Overview

This is a social, intellectual, and spiritual autobiography of an average man who grew up in the American Midwest (Wisconsin) of a middle-class family, in the middle of the Twentieth Century. It details his Ancestry and Childhood, Education, and Career, in an era that is largely gone. The good and the bad aspects of that past culture are discussed. Despite a modest background and academic career at a small college in a remote area, Sheldon shows the many blessings of his life, including being a Visiting Scholar at Oxford University; The University of Vienna, Austria; Moscow University; Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland; Istanbul; and Australia. As an ordained Christian minister, he is known for his novel What Would Jesus Do? as well as ten other books on Political Theory, Early American Politics and Religion, Political Theology, and Law. The author was an advisor to the White House and a delegate to The American Israel Public Affairs Committee Conference in Washington, D.C. Besides his life story, Dr. Sheldon shares his views on Friendship, Family, Health, Sports, Entertainment, and even Animals, Clothes, Leadership, Retirement, and Death. Most of all, he hopes this Memoir will show his Faith and Humor to cheer and comfort this sad world.

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9780996689069

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Reviews

"Review by David George Moore: MEMOIR OF A GRATEFUL ACADEMIC In 2016, I interviewed Professor Garrett Sheldon on his terrific book, The Philosophy of James Madison. Recently, Garrett asked about whether I would like to receive a copy of his memoir. Once it arrived, I immediately started to read. Sometimes in lieu of a traditional book review, I will briefly list some of the things that I appreciated about a book. I am going to employ that approach here. I normally don't alliterate, but it kind of came together this time: Heart-breaking: The suicide of Garrett's mom and the difficulties of dealing with his father. Heart-warming: There are some wonderful people along the way that provide friendship and keep the author on a healthy trajectory. Humorous: This book contains some funny anecdotes. Heady opportunities: Garrett had the opportunity to brief a president of the United States, teach at some stellar schools around the world, and write books with top-notch publishers. Humility: Even with the former reality, the author demonstrates a humility, even a healthy self-effacing attitude. Holy-Spirit nimbleness: When Garrett found himself in some tough spots as a Christian, the Lord wonderfully provided him with the right words to say. Whether you have interest in the life of an academic or not, you will be blessed by reading this story of God's evident mercies and redemption. Review from Russ Freeburg: Garrett, I found your memoir to be an easy and enjoyable read, interesting and scholarly. Congratulations on a job well done. Your take on the decadence of current universities, to me, is right on. It is pleasurable to see Harvard getting it on the chin and referred to increasingly ""as a once great institution."" But, let's get back to your memoir. Reading about your travels and sabbaticals was exciting. I found myself wishing you had written more about Oxford. I was left wanting even more about life as you found it there. One thing that puzzled me was your use of first names and last name initial only for some of the folks you wrote about. Your writing throughout was otherwise so pure and clear. There is no doubt, after reading of your life, that you have a great since of humor. But, you did write about the depressing periods of your life with candor. I will say that, as I read along, I felt engrossed in what you were revealing. I didn't know you were a car buff. Like you, I admire Jefferson. Since, I lived in Virginia for 30 years, I supposed it comes with the territory. Driving to and from the CSA from Charlotte, NC for several years, I am somewhat familiar with the Wise area. With books, it always adds interest if the reader has some connection, no matter how little, with the content. So, it goes! I think the blurb on the back cover is a wonderful synopsis."

