Ware Books

Bishop Kallistos Ware of Oxford presents 44 views of salvation according to the Scriptures and the Church Fathers. The format consists of short chapters which focus on specific elements of salvation. Topics include: Salvation as theosis (deification), exchange, process, synergism, the absolute necessity of grace, original sin, St. Augustine, the Fall, sacraments, salvation as personal but not individualistic, and many, many more topics. Ware's use of primary sources is helpful for those who wish to do further study. If you are intersted in Eastern Orthodoxy, this is a great book to begin with. If you are already familiar with the tradition, then "How are we Saved?" will refresh your memory and I'm sure teach you something new. Other books of interest include: "The Orthodox Church" and "The Orthodox Way," both by Bishop Kallistos Ware. "Common Ground," by Jordan Bajis, contains a detailed analysis of the Eastern approach to theology, Church, salvation, etc and is very detailed and informative. As well, all Vladimir Lossky books are insightful in this regard. Lossky is, however, difficult at times for those unfamiliar with technical terminology. John Meyendorff's, "Byzantine Theology," is excellent for further, detailed study of Eastern Orthodoxy.

Bp. Kallistos Ware understands Scripture and our salvation. He presents the Eastern Orthodox approach to salvation from both the theological and personal perspectives. Does an excellent job of illustrating the nuances of classical Protestant and Roman Catholic views and how the Eastern Orthodox stance expands and deepens these approaches. He does not work to disagree with these other churches, but to balance and clarify their theology.

This book is very useful as a starting point for personal meditation, and group discussions. The structure is topic -- bullet points. There are no lengthy paragraphs. Every sentence is crystal-clear.

A background in theology is helpful to understand the depth of the issues he is addressing, but this is not a dry theological theoretical tome. The book leads you to worship, the essential work of all good theological thought.

I've bought copies for all my children to read, all the leaders in my church, and will now be using it for a high school interdenominational Bible study group. I have found it to be a very usable and helpful book because of the simple structure and clarity of the writing.

Can't recommend any book on this subject more highly than this one!

This book is a really helpful overview if you want (or someone you know wants) a quick, concise explanation of how the Orthodox Church understands salvation. Synergy, perfection, atonement, sin, original sin, etc. are not easy subjects to explain if you have volumes to work with, let alone a very short book like this one, but Bishop Kallistos manages to do it very well. He even manages to not only explain what the Orthodox believe, but also explains how Orthodoxy differs from Catholicism and Protestantism in her understanding of crucial points. This is also a good book to give to someone if you would like to get someone interested in Orthodoxy. The only bad part about the book is that it could have easily fit into a book 1/3 the size that it currently is. It seems to have been drawn out purposely so that more could be charged for the book. A dozen pages have a single sentence on them! Yet, the content of the book makes up for the publishing mistake.

This little book is almost like reading poetry. Aside from longer quotations, sentences are not crammed together into paragraphs. Rather, sentences are broken into clauses, each clause on a separate line separated by a few spaces. The result is that, as you read, each clause sinks in, the individual words and phrases matter. Your conceptual mind slows down a bit and the theology becomes poetry and prayer. The formatting is itself part of the Orthodox message: religion is a mystery (=something more) that no words convey; the spaces between the words, the silences between what we say, the pauses between our actions -- there is God. The content is itself a splendid synopsis of the main points of Orthodox faith by a well-known representative of that tradition (see his "The Orthodox Way").

When questioned about theological perspectives and "which one is better?", Bishop Kallistos often responds with a story about a buffet line on the Queen Elizabeth ocean liner. On the voyage, at every meal, you could eat not just french toast for breakfast, but steak or fish. And for dinner you could also enjoy your favorite breakfast meals. His point is that theologians need not limit their perspectives to only one `meal', but rather they ought to eat from the buffet that is laid before them. (I could have used my own experiences at Denny's for such a story but that isn't as neat and it is also a bit gross!)

Approaching the theology of salvation begs for a similar perspective. Anslemian or Thomastic perspectives have their place, but they can tend to push out the eastern and other western perspectives.

Bishop Kallistos Ware of Oxford presents 44 views of salvation according to the Scriptures and the Church Fathers. The format consists of short chapters that focus on specific elements of salvation. Topics include: Salvation as theosis (deification), exchange, process, synergism, the absolute necessity of grace, original sin, St. Augustine, the Fall, sacraments, salvation as personal but not individualistic, and many, many more topics. Ware's use of primary sources is helpful for those who wish to do further study.

