Initial Impressions by Lance Johnson - EDITOR - Low Band Monitor
My last non-technical ham radio book read was SOS at Midnight by Walker A. Tompkins, in 1961. This book, part of a series, featured a star football player, Tommy Rockford, K6STX and his pal "Spud" Kleveland, facing the Purple Shirt Gang, head on, using ham radio technology as an effective tool for fighting criminals.
When Theodore J. Cohen, with a PhD in Geophysics, announced his book Full Circle: A Dream Denied, A Vision Fulfilled, I was expecting Ted to use his vast knowledge of RF propagation at the subatomic level to develop his story.
Instead, he uses his own 15-year study of classical music, including 12 years with the violin at the soloist and orchestral levels, to develop his central theme.
Ham Radio novels have changed since 1961.
Theodore J. Cohen, N4XX, needs no introduction in ham radio circles; he has been a regular contributor to CQ Magazine, the Amateur Radio Journal, and other ham publications for five decades.
Ted's work with George Jacobs, W3ASK, on the definitive Shortwave Propagation Handbook, is probably the most well known of his numerous technical efforts.
Ted's book Full Circle is a story about a gifted young man named Teddy who must make a career choice decision. In the end, he chooses one that is counter to the life long dream of Solly, his father, who is a serious classical music enthusiast.
The story is set in 1950's Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and it chronicles the immense talent and effort required to succeed in a classical music environment.
By chance, Teddy discovers amateur radio and finds out that he also has real serious talent in electronics.
The story follows the fifty-year evolution and career experiences of a true scientist, after his abrupt curtailment of a promising musical career as a young man.
Amazingly after fifty years, Teddy rediscovers the violin and makes a noble effort to return to the classical music scene.
Does Teddy succeed? Sorry - you will have to buy the book to find out for yourself - playing classical violin is hard.
Full Circle features a number of interesting innovations that enhances the reading experience.
Ted uses ample explanations and footnotes throughout the novel that elaborate on technical communications terminology used in the story.
In a subtle way, Full Circle is a bit like a license study guide that will stimulate interest in communications among non-technical readers.
Conversely, Ted includes 41 notes for the musical compositions referenced in the story.
Today, my musical interests lean toward "Steely Dan" and "Alice In Chains", but using the list of compositions in Full Circle, I was able to sample a number of the classical pieces referenced in the story using YouTube.
If you are a frustrated ham who's hobby has never quite been understood, by family and friends, Full Circle would be a perfect gift choice for the misinformed.
After reading Ted's story, I felt a renewed sense of pride for my hobby, one that I had not sensed in years.
The section that features the relatively unknown WW II experiences of the late Harvey McCoy, W2IYX, Editor of the Long Island DX Bulletin, will give you goose bumps; those ten pages alone are worth the price of the book.
Full Circle would also be a good choice for the student or young adult because it addresses some valid character issues and provides an idea of what is required to achieve success in a competitive world.
Let's review a few basic rules for success that are discussed in Full Circle:
Respect your Parents and Teachers. Ted's childhood was founded on respect for others. Even when the pressure was overwhelming, he maintained the discipline required to achieve the goals he was asked to achieve.
Do your Homework. This is how you wind up being the smartest person at the table. Know your subject, and let others know that you are prepared.
Develop a high set of Personal Standards. Accept perfection as your minimum standard.
Identify your own Personal Skill Sets. Develop them to their fullest potential.
You will notice that the above list of rules sounds rather difficult. You are correct. But that's what it takes to succeed.
I think you will like the book. It's a fast, enjoyable "read" that takes you into the diverse worlds of ham radio and classical music, and in the end, leaves you asking for more.
FULL CIRCLE by THEODORE J. COHEN is available from the following Book Sellers:
Featured by the following organization:
MILWAUKEE YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Reviewed in Booktalk by Elizabeth Fisher - Bucks County Courier:
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