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Shaken Awake: The Complete Trilogy
Three books in one: Shaken Awake, Awakend and Woke.
When a bitingly cold snow storm ravages Atlanta and a homeless man freezes to death on the steps of the rapidly declining Peachtree Church, the church members are forced to reassess the purpose of their organization. Will they shutter the doors or move forward, passionate for a new mission?
In the first book of the trilogy, we see the aftermath of the storm from several points of view, some church members, some community first responders, and some homeless.
In the second and third books, the church starts changing to serve the local community, especially the homeless people around them. Working in partnership with Jim, Gladys, and other formerly homeless, they create solutions that challenge the typical handouts and allow for a dignified hand up. The church members learn to start with whatever they have and eventually create a very good system to help eradicate homelessness in their corner of the world.
Shaken Awake will evoke compassion for the homeless community and enlighten you with ideas and simple steps to help end homelessness in your region.
When a bitingly cold snow storm ravages Atlanta and a homeless man freezes to death on the steps of the rapidly declining Peachtree Church, the church members are forced to reassess the purpose of their organization. Will they shutter the doors or move forward, passionate for a new mission?
In the first book of the trilogy, we see the aftermath of the storm from several points of view, some church members, some community first responders, and some homeless.
In the second and third books, the church starts changing to serve the local community, especially the homeless people around them. Working in partnership with Jim, Gladys, and other formerly homeless, they create solutions that challenge the typical handouts and allow for a dignified hand up. The church members learn to start with whatever they have and eventually create a very good system to help eradicate homelessness in their corner of the world.
Shaken Awake will evoke compassion for the homeless community and enlighten you with ideas and simple steps to help end homelessness in your region.
- GenresFiction
328 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2020
About the author
Allen Madding
9 books79 followersAllen Madding is a follower of the way, author, traveler, Atlanta Braves and Dallas Cowboys fan, and an information technology professional who lives in Thomasville, GA. He grew up in rural South Georgia where he developed a love for hunting, fishing, putting peanuts in a Coca-Cola, and racing cars. He raced short track stock cars for nine years and has written for Speedway Media and Insider Racing News. He is a retired volunteer firefighter/NREMT-I and fancies himself as a storyteller and a guitar strummer.
He is always up for a road trip and a hot cup of truck stop coffee. He feels at home in wide open spaces, hiking in the woods, walking on the beach listening to the ocean's tide, watching the sunset over a cypress lined pond, and relishes the smell of honeysuckle and the sound of the wind through the pines.
He loves a medium rare steak, cheeseburgers, blackberry cobbler, bourbon and Coke, boiled peanuts from a roadside stand, and a hotdog and beer at a baseball game while heckling the opposing team and keeping the umpire honest. He roots for the underdog and has learned how to say "I'm sorry". He believes that Dale Earnhardt was the greatest driver to ever compete in NASCAR, that Chevrolet is the heartbeat of America, and that Ford is a four letter word.
He says "Yes, Sir" and "No Ma'am" and prays before a meal. He believes that scars are the original tattoos and has a collection of both that remind him where he has been and help to keep him headed in the right direction.
He is always up for a road trip and a hot cup of truck stop coffee. He feels at home in wide open spaces, hiking in the woods, walking on the beach listening to the ocean's tide, watching the sunset over a cypress lined pond, and relishes the smell of honeysuckle and the sound of the wind through the pines.
He loves a medium rare steak, cheeseburgers, blackberry cobbler, bourbon and Coke, boiled peanuts from a roadside stand, and a hotdog and beer at a baseball game while heckling the opposing team and keeping the umpire honest. He roots for the underdog and has learned how to say "I'm sorry". He believes that Dale Earnhardt was the greatest driver to ever compete in NASCAR, that Chevrolet is the heartbeat of America, and that Ford is a four letter word.
He says "Yes, Sir" and "No Ma'am" and prays before a meal. He believes that scars are the original tattoos and has a collection of both that remind him where he has been and help to keep him headed in the right direction.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 29, 2020
Heartwarming Portrayal
We have all heard the motivational quotes that encourage us to do something to change the world, no matter how small it may seem. While these sayings may seem overly simplistic or optimistic, I feel like the Shaken Awake trilogy has indeed done its part to change our world for the better.
The main thing that I will take away from reading this book is a new perception of humanity in the homeless population we all encounter. This story portrays all of the characters, but especially those who find themselves without a roof over their heads as warm, personable, real people who I have grown quite fond of throughout the reading. The portrayal of their circumstances, their love and concern for others in their community, and the gratitude at the kindness they are shown is truly heartwarming.