If you are interested in Eastern Orthodoxy, this is a great book to begin with. If you are already familiar with the tradition, then "How are we Saved?" will refresh your memory and I'm sure teach you something new. Other books of interest include: "The Orthodox Church" and "The Orthodox Way," both by Bishop Kallistos Ware. "Common Ground," by Jordan Bajis, contains a detailed analysis of the Eastern approach to theology, Church, salvation, etc and is very detailed and informative. As well, all Vladimir Lossky books are insightful in this regard. Lossky is, however, difficult at times for those unfamiliar with technical terminology. John Meyendorff's, "Byzantine Theology," is excellent for further, detailed study of Eastern Orthodoxy.

For Western perspectives check out the following: Christus Victor by Aulen, Union With Christ ed. by Braaten.

The second volume of this reprint series continues.

New characters and twists arise.

We get a next member of the 'alley gang', the rich old Mr Wicket, who fits right in with the rest.

The first few months deal with Walt trying to formally adopt Skeezix. But a wench is thrown in when a mysterious woman appears who claims to know who Skeezix's mother is and is trying to contact her. While the case is postponed with no appear of said person, a further postponement is stopped by the intervention of Mrs. Blossom, who apparently also knows the mother. This is not explained, nor who this mysterious woman is or her interest.

The singer Mme. Octave appears and is a friend of Mrs. Blossom, who takes Skeezix to see her. Another issue is when Blossom keeps Skeezix too long, which upsets Walt.

We then get a long race between Avery and Walt to the west.

Then we get a great revalation that Mme. Octave is Skeezix's mother, who wants the child (no explaination of why she abandoned him, but we see no 'Mr. Octave', so prehaps that explains things, but she seems to be a person of some importance). She then attempts to kidnap Skeezix, but after some time Walt is able to get him back. Nothing seems to happen to Octave or any involvement of Mrs Blossom (who is, after all, a friend of Octave). Hopefully some of these unanswered/unresolved matters will be addressed in the next volume.

We also get a long trip out west by Walt and Skeezix, later joined by the men of the Alley, before all return home.

A continuation of the Gasoline Alley early days. Well preserved. A good buy for comics junkies like me.

When people long for the good-old-days, usually they're dreaming of an idealized time that in actuality only looks good in hindsight. However, when it comes to newspaper comic strips, I do long for the good old days. While there are still a few good strips in existence nowadays, there is also a lot of garbage. While I suppose that was probably always the case, at least newspapers respected the comics then, as opposed to nowadays, when they are crammed all onto a page or two.

Frank King's Gasoline Alley was one of the gems of the early half of the century and was especially notable for being a real-time strip: for each comic strip year, the characters also aged a year. As evidenced in the title Walt and Skeezix, 1923 and 1924, Gasoline Alley had two central characters: Walt, a large, amiable fellow and Skeezix, his adopted son. In the first collection (comprising 1921 and 1922), we first met Skeezix as a newborn left on Walt's doorstep.
As this second volume begins, Walt is on the brink of finalizing Skeezix's adoption, but someone representing the real mother throws a temporary wrench into the proceedings.

Among the other people who occupy the Alley are Bill, Avery and Doc, Walt's best friends, and the mysterious Mrs. Phyllis Blossom, who Walt is slightly romantically involved. Among the features in the 1923 strips is the appearance of Mr. Wicker, a wealthy older man who becomes a denizen of the alley (and a potential rival in Walt's pursuit of Phyllis). The highlight, however is a cross-country race between Avery and Walt: if Avery loses, he needs to buy a new car (a particular hardship for the stingy Avery); if Walt loses, he has to propose to Phyllis.

In the 1924 strips, the biggest storyline is the revelation of Skeezix's mother and a subsequent kidnapping of the four-year old by that mother. Of course, Walt and Skeezix will be reunited, but the two will take a trip out west to avoid future problems (and are soon joined by Walt's friends).

Well-drawn and well-written, Gasoline Alley was one of the top comic strips of its era and is one of the all-time best strips. It actually still exists, making it one of the longest running strips ever (although it has a limited circulation and is a pale shadow of its former self). For a good look at what the comics used to look like - and how good they could be - this is a great read.

