Publications Books

Chris Penczak is THE man. About two years ago, I found myself seeking spiritual truth. The possibility of magick always intrigued me, so I signed up for a Transcendental Reiki I weekend class. That was an amazing experience.

After that, I found myself attracted to DM Kraig's "Modern Magick". The one thing that bothered me was the lack of Eastern inclusion in Western ceremonial magick. I felt pulled toward magick overall, but did not want to see my Reiki attunement and knowledge go to waste.

One day, at a small local bookstore, I saw the purple cover and title "Magick of Reiki". It was love at first sight. I've scrubbed some of the symbols against some of the Hebrew letters and symbols of Kaballah and found some striking resemblances, particularly with "The Ark", one of the symbols found in the Appendices of MoR.

This book, combined with another book about generic magickal training such as "Practical Magic for Beginners" by Brandy Williams, or "Initiation into Hermetics" by Franz Bardon, will have you turning your healing Reiki into a full-blown spiritual ascension system.

Thanks Chris,
Sean

I am currently reading this book, and I find it awesome and objective. It is well written, easy to follow, and I am learning a few extra symbols from other lineages, which will become handy once I start teaching next month... Thanks, Christopher.

I appreciate his straight-forward, common sense approach to Reiki. I recommend this book to all my Reiki friends.

This is a good book for those interested in the similarities between reiki and wicca. I had a good knowledge of Reiki but little knowledge of wicca before reading this book. I gave general knowledge about both subjects although leans more towards new reiki learners. I did not like the fact that it gave all the reiki symbols together. I follow my master's beliefs and believe that the 2nd and master symbols should only be learned after attunements, so I note to tell someone to skip those pages if desired would have been nice. Otherwise, if you are not bothered by that, a good book. Also gives some New Reiki symbols, but I would have desired a little more info about them. Also, be sure to check the distant reiki symbol. It does not correlate with the one my reiki master gave me, but of course there are discrepancies out there about this symbol, so follow whatever your heart chooses-author says this alot which i do like, some authors push their beliefs on the reader and chris doesnt. overall, a good buy!

As a pagan I was drawn to this book because of the title. I have been initiated into the traditional Usui system of Reiki. I've read other books on Reiki and found this to be very refreshing and open-minded. It resonated for me because the author is able to explore many views in a sensitive manner. Quite a different approach from what I had been exposed to in my training and experience with other practitioners and teachers.
I like that he includes many other symbols to work with. My favorite "alternative " symbol is the OM.
Based on reading this book, I will purchase one of his others. His writing style makes the topic very accessible and clear.

I am a parent of a son who is almost 12, diagnosed a few years back with bipolar and ADHD. I am continually looking for books to help me along this journey. This is a must read book for any parent of a bipolar child. It is written by a mother - and it is very candid. It makes you realize as a parent that you are not alone in this struggle. It has given me renewed hope as we have to face the future. I highly recommend this book. After I finished reading it, my husband is now reading it and I have been telling everyone about it.

I had the pleasure of discovering Kate McLaughlin's, Mommy I'm Still In Here, a memoir of a mother's efforts to hold her family together during the crisis of having two of her three children diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Then I had the good fortune to interview her.

The book was moving and frightening, but ultimately hopeful and eminently practical. There is no adult demographic that I can think of that wouldn't benefit from this easy and fascinating read. If you never need the information on bipolar disorder for the management of your own circumstances, you can only come away enlightened, more compassionate, weighed with important questions and, most importantly, buoyed with hope.

Ms. McLaughlin's eldest daughter, Chloe, suffers from the most difficult to treat cascade of symptoms, and her brother, Michael, wrestles with substance abuse issues in his low times, and yet, with their strength of family and perseverance, they've achieved satisfaction and competence in their lives. Ms. McLaughlin is a shining example of someone able to map the big picture and offers a way to develop perspective. She soars high.

All I can do is recommend Mommy I'm Still In Here.

To hear the audio of the interview, go to PsychJourney dot com.

Mommy I'm Still in Here is an incredibly thought provoking and educational account of one families authentic journey of living with Bipolar Disorder. Kate McLaughlin shares straight from the heart of here experiences of raising children with a challenging mental illness and truly illuminates the beauty that the challenges provoked. Kate's story offers true inspiration about continuing perseverance in the toughest of times and how hanging in there for the ride despite the readiness to give up is worth it.

Kate McLaughlin inspires and teaches in this incredible journey through her experiences with bipolar disorder in her children. She opens her heart and deepest thoughts to the reader to allow us to join her in the emotions and roller coaster ride she lives through. This book was a quick read and will teach you about this condition but more about how a family survives together and that there is beauty and love to be found in every experience. Her writing is beautiful, riveting, real and impactful. I especially appreciate her acknowledgements that not everyone is blessed to have the resources to deal with the ongoing trials. She is a beautiful woman, mother and author and we can only hope that she will write another book to continue the chronicles so we can all benefit from her wisdom and attitude. She shows us how to live with challenges honestly, openly, and gracefully. Thank you!

In "Mommy I'm Still in Here," Kate McCloughlin tells the unforgettable story of her family's experiences with bipolar disorder. As two of her children suffer from this condition, Kate shares a lifetime of observances and experiences, including the effect of the disease on her entire family and between siblings. The book is a wealth of knowledge for those suffering from or dealing with the effects bipolar disorder. But more than that, Kate's great strength and love for her children leave one feeling optimistic and hopeful. Kate is an inspiration to all--a symbol of hope and strength, a role model of motherly love and perseverance, and a concerned parent wishing to help others by sharing her experiences.

Elen Dugan has a way of writing that makes you feel like youre sitting in her kitchen chatting over tea. She shares personal stories and helpful information. One of my favs. All her books are a must read.

With all the Pagan/Wicca books, this has to be one of my personal favorites.

While all other Pagan/Wiccan authors tend to take themselves too seriously, Dugan is very down-to-earth and she injects humor into what she writes -- no flowery wording, stuffy attitude, or Christian bashing (unlike Ravenwolf).

This is definitely one of the few books that I would recommend to anybody looking to studying Wicca/Paganism/Witchcraft.

Please pick it up if you find it.

For a long while almost everything I read about Witchcraft was authored by Silver RavenWolf. That hypocrisy and silliness was my milk-- I grew as a practitioner on those books. Now, however, I have read Natural Witchery by Ellen Dugan, and I feel changed as a Witch. I feel whole, like I've been given the whole story, not just Ellen's version of things. Because of this book I am now exploring Natural/Green magic, and am now opening up to Nature and her wonderful creations. I "tuned in" to what's going on with the Earth, and I have Ellen Dugan to thank for it. Fantastic book!

Okay for seekers on the path but too basic for anyone beyond 101. Good for curious teens.

I love Dugan's writing style. This book is no exeption.
It is full of useful information, wisely put instructions for getting in touch with your own inner magic and personal anecdotes that light up the text.I totaly recomend it as a starting point for anyone who wants to explore the path of Natural Magic. As for those who are just concerned about their friends and family being involved in Wicca it is a good book to start too as it clarifies many misunderstandings about questions like the source of wicca's power etc. In general I loved it! It is simple and powerful. If you are looking for down to earth information on magic and having fun in the same time this is the book for you!

We purchased twenty copies which we used as a text book for a 13 week class at church, mixed men and women. The thrust of the class was to help the students know what is involved in finding, mentoring, teaching, and releasing a disciple in a one-on-one long term committed relationship. The book made a good back drop for the course in so far as it gave us a track to run on, since none of us had taught this subject before. As the teacher, I found several of the chapters to be spot on target and I used them pretty much exclusively for about half the course. Other chapters however were either weaker in content or just didn't cut to the specific deliverable I wanted to get across, so I supplemented with independent material. Several of my students had gone to the church website (Xenos) to check it out and were a little worried about the "casual" approach to ministering. Our church takes a more conservative approach and some behaviors that are considered culturally permissible, like smoking, course language, etc. we tend to frown on and believe the Holy Spirit through the process of Sanctification will cleanse the mature believer of. We therefore don't condone or model those behaviors in an attempt to woo the non or immature believer into sticking with us. Fortunately almost none of this came out in the book. Moreover, the book (and Xenos fellowship) rely heavily on "cell churches" which we also do not subscribe to. This method did come out in the book and so I had to customize the content for my class when it did. This was not a problem though. All in all, I'm glad I chose the book because it lived up to its "organic" name. That is, it got right to the heart of mentoring one on one, as opposed to many books I've seen that are more "clinical" or targeted to my own discipleship and walk with the Lord. This book definitely got us into the messy "human-ness" of one man pouring his life into another man, or woman to woman.

I really liked the book. It had the right theological framework necessary to grow God's people and care for the flock as well as providing very practical advise for helping those that want to engage in discipleship at different levels.

I found the section on professional counseling rather difficult. I lean toward Biblical counseling which empowers God's people to counsel at different levels. I cringe at the advise most people get when they see psychiatrists. The problem is real, however. You were brave enough to speak about it. I would think something not so sophisticated speaking about this might be more appropriate for the readers of this book.

Your section on quality conversation and friendship making will surely be helpful to some.

It is a good basic book that helps people trying to make discipleship work in their cell groups.
I already started talking about your book and will pass it on to some of our pastors

For a number of years now I've been working on a practical how-to book on discipleship. Dennis McCallum has beaten me to the punch with Organic Disciple Making. He's written the most practical book on how to disciple people I've ever read.

Time and time again I find myself saying, "Yup, he nailed that one; that's how it works." For example, early on the book covers the subject of modeling and its key role in making disciples. Later it delves into the practical questions of how you counsel and disciple through various issues or how you deal with blocks in their development.

For example McCallum distinguishes the difference between weakness and resistance and the appropriate response of a disciple maker. A disciple struggling with weakness generally needs encouragement, whereas a disciple who is resistant often needs confrontation and possibly discipline.

I loved that the book had a whole section on coaching and I loved that its counsel is both biblically grounded and rooted in the everyday experience of someone who leads 250 home churches. I've read so many books on discipleship and few drill down to address the questions ordinary people have as they struggle to help their disciples grow.

All of us who have committed ourselves to following Jesus and representing his name need to learn how to make disciples. It was the last thing he asked us to do before leaving the earth. If you as a Jesus-follower feel like you need help in learning how to do this in a way that feels natural, do yourself a favor and get Organic Disciple Making.

If you want to make a lasting impact for Jesus Christ, this book is a must. McCallum and Lowery give Biblical, insightful, and practical ideas on how to promote and achieve Chritian formation in others. Not many have the gifting to lead thousands. Very few are effective at preaching to hundreds. Yet helping disciple one or two other Christians is something every Christian can do.

In the long tradition of The Lost Art of Disciple Making, Multiplying Disciples, and Disciples Are Made, Not Born, Organic Disciplemaking: How to promote Christian leadership development through personal relationships, biblical discipleship, mentoring, and Christian community is designed to do more than tell about the need for making disciples of Jesus. This is a book that painstakingly provides a path from start to finish.

This book has the potential to be used by small group coaches to disciple and develop small group leaders. With today's small group ministries launching groups with leaders just a step ahead of their members, this could be a very helpful resource providing a pathway for mentoring.

In its pages you will find more than stories of how it's working at Xenos. You'll also find the practical steps needed to begin a disciplemaking ministry in your own church. More importantly, you may find the inspiration to look for one life to pour into. After all, that is the point.

Proud Souls is a story that will literally take you to the edge of every human emotion known to man. The story opens rapidly with devastating tragedy and loss as Justin loses his wife and son in a horrifying car wreck. Justin will spend a number of years following this accident hell bent on self-hatred and self-destruction. Every facet of the human soul will come into play as the story unfolds. This is where you see the absolute mastery of the author's presence. The characters brought into Justin's life, the insight Mr. Ozuna has for every particular sentiment--and the way he is able to capture those emotions in written word--will captivate you and, at times, render you speechless. Mr. Ozuna leaves very little to the imagination as he intricately weaves the key players into place through, possibly, the most in-depth character development I've ever seen in a first novel. But I'm not going to give the story away--you have to read it. And as you turn the pages you will find yourself becoming "one" with the characters as they struggle with their demons and search for victory through hope.

I cannot wait to see what Mr. Ozuna will offer to us in his up-and-coming second novel The Other Side of Glory, which he has just begun writing and is documenting his journey through the use of his blog: "Drawing Stories...With Words" (http://inotauthor.blogspot.com/).

Proud Souls provides an emotional experience for the reader, calling to mind all of the human emotions associated with tragedy and the hope needed to continue in its aftermath.

The protagonist Justin has lost his wife and son in a tragic accident six years before the book opens and he's drinking heavily, considering just "drinking himself to death."

He experiences a lifting of his depression and begins to experience life again. The author has written an insightful and sympathetic story, allowing the reader to search his own feelings and wonder how he would react in such circumstances.

The other characters in the town are interestingly portrayed and feel real. This book functions as a psychological study as well as an inspirational slice-of-life story, bound to touch the reader.

In Proud Souls, the author Bobby Ozuna presents an anguished portrait of a man--Justin--who carries the guilt of surviving a car accident that kills his wife and child, in which he himself was driving. Justin isolates himself for the next six-years and makes the choice every day whether to go on living in misery or commit suicide and join his family that was taken prematurely. During those six-years he has a mental affair with a beautiful, sullied waitress who makes him want to confront his past so he can carry on with his future.
Proud Souls is a beautifully written novel of life, loss, love and hope. I highly recommend it!

Bobby Ozuna's novel the Proud Souls is a remarkable read. Seymour is a small town in Texas and it has developed quite a history in the last six years. Justin Olerude Bower, the Rev. Hillard Ray Polk, Ralph Winslow Parison and the so called " town whore" Tessa Jameson have been living the last six years in their own self induced personal prison.

Justin has lost his wife and son in an accident. He has spent the last six years in a bottle, just waiting to die. Ralph Parison is in the truck that crashes into Justin and his family, for which he just can't forgive himself. The Rev. Polk, lives in his prison, feeling as though he has lost Justin's soul. Tessa's prison is one of torn feelings toward Justin, she's fallen in love with a man who doesn't want to live.

Each character in this novel will come alive and you will feel their desperation, their sadness and loneliness. You will come to wonder, what if my life was to come to these types of problems. How would I handle such a difficult time? Who would I turn too? Who would really be able to help me? Who would make me make the right decisions in life? And the most important question of all. Would I choose life or death or choose to live with the pain of losing the people you loved the most.

Bobby Ozuna has done a spectacular job in writing this novel. His writing style is one that will bring his characters to life. He has the ability to take your feelings on a roller coaster and leave you needing to turn the pages. This is a must read. You, the reader, will not regret reading this book, even though it will mean you will be sacrificing a few nights sleep just because you can't put it down. 4.5 Stars

Proud Souls tells the story of an ideal family, torn apart by a tragic accident. The protagonist must then go on a journey of self-discovery, taking the reader through all the negative emotions he encounters on the way. The story is a realistic depiction of how one man tries to ward off reality by drinking himself into numbness. When he realizes that it doesn't work, he must then decide whether ending his life is a better alternative to living through the pain.

Aside from the story line, one cannot help but become entranced by the seductive wording. Bobby Ozuna has a gift for descriptive writing, and his first novel Proud Souls is just a hint of what he is capable. His descriptions are so vivid and his writing so fluid that you can't help but become attached to his characters' plights and wonder where or how they'll end up.

Looking forward to reading more by this author.

Want some inspiration? This is the book for you. You don't need a lot of time to get into this book with each story being just a page or two. Pick one and dive in, you'll have a brighter outlook in no time.

A story can clarify a concept, or a feeling, or just what is. These stories do.

It will blow your mind. It will open the door to a new universe for other people when you choose to share it with them. Not a book you will read and never tell anyone about.

We're having a lot of fun reading this. Like a book of fables, it's the kind of book you'll read again and the stories might speak to other scenarios currently happening in your life.

This is a fantastic book, a treasure of short Buddhist tales with the deepest insights. Sometimes, when I don't have the time or the energy to read long discourses on spirituality I just grab this book, open it at random and read a couple of stories. It's and instant spiritual pick-me-up. Ajahn Brahm tells these stories with such a skill that you feel them come alive right before your eyes. I love them.

For a more serious discussion on meditation make sure you check our his other book: "Mindfulness, Bliss and Beyond". That one is a true gem of a book too.

I've just granted my eyes and heart a second opportunity to experience Alaska through the verse and images of John Pezzenti Jr. The verse conveys both the spiritual and emotional connection the author obviously has with Alaska. The images transport this viewer to a place and time that feature nature displaying a magnificence worthy of savoring. Alaska, the book, inspires me to contemplate another adventure here in the northern Eden we call Alaska. A place where I am invited to quest for the spirit of the natural world that John Pezzenti knows so well. Alaska, the book and Alaska, the place transend the ordinary with grandure and excitement. I recommend both to anyone who lusts for beyond the ordinary. John Toppenberg

After 40 some years of living Alaska, I am well aware of the difficulty and seeming impossibility of capturing the great land on film and with words. The true essense and spitituality of this vast offering often eludes our cameras and pens. John has nailed it. His enduring patience and impecable eye for the finest of nature glows from image to image, mushroom ice stands, an otter enjoying a meal, volcanic clouds balloning over stands of towering spruce, an eaglets first moment broken from the shell, in your face bears, all these images and much more inspire me to look harder, go further, and wait longer for more of Alaska than I have ever experienced. The photos are sparkled by John's unique style of writing. After recieving the book as a gift I spent long nights, reading and re-reading his tales of adventure with delight. My work takes me far from home and John's book gives me opportunity to share the true flavors of Alaska with those I meet on the trail. Thank you John for sharing your God given talents, I so look forward to the next book.

There are a great many picture books on Alaska, some which contain exceptional photgraphic elements. There are a great many journalistic books on Alaska, some which are so well written the reader is taken with and to The Great Land. John Pezzenti's book epitomizes the best of both.

Like Alaska, this book is greater than it's physical boundaries. It evokes the senses and the emotions. This is one photo book that is a must read!

Great Book! I would recommend to anybody interested in the beauty of our 49th state. This book captures the wild beauty and grandeur of the last frontier. Buy this book, if you can!

Once you have met John Pezzenti, you will understand that this artist and his incredible photographs are one entity. John's "ALASKA..." will take you on an incredible journey through the heart of the Alaskan wilderness, into the soul of an unforgettable man.

Five years ago, I walked into a conference room at the World Trade Center in Manhattan. A man stood beside a display of exquisitely breathtaking photographs, protecting them like an anxious parent; listening to every word, every comment, as if there might be some question about the magnificence of his work. That enigma was John Pezzenti, Jr. Those privileged to know him, have experienced the complexities of the man: Passionate, sensitive, wild as Alaska, free as the wind and sometimes, as immovable as the mountains. His life and his photographs have made an indelible impression.

Language seems a truly inadequate means of conveying the experience of John's "ALASKA" book. The photographs seem to have a life of their own. Speaking directly to the heart and soul, they give a glimpse into the spirit of the man who created them. This is a soul that seems to dance somewhere between heaven and earth. A soul that has borne burdens that few of us could shoulder, but one that has known transcendent heights that few will ever reach.

With each page, John's photographs and stories allow us to share his incredible gift, and to see places on this earth that seem closer to heaven. John's spirit is as wild and free as the Alaskan wilderness. Nature seems to recognize a kindred spirit. You will feel certain that he has been granted special permission to view the sacred, and that at times, nature must say "wait, keep that until John gets here." But such honors are not bestowed without tremendous tests of courage and endurance, endless patience, and unquestioning faith. No work of this magnitude is brought to fruition without great sacrifices, and John has made more than his share.

John has the unique talent of capturing the essence of the moment - then combining it with a fragment of his own soul - the result is this spectacular gift he has given to the world. No one can experience "ALASKA: A Photographic Journey..." and not be deeply moved. The superb imagery and heart warming words speak to everyone in a unique way. It will draw you in, touching your heart and soul each time you open its pages to relive the journey. Again and again it will surprise you, revealing something new with each reading.

Thank you, John for sharing your vision. Your book is dearly treasured, and keeps Alaska close to my heart until I return. God Bless, John. We await your next creation.

Several wonderful volumes are currently available giving practical instruction in Enochian magick. But Hyatt & DuQuette's little gem, first published in 1991, is simply the best: nothing else even comes close.

Especially if you are new to the system, _Enochian World of Aleister Crowley_ covers every base accurately and lucidly. The authors' techniques go straight to the heart of the work without cutting vital corners: no elaborate tools, preparations, or temple set-ups are required.

I have successfully (and quickly!) taught Enochian magick to individuals with no prior occult background - in either theory or practice - using only this volume as an introductory text; it practically teaches itself. And once the gates of the system open via _Enochian World_, every other volume, from the clearest to the most obscure, becomes comprehensible.

In this reviewer's opinion, Enochian magick is - remarkably - not only the most powerful occult methodology accessible to the average person but also the easiest. Many who initially viewed similar claims with well-deserved cynicism have had their perspective shifted by 180 degrees after trying the system for themselves. This book opens the Enochian path to anyone who (1) can attentively read it and (2) possesses a bare modicum of will-power. It is an authentic classic!

Well, here we go again. The easy task of "demonizing Crowley". Its funny how so many like to comment on Crowley and the "bad" karma he incurred, yet how many of those who comment knew him? How many who disparage his methods actually practiced them? Only one that has seriously studied Crowley for years can "cast the first stone". All the rest are speculators who project their subconscious fears onto someone they did not know. Each person blazes their own path and if I listened to people such as the one who wrote the "one star" review then I would still be a Catholic zombie. Love is the Law Love under Will. Do What Thou Wilt Shall be the whole of the LAW! HA, HA, HA!

You can understand Enochian magick and start to use it right away. THis book takes the user by the hand and teaches how to do it. If you don't know how to do Enochigan ritual then get started right now. IF you can handle Lon's arrogants you will enjoy this book.

I learned more about the Enochian system of magick in 5 hours of reading than I had in weeks of checking out other sources. This is an explanation of Crowley's instructional piece on Enochia, with instructions on colouring the tablets and incorperating enochian elements into sex magick. My only complaint is that it is too brief. Read it alongside The Tarot of Ceremonial Magick, The Vision & The Voice and you'll have a veryt thorough understanding of this powerful and REAL system.

The title initially put me off as I thought that it was probably a strange little side adventure that had little to do with the Enochian system. BOY WAS I WRONG! This is a WONDERFUL book about the enochian system complete with color plates of the spirit tables!

Even if you have other books on enochian, you should still have this text! It is easy enough to understand for the first-timer yet packed with so much information that even the advanced practitioner will find use in it!

Now here's a book to have fun with! Angelica Danton has a fabulous method of finding your Goddess Sign by using the Chinese zodiac. She lists associations with Tarot, lunar phases and Numerology and describes the attributes of each Sign. Discover your own Goddess for 2005 in this immensely pleasing book. Just gorgeous !

I am a chinese astrologer trained in the field for over 15 years and I can say that this book contains lovely and true insights into the field.I have added it to my collection on the subject.A lot of western people think they understand this field but actually,you need to really practise in it to have an informed understanding.From my perspective,Goddess Signs delivers,you get to find out your nature,your strengths etc.I would like the author to do a western astrology sign/goddess book too.Spot on!

I recently received this book as a gift,and was very impressed by the interpretations of the Chinese zodiac.I like Janet Boyer and Susanna Duffy found myself in this book,and that is enough of a recommendation for me!The author who is an experienced astrologer of over 20 years looks at the chinese zodiac from the perspective of divine energy and then looks at all your characteristics and your special powers that are flowing from your chinese sign.All my friends loved this book and the lovely artwork- a must for all women!

Awesome,original and inspiring book!

I did not believe that when I picked this up from my local Borders store that I would find so much in here to love!

The cover is so cute but it is really a wise and womanly book full of such great insights,I find the whole concept just right we are all Goddesses not just if we are rock stars!Highly recommended!!

