Way Books

I have a friend that went through a lot of the pressures that Ferrell's main character, Anna, went through. She had controlling parents that dictated how she was to live her life. This caused her to rebell just like Anna. She did not have a forbidden love like the character but she married an abusive spouse like Chad. I watched her go through fear and depression but unlike Anna, she did not escape. The novel may have given her hope and the strength to get out of the situation. The book touched me on so many levels because it does indeed bring hope and an interal healing. I have shared the book with my husband and he also loved the work because he saw how it brings peace to those with scares. I do highly recommend this novel. Pen name, Ann Thompson

A powerful work that searches deep inside a broken woman. Anna is a character that teaches lessons in inner forgiveness and personal responsiblity. She learns the importance of healing. Her story reaches out not just to woman but to people. The novel is about facing conflict. Whether Anna deals with the heatache of her parents conditional love or the fear of losing her true love, she finds the inner strength and courage inside herself. As well, she overcomes an abusive marriage and finds the true meaning of friendships and acceptance of others regardless of race, religion or any other factor.

Told through the eyes of Anna, a thirty year old woman reflecting upon her life, Autumn Seclusion is a tale of coming to grips with one's hidden fears and blemishes. Anna's experience of rejection at home set her up for a succession of draining and abusive relationships. The one loving relationship she experienced was with a Native American from Upstate, New York; her family severed her ties at home, and she eventually left the United States entirely to reconstruct her life. A tale that encourages the reader to think long and hard about themselves and the ones they love, Autumn Seclusion is ultimately a tale of the meaning of forgiveness. Highly recommended.

A powerful book that can help women undergoing a crisis. Ferrell's writing is savory and deep. She paints a beautiful picture of the Carolina shores and Thailand. The work brings hope and healing to not just women but also men.

I read Ms. Ferrell's book, Autumn Seclusion, several months ago. The main character struggled with adolescence, failed romances and an abusive marraige. However, she found the strength to slow her life and really look at how she was living. Fortunately, she realized family's importance and her own self worth. She gave all of us hope that we too can overcome adversity.

This book is loaded with research that supports the claim that you should read to your baby. I knew it made a difference but to see the results of the numerous studies on the topic was shocking. I did not know it made that much of a difference. You owe it to your child to spend some time reading to them. In my opinion, if you want to make an impact on the life of your child, buy this book and read to your child! The book is a quick read and you do not even have to read the whole thing at once. Read the beginning and then read about the different stages as you are going through them. There are a ton of baby books out there (I know because I have bought them) but this one proves that by doing something as simple as reading can make a world of difference in the life of your child. It would also make an amazing baby shower gift, I will not go to another shower again without a copy if this for the parents.

Of course it is a joy to sit with a child - a BABY - and read aloud! But this book sheds light on why and how to make it a daily, joyful experience. The research described explains how important the process is on so many different levels you might not have thought of. You can start before birth, for instance! The organization is very helpful, with specific books recommended for each stage of development and coordinated activities.

Very well organized for parents with young children of all ages -- started our infant at one week and by week seven he was focusing on black and white book series and now at week 12 he is grabbing for pages and is truly engaged! As new parents we are excited to see him grow into each level of read aloud and enjoy spending this quality time together. Recommend this book highly as well as the the wonderful book recommendations that are provided by the authors.

What a great reading source!! I am a Mom of three children as well as a preschool teacher and have always made reading a priority at home and in the classroom. This book brings out the best research and useful information for both parents and teachers!!! Everyone should read it and put its practices to use. This is a wonderful publication!!!

When I purchased Baby Read-Aloud basics, I had already read Reading with Babies, Toddlers and Twos and was hoping to complement my reading on the subject of baby books and read-alouds. I personally thought this book was not as helpful or complete, nor did it have as many book suggestions as the first one mentionned above. Still, this book is pretty good. It gives a few suggestions of books for every baby stage, what to do with that book, reading techniques, literacy games, and contains some interviews with parents who went through the read-aloud from birth experience. It is kind of repetitive but easy to read and well organized.

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Florrie Binford-Kichler, Founder of Patria Press, Inc.- an award-winning independent publisher and Member of The Children's Book Council; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

Too often our views of parenthood come from what we see on the big and little screen: Woman tells man she's having his baby, followed by the birth and its afterglow. Then...nothing. But Oh, Baby! tells it like it is, looking at both the joys and the challenges. With its questions for discussion and suggestions for taking action, this book is both thought-provoking and practical. I highly recommend it for those who are new parents, pregnant, or thinking about getting pregnant!

Reviewed by Regan Windsor for Reader Views (1/07)

Few parenting books tackle the emotional and relationship impacts of becoming a parent. "Oh, Baby!" does an amazing job describing the entirely new level of love you experience with your baby, the enormous sense of responsibility, and the many challenges you will face in various aspect of your new role as parent.

Focusing on "7 Ways a Baby Will Change YOUR Life in the First Year," the book is separated into seven aspects of your life that will be impacted with the birth of a baby. However, each section is further broken down into four to six subsections giving the reader sixty-seven ways a baby will potentially change your life! Each subsection includes questions to help stimulate thoughts and invoke discussion to help the reader assess the emotional and logistical challenges they have encountered and/or overcome. Suggestions are provided to encourage the new parent to become creative in overcoming straining relationships, internal and external conflicts, and spirituality.

The seven sections covered throughout the book include:

A Baby Will Open Your Heart Like No Other Can or Ever Will
A Child Helps You Develop a Durable, Reliable -and Authentic- Sense of Self
Love, Marriage, and a Baby Carriage: Surviving and Thriving as a Couple
Making a Living and Raising a Child, A Baby Will Change your Views -and Goals- on Both
A Baby Creates Family Ties -and Bonds That Bind
A Baby Will Cause You to Examine Your Beliefs - and Question Your Faith
Friends and Your Baby: You'll Make Many Friends and Lose a Few!

While it is easy to plan for and adjust to the logistical implications of being a parent, the emotional impact can be a shocking new discovery to parents. "Oh, Baby!" is not only a tool to help prepare the new parent for the challenges to come, it is an excellence source to revisit as you face each situation and are looking for guidance and understanding, or even just the reassurance that you are not alone in it. An excellent resource for new and pending parents and especially useful for parenting groups!

'Oh Baby!' should be mandatory reading for pregnant or brand new parents. This practical and realistic manual (riddled with true life accounts) helps prepare new parents for the challenges and delights of parenthood.

'Oh Baby!' covers how a baby will change you, affect your relationship, your career, your family, your social life, and your spirituality. The book is for both Mom and Dad and is very interactive with 'Questions for Discussions' sections strewn throughout the book, where both partners can discuss and write about what they've just read.

Parenthood is something that has to be experienced to fully understand, but 'Oh Baby!' does a splendid job getting new parents prepared for what's to come, minimizing the inevitable shock.

One might think I know all there is to know about a baby's first year, just having my third child. Wrong! Reading through Oh, Baby, I found myself agreeing with others as they described the various feelings you experience during this first year. I also found myself remembering the first years of my first two children and some of the hurdles my husband and I faced, and I realized that many other couples face the same things.

The authors do a wonderful job addressing the emotional and physical demands of having a child under the age of one in your house. They break the book up into seven chapters, discussing not only the challenges, but the ways a baby will enhance your life and your relationships with others. One chapter deals with how a baby will cause you to examine your beliefs and question your faith, while another addresses how to survive and thrive as a couple.

Scattered through the book are wonderful quotes on parenthood, marriage, and babies. Each section ends with wonderful discussion questions to help you examine your thoughts and feelings. The "Take Action" boxes sprinkled throughout provide great ways in which you may apply what you have read to your life.

Oh, Baby was an easy read, and I enjoyed all the anecdotes collected from various couples. I could identify with so many of their stories. Whether sharing the first year of life with your first child or your third, you will appreciate this delightful book. It offers something for all parents.

by Kara Flathouse
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

In an ocean of business books, Beyond e stands out as a prize catch. Too often, today's "gurus" write books that trumpet their personal accomplishments conveniently leaving out practical applications to specific business category needs. If we want real solutions, the cost raises from a $25 book to $25,000 per day consultation fee. Steve Diorio gives it all away in his book. Beyond e can also be called beyond best practices. He is the one guru I would invite to help my organization apply new technologies to our sales and marketing efforts. Read the book, pick up the phone and give him a call.

Steve Diorio has written a meaty and relevant book about selling technologies. In an age when there is so much E hype and fluff that only serves to confuse, we needed a book that was born from practical, everyday consulting and research in the offices of the best companies. The salient ideas about which Mr. Diorio expounds are absolutely critical for growth and profit. They carry with them an imperative that to ignore the protocols of this newest e technology will lead to peril and a fatal falling behind the power curve.

I read the excellent reviews in which professors recommended Beyond E. They were impressive. But, this book was written for executives and senior managers who have the very life of their corporations in the palm of their hands. It is obvious that Mr. Diorio has spent considerable time with his clients and sweat blood with them to achieve the best e-practices in marketing, promotion and selling.

I believe the book is about stretching the IT and Internet sales budgets so that busineses can grow at an accellerated rate. The book Beyond E is truly futuristic because it clearly outlines what the best companies have been doing and what the leaders of tomorrow (the followers of our leaders today) will be doing in late 2002 and in 2003. The blueprint is drawn up, the creation of dynamic selling technologies has been built, but, sadly, few understand it, and even fewer have actually implemented it. Companies like Dell Computer, IBM, Charles Swab, Amazon and e-Bay are only a few of these futuristic leaders that Mr. Diorio writes about. They "get it". How long will it take others? Mr. Diorio lays out in detail what needs to be done right now.

Mr. Diorio is like a drum major for executives to immediately order "the engineering of sustainable technology innovations into the sales and marketing process", to quote Stve Diorio. The traditional software analysts and programmers in companies are not prepared for the accelerated rate at which customer service and marketing creativity must be coded to stay abreast of changing customer needs and wants.

It is about knowing the mind of the customer and changing systems at every level of the company so there can be real-time change. I got a distinct sense of urgency in reading the book. As a management consultant, I now feel driven to alert my clients that "getting it" is urgently critical. Steve Diorio virtually screams out at us that positive results can be realized only from the implementation right now of dynamic marketing, selling and customer service e-systems.

Mr. Diorio understands how important all of these ideas are in order to create cutting edge business models and viable ways to turn IT chaos into order and opportunity. I am glad I read the book. I've recommended it to many of my clients and colleagues.

Finally a book that doesn't force-feed you candy-coated customer experience stories that are interesting but don't tell us anything we do not already know.

Having read most of the more celebrated sales and marketing books of the last decade, this one actually has some substance behind it. I was thoroughly impressed by the amount of research and experience that stands behind this book. Instead of providing a few nice anecdotal cases about customer-centricity or customer loyalty, this book provides a comprehensive view of how technology is changing sales and marketing practices throughout an organization and across all brands. Most importantly, it provides you with actionable insights into modern sales and marketing best practices.

If you have been as frustrated as I have with the superficiality of recent sales and marketing books, then you should definitely give this one a try.

Having taught a variety of marketing courses at the undergraduate, graduate and executive levels, I am always looking for books that present the ways in which new technology (and the Internet in particular) are affecting market relationships. Often these texts are full of exaggerrated "war stories" or can be easily summarized into a few general points. Steve Diorio's book, in contrast, is current, meaty and well substantiated. He not only provides several examples of recent successes and failures but synthesizes this new information into the age old framework of serving the customer and firm by adding value to both. I highly recommend this book to any marketing professional as well as any professor who wishes to bring their marketing strategy or course content into the 21st century.

Steve Diorio, outlines in 12 ways how technology is transforming the way the customer and the company will interact in the future. He has done an outstanding job of making sense out of all the e hype over the last three years and makes clear what works and what fails as e business becomes more of a digital business strategy. I highly recommend his book to any executive that is thinking about building a sustainable business strategy.

John Straley just keeps getting better. This one will grab you right away and keep you reading
until the final scene, just couldn't put it down.

Mr. Straley entertained my socks off with Cecil Younger's adventures. Here he has done first rate research on times, locations, tides, geography and sea conditions. He also brought along his talent for a great story and read. The gruesome end to many left me with startled emptiness (a gotcha kind of feeling), but the defined times (1930s)and the passion of Ellie Hobbs and Slip, along with the charming girl and her bird, take the reader along for hours of pleasure. Mr Straley is right on task for yet another Alaskan mystery. Now if Cecil were only the son of George....ah, oh well. I can't wait for his next book.

Straley writes with incredible genius! He brilliantly weaves researched history of the Wooblies, fascincating characters and brilliant descriptions of stellar natural beauty of British Columbia into "read through the night" mystery!!

This should be required reading for AK Panhandle residents!

Can we have more Slip, Ellie and Annabelle??

I have always loved John Straley's books. Wonderful characters; great plots; gritty without being too violent; beautiful descriptions of a strange land (yes, I am from the lower 48). I have checked bookstores over the last few years for his new books - and, happily the drought is over. The Big Both Ways is a wonderful continuation of a great writer - and I look forward to many more with the great aspects of this book - riveting plot and great quirky characters. For the next book, perhaps he will bring back one of my favorite characters - Blossom, who would be all grown up.

This is a tall tale adapted for a full length book. Full of highs and unbelieavable lows but fun to read. I have always loved John Straley and this is a good addition to his work.

The stories are very touching and good, just it is a huge book and
there are too many of them and inherently they are quite similar.

I have read literally dozens of climbing books. Without a doubt, Boardman's "Shining Mountain" is the best climbing book ever written. The only books that come close are "The White Spider" (Harrer), "The Mountains of My Life" (Bonatti) and "Touching the Void" (Simpson) which is not really a climbing but an epic survival book.

The other books in this omnibus are also good, but not as good as The Shining Mountain. I have read it about 5 times and have enjoyed it every time.

The writing is clear and engaging and the expeditions are covered thoroughly. The last book of the Omnibus about a Tasker Omnibus is not as good as the rest. Book is partly a credit to the writing ability of the two authors and partly due to the nature of small expeditions documented where the story is intimate and human, rather than the unholy literary messes encountered in books about large expeditions.

Having read inumerable books on mountaineering, I wasn't prepared for the impact of this one. I've read "Fragile Edge" by Maria Coffey, (it is excellent, she was Tasker's girlfriend)about her and Hillary Boardman's experiences following the deaths of Boardman and Tasker, and wasn't prepared for the emotional impact of this book. It is probably one of the best I've read. Boardman's style gripped me, and brought home what a terrible tragedy his death was for the literary community. I believe there are "writing climbers" and "climbing writers"; Boardman was definitely a gifted climber who wrote beautifully. This book should be in anyone's library who loves mountains and adventure travel.

This book delivers one of the most comprehensive perspective on climbing in the Himalayas. With vivid descriptions of successful (and unsuccessful) climbs of a variety of peaks in the Himalayas plus descriptions of the North Face of the Eiger and the Snow Mountains of New Guinea, this book demonstrates the versatility of these two gentlemen.

The drama and imagery shines through the writing of both Tasker and Boardman. With details on the first ascents of the West Face of Changabang, the Southeast ridge of Dunagiri, the Northwest ridge of Kangchenjunga and more, this book is a treasure trove of great climbing. There are occasional technical terms but they demonstrate the effort and intensity of these two climbers. A great choice.

My title says it best. Twenty-four hours with this book was like Manna from Heaven! It answered so many of my questions, yet managed to raise (and answer) questions that I didn't know to ask. Best of all, not only does the author advocate the POD-life, he lives it. Thanks to his insights and my additional research on the topic, my company will also thrive in the POD world! Thanks Bruce!!!

Author Bruce Batchelor, a publisher and consultant, has done a nice job of distilling his wisdom into 180 pages that spell out how an author can successfully market a book. Using examples from his experience as a publishing industry pioneer and the advice of many top selling authors, Batchelor provides the reader with a smart and sound format on how to market your book.

This is a morale builder, a practical and encouraging how-to for selling books in an industry completely transformed by digital technology. Most authors set out to be writers, not marketers, and, faced with repeated rejection of their work by a series of publishers, turn only reluctantly to self-publishing. While past guides to self-publishing have dwelt on the art of haggling with bookstore owners over credit for returned books (how much scuffing of the cover is too much, etc), Batchelor reveals surprising new opportunities, and shows how authors take advantage of the changing situation. He notes, for example, that publishers have traditionally rejected manuscripts on the basis that they are written for audiences that are "too narrow." The internet has turned that upside down by making it practical to identify and sell to niche audiences. Thank goodness! This book is stuffed with information about the changing structure of the publishing business, who does what, relative costs, how to figure out what to do, and then how to go about it. This is what the overwhelmed author needs to figure out a rewarding course of action. Good stuff.

It often comes as a shock when newly published authors discover that they must bear most of the burden of marketing their books to the general reading public -- even if they are fortunate enough to be published by one of the major New York publishing firms like Random House, Simon & Schuster or Penguin-Putnam. For self-published authors that marketing responsibility is completely theirs. Most authors are aware of the many 'how to' books that are available to them for the purpose of helping them master the craft of writing, There are also instruction books on turning raw manuscripts into finished books. What is not so obvious is that there are a number of excellent instructional guides for authors on how to market their books after they have been published. One of the best of these marketing manuals is "Book Marketing De-Mystified" by Bruce Batchelor, the man who founded Trafford (Canadian based and one of the larger POD companies servicing North America) and is widely acknowledged as the creator of the print-on-demand (POD) publishing process that has shattered the book publishing monopoly of the traditional publishing firms by allowing anyone to easily become their own publisher. This 167-page compendium of practical advice offers an especially 'user friendly' introduction to the art and science of book marketing because of its conversational style, it comprehensive coverage of book marketing issues, and Bruce Batchelor's unique perspective. It should be noted that the Midwest Book Review is positively cited (page 120) as a resource for authors and independent publishers. "Book Marketing De-Mystified" is especially useful in terms of its discussion of where to sell books, price/value setting, personal sales, paid advertising, sales promotions, publicity and public relations. Simply stated, every author and every small press publisher needs to have a competent marketing plan -- and Bruce Batchelor's "Book Marketing De-Mystified" specifically and effectively addresses that need.

Reading this book is like having the pieces of a puzzle come together! I started my book 18 months ago and after reading BMD I was inspired to finish it and make a marketing plan that reflects my goals and is actually achievable. Whether you are an indie POD author or working with a big name publisher, this book provides a wealth of information that helps anyone understand the publishing world. It is full of specific information, real ideas and examples and it really gets you thinking about how you might market your own book. A must have for any author.

Underneath the southern hospitality is a man who understands the importance of taking risks and managing those risks. I think what makes Bowden unique is his ability to keep his ego in check with a sense of humility and gratitude that's rare in leadership today. I always got the feeling that he's grateful for being in the position where he is today, be it family or his coaching career.

I have read Maxwell and a host of other leadership books, but there is a world of difference between a consultant or a middle-manager telling you about leadership...and the winningest coach in college football telling you about leadership!

The thing I liked the most is that rather than vague affirmations or ambiguous principles, Bowden gives us SPECIFIC, hard-won advice regarding handling staff, planning for success, etc.

The fact that he has done so remarkably well--with his job "on the line" based on each season's performance, not to mention every time he plays a strong rival--Bowden gives us a CEO/Chairman of the Board-level view of how to handle matters.

I bought it because I am an FSU fan. I kept it because it was the best book on leadership I had ever read.

On the football field Bobby Bowden is king! He is also a very inspirational and motivated person. This book is amazing, in ALL aspects. You don't have to be a Florida State or even a football fan, this book goes so far beyond any sport. This book basically tells you how too live a better life, and Bobby Bowden obviously has a awesome one.

I'm a Penn State grad and fan, but I enjoyed Bobby Bowden's leadership book. It's very easy to read and has lots of good advice. Also, I respect his religious beliefs and that he openly shares them throughout the book. This is a good leadership book!

i would recommend this book to anyone who has to manage people in any capacity...from managing your children to managing your employees...Coach Bowden has proven himself to be a true leader both on and off the football field.

"A fulfilling and essential must-read survival guide for any professional hungry to claim their piece of digital territory"

Brand Digital is a terrific, thoughtful, pragmatic book for anyone trying to build or enhance their brand in our ever-changing world.

A great way to hear anecdotal accounts of how brands made the successful transition to the digital space. Helpful to all of us thinking about how to capture our customer's attention across all platforms and touchpoints.

BrandDigital is a terrific follow-up to BrandSimple. The book is clear, consise and a must read with great real world examples.

Finally a easy to read, straightforward book simplifying all the hype and buzz for those of us not in the branding world

I recently finished reading the book, Brush Meditation: A Japanese Way to Mind and Body Harmony, by H. E. Davey. The book is excellent. I am novice (hardly even that, actually) when it comes to Shodo (having only recently begun studying Shodo), but your book provides a very smooth introduction, and does a great job of getting across the relationship between it and the other Japanese cultural arts (chado [tea ceremony], budo [martial Ways], kado [flower arrangement], etc).

It is written in a very positive way and contains many beautiful pieces of artwork. I very much enjoyed the "four experiments toward a positive mind," these are great examples of introspection. Though I am far from an expert in budo, I have spent many years training and researching this topic, yet several of the explanations, provided for terms such as fudoshin, hara, and ki shed new light on these concepts, beyond just their relationship to Shodo.

Chapters three and four provide a very gentle introduction to the physical techniques while also providing an overview of the relationship between good posture and the proper state of mind. The importance of the coordination of mind, body, and spirit is presented in a way that should be easy for someone that is new to the Japanese cultural arts to grasp and understand.

I am again impressed with Davey sensei's ability to communicate a complex subject in an interesting and informative way that maintains the readers interest, while still capturing the subtleties of the topic.

From a beginner's perspective, this is an excellent reference, and I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (4/07)

Once in a while I find it very helpful to venture outside of the realm of things that normally interest me and that I have some knowledge about. Learning about new things is a very stimulating experience and it seems to me that it keeps my brain in good working order. As far as the Japanese art forms are concerned, I am vaguely familiar with the flower arranging, but that is where my knowledge - and even real awareness - of such art forms end. Picking up H.E. Davey's "Brush Meditation: A Japanese Way to Mind & Body Harmony" was a real eye-opener.

The author begins this book with explanation and history of shodo, continues with the complex connections of mind, body and brush, and finishes with simple step-by-step exercises for the basics of shodo. The illustrations and the photos would certainly be very helpful for anybody who intends to try their hand at this ancient art form.

Mr. Davey's writing is fluid and engaging. He does not get overly technical and is easy to understand. The book kept my attention and made me wish for more balance in my life. Let me give an example of Mr. Davey's writing here:

"The kanji, or written characters, used in both Japan and China have transcended their utilitarian function and collectively serve as a visually stirring piece of fine art. Shodo allows the dynamic movement of the artist's ki ("life energy" or "spirit") to become observable in the form of rich black ink. In great examples of shodo, you can sense both the rhythm of music as well as the smooth, elegant, and balanced construction of refined architecture. Many practitioners of this art feel that the visible rhythm of Japanese calligraphy ultimately embodies a "picture of the mind" - and accomplished calligraphers recognize that it actually discloses your spiritual state. This recognition is concisely summed up by the traditional Japanese saying: [...] If your mind is correct, the brush will be correct. "

Although Mr. Davey stresses several times that one needs to find an instructor to truly begin the exploration of shodo, I found "Brush Meditation" to be an interesting book for anybody who would like to learn at least the basics of shodo as well as anybody who just wishes to become more familiar with the traditional Japanese arts and way of living.

After reading several books on the technique (really a NO technique) of Zen brush work, this book really dealt wll with the emotions and feeling underlying this incredible art. A very good read.

I recently finished reading the book, Brush Meditation: A Japanese Way to Mind and Body Harmony, by H. E. Davey. The book is excellent. I am novice (hardly even that, actually) when it comes to Shodo (having only recently begun studying Shodo), but your book provides a very smooth introduction, and does a great job of getting across the relationship between it and the other Japanese cultural arts (chado [tea ceremony], budo [martial Ways], kado [flower arrangement], etc).

It is written in a very positive way and contains many beautiful pieces of artwork. I very much enjoyed the "four experiments toward a positive mind," these are great examples of introspection. Though I am far from an expert in budo, I have spent many years training and researching this topic, yet several of the explanations, provided for terms such as fudoshin, hara, and ki shed new light on these concepts, beyond just their relationship to Shodo.

Chapters three and four provide a very gentle introduction to the physical techniques while also providing an overview of the relationship between good posture and the proper state of mind. The importance of the coordination of mind, body, and spirit is presented in a way that should be easy for someone that is new to the Japanese cultural arts to grasp and understand.

I am again impressed with Davey sensei's ability to communicate a complex subject in an interesting and informative way that maintains the readers interest, while still capturing the subtleties of the topic.

From a beginner's perspective, this is an excellent reference, and I highly recommend it.

For any person that practices shodo (meaning `way of calligraphy' ), sumi-e or any form of art that requires full concentration, I highly recommend to read this book. I practice sumi-e and shodo and I have books that cover the techniques in detail, but none of them goes beyond and get to the heart and true reason of this art, which is to achieve a state of mind and body harmony that led us to a form of spiritual realization.

The book talks `briefly' about the history of calligraphy, the Japanese aesthetics and principles (wabi and sabi), it's relation to the Zen philosophy, and it includes a chapter on how to make the first moves with the brush by practicing `the enso' (a zen character).

However, the main theme of this book is the meditative aspects of shodo. How to get a perfect posture to practice, how to use the mind with full concentration, how to `educate' our body, all this to become one with the brush and transcend in a spiritual way.

I do not know if this is the best book that deals with this aspect of shodo (I haven't seen more), but is a very good one, I can assure that.