I have ordered but not yet received book 2 in this series. However, I expect it to be even better than book 1. This is a well-bound large volume of the history of the cartoonist along with many pictures. This also includes the beginning of the Gasoline Alley comic strips. I am assuming book 2 will begin where book 1 left off.
As a child I loved reading this strip up until I was an adult when it ceased to be carried in our Roanoke Times (VA) newspaper. Many times when I have a good remembrance of something it falls short when viewed a second time, but I was not disappointed in this book.

I used to think there were only four classic comic strips - Lil Abner, Krazy Kat, Peanuts and Calvin and Hobbes. Gasoline Alley is as good as any of them, especially in its early years. Frank King's work can only be described as "gentle humor" and is as American as Will Rogers, Meredith Willson's Music Man and mom's apple pie. Oh, to be able to live in the world of Walt and Skeezix.

I have been seriously collecting only a few months now and have decided to sell. This book is well organized and the best of 3 reference books on flow blue that I have. The hard cover is a good idea since I think I would wear it down to stubs if it had been a paperback!!

If you collect, are interested in collecting, or want to identify and value flow blue items, this book is a must. You can look up items by pattern, which are cross-referenced to the manufacturers' names. The book is full of color photographs of makers' marks as well as examples of hundreds of patterns on various types of pieces. The back of the book contains values for the photographed pieces. Another helpful feature is the section on reproductions. This is a great reference book.

This book along with the entire series of Flow Blue books by Mary Frank Gaston are vital in Flow Blue identification and history. This book is brimming with photos and identification marks, along with manufacturing dates and makers. There is also a section on 'fakes' and how to look for and avoid them.
Each book has different photos of the many patterns and shapes Flow Blue comes in. I highly recommend owning a copy of each of Ms. Gaston's books if you are a true Flow Blue collector. You will enjoy these books for years to come. They are well made with high quality color and material.
Enjoy!

This is an essential guide for collectors of flow blue china. It features over 400 pieces photographed in color and described in detail.

For identification purposes, all of the manufacturers' marks on these pieces are shown in enlarged b/w photos. There are also cross-references for manufacturers and their patterns and types of objects other than plates.

For the collector, there is a history of flow blue, information on collecting methods, a glossary, and market trends including modern reproductions to watch out for. A current value guide is also provided for all the items illustrated.

The photography is excellent. Captions for each item include maker & pattern, size and reference to the photo of the mark. This will be a great reference for the beginning or advanced collector of this beautiful style.

I found this book very helpful as a new collector of Granite Ware. I especially appreciate the items being grouped by color for easy identification with the price values on the same page. Now I am searching to find some backgound information on the makers and enameling techniques.

My mother-in-law is an avid collector of graniteware, thus our whole family is and she has both of Greguire's graniteware books. I must say I like this second edition much better than the first. This edition lists the price along with the description, making it easier than flipping back and forth like in her last book. This edition is also better because it groups the pieces by color and description and I believe this is also easier. Our family has gotten a lot of use out of Greguire's book, and if you are a graniteware collector like everyone in our family, this book is a must have for reference.

This is a must for the Granite ware buyers prices are great and great learning instruction of what to look for and how to tell if it is old or new I love this book and look at it often as I am looking on ebay alot. A must for the Granite people

A teriffic book. Clear and well organized. My only warning to you is, don't expect to get the prices the book suggests. I find that 1/3 to 2/3 of suggested prices are more realistic for all but the rarest pieces.

I picked up this book to find out more about the "down low" life I often hear about on tv, radio and Oprah. After skimming a couple pages at a booth during Atlanta Pride weekend where the author spoke, I purchased the book and even got the author's autograph. Because this was a debut novel, and the author was unknown to me, I hadn't expected too much. But I took this book to the hotel where I was staying and from the minute I started reading, I was hooked. This book held me from cover to cover. Eric Ware is a real talent and I highly recommend his new book, The Down Low Diaries, to people, particularly its targeted gay, lesbian and "down-low" audience.

On a purely entertainment level, and for those who love soap operas and outlandish, Desperate Housewives style drama, this book delivers. The writing has great pace, the plot is intriguing, and the main character is a riot. In the end, I couldn't put this book down. I had a ball reading it.

But this book does something more than entertain. It delivers a very positive message about the need for gay men (and women I'd say) to be brave, come out of the closet and be happy with themselves. You're only on this earth once, why waste time always being afraid and/or living a lie? The closet ain't nothing but the Devil's Playground and Mr. Ware really pounds that message home.

Ok. There were a few negatives that I'll mention. For me, the plot did break down in the last three or four chapters. The final direction of the plot left me in total disbelief. While the first two acts are very strong and entertaining, the final act dvelops an "Indiana Jones all-of-these-events-could-never-happen-to-one-guy" feel to it that weakens the story. That's why I rate it four stars rather than five.

Still, I liked this book and give it a vigorous thumbs up. In terms of message and entertainment, it is worth your last few bucks!

If one is willing to venture into one's soul, and ask some profound questions regarding acceptance of sexuality, this book is a MUST read. It explores many angles of being on the so-called down low, how this new label will not make you dynamic/or a more powerful person. This is my first experience with Mr. Ware's words and let me tell you I was STUNNED...by the story and characters. I have read other authors but they have a tendency to make every sex scene so graphic..or if one accepts his attraction for the same gender..one is doomed to failure, heartbreak and unhappiness. Not so with this read...there is light after becoming free with who one is..there is some rough spots where one might disagree with the main characters decisions/thoughts but if you look pass the surface you will see yourself...at least i did and i am glad...continued enlightened to my spirit/soul!! I dare you to read this book and NOT feel something or relate to this world..I DARE YOU..otta here!

Eric Ware's The Down Low Diaries makes me laugh. And cringe. And then laugh some more. As a reader/critic I'm easy. Show me a book written by or about black homos and you got me. I will happily walk hand in hand with the protagonist, regardless of where he/she might lead me, even if it's into an abyss of despair. That's not exactly where Ware takes readers with his second book of fiction, but the nameless protagonist's actions do shamelessly tickle yet terrify with a cutting precision. This bloke's an attractive, calculating and judgmental m'fer that regular folk, like yours truly, avoid like church. Better to encounter this creature on the page rather than at a club or gym or workplace or online.

The Down Low Diaries--one of scores of novels that (unfortunately) deal with the down low--is a good read. The story is interesting, and the characters are capably drawn, and few come off unsoiled. In fact, if you read to escape you'll only find real people in these pages--insecure, irrational, arrogant, oblivious. Ware's main powers lie in moving the story along with snappy dialogue and a narrative drunk on its own brilliant insights. Readers are privy to the sweet mix of nature and nurture that produces this nameless protagonist, a man out for no one save his loathsome self. He fucks indiscriminately and basks in delight in the ignorance of heterosexuals. But he's not lover of homos, either, and then discard. But there is a heartbeat here, and its beat helps to anchor the narrative to slowly reveal the struggling light underscoring this dark individual's quest for, well, if I had to guess, some kind of liberation.

Unlike a great deal of the recent romantic, solipsistic black gay fiction I have purchased, read and threw out the window, The Down Low Diaries simply made me laugh. And cringe. And then laugh some more. The books suggests a wonderful remapping of territory folks think they've traversed and reveals that there's still quite a bit more ground to cover when it comes to what is commonly referred to as the down low. I await his next book.

I don't read a lot of books. Blogs, yes...books, no. If I had come across this book in my local bookstore I would have most likely never opened it and it would have been my lost. This book has to be the most entertaining gay fiction I've come across in a long time.

The "hero" of the book is a character with no name but his sexual relationships with both men and women and the instant sexual gratification he attains is only temporary, but the pain of living life on the down low seems to linger long after he climaxes.

This book is his diary and inside the reader is given the opportunity to experience every secret glance and sexual encounter of our hero and the men involved in this subculture.

Ware does a magnificent job at breathing life into every character in his book. Every moment between the characters are written so descriptively that it's almost impossible not to relate to the story on some level. You may not agree with their choices but you feel for them once the inevitable occurs; they're forced to deal with the truth and the consequences of their actions.

There is no shortage of drama, suspense, and sex in this novel (and the sex is hot!) From the first page Ware's ability for sharp and exciting storytelling captures the reader and doesn't let go until the very end and I knew if he could grab my attention from the start I would complete the book .