I really enjoyed this book,as it posits some really new points of view about astrology and how to see yourself.Chapter one shows you how to get your sign worked out.

I really liked the compatibility parts too.Is not it so accurate about Brad and Jen hmm,I like Hugh Grant too!

Get this and read it,and keep it!

I feel like Groovy is like a programming language "Eintopf", it aggregates some best characteristics of a variety of programming languages. No matter which programming style you prefer - procedural, functional, object-oriented, meta-programming, static typed, dynamic typed... - Groovy has much to offer. The most beautiful thing is, you can easily combine different programming styles in one language and write most concise and self-explanatory code to solve your problem. With Groovy, you suddenly have so much mind-freedom, you have the choice of expressing your algorithms as close to the nature of the problems as possible.

There are languages having very concise syntax but the code is not easy for human to read. There are languages and APIs require more strikings on keyboard than thinking. Groovy is different. You have all kinds of syntax sugar while the code still tells a literal story in your problem domain.

The only fields I think Groovy might not be suitable are the machine-level infrastructures and image/audio/video processing. C and assembly languages are not replaceable by Groovy. In most other application fields, using Groovy can dramatically boost programmers' productivity and reduce programming errors.

I started off by simply renaming all .java files in my test packages to .groovy files. Worked. Then tried out it's closures and curry calls. For me there are a lot more to explore. Haskel fans will like Groovy. Smalltalk fans will like Groovy. Python fans will like Groovy. Lisp fans maybe too. Java folks? I for one, have already been conquered. If you program at all, by all means do yourself a favour and have a look at Groovy.

Groovy in Action is an excellent book on Groovy and programming. Get this book and get the insight, you'll be glad you do.

For those of you who haven't heard of Groovy, Groovy is a scripting language that is built on top of Java. Since it is written on top of Java, a Java developer can pick up pick Groovy in a snap.

I first heard about Groovy In Action (also known as GINA) during a Groovy presentation almost a year ago, the presenter was referring to Groovy In Action as one of the best references out at the time, After reading GINA, I was not disappointed. The roadmap given at the beginning of the book is a great guide to see how the book is organized out. As an added bonus, the book includes some great reference information at the end of the book. It contains Groovy Language information, a GDK API quick reference, and several great cheat sheets for items such as closures, lists, etc.

The book is full of great examples that you can use (some of the examples illustrate some of the finer points of the language).

In fact someone recently asked about where to find a complete specification of the Groovy Language. Guillaume Laforge, Groovy Program Manager and co-author of Groovy In Action, responded that the most current information can be found in Groovy In Action (source user@groovy.codehaus.org mailing list 3/16/2008).

Groovy in Action is one of the Groovy books that is a must have for anyone looking to get into Groovy Development.

This book is totally awesome. The book makes it very easy to jump around and come back to previous chapters. The book's online forum is great too. The author(s) respond very quickly. It is well worth the money. Order it now and you will be programming in Groovy very quickly.

While getting a little long in the tooth (GINA was released pre-Groovy 1.0, Groovy is now above 1.5), the material presented in the book is still very relevant and helpful. The biggest issue is that some of the newer (and cooler!) features, such as ExpandoMetaClass, of the language are not covered.

That being said, this is still a great introduction to the a language that will likely become an important player in Java shops as developers migrate existing designs to take advantage of the power the dynamic programming provides. The authors do a great job of explaining the concepts and syntax of the language, making it easy to quickly begin writing code of your own.

While books such as Groovy Recipes: Greasing the Wheels of Java are now available that cover the newest features in Groovy, a perusal of GINA can help to flatten the learning curve.

This book is fantastic. Very well done, easy read. It was the first tech book that I read cover-to-cover -without getting bored- in a long time. The author does a good job of explaining how Groovy works under the covers and does a great job of detailing how to make effective use of it.

The language itself is also impressive and I hope Groovy gets the attention it deserves. I hope all Java developers read this to see what they're missing in Java-land. :-)

Hindsight is 20/20, I'm sure the authors are sorry they included the last chapter on Grails as they did. But I don't fault them, as I'm sure the publisher was not uninvolved in that decision... ;-)

I'm giving it 5 stars anyway. Good work!