While this story is fictional, I also appreciate the author’s commitment throughout to find a permanent solution to homelessness, not just a temporary treatment of it’s symptoms. One can see that he has done extensive, real-world research and included these facts into his book. The author also gives suggestions for helpful things we can do to ease the burden of those who might be struggling with homelessness or hunger in our communities.
We have all heard the motivational quotes that encourage us to do something to change the world, no matter how small it may seem. While these sayings may seem overly simplistic or optimistic, I feel like the Shaken Awake trilogy has indeed done its part to change our world for the better.
The main thing that I will take away from reading this book is a new perception of humanity in the homeless population we all encounter. This story portrays all of the characters, but especially those who find themselves without a roof over their heads as warm, personable, real people who I have grown quite fond of throughout the reading. The portrayal of their circumstances, their love and concern for others in their community, and the gratitude at the kindness they are shown is truly heartwarming.
While this story is fictional, I also appreciate the author’s commitment throughout to find a permanent solution to homelessness, not just a temporary treatment of it’s symptoms. One can see that he has done extensive, real-world research and included these facts into his book. The author also gives suggestions for helpful things we can do to ease the burden of those who might be struggling with homelessness or hunger in our communities.
April 30, 2020
This was an excellent trilogy! Even though it is a work of fiction, it explores what can happen when concerned citizens stop saying "Someone should help the homeless," but instead ask, "What will I do to help the homeless?" This book could be used as a guideline for any church or civic group to start the ball rolling on addressing homelessness. Groups of all sizes can play a role in transitioning the homeless into tiny home communities. I encourage you to purchase this book for your church group, civic club, or book club. As you read this book, either individually or as a group, ask the hard questions about what you can and will do to coordinate efforts in your community to help those who need it the most.
May 4, 2020
I really enjoyed Shaken Awake. It is surprisingly relevant and actionable- even as a work of fiction. It made me think about truly solving homelessness, which is a subject I have typically fell ill-equipped to deal with.
I liked the character development and vivid imagery the author used, and I felt like I was with him in downtown Atlanta, among the snow as the story unfolded. I was really surprised who the main character was, and the supporting inanimate object that was also central to the story.
I recommend this book to anyone looking to get a clear vision on how to fight homelessness in their own community while being entertained with an engaging story that was hard to put down.
I liked the character development and vivid imagery the author used, and I felt like I was with him in downtown Atlanta, among the snow as the story unfolded. I was really surprised who the main character was, and the supporting inanimate object that was also central to the story.
I recommend this book to anyone looking to get a clear vision on how to fight homelessness in their own community while being entertained with an engaging story that was hard to put down.
April 29, 2020
This book is very well written and sheds light on homelessness. The author clearly defined both sides in the story. You will feel like you are there. This book is definitely worth the read.
May 4, 2020
Enjoyable story about helping the homeless in Atlanta. It’s so realistic it makes me want to look into doing such a thing in my community.
March 31, 2020
This book is vital for our Christian culture right now. The plot draws us into the plight of homeless people and before it's over, you know exactly how you can work to end homelessness in your area. So helpful! This book is like nothing I've read before, and I cannot recommend it more. It's a well written, captivating, hope-filled story.
November 27, 2020
Full disclosure - I received a free Kindle copy of this book as a Goodreads Giveaway.
A man freezes to death on the steps of a locked church in Atlanta. A couple of weeks later a huge snowstorm closes the city down. These are the true events which inspired this novel.
In the novel this precipitates the building of a planned community for the city's homeless population. It's very clear from the beginning that this is how it's going to end, and there are no antagonistic characters created. No naysayers. No NIMBY's. All the pieces fall into place as if by divine will.
There was still a fair amount of dramatic tension, just in seeing how much would have to come together just so in order for this to come about. They do a really good job on touching on the barriers, as well as things like housing insecurity, mental illness, addiction etc.
The one thing not at least touched on was race. This is an instance where the author very clearly made a decision not to see color - no character was given a racial identity at all. I do think that made the treatment weaker and less thorough.
This is a great book for homeless advocates and activists, and I recommend it.
A man freezes to death on the steps of a locked church in Atlanta. A couple of weeks later a huge snowstorm closes the city down. These are the true events which inspired this novel.
In the novel this precipitates the building of a planned community for the city's homeless population. It's very clear from the beginning that this is how it's going to end, and there are no antagonistic characters created. No naysayers. No NIMBY's. All the pieces fall into place as if by divine will.
There was still a fair amount of dramatic tension, just in seeing how much would have to come together just so in order for this to come about. They do a really good job on touching on the barriers, as well as things like housing insecurity, mental illness, addiction etc.
The one thing not at least touched on was race. This is an instance where the author very clearly made a decision not to see color - no character was given a racial identity at all. I do think that made the treatment weaker and less thorough.
This is a great book for homeless advocates and activists, and I recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews