The story of the life and times of William ("Bill for short") Sackter is as remarkable and inspiring as any in American history. Bill's story is re-told by his good friend Professor Thomas Walz (now retired from the social work department of the University of Iowa) in such sharp, believable detail as even to go so far as to write the majority of the book from Bill's point of view, using the sort of speech, broken perhaps but very gripping, as Bill had used; this aspect brings a great deal of accuracy to the book. The Bible says in I Thessalonians 5 to rejoice always and to give thanks in all circumstances. Bill Sackter took these principles to the extreme, and as a result, made everyone who knew him take a much closer look at themselves and the world around them. His life still has that effect on people today.

I'm not going to say here what all happened in Bill's life; the book will do a much better job of that than I. However, I will simply say that this book will open your eyes to an incredible sense of optimism little known in the world we live in today. I can't imagine someone reading this book and being disappointed.

One thing more: for those of you who have seen and loved the movies "Bill" and "Bill On His Own" (which have been out of print for who-knows-how-many-years), they are available from the very good people at Wild Bill's Coffee Shop at the University of Iowa.

This book is a love feast. Story after story of Bill and the "frens" who were fortunate enough to be a part of Bill's circle, including the regulars on the bus who were cheerfully greeted upon boarding, the day care children who had a happy transition from parents dropping them off for day care, the nice lady prostitutes who enjoyed his happy harmonica tunes when he was in Washington, DC to be honored for his achievements. Not only does the book make you glad to know about Bill's magnificent gift of loving, it gives hints about how to nurture that in life. The book is for everyone who celebrates the great diversity of gifts that make life wonderful

This uplifting story will appeal to anyone who is interested in how the human spirit overcomes great adversity. It is also of local interest to residents of Iowa City, as it recaps events that happened in this town and on this campus. A thoroughly enjoyable read that I would highly recommend.

A sign of the times: books about heaven and angels and the like used to always start with the question: Does such a thing exist? Barry Morrow, in Heaven Observed, begins with the implied question, "Does it really matter if there is a heaven?" and goes on to explain, with ample input from all sides, that, well... yes, it does! Why else would we try to attain it here? Morrow gently shows us that heaven is not just a reward for living well or making certain choices. Instead it is a fulfillment of longings and incompleteness that were never meant to be-and cannot be-fulfilled here on earth. Even the best things leave us unsatisfied, and point us to a place and time of ultimate satisfaction. David Jenkins once said, "As I get older, I seem to believe less and less, and yet to believe what I do believe more and more." Barry Morrow has done an excellent job of reminding me-in my cynical middle-age years-why I believe in heaven, and why that gives me hope-today.

Finally, a book that explores the concept and reality of heaven in a fascinating and intellectually stimulating way.

I've never been particularly interested in the usual pie in the sky, floating on clouds view of heaven. This book kept me glued to a new way of looking at it.

Thanks, Barry Morrow, wherever you are... I hope not in heaven, yet! I'd like to see some more books from you.

Does God give us clues about what Heaven will be like? In Heaven Observed, Barry Morrow explains how common everyday events and activites illustrate or foreshadow what we can anticipate in Heaven. He addresses our work and play, pleasures and joys, pain and suffering, film and literature, the daily grind, our sense of alienation, and our universal unhappiness.

"The main emotion of the adult American who has had all the advantages of wealth, education, and culture is disappointment."

"Most middle-class Americans tend to worship their work, to work at their play, and to play at their worship."

Throughout the Scriptures, a number of metaphors and other figures of speech are employed to describe Heaven. While much remains a mystery, beyond our comprehension, we still have a number of longings that Heaven will surely satisfy. A few of these are peace and tranquility, rest and comfort, protection and security.

A well reasoned, scholarly, yet readable account about clues in this mortal life that point to Heaven, Morrow has done a masterful job of inviting the reader to see the "glimpses" that he sees. A must read if you plan to go there and stay for a while.