John Books

A page-turner that will have time fly by, "Sugar of Lead" dives into the lifestyle and culture of Asian mafias. The rules and codes adhered to in this forbidden world are explored and tested in this riveting story. This novel masterfully presents the art of drama as the main character of Michael Pierce wrestles with the conflicts that occur as his society, his adopted culture, and his inner desires all tear him in different directions. A must-read!

A page-turner that will have time fly by, "Sugar of Lead" dives into the lifestyle and culture of Asian mafias. The rules and codes adhered to in this forbidden world are explored and tested in this riveting story. The story masterfully presents the art of drama as the main character of Michael Pierce wrestles with the conflicts that occur as his society, his adopted culture, and his inner desires all tear him in different directions. A must-read!

It's been a VERY long time since I've been able to pick up a book and put it back down after reading it all in one sitting. The book played out like a well-planned movie. Every moment, every character, and every line of dialogue had me feening for more. It is one of the most accurate potrayals of the Asian-American gangster scene. Expect no boring cliches filled with typical Asian-American strereotypes. I cannot wait until this author churns out another book. Pick up this book today.

Rarely do "intellectual" and "thriller" fit together, but Davis in his novel Sugar of Lead manages to meld the two into a pleasing amalgam. A higher-echelon Elmore Leonard novel, the story is that of Michael "Sugar" Pierce, outsider (white man) and insider (best friend of the boss, and in love with the boss's wife) in the Rhee gang in Los Angeles. This backdrop, soon spattered with blood, becomes only a launching pad for Davis' literary vision. Davis extensively utilizes symbolism; ocean, smoke and desert all play significant roles-they swirl together and blend in the Rhee residence, providing the novel with a strong does of mysticism, perhaps a nod to Davis' Native American roots. Davis also makes use of allegory-near the end Sugar bears strong resemblance to Beowulf, throughout the novel he can be seen as a Hamlet type, swept along by fate, which has conspired against him to produce this chaos against which he is railing. This novel is slightly more optimistic than Hamlet, as Sugar does take decisive action near the close of the novel, and, while I won't ruin the ending for you, let me say that tragedy and romance mix in this novel, the ending is more uplifting than that of a tragedy, while more tragic than that of a romance. Of course, the novel would not be modern were it not at least somewhat ironic-there is an ironic twist at the end as well; watch who takes over.
Davis not only writes an excellent thriller, at its core, Sugar of Lead is indeed quite the page-turner, he manages to seamlessly blend his views on crime, death, love, and most importantly life, into the violence that is necessary to accurately portray the world of the Rhee's. Never gratuitous, the failing of many thriller authors, but by no means shrinking from violence, Davis manages to keep the reader guessing, while keeping the reader thinking. By the end of this novel I was rooting for Sugar while examining myself. However, the most clear evidence that this novel is poignant is not that I thought while reading it, but that I pondered Sugar's dilemmas even after I had put the book down.
In essence, this novel attempts more than any gangster novel I've read, and succeeds throughout. Davis will not be confined to his genre, he chooses instead to broaden the scope of the genre, and his literary effort is laudable. I only hope he continues to produce work of this quality, as I'm sure readers everywhere, myself included, will continue to enjoy his work.

Rarely do thrillers attempt much more than thrilling; they are generally designed as "pleasure fiction," to distract the reader for a period of a few hours. Almer John Davis has apparently decided that he'd rather not walk down the narrow alley of another gangster thriller, but the backdrop of Korean gangsters in Los Angeles provides the appropriate setting to get much of his message across. The novel mixes the best of old and new--there are shades of Hamlet and Beowolf mixed with the best of Elmore Leonard--upon my first reading (there have been many since) I remarked that this book is a sort of higher-echelon Elmore Leonard novel. Davis presents his views on crime, death, and most importantly, life through the eyes of protagonist Micheal "Sugar" Pierce.
An outsider of sorts, being white in a Korean gang, yet with an insider's knowledge, being best friend of the boss and in love with the boss's wife, Sugar is caught in a web of deception, love, hate, and violence. His desperate attempt to break out, forced by the actions of others, leads to a fast-paced novel, with riveting aciton and constant tension. Yet, Davis seamlessly works in his literary perspectives, using effective and poignant symbolism, allegory and metaphor in order to fully acheive his purpose. Above all a novel that will make you think, examine yourself, and ponder the dilemmas of the characters (the true sign of good literature), Sugar Of Lead has my highest recommendation. I only hope that many more books of the same quality will be produced by its author.

When I was diagnosed in 2005, I was absolutely overwhelmed with fear, information, and decisions. This book is the only one I found that made sense to me. It is clear, concise, and very encouraging. Dr. Link's approach is from a place of genuine respect and regard, and he knows exactly what survivors need to know right away. Reading this book really helped me make the best treatment decisions for myself, with the best information available. The book teaches survivors (who for the most part are not medical professionals, but will unfortunately have to get to that level pretty quickly) how to read pathology reports, and helps you formulate the questions you need to have answered to make your choices. I recommend it to everyone I know who is newly diagnosed.

Very good basic guide for one suffering from breast cancer, one problem was that it was 8 years outdated. Would have been better had it been updated, new treatments are always being discovered. It was a good overview, though.

A book for those who are newly diagnosed with cancer. The book describes in detail the different stages of breast cancer. It also discusses how individuals should see doctors for a second opinion. Another great part about the book is the differences in opinion about how to manage breast cancer, and the different paths to take.

I bought this book when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. The first advice it gives was a breath of fresh air in the middle of a maelstrom. It simply said "you have time." It also gives great advice on second opinions. Besides this first advice the book is filled with general information written in easy to understand english. Some of the info applies some of it doesn't, everyones cancer is different. I greatly recomend this book to all those of us faced with this challenge. It provides you with the information doctors usually don't take the time to give you. A must read before your next doctors visit. One caveat: if you are looking for a feel good read this is not it... this is a serious book of medical information.

I just had this mailed to a friend who was recently diagnosed with very aggressive Breast Cancer. She is only 41. When I was 41 in 2000, I was also diagnosed. This book helped me so much! It is informative and easy to understand. It is not a dry read, like other books on this subject. Most importantly, it is not a downer. While this book is realistic it is also upbeat. I tried reading Dr. Susan Love's book and it was so depressing I could only read one chapter.

There's a lot more to earning a living with your photography than simply creating a great image. John's a successful pro and his advice is very thorough, very professional and based upon actual experience. Highly recommended!

I am a photographer, and as one, I(at least I think) am great at photography, but terrible on the business side. I provide arbitrary (and some times unecessarily large) discounts, or price some of my services at very low rates.

This book provides very useful information for someone like me. Reminds me that in addition to the "art" aspect, photography is also a business that must be self sustained in order to support me...

Very well written, and inspirational in its own unique way.

I am always a little suspicious of reviews of books, since so many of them are made by friends of the author, but this book is definitely a "must read" for any photographer that is serious about making it in this business, regardless of what sector you are interested in. It definitely is an eye opener on some subjects, and makes you aware of things you never thought of, on others. Regardless of whether you are a working pro now, or thinking about it, buy this book, period! This book pretty much covers it all from a business standpoint. I'm glad I choose this one over all of the others.

I read John's excellent book on business twice and then met him at the ASMP seminar in LA. This is not a how-to take good photos book rather a how-to negotiate effectively and stay in business and MAKE MONEY!
I have applied all his techniques and can promise it increased my income! I learned to price on usage and value.
Highly recommended to professional photographers and starting out photographers that would like to learn the business side of photography.
Jason
www.wallisphoto.com

If you're looking for a behind-the-scenes view at what it takes to be a truly successful commercial photographer, this book offers about the best picture you're going to get. I don't think John leaves one stone unturned in detailing all the facets of the business. Here is a sampling of some of the topics covered:

- Tactical decision making and serving the overall strategy
- Importance of proper equipment
- Being prepared for the unexpected
- Working with employees, contractors, interns, and apprentices
- Pricing and licensing your work to stay in business
- A real cost-of-doing-business approach with a photography-tailored CODB calculator
- Proper bookkeeping and accounting
- All types of insurance needed, and the importance of a COI (certificate of insurance)
- Everything about legal issues including copyright registration, infringements, and contract breaches
- All types of contracts and negotiations with real-life examples, and when to say "no"
- Why you need an accountant and an attorney, and what to ask them
- Great methods for dealing with slow and non-paying clients
- The power of email and professional writing along with the use of proper signatures
- Great advice on proper storage archiving, redundancy, security, and the importance of backing up both onsite and offsite in this new digital age

John also offers ample recommended reading at the end of each chapter, and sites excellent references from other sources throughout the book. There's no question John has been around the block multiple times in this industry. Some of the stories he tells are invaluable lessons and give real insights into the rapport of the business. The book is also up to date with discussions on the new and various methods of tapping into that extra stock revenue using the latest stock portals such as Digital Railroad and PhotoShelter. Through all of this, John does not lose sight of the importance of the human aspect, covering everything from the proper care and feeding of your clients to ongoing education, networking, charity, and giving back. And in case you are wondering, he explains how it is possible to do what you love and still have time for your loved ones.

In summary, a fantastic book, and one that will have a lasting impact on both your business and your personal life. Thanks John for paying it forward.

Someone on Earth has put a spell on Score. Helaine and Pixel must return there friend home, and defeat the spell before it kills him. This story is so good it makes me anxious to the read rest of the series

John peel created a work of art with this book. the other books in the seiris don't even come close to this. you have got to read this one!

The action, the plot...
John Peel has a way with words!
What really is surprising is how the relationships are curving between characters!(You'll have to read to know, Sorry!)
I sure hope a movie is coming!(According to my scrying pool)

Diadem is one of my favorite series along with Mindwarp and Animorphs. It is a great mix of suspense and fantasy. Once you start reading you can't put the book down. You just have to keep reading. The books actually make you feel like you're there with Helaine, Score and Pixel. The only thing that angers me is that John Peel stopped at book #6 and left the series hanging! Mr. Peel, please write more!!!! :(

John Peel is one of the best authors in the world! This is my favorite book out of the diadem series, and it was really hard to pick a favorite. If you know that he's going to be writting more books, please E-mail me. And take my word for it, after you read one of the books, your hooked!

For anyone wanting to know St. John of the Cross this book is excellant. For anyone struggling with the "Dark Night" this book is a must. Very reassuring and comforting to know you don't walk alone and that God is always there. This book will deepen your faith.

Like many saints, when you approach St John you feel like you are approaching a figure who is more than human. St John seems to have reached heights and depths of the human psyche and spirit the ordinary mortal cannot hope to match.

Certainly St John's path contains many paradoxes and contradictions; I am sure if he had been born in the same period in Japan he would have been a great Zen Buddhist monk. His path is also soaring and frightening, designed to purge the Christian contemplative of every ego desire and attachment which hinders our union to God. His path of union is also terrifying for its intensity and the degree of suffering it seems to require.

St John himself only seemed to reach the state of union through a 'dark night' while he was imprisoned in a bleak monastary prison for allegedly breaking several rules of his order. Tortured, beaten, and starved, the Sanjuanist monk experienced an incredible mystical experience which led him to write several beautiful poems modelled on the Bible's book of 'Songs' and also on the Psalms and Lamentations of Jeremiah. He later explained the meaning of his poems as the means through which anyone, provided they can practice enough self discipline and trust enough in the grace of God, can achieve an intimate union to God in this life.

Unfortunately I doubt in our consumer age, so focused on immediate gratification of every sensual and physical desire, so obsessed with money and wealth and possessing material things, and so denigrating of any form of 'useless' focus on the 'impractical' which doesn't productively 'do' something, can really well appreciate John's message. John was no believer in compromise; it was either the way of the cross, which meant giving your life over to Christ at all cost, or you risked perdition.

Strangely though, his works have enormous popularity and are cropping up everywhere. His works seem to fill a void, a great void in the human spirit and heart, which no material good or amount of money can fill. Perhaps few if anyone can ascend to the top of Mt Carmel in our era, but we can at least try, even a little.

Always go with hard cover books, becuase they last a lifetime! Spend the extra 5 or 7 dollars so that you don't have to spend the extra $20 to get a replacment book. I haven't read it yet, but to have all of St. John's works in one place is deffinetly a good deal. Buying one book is way cheaper then buying 4 or 5 books.

This is not an easy read, but something that is well worth the effort! Parts of the text have changed my life already. I highly recommend this book for anyone wishing to draw closer to our Lord.

A masterpiece. The clarity of the text is unsurpassed and the effect is ultimately transcendant. I can see how it might be difficult for people who have not participated in at least the first night of this process to absorb the experience he is trying to relate. Nonetheless he is absolutley correct. If you could only have one book in life, this would definetely be a consideration, in that it completely details the process of the mystical experience. I could ramble on forever, but just buy it. It will be the best money you've spent. Bless.

We found this to be an excellent first dictionary. Most things that you want pictures of do have pictures, and the pictures are very appropriate and have helpful captions (usually a sentence describing the picture). The definitions manage rather well to explain the meanings of simple words in even simpler words. Also, with 5,000 words, almost all of the words in a beginning reader's reading vocabulary will be included.

This is a beautifully illustrated dictionary with easy to understand definitions. I gave it 3 stars because I bought it for my 6-year-old daughter, and I find that too often this dictionary does not have the words that she needs to look up. Now I need to buy an additional dictionary to supplement this one.

After reviewing several dictionaries, I picked the DK for my 5 year old son. It is truly a great choice: it has bright colors,attractive illustrations and a comprehensive base for beginning readers and writers. The side tabs have the letters in bright colors which make it easier for young children to find the respective words they are looking for. The definitions are easy to follow, but clearly defined.
I warmly recommend this dictionary to other parents who are looking for an initial, but comprehensive academic resource.

Excellent book for beginning readers thru elementary school. My kindergarten granddaughter couldn't stop reading it and thoroughly enjoyed looking up suggested words and reading the definitions. She asked for a "book with big words" for her birthday gift and this made her day, she is soaking up new words like a sponge! This dictionary makes comprehension easy and teaches children how to use references all in one step. I will definitely be buying other copies for relatives and friends and I highly recommend it for those avid readers "to be"!

DK Children's Illustrated Dictionary is way beyond a mere dictionary. It's a fabulous learning tool with wonderful illustrations. It's just great how perfectly the pictures help clearly define the meaning of the words.

Guaranteed your child will fall in love with this dictionary, and not only use it to look up words for homework, but be enthralled with it for just fun, flip-through reading for hours on end.

You'll never find a better children's dictionary!

If you are a dedicated hands-on woodworker, or simply of the armchair variety, this beautifully written and lavishly illustrated book on handplanes should be on your short list. I recenly met the author, Mr. Garrett Hack, at a woodworking conference in Williamsburg, Virginia. He speaks to a live audience in much the same way that he writes; with great organization, clarity, and enough anecdotal sidebars to really make the discussion lively. After reading the book through, cover to cover, I ordered my first handplane... a Lie-Nielsen No. 4 iron bench plane... and am now rereading the book to learn how to tune this beautiful tool, sharpen it, and commence making those paper-thin, elegant shavings..

I inherited a standard Stanley bench plane from my Dad. After I tried to sharpen it, I had know idea why it was chattering and gouging the wood I was trying to plane. From reading this book I got it properly sharpened and tuned. Now it works great. Also, I found out that I had placed the iron on backwards, and that I really did not need to buy a honing guide or expensive stones to sharpen the iron well enough to do the job.

Some years ago a purchased the book this author wrote on Handtools and have read it about ten times. In that book the author made mention of this book he wrote on handplanes but I was not all that interested. Then in the last few years I have purchased a number of handplanes and began using them and realizing what wonderful and almost sensual tools they are. It was then I ordered the author's book of Handplanes and realized why he wrote an enire book on this subject. I can only say if you have an interest in handplanes of any kind, or age, or conditon this is the book to have. It covers everything you would want to know, including how to tune, reconditon, buy, sharpen, use, and identify about any handplane made. The photos are sumptuous. I cannot say how much I appreciete this book. I just keep reading it over and over and putting the information to work in my shop.

I've been using hand planes for basic tasks for years but never got the performance I felt they were capable of. This book has given me the information I needed to really tune all my planes. It is a pleasure to run a plane down a board and get a perfect shaving thin enough to see through!

I'm now using planes for things other than fitting a drawer or easing an edge. And my shop is often a quieter place because of it!

Wow everybody loved this book!!?? I guess it depends on what you are looking for. I want to build my own planes. This book is not useful for that. The only illustrations, which are sparse, are pictures of planes. So if you love tools and want to read about planes this is probably as great as everybody says, but if you actually want to build a plane this book will not be any help. I did find the discussion of Stanley and other old planes very useful though when going to the flea markets to look for old hand tools. Thats why I gave it a 4. If you want to build a plane I would give it a 2.

The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada (California Academy of Sciences) (California Academy of Sciences) (California Academy of Sciences)
This is an excellent field guide packed with accurate, hand drawn colored illustrations of everything you can imagine, from mushrooms to insects to reptiles.

This is an incredible book on the Sierra Nevada, written and illustrated entirely by Jack Laws, a fantastic naturalist.

We purchased this field guide to take on dayhikes and camping trips in the Sierra's with our 5 yr old daughter. We have thoroughly enjoyed it! It is very easy to use. I looked at many field guides and this one is by far the easiest to use. Small children can become bored easily on a hike. The field guide has made hiking more interesting for our 5 yr old. She finds it great fun to identify new flowers,plants,birds,ect. It delays the inevitable, "Are we there yet?" !

The detail drawing make it easy to identify the plants and wild life.
A great way to learn.

I have at least 10 books specifically on Sierra wildflowers and several field guides. This is the best all-in-one book. It's not too heavy for me to carry on a day hike.

Janice
in the Sierra

Could not put it down. Historically a great walk down memory lane, I had forgotten so much. When asked "Did we make a difference"? You find yourself asking the same question, and you bet we did, all in our own way.

This book grips you by creating relationships with the key players in the Class of '69 from Cal Berkeley's Boalt Hall law school. Through their eyes, Poswall provides a unique glimpse into issues in the late 60s and the '70s ranging from California's legal system, politics, and the Supreme Court to the emerging empowerment of Latinos, Blacks, women and disabled persons. Based on the skill with which he develops characters and interweaves plots, one would suspect Poswall was a born writer, not merely among the most respected lawyers in the U.S.

This first book by a local attorney has caught all the wonder and pain of law school and the legal profession. I read it for the first time as a break from studying for my 1L exams. I found it extremely engrossing. While earlier reviewers focused on the evolution of Rose and women in the profession, there is much to be said about the men in this novel. They struggle with their own demons, including alcoholism, depravity, and death. Overall, it's not the most upbeat book on growing up in the legal community, but that's only because of how realistic it is.

I have just completed re-reading John Poswall's "The Lawyers: Class of '69" and it was as entertaining as the first. In the second reading, I couldn't help but compare and contrast how the world has changed, especially as it pertains to women. Bottom line: very has changed for women in law, corporate America or the intricacies of domestic relationships. Simply replace the name Rose Contreras, the main character in this novel, with whistleblower Sherron Watkins of Enron fame:

a. brilliant women who stepped forward to fight against the establishment only to sacrifice what they had spent years training to become;
b. when they arrived, the golden ring wasn't exposed, rather in its place was a muzzle;
c. in the end, they would have to reevaluate the years of education and hard work and choose between success and their personal code of ethics.

Are there rewards for brilliant, educated women today? Perhaps when they write their book about their abhorrent experiences. Rarely do you see the establishment welcoming them back into the fold to reward their ethical stance. The Lawyers is a fabulous book that encourages other strong women to challenge the chauvinistic rules that still permeate this society.

As both a lawyer and radio talk show host, I found John Poswall's book to be engrossing fare,not just for lawyers,but for anyone who wants to take a real look at how the law school process shapes the profession and reflects the values of society.
Poswall's characters are vivid,their dilemnas intriguing and their personal lives both sexy and surprising.
I don't often have authors on my radio shows at KGO (ABC) San Francisco. However,I really enjoyed this book and thought my listeners would appreciate it as well.
On a personal note, as someone who fought her own civil rights battle twenty years ago( Craft v. Metromedia) about the treatment of female television anchors, I appreciate John Poswall's practice which defends the rights of some pretty remarkable people. I also was surprised that such a talented lawyer would also be one hell of fine writer!!
Christine Craft www.kgo.com

While my 11 year old daughter would have been able to read the original book Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World's Worst Dog, some parts were not age appropriate for her. Luckily this version was written for kids to read on their own and retains all the humor of the original. It is a fun read for any kid who loves dogs and loves to laugh! This book is guaranteed to leave you laughing out loud, and reading passages to everyone nearby.

My 13 yr old son really enjoyed this book, and I am glad this version is available. Unfortunately they have not included all the footnotes that were in the adult version, I felt they added closure to the story.

You don't have to be a kid 9-12 years old to giggle, shake your head in disbelief, and cry while you read this book--an adaptation of MARLEY AND ME. This is a testament to author Grogan's writing skill.

Grogan never underestimates his readers' vocabulary and comprehension of complex ideas. He doesn't "sugar coat" anything; kids and adults appreciate that. He relates his story through a full range of emotions--frustration over Marley's destructive behavior, worry when Marley is sick, and awe every time Marely does the un-doable.

I challenge newbie juvenile writers to craft their books as well as Grogan has.

Note: If you don't have time to read the longer MARLEY AND ME, read MARLEY: A DOG LIKE NO OTHER instead. You'll be glad you did.

Marley is a great book about a dog. He is crazy but still very cute. He is not obedient at all and when he's in public he is very naughty. This book goes from the beginning of Marley's life to when he gets really old. Marley is a golden retriever. He is so big that everyone is scared of him. When anyone walks into the house Marley dashes up to them and jumps up on them. This book is so good I couldn't put it down. These are some of the reasons I liked the book:

1. The book has to do with animals being treated fairly and I like that.
2. It taught me how much a dog can connect with its owner. It was touching.
3. The book was thick but I couldn't get enough!

There is just one thing that made me sad. I won't tell you what it was but I will say that it was so sad I actually cried. I hope this review helps you decide if this book is for you or not.

(Review written by Tysha)

This book is excellent for dog lovers. It spans the gambit from laughter to tears. A MUST READ!