Customer Reviews

Pass It Along

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Among the generality of adults there are but few clergypeople. And, although the professional workings of persons in the ministry are public, their personal and private lives, in the nature of things, remain hidden to all but a few. What influences and misadventures were there during a reverend's childhood? At the age of eleven, did the future man of the cloth throw stones at his neighbor's roof? What does a clergyman actually do from Monday through Saturday? What do they do when they retire? Nobody knows, apart from a few.

Now comes Dr. Harold Jester, a career chaplain in the United States Air Force (retired) and a licensed clinical psychologist who, in his PASS IT ALONG, relates some of his highly varied experiences with people and events from widely scattered places all the way from Turkey to Iwo Jima to Alaska, and ranging in time from childhood to his second retirement. From these brief narratives we learn of some salient events in the life of a chaplain and clinical psychologist such as are not available to the public.

But this is the least valuable of the contributions made by Dr. Jester's memoir. Much more important are the insights drawn from his experiences, their applicability for the rest of us, and the questions they provoke about the nature of human nature, and in some cases the mystery of unexplained coincidences. These 52 short narratives, reflecting the author's two careers (about 20 years in each), take their materials from religion and church life, and psychological counseling and the mind. These are not two separate domains but, through the integration possible over a long life, a joined experience. His perspectives on religion and the church, clarified by psychological insights, are such as would not be possible in one trained in religion or psychology alone.

Also important, Dr. Jester practices the art of cutting to the core of the problem at hand, of stripping away the myths we all like to believe, and the masks we all like to wear, thus bringing the truth into the light. There is no wrapping of cold facts in a blanket of misplaced sentimental tenderness. Such honesty is not all that common.

You will find much in this book that is well worth passing along.

My expectation the latest of Dr. Jester's body of work was that he had written a light, entertaining piece for a change. What I discovered was a magnificent pearl in the oyster. It is truly a delightful read. It is a primer on life's lessons told in such an entertaining way that no one minds "being taught". Dr.Jester's book reminds us of our own humanity. His gentle urging for us to appreciate each other for individual uniquenesses we all bring to this world is his most treasured gift of the book. It's definitely one you will pick up and read over and over. Great book for the holidays to, as Dr. Jester puts it--"Pass It Along"

Joan Katsounakis (East Longmeadow, Massachusetts

In this book the author shares some of his life's experiences with a refreshing candor. You will find yourself remembering some of your own encounters with the human condition and perhaps you will re-think the outcomes. In the spirit of full disclosure, I must tell you that my path crossed with Hal and Marcia for a few years at a time when their warmth and friendship were sorely needed. I recall hours of discussion by candlelight in their home and hearing some of the experiences you will read about in this book. I am pleased to recommend "Pass It Along" to you so you may share in Hal's unique thought processes!

It was hard to put down as we all live such life experiences and want to know, how did it go for someone else. I saw myself in some of these. A lot of times these were difficult experiences, sometimes comical, sometimes sad. But these were all insightful. Like how many times have you told the shoe salesman exactly what size shoe you've always been wearing?? We all know what size we wear, but don't realize it may change. Wow what a revelation.
Sometimes we learn best from not saying anything. Other times it is just and Humph moment. I am keeping this one on the shelf to go back and re-read a few exerpts every once in a while.

Reading this book was an experience in gainng a deeper understanding of human nature as it relates to the author and how it could relate to me. It helped to expand my horizon of thought as it relates to experiences in life.

I was fortunate to receive Hal Jester's most recent book, "Pass It Along", as a gift. I knew the author, I thought, but only by reading these short stories that highlight events in his life, and the lessons learned, can I now say I KNOW the author. This anthology of short stories about various incidents in Hal's life are clearly and descriptively written in an easygoing style and laced with humor and wit, allowing the reader to not only identify with the author's experiences, but often with a smile reflecting the enjoyment derived therein. The stories not only broaden our horizons through his vast experiences, but encourage us to ponder the lessons as they apply to our own lives. Hats off to you, Hal Jester, for writing a book that appeals to people of all ages and is such a delight to read. I will "pass it along", but only after reading it over and over. Thank you.

Harold Jester"s book is a very readable collection of anecdotes and incidents from his own life experiences. Unlike most such efforts the reader soon finds himself caught up in the stories and anxious to go on to the next. As one very engrossed in genealogy I found myself wishing that more of us bothered to produce similar volumes. It is distressing to find nothing more about an ancestor than "born, married, begat and died", but so often that is the case.

I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Jester's new book, Pass It Along. Being a rabbi, I was delighted with his two sensitive and touching stories about the late Rabbi Herman E. Snyder, founding rabbi of Sinai Temple in Springfield.