California Books

This would be a very good book for those who begin to study Kabbalah. It offers many details on how the written Torah can be translated and it also gives useful insights on some of the Kabbalistic techniques of interpretation of Hebrew text. Although very concise, clear and engaging, the book covers only a few aspects of Kabbalah and leaves many important things out. I would also recommend books by Aryeh Kaplan (in the case if you're really into studying Kabbalah) and for beginners I'd recommend Perle Epstein's Kabbalah - The Way of the Jewish Mystic (this book gives a lot of information on historical background and theory) and rabbi David A. Cooper's God Is a Verb (this book is brilliant and I think women would especially like it). Gershom Scholem's books are also good, though his works tend to be dry and scholarly. If one wants to study Kabbalah seriously I would recommend such authors as rabbi Moshe Luzzatto, rabbi Yehuda Ashlag, rabbi Laibl Wolf and of course, rabbi Aryeh Kaplan.

There are a lot of books out there purporting to be able to explain the ancient Jewish mystical teachings called the "Kabbalah" (which means "what has been receievd" in Hebrew). This is a MUST READ for both beginners and advanaced students alike. He describes the concepts of the Kabbalah using basic Jewish "building blocks" of understanding of Hebrew language, theology, Biblical teachings, and Gemmatria. I have not seen any other book which has described Kabbalah in such fine, short, and direct detail as this one does. There is a practical level to this teaching, as well, which David Sheinken provides in developing basic meditations based on these teachings. The source for Sheinken's material is well founded on accepted ancient Jewish teachings from the Midrash, Torah, Oral Tradition (Talmud) and various Jewish commentators. His own teacher was the late Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, who is well regarded in the Orthodox Jewish community, and has himself written extensively on this subject before his untimely death. I highly recommend this book...read it before reading any other..or listening to any other lecture on the subject. It will clarify the entire subject regarding Kabbalah to the reader in a short, concise, and direct "to the point" format.

There are a lot of reviews of this book..I'll just say it's the best book on Kabbalah that I've come across. It's amazing how much ground he covers in such a short book--all substance and no fluff! If you have any interest at all GET THIS BOOK--it's worth every penny!!

Path of the Kabbalah by David Sheinkin is an EXCELLENT starter book for anyone just starting on their kabbalistic path. The author covers the basics of Sacred Metaphysics to Meditative Exercises. I simply cannot say enough good things about this little book :).

I have an older edition of this book and I must say it is one of the most easy-to-understand books on the subject. I love the explanation of the sections of Genesis (in the Bible) as it compares to the original Torah and why changes were made. It answers those questions that us Non-Jewish had, that our priests and ministers couldn't answer,as to why there seems to be contradictions (which really don't exist) between the different verses. It may not be the most complete book on the subject but it will enlighten you more than a lot of the newer books on the subject.

I have always hated short stories, because they had no substance for me. This was the first of J. California Cooper's books I read and I am now HOOKED! In reading these books I can relate to people I really know. This is the first time I had actually laughed out loud reading a book. I am now a huge fan. I feel these are a must read.

I simply loved the stories especially Liberated. That woman had me saying "you go girl!"

I borrowed this book from a friend, and I am upset that I have let this treasure sit in my apartment for 2 months without reading it. This book is awesome! The writing is simple, wisdom-filled and flavorful! Without making her characters heroic, you find yourself admiring them, because they are so human... full of good, but full of frailties at the same time. I didn't want this book to end, and I'm about to order any book of hers that I can get my hands on. Ms. Cooper is a good writer, with an obvious love and respect for her craft. More than that, without being preachy she manages to impart insight into human nature. I loved this book! The book and the woman who wrote it are classics!

A wonderful, quick read. Her stories touch the heart and some even make you say "you go girl". Iloved this book and would pass it on to many friends. You won't put it down!

I'm enjoying the work of J.California Cooper more and more. I've never been one to read short stories but I'm hooked now. Each story touch my heart and reminds me of someone I know. I feel as if I'm sitting on the porch talking to my grandmother when I read some of these stories. So heartwarming. God's Blessings.

Loved it - especially the photo's and of course the 'story' - makes it easier to understand what the people went thru just to have a home.
have always been interested in this period. Hubby and I are members of a western club - main period is 1875-1890, but knowing more about the whole period 1800 onwards helps to get the clothing and the attitude right.
looking for more books ...
bye for now
Jacqueline (alias Ruby)

Pioneer Women-The Lives of Women on the Frontier is a must for collectors of western lore-whether as used for reference or just for reading pleasure this book delves into little covered issues and answers the questions previously unmentioned regarding women on the frontier. From traveling west to every day life, from cooking to birth control, women domestic pioneers to women entrepreneurs; if you have a question about the lives of women in the 1800's this book probably has the answer in its pages.

