Review of book #1
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Reviewed Entrada
Review of book #2
Perception or Reality: Amusing Troubling Stories of a Civil Servant & Insights for Navigating Electrical Engineering of Facilities by William Maskevich blends personal anecdotes and technical insights from the author's early career as a government engineer. Thrust into challenging roles following the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Act in the 1990s, Maskevich recounts his experiences working in facility-oriented agencies. The book provides a mix of humorous and troubling stories about navigating bureaucratic inefficiencies and the complexities of electrical engineering in government projects, while also offering practical lessons on power systems, load ratings, and circuit design. Maskevich brings a refreshing perspective to what could have been a dry technical subject, skillfully balancing humor with practical engineering insights so that readers can explore and enjoy his enthusiasm. His candid approach to sharing both successes and failures in navigating government bureaucracy had me chuckling while simultaneously appreciating the real-world lessons being shared, like any friend who might explain their working world to you.
The way William Maskevich breaks down complex electrical engineering concepts makes them accessible even to readers without technical backgrounds, which I found particularly impressive, alongside his confident control of narration and organizing the text. His stories about working through challenges in various facilities provide valuable insights for anyone dealing with large organizational systems, while his practical explanations of engineering principles serve as an excellent resource for professionals in the field. What I found most engaging was his ability to find humor in the often-frustrating world of government work, turning potentially tedious material into engaging narratives that keep readers invested throughout the book. Overall, I would strongly recommend Perception or Reality to both engineering professionals and anyone interested in the inner workings of government agencies as an accessible and enjoyable read.
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
Review of book #3
In Perception or Reality, William Maskevich traces his career from NAVFAC Southwest’s Co-op program to the Environmental Division in federal and state engineering roles. He leans into the need to exceed code requirements, do proper grounding, do fault calculations, and adhere to NEC standards. Maskevich discusses issues in project coordination, communication, and contract administration, including the need for centralized oversight and improved planning. He reflects on his ethical responsibilities as a Professional Engineer, recounting a situation where he declined an offer due to misuse of his license. Working within different regulatory environments and the importance of thorough inspections and attention to detail in maintaining safety standards are discussed. Maskevich stresses teamwork and technical accuracy in ensuring successful project outcomes while noting challenges in career transitions in the realm of government work.
Perception or Reality: Amusing Troubling Stories of a Civil Servant & Insights and “How-To” for Navigating Oneself in the Electrical Engineering of Facilities by William Maskevich offers a refreshing take on the challenges of public service engineering. His storytelling style is straightforward and laced with wit, yet uniquely insightful. The technical aspects are thorough and there is no question whatsoever that Maskevich is the embodiment of knowledge in the field. I found the author's critiques on the impact of budget cuts on electrical systems, alongside his candid thoughts on miscommunication in a bureaucracy, most interesting. Human nature and institutional inefficiencies collide and we all know who usually wins. Overall, this is a near-encyclopedic guide on the civil service and electrical engineering, making this book a must-read for engineers and those in, or going into, the civil service. Very highly recommended.
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Review of book #4
A newly qualified electrical engineer embarked on a career as a civilian employed by the United States Navy, little realizing what lay ahead. In his memoir Perception or Reality, William F. Maskevich shares his adventures with readers. His amusing and at times troubling stories of his time as a civil servant will serve as both guidance and a warning to those wanting to follow a similar path. The author was part of a government training scheme and was thrust into a position of responsibility with no practical experience. Fortunately, some mentors could point him in the right direction and he applied his logic and common sense to survive and prosper. The book covers many aspects of electrical engineering, from the design phase of electrical installations to project oversight and dealing with outside contractors. It highlights the difference between an electrical engineer and an electrician, as well as the minefield of regulations that must be observed and the safety hazards that must be avoided. Other topics include lighting design, power distribution, asbestos issues, clumsy legislation, inadequate minimum standards, bureaucracy, and change for the sake of change.
William F. Maskevich graduated as an electrical engineer in 1992. The military has its protocols, hierarchy, and operating methodology, and Perception or Reality delves into the grey areas between what is expected and what occurs. A professional engineer is academically qualified and involved in the design and ensuring that specifications are correct, while the electrician does the installation work. The two roles are mutually exclusive, a fact not readily apparent to those around them, who believe that the functions are interchangeable. Another factor is the inherent clash between commercial pressures and quality standards, which raises the dilemma of whether faster is better. Whistle-blowing is unlikely to find favor, while workplace gossip, office politics, and poor communication make for troubled employee relations. The book examines many case studies and the lessons learned. It contains practical advice and the story of Grandma’s roast was particularly entertaining. An extensive glossary explains the engineering, military, and regulatory terms, and a comprehensive index rounds off the publication. The book will appeal mainly to those who are planning a career in the field of electrical engineering or have an understanding of the subject matter, as in some cases the text is technical.
Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite