John Waters Books

Simply written and illustrated, good for the younger crowd, especially when you need them to calm down.

When I was a little girl my parents read me this book and I, reportedly, loved it, so when I found it on the shelf I was thrilled to read it again, particularly about the pig "mucking about." The story goes like this: Mr. Gumpy goes for a ride in his punt on the river, and a lot of animals and children ask for rides, and he gives them strict instructions for boat behavior, which they eventually grossly violate, and then they all go in the drink. And go home and have tea. Yes, the story is a wee bit British. What strikes me as an adult, reading the book, is the casual loving way with which the children are included along with the other animals -- pigs, dog, children, goat, etc. It is a very sweet book and Benny and Sadie love it and find it hilarious. Publisher's Weekly's review of it presents it as a moral tale on boat safety. What a bunch of loons. ;D

My eighteen-month-old son brings this book to me half a dozen times a day. "Read Gummy!" No higher recommendation.

Truly a classic, this one is a joy to read and kids just love it. The accumulative tale combined with glowing illustrations elicits preschool giggles every time!

This book falls firmly into a very specific genre of picture book literature. The old, if-one-more-person-gets-into-this-boat/mitten/car/etc.-bad-things-will-happen genre. Jan Brett's "The Mitten" does it. The more recent "One Dog Canoe" does it. But one of the first stories to have done it (and have a moral to boot) is the 1970 story "Mr. Gumpy's Outing".

Mr. Gumpy (who is not grumpy in the least) lives on the banks of a river, and owns a boat. As he goes for a boat ride, two children ask to come along. Mr. Gumpy gives them instructions on what not to do, and they join him. Next a bunny comes along. Mr. Gumpy tells it what not to do, and it joins him. As Mr. Gumpy poles his boat down the river, more and more animals join the party, each receiving a stipulation from Mr. Gumpy on what behavior is appropriate. After the boat fills, the animals suddenly ignore Mr. Gumpy's requests and begin to misbehave. As a result, they all topple headlong into the river, retiring to Gumpy's for tea.

Originally published in England (and if Mr. Gumpy isn't THE most English picture book gentleman you've seen outside of Paddington Bear himself, I'll eat my hat) the story is incredibly civilized. There's nothing like seeing a sheep delicately sipping from a straw to drill home the essential manners and protocols essential to everyday interactions. The illustrations are especially nice. Mr. Gumpy never looks particularly upset or angry by anything that happens to him. As he poles his boat a black and white pen and ink drawing on the left pages shows the boat and it's inhabitants. On the right page is a colorful drawing of the animal(s) asking to be allowed to join. The book, despite the whole falling into the water bit, is calm and peaceful. Just the kind of fun story you'd expect to be read on a cold rainy day. Highly recommended (especially with crumpets and bit of toast with marmalade).

This is a great book for people new to kayaking. It has fun illustrations and good instruction that is easy to understand. I bought it for myself, my parents, and a friend who is a beginning paddler.

About 4 years ago I decided I wanted to take up kayaking, so I bought a copy of this illustrated book, then bought a kayak and I've been paddling weekly ever since (except the Winter). Can you learn from a book? I did. No lessons. Might they have been helpful? Sure, but I have to say that this guide tells a lot and gave me the confidence to go for it. It's also very funny. I only wish I'd taken up kayaking years ago for the exercise, fresh air, and contemplation. Nothing better to escape stress.

This book has a lot of GREAT information in it. It gets the points across by funny but sometimes very serious cartoons and illustrations. There is a lot of emphasis on safety which is very important to learn up front.

This book is fantastic. The pictures combine humor with instruction, and the book itself covers a lot of basics for those just learning about sea kayaking. I've been very happy with it.

This is a great books. You almost have to see it to really appreciate it. There are thousands of hand-drawn images which makes everything very, very easy to understand. They make the book fun and you'll even get a giggle out of a few of them. It's definitely worth the money!

This is one of my first expedition kayaking books, bought back in '93. Many of the facts presented there still stick with me. The newest edition is the best yet. Dowd's writing is accurate, interesting, and necessary for a sport that is so much fun but has a dearth of writers able to translate that fun into print. Really makes one want to go kayak! Highly recommended.

This is a great book! I read it as a beginner, and will hold onto it as a reference. Anyone who kayaks should know the info in this book. Written with enthusiasm for the sport, it is not at all a dry read.(Pun intended.)

I am not an avid reader, and I usually lose interest in a book and place it on the shelf mid way through if the author doesn't keep my interest. John Dowd had not only captivated my interest, but made it hard for me to put it down. Some of the best and informative information about Sea Kayaking that I have read yet. It should be a "Must Read" for any person involved in the sport of Sea Kayaking, beginner to novice. 5 Star Rating above all others!!!

Dowd has a way of sounding like your dad and the tone of the book is very relaxed and easy to follow. It claims to be pitched at intermediate kayakers starting out on expeditions yet basic skills like bracing, sculling and rolling are included. Even the most basic things that are left out are assumed by their absence and that keeps the book from being patronising in an overly wordy `beginners guide' type way.

He gives a very informative overview of the sport and its locations from polar kayaking to the tropics. He also gives a reassuring overview of a sea kayak's `sea worthiness' (dependent on the paddler) explaining some hurricane force winds he has personally endured in a kayak. He also discusses at length the issue of kayaking alone and concludes that one can kayak safely alone, in fact he even suggests kayaking in numbers can give a false sense of security.

Dowd discusses buying a kayak and refreshingly advises `keep in my mind your original image - how you saw yourself with your boat' which I found to be excellent advice.

This book is a very good introduction to sea kayaking and an interesting read. It is also a bible-like source of information. As Paul Theroux said on the jacket "quiet simply the best book available on this wonderful sport"

This is a fabulous book on sea kayaking. I loved reading it because of the very useful information and mix of serious and humorous writing styles. A must read - and you'll want to read it several times to soak up all the great information. Highly recommended for any kayaker. His exploits are impressive and inspiring.

I have to admit I was not ready for the blunt and outright scary information that John Hinds points out in this must read book. At the same time I couldn't put it down. It does have a happy ending, but I don't recommend skipping to the back of the book for it. Read everything he has to offer on what we are dealing with regarding our water supply. You'll be glad you did.

This is a quick, insightful and eye-opening read for everyone about what's in our water! Thanks so much for sharing such valuable research. Since reading this book, I am now conscious about what drinking choices I make. Thanks for telling us what's REALLY in our water! Everyone needs to know this!

The author makes a compelling case for you to take another look at the safety of your drinking water. We all take our household and bottled drinking water for granted, but this time what you don't know about your water can hurt you. But there is good news at the end of the tunnel. The author reviews some of the more popular filtration methods and provides specific recommendations on how you can protect yourself and your family.

Wow, it was a shocking and informative read. What's in Your Water? should be a mandatory read for everyone. John Hinds explains it all and makes it easy to understand.

I just finished reading, John Hinds book "What's In Your Water?" I found it informative, interesting and a must read for anyone who is concerned about their health.

This is brilliant! Very well observed and unusual examinations of the world. John Waters is a very funny writer, what catches his eye is superbly amusing If you like his films you'll love this, if you don't know them, check 'em out!

This book is hilarious and creepy all at once. It is also extremely well written by a unique individual with outstanding literary skill.
His Love/Hate essays had me clutching my sides and his observations are so far out of the mainstream that you just want to hug him! There should be more of it!! Viva Waters.

This book is so well-written, I think if John Waters hadn't become a film director he would have made an even better author. This book is so funny, but it is also a goldmine. There are so many references to obscure and interesting movies, books...all sorts of things. I learned so much! I had never heard of the film "Christmas Evil" before, but read about it in the book and was delighted to find it on netflix! It was insane!!! What a gem!

You could literally keep a notepad to scribble down movies to rent, books to read and things to google while reading this book. Lots of fun to read, and tons more to discover after you are done.

Amazon actually asked me to write a review of this book. some people must have found my last review useful (I've only written two previously).
anyway, I've only given the book 4 stars instead of five because its neither comprehensive nor definitive, but I value just about anything pertaining to john waters. so, let's see. john waters lives in a real city (Baltimore), and goes to new York and L.A. on business (expenses paid). living in baltimore gives john waters a wonderful slant on events. (Baltimore is associated with E. A. Poe -- I don't even like verse except for "the raven"!) so, we know from reading the book that john waters will subscribe to any publication that will publish an article he has written. the early days of his films must have been desperate times, requiring divine to eat dog excrement. can't say enough about the importance of divine to some of john waters' films. so far the best john waters movie seems to be "hair spray". divine and riki lake were incredible! can't imagine john travolta as Tracy's mom in the new picture directed by someone else, but the actress playing Tracy looks very good from what I have seen of the trailers. so, the book is definitely worth reading just to find out more about john waters. for instance really good to know that john waters steaks-out the locations of his films in his tuna boat car like a detective before filming in Baltimore. imagining john waters in his comfortable apartment pondering his next move, while drinking
ovaltine.

I have been a fan of John Waters for years. I read Crackpot: The Obsessions of John Waters while sitting at a coffee bar near Bloomingdale's in NYC. I was surrounded by "the ladies who lunch." The book made me snicker, chuckle, guffaw, and produce a series of embarrassing noises produced when you try to suppress hysterical laughter in an inappropriate place. The embarrassing sounds made me laugh even more, and the looks of disgust from disapproving shoppers ultimately sent Diet Pepsi through my nose.

I could not offer a finer tribute to anything produced by the mind of John Waters. God bless you, John.

The Surfer Spirit is a therapeutic and philosophical journey with nature as healer and instiller of true values. It is an exquisite experience of being with the ocean with all its moods and majesty and inspires peace, awe and connection to spirit. For all, including those who have drifted from their true nature, it is a happy homecoming.

Sundae Merrick, Author of "Divine Reason & Rhyme, Access Higher Guidance and Nature's
Wisdom"

Great insights for anyone on water or land, on a board or in a board room. This book beautifully illustrates the surfer spirit that's transferable to the challenges and unpredictability of one's day and encourages us to live in the moment and celebrate life.

Soul surfers unite! At last, an inspirational book of oceanic depth that directly connects our humanity to the mystery of the sea. Gorgeous photography perfectly matched with minimal zen copy. Made this old weekend warrior dig out the tanker and get back in the line-up. Get this book and get out there... who feels it knows it!

Why do we surf? How about asking why do we breathe? The Surfer Spirit captures the very essence of the spirit of surfing because it reminds us of the universal spirit in each one of us. Surfing is connection with our innermost pre-terrestrial aquatic beginnings in the ocean. We are blissed out and humbled at the same time. This book will inspire you and make you feel lucky to experience our human existance.

"I want to remind people of the power they have when they tap into their passion, and feed and nurture their unique spirit." ~ Cynthia Derosier

With page after page of shimmering liquid playgrounds, "The Surfer Spirit" invites you into a world of surfer meditations to convey insights born of a love of surfing. This is a book for surfers and non-surfers because the message helps to build self-esteem and leads the reader back to a deeper understanding of their true self.

Cynthia Desroisier is a surfer who sees a connection between surfing and the choices we make in our daily life. As she says: "I rise to life's challenges." With Co-Writer, Tim Anderson, she also writes with a sense of poetic perfection when she explains the spiritual aspect of surfing:

"We who surf
Live life out
Breathe life in
And pray in our own way

Our boards and bodies are
instruments improvising
The sweet songs of our souls."

The photography in "The Surfer Spirit" is especially fascinating and beautiful. The images truly capture the excitement of surfing and Jeff Devine and John Bilderback's photographs are spectacular with a sparkling crystalline beauty.

A Surf Safari to Iceland, World Surfing in Indonesia, Pipelines in Hawaii and Beach Haven, New Jersey are all featured. Beaches of lavender waves rolling into shore contrast with a calm azure stillness.

Cynthia Derosier's professional skills as an art director and designer are evident throughout this beautiful surfing experience. The cover is made with a natural-colored canvas material and the pages are all printed with environmentally friendly soy-based inks. The high quality art paper and a ribbon bookmark make this a perfect gift.

A portion of the proceeds from this book also go to The Surfrider Foundation to encourage care for the ocean environment. The Surfrider Foundation also incorporates the lessons from this book into a program to teach surfing, ocean ecology and water safety.

Highly recommended as a book to treasure!

~The Rebecca Review

Patrick Leigh Fermor not only fills the 'unforgiving minute' but describes that experience in a way that transports us to that minute. One line from "Between the Woods and the Water" stays in my mind. "The heat and weight of the summer bore down and not a leaf stirred". Or, how about, "the newly distilled spirit had taken out the peasants like sniper". For a feeling of 'being there' he can't be beaten, certainly not by Ernest Hemingway who tried and failed by appearing too contrived. The writers who achieve this power to transport, as musicians or painters do can let us ignore their presence and I think that is their artistic intention, to merely present (with all their craftsmanship but so it doesn't show). Paul Bowles is such a writer as is Elmore Leonard. But that's another story.

The author, a rebellious teen in England, undertakes to walk from the Hook of Holland to Constantinople -- in 1937. This is the second half of his journey, through the Balkans and Danube lands. He has an ear for peoples' opinions, the oddities of Hapsburg imperial goulashes of different ethnicities & religions--most of which would be erased by the coming war. One has the sense of a "last glimpse" of the highly cultivated, varied human landscape of Europe before the war and Cold War divided its peoples.

Like most literary masterpieces this marvelous book has a outer vehicle that develops an inner theme. The vehicle is a journey on foot, horseback and barge across Europe in the 1930's when the author was 19. The inner theme is a resolution of polarities and opposites of all kinds. First there is the overriding polarity of solitude and company. He enjoys spending time with friends and friends of friends at their country homes in Hungary and Roumania and passing hours in their sometimes fabulous libraries but he finds refreshment and spiritual renewal in long solitary walks in wooded mountains and along the banks of the Danube where he meets an occasional deer or golden eagle. He relishes staying with his wealthy, worldly and sophisticated hosts but also enjoys the company of peasants, gypsies and lumberjacks. He likes passing comfortable nights in reasonably soft beds with clean linens but doesn't shrink from sleeping in hayricks or under sheltering oaks. The interplay of past and present are another polarity he weaves into the narrative. His knowledge of history and use of it in this work is both magnificent and enviable. Leigh Fermor is in fact one of the most cultured contemporary writers I have had the good fortune to read. He is a good linguist, a masterful historian and , surprisingly, a knowledgeable theologian. But that is only half the story. He is also a super-macho man of action completely aware of his body and its interaction with the environment. This we know from his activities, almost heroic feats, during WWII, especially in Crete. In the present book he coordinates his mental and physical endowments to produce a gorgeously textured masterpiece of English prose. Sex is not absent from the narrative but it is never described in terms that could be considered even remotely graphic. Acts are kept in the wings while he concentrates on the social, intellectual, and aesthetic dimensions of his relations with women. Unfortunately Amazon.com does not keep an ample stock of Leigh Fermor's works, so I had to purchase my copy from Amazon.co.uk. I may be impatient but my sense of company loyalty is unimpeachable. No?

I loved this book and other writing by the Author. Reading this book is like travelling with a friend. The author tells a beautiful tale of Europe just before the war. His style and tempo are close and personal, and when you reach the end of the trip, you know that you have encountered the Europe of a bygone era. Here in Canada many of my friends parents' were born in Germany, Hungary, and Romania. I tell them that this book is required reading.

I am not aware of any other account of Ada Kaleh, the island in the Danube populated by a Turkish enclave that was lost when the river was dammed in the '40s. I found an old postcard of the island in Hungary, and it's one of my favorite possesions.

I loved this novel for many reasons. One is that I have met and worked for Charles Evans and another is the fact that the writing is fluid and weel done. john waters did a good job of captruing the personality of Charles and the way he acts. I'm just glad I had the chance to read this nove;l.

As in all things, there is "one bad apple that spoils the whole bunch." That is a way to view the CIA and other branches of our government. There is always someone or something that is rotten.

John Waters does a fine job of presenting the story of Juan Rubio. Charles Evans is such an all-round great character. We are able to view a human side to these characters.

Now we wait with anticipation the sequel. Please, John, let there be a sequel!

