Turner Books

Steve Turner has done a great service to Christians everywhere. In the first part of his carefully researched book, Turner gives us an excellent account of the life of John Newton, the author of the famous hymn "Amazing Grace." Here he covers much that is familiar, and at the same time corrects some common misconceptions.

The second half of the book traces the history of "Amazing Grace." It is fascinating to learn how the song's tune has developed and changed, how the verses of the song have evolved over time, and how the hymn has grown in popularity over the years. Not as enjoyable was learning how "Amazing Grace" has been reinterpreted since the 1970's to support the views of whatever unsaved person or group using it at the time. I am sure ol' John Newton would be spinning in his grave if he knew what our postmodern society has done with his marvelous hymn. Still, Turner's book should do nothing for the Christian but endear even more to "Amazing Grace" the song, and amazing grace the message.

I'm not sure why,but this book has a lot more to it than first meets the eye.Often books of this nature are of the 'edited 'type with very little effort put into them and while the concept is good ;usually filled with a bunch of fluff.But not this one.A great effort has gone into it and as a result we have an excellent work.
While he never gets away from his topic,Turner gives us an awful lot about the history of Newton and everyone associated with him,a thorough understanding of the slave trade,a good understanding of the various Protestant churches of the18th and 19th centuries .If that isn't enough, he has covered in minute detail the evolution of the hymn,it's meaning word by word,it's associated music and how it spread ,and by whom ,throughout it's 225 year history.
He has beautifully shown the deep religious and theological meaning the hymn has for those who understand it and have a faith in God.He has just as well explained how and why so many people love and get inspiration from the hymn even though they may have little in the way of faith or religious involvement.He does this without being judgemental in any way.
As to how Newton could be involved in the slave trade.."Slavery was as acceptable as abortion is today-it was legal,it had immediate and tangible benefits,and people predicted widespread calamity should it ever be banned.There was no social pressure for him to feel shame.Cities had been built on the fruits of slavery and the great merchants of slaves were celebrated,giving their names to buildings and streets.It was those who were opposed to slavery who were regarded as irritants-ememies of social stability,troublemakers,idealists with no concern for progress."
There is one thing I would like to add and that is..If there ever was a book that would have benefited from an included CD,this would have been it.

I love Steve Turner books, and I love the song Amazing Grace. What a combination!...a work of history that reads like a good mystery novel! I couldn't put it down until I'd read it from cover to cover. This book has everything...a great redemption story, both for the man, Newton--and his song, which didn't really take off until someone put the perfect tune with it a hundred years later. Turner manages to present the context of Newton's theology in a scholarly way that will be informative, but not off-putting to those who are not into reformed theology. The secular life of the song is fascinating...to see how this song was popularized, and now touches millions. To me this song has what we wan't all music to have...something that touches our insides in a way we can't describe, but we know that it makes our lives more complete. And the biggest surprise of the book?...Newton became a slave-trader AFTER his conversion, and only opposed slavery much later in life. Considering how slowly America has repented of it's historic racism, there may be a lesson for us all as we see the sanctification that occurred over time in Newton's life.

I sing and Amazing Grace is one of my favorite hymns. I'm also a nontheist. I'm pretty comfortable with those two seemingly incongruous facts, but I thought I'd read Steve Turner's book Amazing Grace to see if other folks like me had made it into the text. I'm also an Arlo Guthrie fan and I figured I'd do some fact checking on the version of John Newton's story Arlo tells when singing Amazing Grace in concert. Folks like me show up towards the end of the second part of the book and Turner indicates that Arlo is aware that his version is condensed and inaccurate.

The first part of Amazing Grace is the story of John Newton and how he came to write the words to what is now America's favorite hymn. I learned a lot of history, especially of the slave trade in the 1700's, while getting the non-Arlo, complicated version of Mr. Newton's life. The second part of the book follows the history of the hymn post-Newton. Turner has done his homework and I especially enjoyed learning about the history of the hymn in the 1800's, including how Amazing Grace picked up the tune we now sing it to.

I highly recommend Amazing Grace to fans of history, music, and, of course, the hymn Amazing Grace.

I just led a church service about "Amazing Grace," and Steve Turner's book served as my main resource. I read it cover to cover during the process, and found it highly intelligent and interesting, with far too many "tidbits" that I wanted to include in the service and couldn't! I encourage the reading of this book AS a "pleasure read," not just as research material.

I particularly appreciated the section on contemporary versions of "Amazing Grace" and its impact on the secular community. As a Unitarian Universalist, I was greatly cheered to find one of our ministers quoted on the impact of the hymn on those who don't necessarily believe in a divine presence.

The discography of AG recordings included as an appendix was also hugely valuable, as I compiled a CD of recorded versions as a "party favor" for my (small) congregation. Turner's correct when he says it's a "select" discography, but he got most of the really good ones!

Despite the fact that the materials that went into the construction of this book seem somewhat second-rate (thick, rough-edged paper, for one thing), it is really a good buy for less than fifteen dollars. Having Don Quixote in the original Spanish along with the classic Dore illustrations has been a real treat, I would recommend this edition to any lover of the Classics on a tight budget.

I am learning Spanish and I have reached a pretty good level of conversation so I bought this book to improve my reading after finishing very basic books such as First Spanish Reader. This book is really improving my reading altough at times it is a bit challenging. I strongly recommend it to anyone that wants to improve their reading in Spanish while enjoying a fun book to read that is also a classic novel in Spanish. This hard cover book is also a very nice looking book to add to your collection.

Quando empese a leer el quijote, empese en espanol. Pero, en una clase de ingles mundial en la universidd me hisieron leerla en ingles. Lo que me sorprendio mas que qulquier cosa es que, mientras tenia todos los temas intacto en la tradusion en ingles, el libro perdio la bellesa de la utilisation del idioma como solo lo puede hacer cervantes. Para serles sincera el libro me confundio al empesarlo y la primera ves no entendi todo lo que habia que entener (como en todo libro bueno) pero desde la primera pajina me enamore de como cervates utilisaba las palabras simples del idioma. No usa palabras grandes y dificiles en si (aunque si hay algunas palabras antiquadas que tuve que buscar en dictionario) pero es como las junta que hace el libro la bellesa que es. Leerlo es un placer hasta si al principio no entiendes quienes son todos los personajes y porque estan haciendo lo que hacen, la belles de su idioma y las esenas que te pinta en tu mente, son suficiente.

Cuando yo estaba en la escuela y leí el Quijote por primera vez, la edición tenía un comentario que decía: "A Cervantes le bastó un sólo brazo para edificar la catedral de la literatura universal". Un poco exagerado (los españoles exageran casi siempre), pero no cabe duda que el Quijote a dejado huellas en la literatura universal y ha influenciado a tantos autores, como por ejemplo a Tolstoi. Muchos frases idiomáticas han sobrevivido los siglos no sólo en Castellano, sino también en otros idiomas tan exóticos como Alemán (mit Windmühlen kämpfen = acometer molinos de viento) o Ruso. Sinceramente El Quijote exije mucho del lector. Es una novela que hace que uno piense sobre muchos los fines de la vida. Y aunque no lo crean a veces se entiende mejor en otro idioma. Yo lo he leído en Alemán y Ruso y puedo afirmar eso.

Virgilio Krumbacher

Cervantes wrote El Quijote as a critic to novels about knights and damsels in distress which were very popular in his time. His hero, Alonso Quijano, is one of those who are so hooked on them that spend his days and nights reading .Till he becomes mad. A beautiful way to be mad, or maybe he is not so mad. El Quijote decides to beguin a journey with the faithful company of his steward Sancho Panza. Through the eyes of this odd couple we see the world. The world full of wonders, tournaments, knights and damsels, don Quijote sees, and the sensible, hard routinary world that Sancho sees.
Slowly Sancho is changing, there is a quijotization of Sancho. A vision of a world where truth and honor can be used, must be used.

If there would be a book written in Spanish which should be declared a monument this will be the one. Becasue the writting is not only wonderful. The use of Spanish in its most perfect way. But also because with these two characters Cervantes explains and depicts something very hard to do. The Spanish mind.
Duality is the keyword. The fantasy world where Don Quijote lives, that shelter to be away of all the things we do not like. And the acceptation of reality as it is, like Sancho does.
But there is also fun in this novel. Because humour is everywhere. From the episode of the windmills to the one with the wooden horse.

I understand that for a first approaching to Spanish literature is a hard effort, but it is addictive. If you read it once sooner or later you will read it again and again. And this edition worths the money. Prof. Blecua is probably the best in this field. So you can be sure the edition you are going to read is a good one.
I recommend this book, not only for the pleasure of the reading itself, but because after you read it I am sure you will think about it. So...En un lugar de la Mancha, de cuyo nombre no quiero acordarme,.no ha mucho tiempo que vivía un hidalgo, de los de lanza en astillero, adarga antigua, rocín flaco y galgo corredor. (...)

This is absolutely the best reference book for Southern gardeners. If "it" is not mentioned here, "it" is not meant to be planted in the South. Information is easy to understand for beginning gardeners. I am on my second edition.

Although the black/white interface may seem antiquated, the plant list is extensive enough to make this a REAL resource for even the nonprofessional gardener. Great and reliable reviews of nearly everything Southern in a garden.

An excellent reference for the serious Southern Gardener.

Gardening is a lifestyle that sings to my soul. This is THE hymnal. Pick up a copy and sing with me.

I own and operate a nursery and use the book constantly. Not many books focus on the south but finally, one that does. It is very factual and offers a lot of supplemental information in addition to identification of plants.

This is the second book in a trilogy by Jodine Turner. The first book snuck up on me disguised as a novel. Then I had to read the 2nd book and I'm waiting not so patiently for the last of this trilogy. If you want to understand the Goddess Energy pouring onto our planet at the present time, this is a good place to start. Jodine Turner has kept it light by turning history into a novel format. This is part of our history.

Jodine's books are awesome! Her descriptions of the goddess mystery schools and processes reveals much of the power contained in the journey and commitment one must make in order to receive enlightenment. These are must reads for seekers. I eagerly await her next book.

I found Jodine's second installment to be as rich and completely developed a story as her first wonderful book, "The Awakening." This writer's ability to create vivid pictures, transport us into the historical setting of her stories and engage us deeply with each of her characters, is magical, mythical story-telling at it's best.

My teenage daughter read "The Awakening" and was after me to hurry up and finish "Keys to Remember" so she could devour it!
I think this trilogy is a wonderful gift for teenage girls that enjoy historical fantasy.

We both wait in anticipation of the 3rd in this marvelous series. Thank you Jodine and bless your creativity that more of the Goddess continues to flow to us through your writing!

I just devoured this second installment of the Goddess of the Stars and the Sea. When I got to the part about the release and initiation at the levels of the labyrinth on the Tor, I thought, "This is going to become a classic on everyone's shelf!" I think Jodine has done a fine job of transmitting the magic and power of this Goddess lineage, and I can't wait to read the third one. It's clear that she is bringing through a very potent voice and that it resonates in her cells.

As a contemporary priestess of the Divine Mother and the steward of a contemporary women's mystery school, the Temple of the Sacred Feminine, I enjoy reading books about women's initiation and the path of the priestess. This book captivated me because it is jarring the collective memories and pointing to the emergence of the priestesses of the Mother who are here on the planet today. The priestesses are awakening, as is the imperative of their call to service in distinctly feminine ways. I felt a sense of recognition with the characters as well as the unfolding of the priestess path. I especially loved the main character's initiatory journey through the labyrinth and the desciptions of where each portal took the woman within herself.
The story is well-constructed, it held a tension that engaged me right to the end, and I found myself emotionally involved with the characters and their challenges. This book will quicken the latent memories of women called to the priestess path, and hopefully catalyze a journey or search for those not already on this path. The path of the everyday priestess is here, now, and so needed for the awakening and healing of the planet and her people.

This story is hard to imagine anyone living through. Mr. Ladd's accomplishments are outstanding. This brings a reality to the reader that most people have no idea exists except those living it. This autobiography also shows the power of determination, attitude and self-reliance.

This should be inspiring and educational to young people especially but also to adults who can see the world from a young black man's perspective. Ladd allows us to walk in his shoes for a while; it is a privilege and a lesson.

The narrator for the audiocassette does an excellent job reading the book.

This story reminded me of "Finding Fish" by Antwoine Fisher, another great, inspiring story.

As a 24 yearold 1st yr. teacher in West Dallas I have been looking for answers. I work at the Middle School across from the projects referred to in this book. I am not too far from "Fishtrap", and the gangs (boyz) have changed from Ladd's time but only by the faces of their members. Some of the most infamous being my most delightful students. My kids are not like all of the others in America. They are different...special even and Jerrold Ladd told me why. As I read this book with every page I turned I anticipated that the "story" would get better. I prayed that his mother would change. I longed for the chapter when some long lost Great-Uncle from Georgia would come and take him from the reality of his torrid life. But it never happened. And I became frustarted because my students do not have anyone to rescue them from their realities, not for the long haul at least. Jerrold Ladd's book explained to me the generational frustaration that West Dallas incorporates. The resentment and struggle of blocks and blocks of people is the only thing this community truly owns. Ladd wrote the testament and explanation of a community's fear. His hopes and fears were evident on every page of this book. I only wish that my studenrs could take time from their troubles of hunger, fear, anger, and poverty to big up this reflection of possible positive self. Thank you for this invaluable tool of living and learning.

As a 24 yearold 1st year Teacher in West Dallas I have looked for reasons as to why my students (my kids) as I call them are the way they are. I teach eighth grade History at Thomas Edison Middle Learning Center which is located across the street from the projects referred to by Mr. Ladd. I can testify that all of my 109 students are the soul of Jerrold Ladd.

I have gone home frustrated many nights, crying myself to sleep distraught over what my kids must face at home from day to day after a long day at school. Mr. Ladd brought home the realities of my student lives. He pushed their questionable futures to the forefront of my classroom and by this Christmas I was sad to see them go. I was sad because I questioned how many of them would bathe without the motivation of not being ridiculed by mean classmates. I was sad because I wondered to what length one of my kids would go to pay his mother's rent, the same mother who stood in front of me and her precious son parent-confrence night and stated how he was a waste of 13 years.

As I turned the pages of this book I waited with each page for Mr. Ladd's situation to get better. Similarly, as I come to work everyday I look for my kids situation to get better. In the final ten to twelve pages of this testament to the community of West Dallas I finally saw inspiration and hope, however I shudder to think how long it will take the children of West Dallas to see the same thing.

Jerrold Ladd thank you for this guide into the minds of my babies. It is a invaluable tool.

I am a freshman student at my high school, and was assigned to a book report... I then choose this book, yet not out of wantingness, but just to get something and be done with it. When I started this book, I was so amazed at the details, and way Jerrold lived, with such horrific times in his live from his living style, to growing up, and all the obstacles, and problems that occured in his life. It was so sad, yet you cant put it down.

Excellent writing from a motivated and dedicated young man. Jerrold Ladd experienced disrupted education, a lack of early age positive male influence while proving first hand, that you can over come all obstacles and succeed in America.

It is a gut wrenching look into living in America's projects shortly after desegregation. It reminded me of the fact that life in America is not and has never been the same for everyone. For many, it is a living torture. Once you have read Out Of The Madness, you feel like you personally know the author. The author, Jerrold Ladd, tells an in-depth story about his life, his family (Mother, sister and brother) and some of his friends and associates. He provides an incredible amount of detail for a relatively short book (under 200 pages and large print). He allowed me to walk in his foot steps, feeling his disappointments, success's and failures. Each chapter presented intense quality of life and life treating situations that would test and potentially break the fiber of any man or woman. Jerrold exposes himself, his friends and associates in a bold and remarkable manner that allows you to actually feel his emotions. This book is a dead serious look at life within a segment of America, yesterday and today. The book reminds you that to many people (children and adults), needlessly, experience this and worst everyday. I recommend the book as a must read for everyone. My reason: This book provides an insight into a situation that many generations of Americans helped create. It gives motivation to those in similar situations and those that have not lived integrated into murder, drugs and abuse. Most of all, it proves, in America you can change your life.

Probably the single best Christmas book I have ever read. Fantastic story and terrific artwork. A lot of imagination went into explaining the various facets and history of Christmas. I have to buy a used copy since I gave away the other two I bought to friends and relatives.

Every Season this most wonderful book is appropriately displayed on our coffee table along with double stuffed cookies, a friendly note why the kids were good, and some milk for Santa. It beautifully illustrates and tells how Scribbler Elf wrote the story and other Elves painted the wonderful pictures.

We've found, with a little help of the internet, one of our favorite painter Elves (James Himsworth III) still painting other wonderful children's books at GHLPublishing.com and Dimensions. However, we really wish this classic was more readily available to our neighbors and friends. Many of our neighbors find it difficult to locate. But, thanks to Amazon.com for promoting this fine children's tale!

We recommend this book to anyone who loves Christmas and Santa. Please write and ask Amazon.com and GHLPublishing.com to carry this every Holiday season. Don't let it go out of print, please.

Merry Christmas, The Habermehl Family (Terry 9, Jason 4, Mom)

It tells you so much about Santa and the North pole.I love how it tells how he got started!Its just great!A holiday favorite!

One of the best stories about Santa Claus I've ever read. I nearly cried when I bought this for my young daughter some years ago as it brought back all the magical Christmases from my youth. Its tale is wonderful and the illustrations are delightful. It will warm the hearts of all ages....

I think that this is a GREAT book! I really liked how it tells you that Scribbler Elf wrote the story and the other Elves painted the pictures. Once I started this story, I didn't put it down until I was done. I recommend this book to anyone who loves Christmas and Santa!

My 3 year old daughter adopted from China loves this book, she is a little too impatient for the written story nightly but requests the book over and over for the pictures-while she makes up her own story to go along with the pictures. She loves going on about the mommy and daddy in the story and how she had a picture book sent to her and then she flew on a plane just like in the story. She makes this story her own.

I have an adopted daughter from Korea and we have many, many books on adoption. This is the best one I've found - it describes so well the experience my daughter, and we had, and makes me cry every time I read it. I've found it helpful not only for her but for her friends and classmates to understand her experience.

As a parent of two wonderful Korean boys, this book is a fantastic story of a child's travel to be with his forever family. I read this book for the children's story at my church on my son's first Coming to America Day (the anniversary of his arrival) and the response was wonderful. My sons really enjoy listening to this story and it has provided an avenue for us to talk about their adoption adventure and the plane ride from Korea to the United States. I high recommend this book. It is a must own book for parents of international adoptees.

Flying across the world to become part of a new family can be scary but wonderful at the same time, as told by a little boy in this story. I liked that it does star a boy rather than a boy, like many adoption stories do. The story is written in simple understandable language and the illustrations are soft but filled with detail to interest young readers. The little expresses some of his feelings about adoption and I am sure many young adopted readers will find themselves relating with his thoughts. This is a good one.

Children adopted overseas adore this story, regardless of their country of origin. It is especially helpful for children adopted at an older age.

Having a home and a permanent family is wonderful, of course. But older children don't know that when they come home. They are often angry at being uprooted and taken to strange new places, where people speak a foreign toungue. They are understandably frightened. So many new things in the early days assault their senses that days can seem like a lifetime.

This soothing story eases the pain of that transition. It helps them to know that they are wanted, waited for, and loved, even before they arrive. It eases the terrible pain of the transition. If you buy no other adoption story for your internationally adopted child, make it this one. Alyssa A. Lappen

I love how the sacred feminine energy is awakening even more deeply and fully on the planet at this time, and I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful story filled with the Goddess energy set during the time of Atlantis. This was a book I didn't want to put down. Jodine Turner does a wonderful job of bringing her characters to life while taking you on a vivid journey into the life of Geodran, who is awakening to the Goddess's calling and stepping into her life as a priestess. There was a nice balance of both the sacred feminine as well as the sacred masculine throughout the story that I found nourishing to my spirit; and plenty of suspense that kept me turning the pages to find out what happened next. What a gift you have, Jodine, for telling a wonderful, engaging story. I can hardly wait to read your next book!

The Awakening is a wondrous ride of magic and fantasy with a remarkable cast of characters surrounding the heroine, Geodran. The adventures live on long past the pages, and while reading it, they became part of my waking thoughts of concern and wonder for and about them. It is rare that a book moves off its pages and into our hearts. This is such a tale!

This first book in Ms Turner's trilogy that travels through time with the Goddess of the Stars and the Sea is timely and thought provoking. In a world of separation, Geodren's journey reminds us of the necessity to restore the balance of the masculine and feminine within each one of us as well as with one another. There is an energy woven within the tapestry of The Awakening's storyline that engages the reader long after the book has been returned to the shelf. I find myself rereading it periodically to plug into the remembering that is stirred by the Goddess of the Stars and the Sea.....

The Awakening captivated my attention from page one all the way through. The story is gripping, the suspense wonderful, and the characters vivid, real, and engaging. Ms. Turner creates a world and events real enough to feel you're there, with conflicts that resonate for us living in critical times in our own world today. A wonderful read.

This story is delightfully engaging with rich, imaginative settings, a fast moving plot and believable heroic and sinister characters. I was moved by the blend of passion and politics, spirituality and human frailty. There are wonderful twists and turns in the story right up to the very end....so appealing is the pace of this book, I found myself easily missing sleep to read just another few chapters....

I was saddened when one of my favorite writers, Marion Zimmer-Bradley passed away...but with the release of Ms. Turner's first novel, I am renewed! I've already given this book to a half a dozen friends and I can't wait to read the next two installments in this trilogy!

Thoshinsky executes a beautiful photo essay. Gritty, funny and remarkably touching. A brief and privileged glimpse into a world rarely experienced or understood by those outside law enforcement.

"The truth is most people don't like the police. They need 'em. They just don't like 'em." Peter Thoshinsky examines the delicate and brutal world of the San Francisco Police Department in his book, Blue in Black and White, sharing pictures he has taken over his 25-year tenure as a cop. These stark, graphic images show San Franciscans from all walks of life, fighting, demonstrating, and pleading to be released from their handcuffs, and always close by is the officer who has to deal with the civilian's actions. Each subject is treated with respect, no matter the crime or event shown, and Thoshinsky writes free verse and prose poems next to the shots explaining the unseen or unknown, giving the reader a window into a world few rarely see.

The subject is San Francisco and the boys and girls in blue who walk her streets, but the book transcends location. Market Street, 200 Leavenworth, Broadway, Union Square, North Beach, Candlestick Park, and McAllister Street all make appearances to remind us where the pictures were taken, yet the reader gets a sense that these images are everywhere, in each skid row alley of every great American city, and these are the men and women who risk their lives for their job. Capturing the mixed emotions most officers feel protecting citizens who also despise them for who they are, the book humanizes the police force for those who have never understood the weight that goes with the occupation.

Peter Thoshinsky investigates the realities of homelessness, mental illness, drugs, and cops' use of force with the integrity of someone who is there firsthand, and he wrestles with the truth and justice each officer tries to bring to a workday while trapped under a hot Kevlar vest, badge, radio, belt, and ammunition somewhere below the San Francisco skyline. He tells us that the police remind themselves every day, "That could be your brother, sister. Given a change of fortune, that could have been you." Thoshinsky reserves judgment of the characters he meets on his beats, and instead captures their portrait with a sense of anticipation, the reader left curious what happens next in the scene. Blue in Black and White educates with cop lingo like "B Caper," "Four Boys," and "Hondels" and memorializes fallen officers with a picture and a line or two in their honor.
This pictorial set in San Francisco shows the heart of the city and the people who live in it and protect it. It is accessible and moving for both officer and civilian, honestly examining the lives of the police as they move from the academy to the streets. The reader comes away knowing more about what it means to be in the line of duty performing a job no one wants to give credit for.

Blue in Black and White is a photography book of San Francisco's law enforcement officers, by police sergeant, experienced photographer, and native San Franciscan Peter Thoshinsky. Each two-page spread features a black-and-white, larger-than-life photograph of people keeping the peace on San Francisco's streets on the right, and a brief poem, caption, or insight on the left. A moving and unforgettable visual tribute, as well as a window into the daily routine of a difficult yet rewarding public duty.

Ever been curious about what it's like?...

Have a friend or family member who is one of 'them'?...

Think you already know what this calling is all about?...

It often seems impossible to express just exactly what it's like. With simple, stark and poinet photographs, as well as sparse, direct and accurate words, Pete Thoshinsky's, Blue in Black and White, comes about as close as one can.

Short of donning armor, girding weapons, and riding thanklessly into harms way in defense of others everyday, this is as close as you are going to get.

Thank you Pete,
Oro en Paz, Fierro en Guerra!

One of the most interesting things about loving books is that one never gets to the end of ideas for them. While there are indeed mountains and continents of sameness that can be safely ignored, one should never get blasé because someone will always find some way of surprising you and giving you something fresh to look at. I am not saying that in the history of printing there has never been a book like this one, but it is a very fresh look at something I have not seen.

And what is that? You say that it is just another book of pictures of cops? Well, it is a book of pictures of cops, but there is a big difference. This is a book of pictures of cops TAKEN by a cop. What difference does that make? Because we see the police officers the way a man who knows them and knows their job sees them rather than the way we usually see them depicted on TV and in the movies. We learn which assignments the cops like, which they don't, what some of the problems are, and even the tedium of the job.

Peter Thoshinsky was on the "Tenderloin Task Force" of the San Francisco Police Department. He shows us cops on the job and provides captions that help us appreciate the pictures. Some of the captions are merely informative, some are insightful, some are funny or ironic, and some are touching. And they all enhance the photographs.

I was particularly struck by the caption for "The Good Son"

Cop: "When was the last time you spoke with your father?"
Son: "Well, I call him every Sunday, `ya know, just to make sure he's ok."
Cop" "OK"
Son: ... "and so when he didn't answer the phone on Sunday, I thought something might be wrong".
Cop: "Yeah."
Son: "Yeah, so I come over and I found him dead just like that."
Cop: "So, when you called your dad on Sunday he didn't answer?"
Son: "Right."
Cop: "You must have been worried?"
Son: "Uh-huh."
Cop: "Today is Thursday."
Son: "Uh-huh."

Or the next picture of a female arm with wrist tattoos in handcuffs entitled "Tattoos and Bracelets".

Or: "The first rule of police work, the very first rule. Everyone lies. "I ain't got nothing officer, I swear it". See rule number one.

There are dozens of more like this. Fresh, insightful, and even touching. Not only for the cops (one picture is of an old women in a wheel chair flipping the bird to a cop), but also for the lost souls who are so lost they see the cops as the enemy rather than someone trying to help them (few people see being taken into custody as a help).

Very much worth having and lingering over.

As one of Mr. Turners people, I can tell you this book is true to the letter. Where are you now Glen. New England's Mr. Kelley and others want to say thank you . . 35 years later . .

After reading so much misinformation about Glen Turner, it was a pleasure to read something positive. In this very interesting book by Pullitzer prize winner John Frasca you will find the facts about Turner his companies Dare to Be Great and Koscot. You will also see the kindness in this man who ave away money to charities, even at times when he couldn't afford to.I came across this book by accident buut found that it was a worthwhile read. It appears as though Glen Turner was a man of class and dignity.

I came across this book alon with Dare to Be Great at a used bookstore and found both books rather interesting.It appears as though Frasca was hired to Expose Glenn Turner's companies Dare to Be Great and Koscot Interplanetary as an illegal pyramid scheme and expose Turner as a charlatan.Instead, Frasca after going inside Turners organization is so impressed that he writes this book turning Glenn W. Turner into a hero and exposing him as a charitable, caring man who was also an astute businessman and a promoter of PMA (Positive Mental Attitude)Turner would become "American of the Year" beating Art Linkletter among others and his companies broke all sales records in the 70's for MLM/Network Marketing.Even if you don't believe it, all of us can learn a thing or two about giving something back as Glenn W. Turner did; about having a burning desire to succeed that would not quit and about the power of Network Marketing-Glenn W. Turner style.Very inspiring and motivational. Great story about a great man-Glenn W. Turner.

The C in Con stands for confidence and what Glenn Turner was, was a man who believed more in people and in their potential than the people themselves did.

Koscot Interplanetary and Dare To Be Great were great companies that offered superior products and an unequaled (at that time) marketing plan for those who were willing to work.

I believe that the so called pyramid charges against Turner are overdone. The fact of the matter is that even today, 4 out of 5 people who get into network marketing fail. With Turners company, the numbers were lower becuase of the superior training i.e The Dare To Be Great Training program.

Interesting is that reps who worked the business had no problem with the company, Glenn Turner, Turner Enterprises, Dare To Be Great or Koscot Interplanetary. Many people created high incomes. Customers loved the cosmetic products offered via Koscot and the personal development programs delivered on their promises, for those who attended the seminars and followed through on the training.

For those of us who were familiar with Glenn W. Turner, Koscot Interplanetary, Dare To Be Great and network marketing (referred to as MLM back then) in general, not surprised at the prejudice, innuendo and mistatements that are still prevalent today. Glenn Turner may be the most famous case, but there are many more cases against network marketing companies even currently.

And what became of Glenn W. Turner? I did some research and found that he is alive and well in Orlando, Fl. Still active in n etwork marketing and still 'teachin and 'preachin a positive attitude. Despite all that has happened to Turner, he still won't quit (that's attitude), he says that he is "better not bitter" about the injustices done to him and as far as I am concerned, the world is a better place with him still actively involved.

A better question though is what happened to all who persecuted him? People who made a name for themselves, feathered their own nests, exploited Glenn Turner and his people for their own personal gain. I did some research on that too and here is what I found out:

1. A sitting President, for whose benefit $200,000 (in 1972 dollars) was demanded? Resigned in disgrace, accepted pardon for his crimes.

2. Two United States Attorneys General who were the cornerstone of the full onslaught of the awesome power of the federal government against Glenn Turner fell from grace, convicted. One served hard time in a federal penitentiary.

3. Lawyers, numbering nearly forty, who held key positions in the administration of the disgraced President, were convicted of crimes in connection with Watergate. Many were disbarred.

4. A number of state attorneys general, or officials of similiar rank, who targeted Turner for special attention resigned from office in disgrace or were convicted of crimes.

5. A district attorney who prompted a raid of one of Glenn Turners meetings, arrested and attempted to prosecute scores of Turner people, was himself arrested for racketeering and convicted and the last we heard, was facing five years hard time in the penitentiary.

6. The sheriff's chief deputy, who led an unnecessary raid on Turners building and held Turner employees captive for hours, was himself arrested for embezzling public funds, was convicted and facing years of h ard time in the penitentiary.

7. The flourishing careers of a number of prosecutors, who were prominent in the fight against Glenn Turner, withered after the battles and never achieved their original promise.

8. A number of elected officials, who garnered fame for their publicity-seeking actions against Glenn W. Turner, failed in their bid for higher office in election races that seemed assured.

9. A government official who tried to extort funds from Glenn W. Turner and was removed from office for this attempt. Later was disbarred for alleged misconduct with a clients funds and reportedly fled the country to avoid prosecution.

A biblical phrase says that you reap what you sow. Based on the above record, it appears that many presumed honorable high scale people indeed "reap what they sowed" and prooves that you do indeed get back what you give out. It prooves without question that there is indeed a higher power whose decisions and justice are not based on media bias and are eminently fair. It's a power that you can't run or hide from...

John Frasca was an investigative reporter, originally hired to investigate (RE: Expose) Glenn Turner.After investigating Turner and his organization, he was so impressed that he wrote this book praising Turner and his company and exposing the negative and inaccurate propaganda circulating about Glenn Turner at that time.Interested in the facts about Glenn Turner? Read this book.