The New Social Worker Vol. 20, No. 4, Fall 2013

NEW! Beginnings, Middles, & Ends Sideways Stories on the Art & Soul of Social Work Ogden W. Rogers, Ph.D., LCSW, ACSW A sideways story is some moment in life when you thought you were doing one thing, but you ended up learning another. A sideways story can also be a poem, or prose, that, because of the way it is written, may not be all that direct in its meaning. What’s nice about both clouds, and art, is that you can look at them and just resonate. That can be good for both the heart and the mind. Many of the moments of this book have grown from experiences the author has had or stories he used in his lectures with students or told in his office with clients. Some of them have grown from essays written for others, for personal or professional reasons.They are moments on a path through the discovery of social work, a journey of beginnings, middles, and ends. With just the right blend of humor and candor, each of these stories contains nuggets of wisdom that you will not find in a traditional textbook. They capture the essence and the art and soul of social work. In a world rushed with the ilTable of Contents lusion of technique and rank empiricism, it is the author’s hope that some of the things here might make some moment in your thinking or feeling grow as a social worker. If they provoke a smile, or a tear, or a critical question, it’s worth it. Everyone makes a different journey in a life of social work. These stories are one social worker’s travelogue along the way. PRAISE FOR THE BOOK “As someone near the end of a long career in social work and social work education, I found the stories of Ogden Rogers in his collection, Beginnings. Middles, and Ends, to reflect so much of my own experience that I literally moved back and forth between tears of soulful recognition and laugh-out-loud moments of wonderful remembrances. There is something truthful and powerful about the artist who is willing to put a masterpiece together and leave the telltale signs of failed attempts.Too many who reflect on their past do so to minimize imperfection, setting standards unreachable by others. Ogden Rogers has charted a course of professionalism that encourages creativity, allowing for errors, and guided by honest reflection and dedication to those whom he would serve.This read is a gift to all, whether they are starting or ending their journey of service to others.” Terry L. Singer, Ph.D., Dean, Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville “I found the stories humorous, sometimes painful, and incredibly honest and real. There is really nothing else out in our literature that is quite like this. It reminds me of when we teach the art and science of social work practice—this is the art.” Jennifer Clements, Ph.D., LCSW, Associate Professor, Shippensburg University “...a profound piece of creative literature that will reinstill idealism within senior social workers who are on the threshold of being cynical about their work.” Stephen M. Marson, Ph.D., Professor, University of North Carolina Pembroke “Recommended reading for new social workers, experienced social workers, friends and families of social workers, and future social workers because of the variety of anecdotal case presentations and personal perceptions. Truly open and honest portrayals of social work and the helping professions with touching, easy-to-read entries fit within the beginning, middle, and ending framework.This book is suggested for both public and academic libraries to support the career services and/or professional development collections.” Rebecca S.Traub, M.L.S., Library Specialist,Temple University Harrisburg For the complete Table of Contents of Ogden Rogers’ Beginnings, Middles, & Ends and other information about this book, see: beginningsmiddlesandends.com Available directly from the publisher now! Available in print and Kindle editions at Amazon.com. See an excerpt on page 25. ABOUT THE AUTHOR O g d e n W. R og e r s , Ph.D., LCSW, ACSW, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Social Work at The University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He has been a clinician, consultant, educator, and storyteller. ISBN: 978-1-929109-35-7 • 2013 • 5.5 x 8.5 • 249 pages • $19.95 plus shipping Order from White Hat Communications, PO Box 5390, Harrisburg, PA 17110-0390 http://shop.whitehatcommunications.com 717-238-3787 (phone) 717-238-2090 (fax)

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