Book Jacket

 

rank 4001 (-114)
word count 80181
date submitted 11.04.2010
date updated 29.07.2010
genres: Young Adult, Non-fiction, Biography...
classification: universal
complete

Say for Me Kaddish, An Engineer's Life and Advice

Alan D. Wilcox

 

Why did I become an electrical engineer? Religion played a special part as I reached a decision to convert to Judaism later in life.

 

Say for Me Kaddish, An Engineer's Life and Advice is the life story of an electrical engineer who began his career before the days of tiny Personal Computers and instant world-wide communications. It describes why he wanted to become an engineer, his interests, and how they interrelate as his career and hobbies develop.

The underlying theme is finding out what an engineer is like, what issues are important in defining success, and ultimately finding purpose and meaning in life by converting to Judaism later in life.

In addition to appealing to students, the book should resonate with the spouses of engineers. Engineers have a different take on the world around them, much to the dismay of the less-technically inclined. Perhaps, in some small way, reading this book will help each understand their partner's nearby parallel universe.

As an engineer and former professor, the author has published four technical textbooks in computer design and programming. Now, with decades of experience, he hopes to assist aspiring future engineers and technicians as they work out their careers and find their own special meaning in the engineering profession.

 
 

tags

advice, aircraft, amateur radio, autobiography, aviation, career, career planning, cars, christianity, college, computers, conversion, dogs, education...

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15 comments

 

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awilcox wrote 25 days ago

‎"Say for me Kaddish, An Engineer's Life and Advice" is now available on Amazon's Kindle! Search by title or its number b003xre5ty. Click for more details ... free sample chapter, free Kindle Reader for PC (or Mac, iPhone, etc.)

awilcox wrote 25 days ago

‎"Say for me Kaddish, An Engineer's Life and Advice" is now available on Amazon's Kindle! Search by title or its number b003xre5ty. Click for more details ... free sample chapter, free Kindle Reader for PC (or Mac, iPhone, etc.)

awilcox wrote 27 days ago

QUESTIONS FOR READERS ... As I pitch my prospectus to print publishers, I've been using the following 3 broad audience groups. Should they be changed?

1. Students considering a career in engineering.
2. Engineers who are interested in discovering meaning in their work and life.
3. Spouses of engineers who find themselves perplexed by the sometimes-peculiar behavior of their mate.

What genre fits such a diverse group given the content of the book?

SammySutton wrote 28 days ago

Alan,

This is an interesting story. I find your style very refreshing.
I was attracted to it primarily from the Judaism standpoint, but I have found the road to engineering and the mindset interesting, as I am fascinated by Science and what makes people tick.
I my self had always felt a strong connection to the Jewish population. On quite strangely powerful even as a child, later similar to you, but also in conjunction with DNA testing I learned of my own lineage. The connection has had a deeply positive influence on me. In fact there is a fascinating study about some of the Jewish bloodlines and how they have remained remarkably strong despite a seemingly lack of intention. The book is "Jacob's Ladder" by David B. Goldstein; you might find the book quite interesting.
I love the book and I think it is an interesting story that you tell well.
Backing!
Good Luck!
Sammy Sutton
King Solomon's '13'

awilcox wrote 32 days ago

QUESTIONS FOR READERS ... As I pitch my prospectus to print publishers, I've been using the following 3 broad audience groups. Should they be changed?

1. Students considering a career in engineering.
2. Engineers who are interested in discovering meaning in their work and life.
3. Spouses of engineers who find themselves perplexed by the sometimes-peculiar behavior of their mate.

What genre fits such a diverse group given the content of the book?

lizjrnm wrote 34 days ago

I love reading about people and cultures and traditions that are so unfamiliar to me. This is an interesting memoir. Backed with pleasure.

Liz
The Cheech Room

lynn clayton wrote 34 days ago

I'm very impressed that you translated the Kaddish.
What you say about engineers carrying things in their top pocket isn't a myth - I used to work in a drawing office and they all had their pockets stuffed with 'useful' items though it never registered with me till you mentioned it. And only an engineer could think the length of a train a useful thing to know.
Your writing is so calm and effortless and amusing. I hope more than just those interested in engineering read it. Backed with best wishes, Lynn

soutexmex wrote 34 days ago

Alan: I read your Ch 9 and it touched me. Being a Jew and educated as an engineer, this spoke to me. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. So many Christian-oriented novels on this site that's a refreshing to hear "our" story here. Nothing to gig you on in regards to your writing. But is this really a YA genre novel? Just curious. Outside that minor niggle, BACKED!

I can use your comments on my book when you get a chance. My book features a Jewish main character. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key

Burgio wrote 34 days ago

SAY FOR ME KADDISH
One of those tests you take in high school that predict what occupation you should choose in life said I should be an engineer (because I like math, I guess) but I never became one so your pitch spoke to me. I like the way you’ve divided this into separate chapters about different parts of your life; lets a reader pick and choose where he wants to begin. The chapters on your conversion to Judaism turned out to be most interesting to me (because of all the Born Again Christian books on this site I have read. I’m adding this to my shelf. If you have a moment, would you look at mine (Grain of Salt)? I’m in 8th place but only holding on by my teeth. Burgio

Catemo wrote 105 days ago

Much more than advice or autobiography, this book succeeds because it shows us, rather than tells us, what an engineer is made of -- such a joy to read because it is so broad and yet so specific. This author is an impressive person in his achievements, but more so in the character he has built and shares with us. On my bookshelf, and something I'll return to.

Catemo

awilcox wrote 106 days ago

Writtien from the heart and is soulful and pure in it's approach. This book will help many and should be published.
It was a pleasure to read
Backed
Best


Many thanks ... still sending out the prospectus to publishers. It's a difficult market to target.
Cheers, Alan

yasmin esack wrote 106 days ago

Writtien from the heart and is soulful and pure in it's approach. This book will help many and should be published.
It was a pleasure to read
Backed
Best

Su Dan wrote 141 days ago

if i had the time i would read all of this...it must be published. i will back for that reason...
su dan [seasons]

Suzie Q wrote 141 days ago

Dear Alan, I'm sure God is smiling as much as I am, because He accomplishes His purpose in each of us, in spirte of ourselves. Your resume is impressive & God says, "Well done, good & faithful servant." :) As you must have seen on my profile I've read the Bible mega times, so know most of it by heart, (but only in English). I've tried to research how Jesus actually said the Lord's Prayer & Ps 23 & 100. The Strong's just doesn't do it & my best friend is Messianic Jew & I've gone with her to her church in Irvine & even the Rabbi there doesn't know - he went to Moody & Texas Seminary. Love, Susie :) p.s. Hope you'll back my 2 books. :) (It was written with a lot of tears & prayers.) Now a Word for you: "You will hear a voice behind you saying, This is the way, walk ye therein. I will hold your hand & go before you to make your way straight. Nothing is too hard for Me. Under you are My everlasting arms." So be it. :)

Suzie Q wrote 143 days ago

Dear Alan, I love story/testimony. Your life is similar to mine in a lot of ways as you will see in my 2 books listed below. May God give you the wisdom to finish it & get it on authonomy. :) It is an excellent read because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm backing/commenting on your book to help it advance. Could you please return the favor by taking a moment to back/comment on my TWO books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & the unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories." Thanks, Susie :)

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