I received Garrett Ward Sheldon's book, A Memoir: My Life, Loves, and Laughs, as a review copy from the author. This is a case of a title aptly describing the book's contents. The book gives an excellent balance of story, political comment, feeling, and humor. I found it a thoroughly enjoyable read. . . After all, it is radical political theory that is now turning Western Civilization on its head - to the satisfaction of some and the dismay of others. Garrett goes on to devote chapters to his teaching, academic writing, and his travels. His travels, which I found most interesting, flowed from his academic teaching, writing, and research. Afterward comes his reflections on his life as an ordained minister, friendship, family, health, sports, entertainment, animals, clothes, leadership, retirement, and death. The tone and mood of the writing are always soft and warm, reflecting a person at peace with himself. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it. Gerard Wilson In 2016, I interviewed Professor Garrett Sheldon on his terrific book, The Philosophy of James Madison. Recently, Garrett asked about whether I would like to receive a copy of his memoir. Once it arrived, I immediately started to read. Sometimes in lieu of a traditional book review, I will briefly list some of the things that I appreciated about a book. I am going to employ that approach here. I normally don't alliterate, but it kind of came together this time: Heart-breaking: The suicide of Garrett's mom and the difficulties of dealing with his father. Heart-warming: There are some wonderful people along the way that provide friendship and keep the author on a healthy trajectory. Humorous: This book contains some funny anecdotes. Heady opportunities: Garrett had the opportunity to brief a president of the United States, teach at some stellar schools around the world, and write books with top-notch publishers. Humility: Even with the former reality, the author demonstrates a humility, even a healthy self-effacing attitude. Holy-Spirit nimbleness: When Garrett found himself in some tough spots as a Christian, the Lord wonderfully provided him with the right words to say. Whether you have interest in the life of an academic or not, you will be blessed by reading this story of God's evident mercies and redemption. -David George Moore I received Garrett Ward Sheldon's book, A Memoir: My Life, Loves, and Laughs, as a review copy from the author. This is a case of a title aptly describing the book's contents. The book gives an excellent balance of story, political comment, feeling, and humor. I found it a thoroughly enjoyable read. . . After all, it is radical political theory that is now turning Western Civilization on its head - to the satisfaction of some and the dismay of others. Garrett goes on to devote chapters to his teaching, academic writing, and his travels. His travels, which I found most interesting, flowed from his academic teaching, writing, and research. Afterward comes his reflections on his life as an ordained minister, friendship, family, health, sports, entertainment, animals, clothes, leadership, retirement, and death. The tone and mood of the writing are always soft and warm, reflecting a person at peace with himself. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it. -Gerard Wilson

"Review from Russ Freeburg: Garrett, I found your memoir to be an easy and enjoyable read, interesting and scholarly. Congratulations on a job well done. Your take on the decadence of current universities, to me, is right on. It is pleasurable to see Harvard getting it on the chin and referred to increasingly ""as a once great institution."" But, let's get back to your memoir. Reading about your travels and sabbaticals was exciting. I found myself wishing you had written more about Oxford. I was left wanting even more about life as you found it there. One thing that puzzled me was your use of first names and last name initial only for some of the folks you wrote about. Your writing throughout was otherwise so pure and clear. There is no doubt, after reading of your life, that you have a great since of humor. But, you did write about the depressing periods of your life with candor. I will say that, as I read along, I felt engrossed in what you were revealing. I didn't know you were a car buff. Like you, I admire Jefferson. Since, I lived in Virginia for 30 years, I supposed it comes with the territory. Driving to and from the CSA from Charlotte, NC for several years, I am somewhat familiar with the Wise area. With books, it always adds interest if the reader has some connection, no matter how little, with the content. So, it goes! I think the blurb on the back cover is a wonderful synopsis."

I received Garrett Ward Sheldon's book, A Memoir: My Life, Loves, and Laughs, as a review copy from the author. This is a case of a title aptly describing the book's contents. The book gives an excellent balance of story, political comment, feeling, and humor. I found it a thoroughly enjoyable read. . . After all, it is radical political theory that is now turning Western Civilization on its head - to the satisfaction of some and the dismay of others. Garrett goes on to devote chapters to his teaching, academic writing, and his travels. His travels, which I found most interesting, flowed from his academic teaching, writing, and research. Afterward comes his reflections on his life as an ordained minister, friendship, family, health, sports, entertainment, animals, clothes, leadership, retirement, and death. The tone and mood of the writing are always soft and warm, reflecting a person at peace with himself. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it. -Gerard Wilson

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