Rub up: Musings of a Navy Corpsman [Paperback]

Mitchell Rycus (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 27, 2007

Born into a middle-class Jewish family in Detroit, Mike Rabin continually hopes for a better future. Wanting to be a free spirit, Mike drops out of Cass Tech’s art program in the eleventh grade. But in his neighborhood, he is more likely to end up as a street hustler instead of something more prestigious, a fact that makes him feel pessimistic on more than one occasion.

Strongly influenced by his family roots, Mike also feels burdened with wartime angst. During World War II, he wasn’t old enough to join the service and avenge the Jewish people, not to mention participate in one of the biggest events of his generation. But when the Korean War breaks out, eighteen-year-old Mike eagerly enlists in the U.S. Navy and is sent to Hospital Corps School.

Even though he frequently volunteers to be a fleet marine corpsman, Mike spends the entire Korean War never seeing combat. But Mike’s cultural roots and his relationships with the people he meets in the navy influence his attitude—an attitude that pushes him toward hope and away from the cynical pessimism of his youth.

Rub Up: Musings of a Navy Corpsman is one sailor’s inspiring journey of self-discovery.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This novel touched me deeply. The rite of passage that it describes is powerfully revealed, and I was impressed by the way that [Rycus] wove the generations of the past into the evolving world of Mike Rabin. From the tattoo to Dorothy Parker, the development of the central character by means of the people who most affected him is convincing. And the navy details provide a realistic context for the changes occurring in Mike Rabin's broadening world," writes Professor Harold Scheub from Madison, Wisconsin.

"Rycus's novel helps us veterans all relive those strange between years when we were no longer kids but not quite adults. Strange times and odd ball experiences in and out of civilian life that many lived through are brought to mind with a gentle tug at memories–some painful and some wonderful–too long passed over," said Al Feldt, an early reviewer. --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

From the Author

I am an emeritus professor of urban planning, but my career has run the gamut from aerospace engineering to academia. I live in Ann Arbor where I continue to write and work. My first novel, "Rub Up: Musings of a Navy Corpsman," was my first venture into fiction. Since then I feel I have come a long way from the rigors associated with academic and scientific writing to the free-form style of fiction where I'm actually allowed to make things up! Which, by the way, I find much harder to do since now my writing has to be interesting.

I'm into my third novel which I hope to get published early in 2011. My newest book, "T," is about four families; a package of strange herbs followed by mysterious healings all combining to pose the question, "If you could cure all illnesses, would you?"
I love to write about themes that merge the elements of science and religion in ways not necessarily examined before. This frequently leads to issues of mysticism and ancient belief systems that peaks one's interest in a whole new way of thinking. I find this interesting and think that others would also find it worthwhile to read--although a little sex doesn't hurt either. --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 134 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (June 27, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595433235
• ISBN-13: 978-0595433230
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,103,353 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mitchell J. Rycus, emeritus professor of urban planning has written his third novel. His first novel, "Rub up: Musings of a Navy Corpsman," was an Ann Arbor best seller in October, 2007. In January, 2010 his second novel, "The Noble Profession of Leaf Chasing," was released. His latest novel, "T," is a saga about some mysterious leaves that seem to be able to cure anything. Rycus' career has run the gamut from aerospace engineering to academia. Before starting his writing career Rycus served as Chairman of the University of Michigan's Urban Planning Program in the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning from 1986 till 1992. Prior to his emeritus status in June of 2000, he was the Co-director of the Studies in Urban Security Group, which for almost twenty years did consulting for a number of municipal agencies throughout the United States. Since 1986 Rycus has traveled around the world studying crime reduction methods for planners. He has carried out crime reduction research at the University of Tokyo's Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, the University of Central England, Birmingham, UK, and the United Nations Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs in Vienna, Austria, as well as a number of other organizations throughout the world. Professor Rycus has authored, co-authored, or presented over 100 technical reports, articles, book-chapters, and scholarly papers.

For more information about Mitchell Rycus go to his home site:
http://sitemaker.umich.edu/mjrycus/home.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful read, November 10, 2007

By 

Barbara M. Wiggins (bloomfield hills, michigan USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Rub up: Musings of a Navy Corpsman (Paperback)

This book captures the interesting story of an American Jewish young man as he makes the transition to adulthood in the 1950s. The extensive use of details and navy settings depicts the times accurately and will be easy to identify with for anyone familiar with this era or military service.

The narrator's cheerfulness and the optimistic, open nature he displays as he allows free reign to his character's curiosity makes for a delightful read.

To flex his narrative muscle in a wider zone, perhaps this author will consider a sequel written from a feminine perspective.

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed Rub Up, October 17, 2007

By 

Geraldine Markel "Your Performance Coach" (Ann Arbor, MI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Rub up: Musings of a Navy Corpsman (Paperback)

Mitch Rycus, Ph.D., has written a warm-hearted and insightful book about the experiences of a young man during World War II. The reader understands and feels the confusion and insights of this young man as he meets new people and confronts unexpected challenges. This is a terrific book to read and discuss with those who have war-time experiences as well as with those who are too young to have experienced a war.