The question of whether it's better to come out openly as a gay man and face possible rejection or remain living on the down low is a question the main character wrestles with throughout the book. Men on the DL are often demonized but we rarely take the time to find out the life events that have turned them away from leading authentic lives and further into the closet.

This book is less about the hype of the down low as we know it and more about one man's lifelong journey of acceptance after all of the pain he's experienced and caused others.

In less than 300 pages and in bold print, The Down Low Diaries by Eric Ware is an easy read. It's honest and in your face. It's one of those books that you'll want to share with all of your friends when you're done reading. I'm almost certain that I'll be reading it again and not just because the author is from my hometown.

"The Indian War of 1864" is a reissue of a memoir originally published in the early 1900s. It recounts the day-by-day adventures of Eugene Ware, a young officer in an Iowa cavalry unit serving in far western Nebraska toward the end of the Civil War. The author, who later in his life was a published poet and friend of Mark Twain's, writes beautifully of life in the ranks on the far edges of civilization. He not only recounts the nitty-gritty of service in a volunteer cavalry unit, he wisely and graphically documents the clash of settlers and Indians. As a serving Army officer, I most enjoyed the many hard lessons Ware learned as a junior officer trying to maintain order and discipline among his soldiers. The volunteer soldiers of his unit were a rough and unruly bunch who had the signal virtues of being fearless fighters who never shirked their duties. All other soldierly qualities--such as the ability to stay sober--were in doubt and posed extreme leadership challenges for Lieutenant Ware. I have often shared anecdotes from the book with my peers and subordinates as examples of both how to earn the respect of American soldiers and how to live up to the demands of duty as an officer under extreme stress in remote locations. I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in the settling of the West, the US Army of the time, and the sad downfall of the American Indian.

I picked this book up by mistake. What a wonderful mistake.

This is a first hand account of the Indian War of 1864. In terms of its chronological time slot, these remembrances of Captain Eugene F. Ware, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, fit smack in the middle of the flood tide of Western migration from all parts of the east. Captain Ware's responsibilities were to keep the overland migration routes free from Indian attack while simultaneously protecting the Indians from white depredations. The story depicted is one of continual conflict resolution, long, weary hours of patrol, inadequate manpower and intense exposure to drought, flood, heat and cold. It is a story of fifteen mile wagon trains, vast buffalo herds and space, truly wide open space. It is a story of the OLD west, that which existed before fences and cattle ranches, before complex Indian reservation systems and most of all, a time when Native American tribes were still a force to be reckoned with. It is extremely well written.

That portion of the trail which Eugene Ware patrolled is today Interstate 80 as it passes through western Nebraska.

Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and Nebraska around the Platte river --1864. Cheyenne, Sioux, Pawnee, Kiowa, and others. Wagon trains from horizon to horizon. Confederate deserters. How to build a fort. Drunken troopers. A prairie fire moving at the speed of a train. A fort surrounded by thousands of Indains. Watching the beaver play. Surrounded by wolves. Brave soldiers. An incompetent officer. The secret society. A phonetic roster of Indian scouts. Hunting buffalo. The price of bacon, flour, rice, coffee, and other supplies. The different landscapes described. Tracking and running from Indians. An "accidental suicide." Premonitions. Real people as they really lived. A thousand vignettes as seen by Captain Eugene Ware of the Seventh Iowa Cavalry.

This is the memoir of a young cavalry officer serving on the Plains at the end of the Civil War. It is very interesting in the way it depicts day to day life, and merges the two conflicts. I was not aware, for example, that the Union was so concerned about Confederate attempts to ally with Indian tribes.

Having said this, I caution, that it's not exactly like reading about Custer. The most exciting encounter with the Indians involves Ware and his troop trying to make a mad dash for the fort before the Indians have time to persue, and the major accomplishment is replacing the telegraph wires that the Cheyennes destroyed. Thus I would not recommend this for an individual new to the topic of the Indian Wars, but if you're at the point where you want to delve deeper, and get more insight into the times, this is a very valuable work.

