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Jan. 27, 2005 Okay, Ron Lewis. I am calling you out. You want Reviews, I will give you Reviews. You can't handle the Reviews! _________________________________________________ Computer-End Program By Argile Stox PublishAmerica - June 2004 ISBN 1-4137-2496-5 Trade Paperback - 324 Pages Customer Reviews - Barnes & Noble / Amazon Fantastic book!, January 4, 2005 Reviewer: Girl Power - See all my reviews This is one of the most brutally honest and moving books I have read in my lifetime. This author is raw and unapologetic in his anger and disappointment with the system, and still survives as best as he can. It is gripping from the first page, and holds you until the very end. I can't wait to read more from this talented author! Midwest Book Review - being homeless is not a picnic, August 28, 2004 Reviewer: L. A. Johnson (Nebraska USA) - See all my reviews Do you ever wonder about the homeless people you see in your daily travels? This is your chance to walk a mile in their shoes and experience their lives. Citizens and politicians can pretend the homeless problem does not exist, but those thrown into the situation don't have that luxury. Computer - End Program is one man's story. Argile Stox is a pseudonym. In the wake of 9/11, the life of Argile Stox is rather swiftly deconstructed. Economic downturns in the New York City area make his job obsolete. Jobs paying enough to maintain even his frugal lifestyle are hard to find, if not impossible. His savings are depleted first, then he loses his vehicle, and finally after several months his apartment. A quiet, unassuming man who always paid his own way is left standing on the street with everything he owns stuffed in a rolling duffel bag. He turns to the Salvation Army and finds housing in an all male homeless shelter until he can regroup. His hopes for the future are high. He's intelligent and capable, after all, and surely this will be a temporary setback. Although he isn't a drug addict, alcoholic, or convicted felon, Argile is placed in a shelter warehousing such men. Life in the shelter is structured by hard rules and domineering overseers. Newfound friends make life bearable, but Argile soon begins to suffer from his losses. The once productive self-sufficient member of society is plagued by anxiety and fear of the unknown. Exhausted in body, mind, and spirit, he struggles to gain needed health care, permanent housing, and a paying job. When Argile is transferred to a homeless shelter for honorably discharged veterans, he trusts that life will soon turn in his favor. What he discovers there is danger from violent residents and cruel, injust treatment at the hands of those paid to serve the homeless. Overwhelmed caseworkers try to distance themselves from the hopeless souls they should be serving. Psychiatric teams have as their only goals maintaining power and control. Suffering from bleeding ulcers and contemplating suicide, Argile leaves that second shelter in desperation. Even life on the street is preferable to injustice and harassment. With dignity and scathing honesty, Argile writes his story on the laptop purchased in his pre- homeless life. Writing is a purgative and calming exercise. The message he delivers is clear: Don't take for granted the small pleasures and blessings in life because millions of decent Americans are one or two paychecks away from homelessness. In closing, I must stand in agreement with points made retrospectively by the author. America has lost the war on drugs, poverty, domestic violence, mental illness, and homelessness. Until our elected officials turn their attention away from funding problems overseas, they cannot address dire social problems within our borders. This book is a sobering commentary on social problems existing long before 9/11 and the current economy. I suggest you read this book, if you have the courage. Michael Stoops (mstoops@nationalhomeless.org), A reviewer, August 25, 2004, Nitty Gritty Account This book provides a very real and nitty gritty account of what it is like being homeless in the U.S. This is the 'book to read' for people wanting to know about the day-to-day existence of homeless people. Michael Stoops Director of Community Organizing National Coalition for the Homeless Washington, DC This Is A Must Read!!!, June 25, 2004 Reviewer: A reader Argile Stox provides an autobiographical account of a life turned upside down and later, much later, right side up again. "Computer End Program" is the captivating tale of Stox, who, through no fault of his own, is relegated to the dark underworld of the homeless. Peppered with subtle humor at the expense of himself, the system, and the tediousness of homeless living, Stox delivers an engaging tale. Cigarettes and coffee provide comfort the mental health professionals are unable to provide. Resilience and perseverance fuel Stox's recovery and ultimately saves his life, literally and figuratively. Humor and tragedy intermingle to deliver the message everyone should take the time to appreciate all that they have, especially the little things. - Brian Scully Thought Provoking, June 15, 2004 Reviewer: G. Rogers (USA) - See all my reviews Argile Stox's memoir hands the reader a "Back Stage Pass" into the world of homelessness, in New York City. His guided tour of 30th Street Men's Shelter, 23rd Street Veterans Hospital, FDR Campus, Montrose, and the Streets of Albany, NY, begs the reader to ask this question: "Could This Happen To Me?" This memoir is a must read! Computer-End Program, June 11, 2004 Reviewer: A reader Argile Stox could be any man or woman in the United States. How many men and women do we pass by without noticing? How many times do we say to ourselves, "There's nothing I can do. So why think about it?" Computer-End Program is a poignant depiction of one man's struggle for survival on the streets of New York. It examines his inner thoughts and fears of his homeless experiences and brings to light a world that few of us even dare to scrutinize. Argile Stox has granted us all the opportunity to become more aware of a situation that needs to be changed. I truly hope that the powers that be in this country read this book and digest it in order to make the changes necessary in our social structure. No human being should be forced to face the contingency of homelessness. Computer- End Program is an extremely powerful nonfiction book. I highly recommend it. After reading it, the reader will never again be able to just pass by these people without thinking of them and their struggles. It removes the blinders in which encumber us and changes the social consciousness within. Tracy Sutterer - Author Argile Stox Wrote: The title of my book is derived from dialogue contained from within. The subject matter is not "sexy". It is my hope that when it is published, my experiences will raise America's consciousness, and empower our elected officials to "Do Something - Anything." (FDR) _________________________________________________ Ron Lewis. I Double Dog Dare You to refute the above testimonials. Unless you have opened your Jack Benny wallet lately and have actually Read my book, you have no room to talk. That Is My Story And I am Sticking To It. ------------ About the author Argile Stox: Visit the website: http://mysite.verizon.net/res8nrbr/ Email: argilestox@verizon.net Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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