Bøger af Richard Strawn

I once read that Aristotle asserted that poetry was more important than history. With that premise, Camille Calls is a book of poetry about a generation during the years of a foreign war. One of the actors on this stage says, "Poems shine new light on what we thought we knew."In a way this book is dedicated to that generation, though I am only one voice of that generation and my characters on the stages of this book number only a few.In another sense this book is dedicated to you, you who read this book, who hear sounds and songs of Pacific and Hawai''i and a submarine, who dream of a plunge into Pacific surf, who smell rain and ocean and plumeiria, who read and listen.When people listen, they open hearts and souls to whoever is calling. So, listen, because Camille calls. The author was raised and educated in Hawai"i, and has lived in California for 50 years. Most importantly, his high school years and college years were spent in the 1960''s, a decade of war and peace, faith and religion, human rights, environmental consciousness, and love. Married in 1968, the author and wife have 6 children and 5 grandchildren. The author is inspired by the spirit of Hawai''i, as described by the Reverend Akaka in 1959, "When a people or person live in the spirit of aloha, they live in the spirit of God."

This is a book about prayer, about relationship with God, and about some experiences in prayer.For you who pray, pray more often; for you who do not pray, please begin. The book of Revelation (19:7) says that in heaven “the wedding feast of the Lamb has begun.” Who does not want to partake of that wedding feast? Start with a little taste.For a person who feels doubtful and for those who do not consider themselves believers, you too can “taste and see.” Take a little bite, try a little taste.God has many gifts to give each one of us. God does not mind if it has been years since a person prayed - today is the day, the only day that matters. Actually, what I said may not be true - God may mind a person’s absence, but is always, always, ready to welcome anyone. In the same way, God minds our sins, but cares more that we want to be better. The best way to be a better person is to grow in our relationship with God. I have no doubt about that. I was raised and educated in Hawaii, and have lived in California for 50 years. I am married for over 50 years, with 6 children and 5 grandchildren. Daily prayer connects me to the Lord, keeps me sane, gives me hope. I still work, on my own, in my accounting office. 

Societas Americana (American Society) is the legacy of the Cooper family. The Coopers were itinerant laborers who specialized in building parks during the American Civil War. They began to also teach and play baseball as they traveled around the United States, and this was a tradition that would continue. As time went on, the family evolved and changed. Some members left, while others embraced the game their family loved. Thus, the Traveling Coopers were born! Author Richard Strawn has brought to life history through the Cooper family in his historical fiction novel. Through his writing, Strawn also highlights the importance of telling stories and the joy of passing down stories to future generations. So keep reading to learn of the Coopers and the lives that were lived over so many years. Feel their joys and sorrows, discover their family, and most of all, enjoy!

Surgical Psalms contains 36 reflections about the author’s experiences of diagnosis and surgical recovery from colon cancer. These reflections seek spiritual dimensions of his situation. The author drew from the Psalms to reflect on various aspects of this experience. As the background to Surgical Psalms states, “I wrote these reflections for my own spiritual understanding, to think about and respect the path of life and death. These are issues, experiences and paths which other people deal with; perhaps my reflections might assist others in finding and following their spiritual path.” The author acknowledges great gratitude to God, “for all His guidance and healing, and for all the people who acted as His instruments and guides for my surgical path - surgeon, doctors, nurses, family, friends, priest, and particularly my wife.”

"You who hold in hand this book" begins the prologue to Compassing Mars. "This book" tells the story of the seventh mission of humans to Mars, from launch from Earth on May 20, 2027, landing and exploring Mars, and returning to Earth on August 12, 2028. The mission has definite scientific and astronomic purposes. In addition, as expressed by one of the seven members of the crew, "We go to Mars for our souls as much as for science." Compassing Mars exists in "an interface of past, present and future," as the members of the crew draw from wisdom of the Bible, literary works of the past, and 70 years of space exploration, and as they question what treasures they bring from Mars back to Earth. "This book" adopts the Old English pattern of stresses and alliteration, since poetry imposes discipline, provides patterns, provokes imagination, and unites individual viewpoints. The prologue ends - "Be conscious, be generous, be kind, be grateful."

The Last Irish Priest tells the story of Vincent and Mary O''Leary, and their weekend return to Northern California. They returned to visit with an old friend Father Hugh McDonnell.Vincent and Mary had left for Michigan with unresolved issues involving Hugh. During the weekend, the three friends deal with their issues through dialogue and discussion; they also face a number of issues plaguing their Church. Together they visit a cemetery and a prison, while seeking guidance if not enlightenment.The Last Irish Priest also relates the inner life of the three friends. In spite of their many talks, each of them has private thoughts and feelings which impact their words and actions.