Investment firms confront a world of change. Yet many of them have managerial cultures that are ill suited for that confrontation. Author Jim Ware, writing with Beth Michaels and Dale Primer, exposes 10 myths of investment firm management, and shows managers what it takes to build a strong, successful management culture. The authors seem generous and humble, drawing examples from and crediting the work of numerous management authorities. The book does not break new ground, but rather it summarizes, compiles and restates what has been said elsewhere. The authors' approach is frank, straightforward and anecdotal. Their focus on the book's target market - investment firm managers - is tight and unvarying. Only in the last chapter do they stray from that focus, restating a number of criteria that investors might use to evaluate stocks on the basis of corporate culture. One suspects that the authors might have included this chapter at the urging of an editor eager to expand, if only incrementally, the readership for the book. If so, we believe the editor should have been content with how precisely the book serves its intended audience.

Investment Leadership explores why some investment organizations produce above average long-term results for clients while others don't. Jim Ware and his team discovered that the best ones have key common characteristics. Ware illustrates how an investment firm's culture influences creativity and success.

This is an engaging book and I believe every investment professional would benefit from reading it. Clients will learn important characteristics to look for when hiring an investment advisor or investing in mutual funds.

Management theorist Peter Drucker famously said: "What gets measured, gets done." Busy executives know this is true. So they have little time for management how-to books that repackage upbeat platitudes about excellence. But asset management executives should make time for Investment Leadership. It is refreshing on two counts. First, it's a management book for and about asset managers. Second, it tries to get its quantifying arms around leadership and culture. It's partly successful on this second count, and that's why it's worth a look.

The authors start with the premise that most investment professionals have no interest in managing people. (We'd point to the example of bond guru Bill Gross, who admits as such in RunningMoney's July 22 profile of PIMCO). That's why the book urges firms to find people with business and organization talent to lead.

And leading is different than just managing...

To read the entire review, check out www.runningmoney.com.

A fascinating insight into the differences in values, culture and leadership between good (or "stagnant") firms and great ones. Jim and his team have a wealth of experiences and facts to draw on to support their thesis.

I would consider this almost a manual for individuals looking to lead their firms down the road into becoming a great investment organization. It also contains practical insight into how values, culture and leadership are also essential qualitative research elements for consultants and analysts.

This book is useful for daily prayers. The prayers are arranged in the order of prayer used by Orthodox Christians. It begins with Vespers which is at 6pm and goes through of the hours of prayer. The prayers are to the point and relate to each time period. I usually use the morning prayers. There are also extra pages which I have filled up with other prayers. The forward is very informative especially for a beginner.

Prayer is the breath of the Christian life, as it unites the heart and mind to God an reminds us that we are our brother's and sister's keeper. This very slim volume is a handy book to have in the glove box, desk drawer, purse or backpack. Broken down by time (sunset, midnight, 9 am, noon etc), the prayers come right out of the Orthodox Christian monastic prayer cycle that all Christians can use for profit. Some sections are longer than others, but usually you can pray any given section in about five minutes, or, if you need a shorter prayer, you can do it in 30 seconds. God knows what we need and can do.

And the introduction by Bishop Kallistos Ware is very much worth reading over a few times a year, showing how prayer is something we do with the body and mind and heart, a recognition of God's holiness and mystery, a rejoicing in His love and intimacy, how it is Trinitarian and, since we ar emade in teh image of the Trinity, how our prayer is never individualistic- we belong to each other.

Enjoy!

This is the most beautiful collection of prayers I've ever seen!

Kallistos Ware wrote the foreward for this little gem; in it he defines man as a praying animal - an absolutely brilliant paragraph.

The prayers in the book are taken from an ancient Greek liturgical document - late eighth century i.e. before the Catholic-Orthodox split. Parenti has selected from this document prayers for the liturgical hours (Divine Office, Breviary). The prayers are clearly saturated with a Scriptural orientation - phrases and images consistently taken from the Bible. The prayers are chosen to clearly illustrate the orientation of each hour - 3rd hours to Pentecost, 9th hour to nailing Christ to the cross etc.

These traits are useful - but the beauty and doctrinal soundness of the prayers themselves make the book one to be treasured.

Shirley Gerald Ware's novel, Somebody Too, is an engrossing story about the downward spiral of an alcoholic and the people who stand helplessly by trying to save him as he sinks, with the inevitability of a dream. Grady, the alcoholic, is the narrator's brother, whom she fondly remembers as a bright, happy, if somewhat impish child. As he grows older, Grady's joie de vivre expresses itself in a love to dance...and eventually to party. He becomes enamored by material things and marries a strong-willed woman who controls and later, according to some in his family, destroys him.