This book will open your eyes up to the way things were a century and a half ago. Back to the basics is an understatement. Imagine raising 8 children on a farm that you had to establish yourself because your husband and other family members perished on the trip west to get to an unknown territory far far away from immediate family? These women did it. They survived and thier children either a: lived and learned the life or b: died from illness or accidents. This is very graphic and very personable to the very core of many women's souls. Women who kept diaries on the Oregon Trail in 1850 and onwards. Women who were always "in the background" keeping the family fed, clothed, silent and schooled. Women are most definitly the most gentle and most strong of the sexes.. Why? Because they have a continuous human spirit and one that gets them through the toughest of times of all.
Please read this book and with that said.. the pictures in this book are a historian's dream!

This book is nicely divided into different phases of western life, like traveling the trail, family, homelife, etc. The pictures are fantastic. It's a fast read and perfect for anyone interested in this time period. Higly recommended.

This book is very informative on the pioneer womens' behalf. It shows their hardships and their strengths. The fortitude and endurance these women had is amazing. The photos are excellent too.

Practical Networking is a valuable book for anyone looking for a job, and is equally useful for those new to the job search as well as those who may have been job hunting for a while. In fact, the book is unique because of the many creative networking ideas it offers the job seeker: there are more contacts out there than perhaps we may realize. The author encourages job seekers to think `outside of the help wanted ads' for a more inspired and effective job hunting approach. The author points out that networking is not a new idea, but the book's suggestions and tips for using business and social contacts goes beyond basic networking and practically illustrates how you can reach out to those you know. In so doing, the book also details how anyone can be helpful to another's job search. A highly recommended tool for creative job searching.

This is a book that goes beyond the tasks entailed in job searching, although it details this pretty comprehensively. Its value-added is imparting to the reader the winning attitude for getting the right job for oneself. Thanks to years of experience in helping friends find jobs, the author is able to empathize with the prospective employee and show her/him the "light" at the end of the tunnel.

This book is an enjoyable read that will help you learn the nuts and bolts of networking. The author provides a variety of real-life experiences that really help the reader to understand the networking opportunities that exists all around us.

The book is interesting and inspiring. It helps the reader realize the importance of all relationships and how they work to open doors for yourself and for others. I would recommend this book to anyone because reading it leaves you with a positive outlook on the vast array of opportunities that are out there just waiting to be found...through networking!

This book is a great read that truly offers practical advice on networking. It offers a variety of first-hand accounts of the author's own personal experiences seeking employment and helping others find meaningful employment. These personal accounts bring to light the value of networking. They demonstrate that connections are out there just waiting to be made to help you find the perfect job.

This book is entertaining and inspiring. It helps to prepare you for the task of finding satisfying work and gets you excited about the vast potential that is ready to be unleashed if you just take a practical approach to networking.

A fascinating first-person account by someone who's obviously made a life-long avocation of observing what really works when looking for a job. The author speaks from experience--of knowing how scary it is to be without a job, or stuck in a job that is not right for you. The solution to your problem may well be with the people you are closest to: your family, friends, coworkers, or other people you interact with frequently. (Your barber may also cut the hair of the very person you need to contact at your "dream" company.)

What you have to do is develop these priceless assets, and the author shows you how it's done, indeed, how he's actually done it many times. The book has an easily readable style and lots of nuggets of great information told through anecdotes. A secondary, but crucial, message that the book sends is that you can be someone else's job salvation, too. What goes around, comes around. I highly recommend this book.

Quite Talks with the Master is a wonderful book easy to read. It feels like a warm gentle hug from above. Read this book and you too will find comfort, love, and peace in the words.

For those of you wondering what this book is about, I can only say that it is profound in that these are the actual thoughts of Christ (Eva Bell Werber being in the presence and spirit of Christ at the time of writing) There is a beauty of spirit beyond words in this work and the other works written by her. When you first read the words there is a feeling of being spoken to directly by God! That is exactly the intent and meaning for all of us. This is what God actually thinks and expresses through those who are able to be in the "Christ Conciousness": I believe these are works by Eva Bell Werber that you will value for a lifetime. God bless.

Sincerely
Kelvin Otis

OH, HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE WORDS...I ACQUIRED THIS TREASURE UPON MY FATHERS' DEATH. THE BOOK WAS A PART OF HIS RARE BOOK COLLECTION. THE FIRST PAGE MADE ME KNOW THIS WAS MINE FOREVER. THE BOOK HAS FALLEN APART, I TYPED IT IN MY COMPUTER TO PASS IT ON TO MY SONS. SUCH A BLESSING, I READ IT EVERYDAY. FOR 10 YEARS, IT HAS BEEN A INSPIRATION IN MY LIFE AND OTHERS. THANK GOD!