Read your book. You must have the smoking gun in your possession. My compliments on your ability to find the extremely scattered paper trail that was out there. The only thing I found "novel" about your book was some geographical locations and last names. All hell is going to break loose because of this book! As for the agents that framed Juan, they are homicidal bastards that carry badges, which makes them dangerous to the public in general and especially to those people who are the seekers of truth that reveal the injustices they have committed. You have done an outstanding job on revealing the truth, more than you realize. J.A. - Southern California

Scarily shocking, true-to life documentary of the widespread, unchecked corruption of our Government. Makes you think our liberties in a whole new light. Am I really free? John Waters and Charles Evans have risked their lives in exposing a woven tale of deceit and lies so that others can be freed from the long arm of tyranny and injustice. You both deserve a heros welcome and thank you!

This book is solid reading material. Once you pick it up, you cannot put it down until the last page. And even then you want to know more, more about the real truth, concerning the honesty of the governmental agencies that are supposed to be above reproach in these matters. The black community did have the right idea according to the author, they just placed responsibility onto the wrong agency. I hope the justice department investigates this case and brings to justice those responsible. If this book is telling the truth, it means our government needs to be rebuilt, once again, upon the principles which our forefathers intended. I do not believe they wanted it to be what it has become. Hopefully, this book will be one of the many "bridges to light" that will help make this happen. I am not suggesting or countenancing that a subversion of the peace and good order of society take place, what I am suggesting is that justice be used as it should be, "that standard of boundary or right which enables us to render unto every man his just due, without distinction", Aristotle. This statement has withstood the test of time and should be applied to those agents responsible for this conspiracy against a race of people. Chuck O.

dear john coale-congradulation on creating a book that anyone not even interested in paddling would enjoy. the pictures are breathtaking and succeed in capturing the feelings of the moment,such beautiful scenery. i wish your book great success. sincerly, lia medina,mill valley

I am not that good with directions, but with this book in hand I thought that I could go anywhere!!

This book is so great, it made me come all the way down to California just to go canoeing! The pictures alone are enough to make one get right out on the water!!!!

I'm hesitant to leave a review because some of the locations listed in this book are still peaceful and unknown, but this book is so invaluable when hunting for a good paddle spot that I felt compelled to sing it's praises....as long as it's just canoers who purchase this great book and not power boaters! The directions are easy to follow and accurate. The camping information is extremely important when traveling with children, like we do.The lay out of the book is perfect in helping to select drive times and specific locations. I came back to Amazon to purchase the book for a friend but see that it is out of stock. Hopefully this is just temporary. If not, buy it used!!

This book is easy to read and has clear reviews and tips on the different locations. A follow up book that would compliment this would be on the topic of river treking with a canoe.

Ortberg's small group series are among the best, if used with his teaching DVD's (Zondervan, but you'll have to find that elsewhere, it appears).

This particular study appeals to a broad range of backgrounds, and experience levels. We all wrestle with "staying comfortable" vs. "stepping out in faith" when the situation calls for it. Through excellent groups discussion and Scripture investigation questions it is easy to guide a group to go beyond their current "comfort zone" and take steps of faith "outside the boat."

But purchasethe DVD for best results (use an Internet search engine and you should find it quickly). Ortberg is a master teacher, and his 25-30 minute teaching is a must.

The weekly men's breakfast and Bible study that I lead spent an enjoyable six weeks examining how following Jesus today requires the same faith that allowed Peter to step out of the relative safety of the boat and move toward Jesus on the water. If you or the people you care about need encouragement in moving out of the comfort zone, this book will help.

It's funny -- I love James Taylor and I love John Ortberg. I think the commonality there is that they are such great wordsmiths. Very honest, plain-spoken, and yet so much is contained in so little said. Ortberg is not a poet, but he's able to see great truth in simple things.
If you avoid being confronted with truth, then avoid this book. But if you're ready to face it, then read it. He's the CS Lewis of our day.

This is one of the best book that I have which talk about faith. If you need encouragement or something to help you increase your faith, then this is the book for you.

John Ortberg really knows how to make it real and how to get people to begin applying biblical principles to their lives.