Indeed, much of endless, agonizing speculation in this novel is who is responsible for the way Grady turned out? The simple answer, of course, is that Grady is fully responsible, but the guilt is assumed and spread around to the narrator, Grady's mother, and especially to Grady's wife, Reeva, and his brother, Willie.

More than the story of a single alcoholic, however, Somebody Too is a meditation on how we regard society's outcasts. The title comes from an encounter the narrator has with an alcoholic while she is working as a guard in a CVS in Boston. The bum pleads with her for help, and she recognizes the humanity beneath his appearance, and as store management removes the man from the premises, he cries, "I am somebody too!"

What makes this such a compelling novel, then, is how universal Grady is, but in a very directly personal way that we all recognize. Ms. Ware's voice is wise and compassionate as she takes us through the tragedy of Grady's life.

Somebody Too by Shirey Gerald Ware was an excellent book! As a former substance abuse therapist, I found this book to be both insightful and intriguing. The story of Grady working so desperately to find happiness in material possessions and relationships to hide his pain is all too often true. Ms. Gerald also brings out the point regarding how children from the same family can turn out so differently when she states that "people are like flowers, requiring plenty of sustenance and nurturing. But like the flowers, some grow and blossom while others stagnate, ... slowly dying. " This is most defintely what happens when a person succombs to alcohlism. Ms. Ware also does justice in speaking up for the homeless and their problems and how we all in society, family, friends and as people need to share responsibility and provide help. I highly recommend this book to all.

Somebody too really addresses and brings to light the fact that there is a person and a story behind all those alcoholics we may see and casually dismiss as just another no good drunk.In her southern style, Ms. Ware relays her story from a family perspective presenting the sad, progressive demise of her brother from a fun loving young man to a tortured alcohol.
When reading this,one can feel the degradation he endured and
the pain of the family that had to helplessly stand by as he
sunk deeper and deeper into a hell from which he was unable to
escape.This book is recommended reading for anyone whose life may have been touched by alcoholism and a reminder that there is a person inside if we take a closer look.
It was a very thought provoking piece!

Somebody Too is a fascinating work, indeed. The story is a moving, very touching tribute to the life of a man named Grady.

We are taken deep into the troubled life of a man hopelessly stricken by the horrible effects of alcohol addiction. While full of life and talent as a remarkable dancer and entertaining, loving human being, he could not shake the inner demons that haunted him. The narrator takes us through the chapters of Grady's life including the hopes and dreams he had for himself and those his family and friends had for him. The author uses a fitting parallel of a stranger on the street as a reference point for the prototype lost soul, in search of peace and happiness that seems ultimately elusive.

Like Kafka and Dostoevsky, MS. Ware explores the psychology of the troubled soul in gripping detail, documenting every nuance and facet to demonstrate the harsh realities of the character's ordeal. We learn to relate to the basic quandary of choosing between a long life of enduring satisfaction versus a "live fast and die young" approach that sucks many in. It begs the question: which is the better path? When the void is calling what determines the various paths we take? Is it free will or ordained by other more powerful forces of determination?

We gain such insights as, "he was a prisoner to his addiction, and those who suffer from addictions often find themselves being used by the strong," when referring to Grady working for his brother for "peanuts."

Another line that struck a chord in me:

"The strong indeed do survive, but they cannot survive without preying on the meek."

I found it fascinating and illuminating to discover different theories about society's role in fostering addiction and the unusual battles of one who goes against the norm and throws all caution and prudence to the wind.

The reader will become endeared to Grady and feels the narrator's pain in pulling for his ultimate victory.

This is a tear-jerker - an absorbing analysis of the struggle of the human soul.

MS. Ware is an insightful, eloquent writer who brings tangible life to her characters and a fresh perspective to the subject of addiction. I know Grady would be proud, for he gained immortality through MS. Ware's work.

A novel well-done.

After reading this book on yellow ware I learned alot about the manufacturing, history, and location of yellow ware. The information with each picture ,as a collector, was great. Thanks John

This is one of the most organized and well written books on pottery. The information is excellent and I would recommend this book for all antique libraries.

There is no doubt that this book is the " bible" on yellow ware as my friends and others refer to it as such. It's a must for any collector and We finally tracked down the author J. Gallo to get a copy. Unlike other books this book has the correct information on the subject. Thanks John