relationship with God in the Midst of Motherhood." I had to hear how this then mother of three could manage a relationship with God while mired down in the quagmire of motherhood. And she proposes not just any relationship, but a rich relationship! I had to know more. The author, Ann Kroeker, states in the first chapter, "I can't guarantee goosebumps, but I propose that it is possible for everyone to restore a rich relationship with God. Yes, even busy women in the midst of motherhood." Hallelujah! It could be done. Ann gives practical tips to finding time alone with God. I recommend this book to every mother - no matter what the stage of your motherhood - new mom, tenured mom, empty nester. Pick up your copy today and find a love like no other.

I think I need to read this book again! What an amazing book written by a mom of three young daughters - and she still has her intellect together enough to be reading the heavier-weight Christian books! These books mine the depths of the Christian faith. Yes, they take extra effort, but I believe that if we make that effort, we will be rewarded by having a richer devotional life.

After I wrote my last review, the author wrote me an email, which was just great! I want to write her - and now I don't have her email! So Ann, if you're reading this, please email me again (click on See More About Me for my email address)! I have a couple questions for you about some of the books you were reading.

If you're a mom who wants a little more depth to your devotional life, this book is for YOU!!

This book is even better than its title. The authors deliver a series of short essays on topics every woman can relate to, and they do it in styles uniquely their own. On one page, I was laughing; on the next page, crying. This is Anne Lamott you can bring home to your mother.

God is at the center of the lives of both women, and, we discover in these delightful vignettes, that he is also the one in the details. Another kudo to the authors: hardly a fat joke to be found!

According to the authors, God is in the restaurant business; specifically, the Master Cook. Wave and Bolton cook up a steaming mix of family stories with just the right dash of God's wisdom. These stories are guaranteed to tickle your funnybone while filling your heart with compassion for mothers in everyday situations.

So grab a cuppajoe and settle back! Enjoy!

Fun, friends, food, and faith! What more could you ask for? With Kim and Chris dishing it out, the result is a hilarious helping of homestyle humor! And while your picking up your copy, get one for your family and friends. They'll love you for it!

With keen insights, Bolton and Wave write about the realities and emotions of the ordinary woman's life. They weave a delightful mix of anecdotes into biblical applications that women can personally relate to. Bits of humor scattered throughout the book increase the impact of the book's spiritual lessons. I still chuckle about their self-described waistline after having babies: "a line between 2 rolls of flab that sat on top of each other (picture bagel dough with a crease in the middle and you've got the idea)." Written in conversational style, the book has sections relating to the everyday Blue Plate Special of unconditional love; God's menu of soul growth; comparison of contentment with hash browns; and the Child's Plate of character development.

1) You have no sense of humor, 2) You cannot look life in the face and enjoy the wrinkles, 3) You can only tolerate flawless relationships and perfect kids, 4) You live in a museum and ride in a stretch limo.

This Diner serves up a gourmet menu of spicy humor, faces without makeup, angels without wings, all served on a beautifully arranged paper plate. On second thought, DO visit Girlville Diner. Whatever ailed you before this meal will surely be cured by the time you finish it.