I bought this precious little book so many years ago that it cost just $1.50. The Copyright is 1936 and is dedicated to `Those Who Walk The Path With Me.' It is one of those sacred little joys we come across and keep forever. The Master is talking to just "you" as you read these powerful messages and the author asks that the words go forth to bless other lives and bring them to a living Consciousness of their Oneness with Thee! You will never tire of it.

OH, HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE WORDS...I ACQUIRED THIS TREASURE UPON MY FATHERS' DEATH. THE BOOK WAS A PART OF HIS RARE BOOK COLLECTION. THE FIRST PAGE MADE ME KNOW THIS WAS MINE FOREVER. THE BOOK HAS FALLEN APART, I TYPED IT IN MY COMPUTER TO PASS IT ON TO MY SONS. SUCH A BLESSING, I READ IT EVERYDAY. FOR 10 YEARS, IT HAS BEEN A INSPIRATION IN MY LIFE AND OTHERS. THANK GOD!

After reading his earlyworks you can see how Chandler used his previous stories and ideas to develop these incredible novels featuring his most famous detective Philip Marlowe.

Chandler is arguably the best detective story writer out there. If you expand this genre to all mystery writers, he would still be one of the best.

Detective stories aren't as common as they once were, but if you look at the offspring of the Pulp magazine once so popular, television, they are still as popular as ever. Chandler was one author who defined what a detective story was. This book contains four novels:The Lady in the Lake, The Little Sister, The Long Goodbye, and Playback. These are wonderfully entertaining stories that contain the archetypical hard-bitten detective, Philip Marlowe. After reading these stories you will forever see Marlowe in every detective story you see or read, from Magnum to the latest TV cop. How can you not love an author who sums up Modern American Capitalism with lines like these? "We make the finest packages in the world, Mr. Marlowe. The stuff inside is mostly junk." Or an author who in the early 50's, (50 years before the current 'Queers Dress Up' shows) so presciently wrote, "The queer is the artistic arbiter of our age, chum." Or his comment on a speech by a politician, "He did not bore us with any facts."
These books are not just riveting, fun reading, but full of thoughtful quotes like the above.

Chandler also is must-reading for his understanding of criminality, venality, human nature, Southern California, Movies, American culture and American relationship dynamics. I hate to use the word "classic" to describe stories that are just so plain fun to read, but I find it hard not to.

This volume also contains a screenplay, Double Indemnity, and a few essays and letters. The essays "The Simple Art of Murder", and "Writers in Hollywood" should be required reading for anyone interested in 20th century culture, movies, and literature. Just a few tidbits more. Chandler on English Mystery Writers - "The English may not always be the best writers in the world, but they are incomparably the best dull writers." Chandler on boredom - "There are no dull subjects, only dull minds." Chandler on critics - "The average critic never recognizes an achievement when it happens. He explains it after it has become respectable."

My only criticism is that the plots are contrived and sometimes complicated. But such criticism is like complaining that the Mona Lisa would be a fine painting if only it were of a different size.

Chandler is simply wonderful, funny, cynical, and yes, - respectable.

First, let me say that there's a separate volume of Chandler's early novels. As much as I liked this volume, I actually enjoyed the earlier novels just a little bit more and suggest starting there. I started reading one story and wound up going through all of them in both volumes in the space of a few months. I also wound up reading and enjoying all the Dashiell Hammett stories, but I give Chandler a slight edge.

I won't try to list all the ways these novels are great and entertaining, but here's one thought that hasn't been mentioned in other reviews. Chandler is excellent at presenting a hero-character who has to worry about money and making a living. Indeed, Chandler makes this issue integral to the character's persona and to the plot line. Yes, the books are escapist in so many ways. Yet, in this respect at least, they are far more realistic than almost all of the fiction, and much of the non-fiction, these days.

This book, contaning Chandlers later works, is perhaps the best collection of Chandler you can find. Sure, does not contain the better-known novels - The Big Sleep and Farewell my Lovely - but it does contain The Long Goodbye, which is not only Chandler's finest, but a great novel by any measure.

Chandler lived a tough, hard-drinking life, and these later works came out of his mind with difficulty. But the quality of The Lady in the Lake and The Long Goodbye (The Little Sister is less memorable) make this collection essential.

In addition, the book contains some essays and letters, including Chandler's writing on the mystery genre, which will interest any budding suspense author.

In short, read this book! Read The Long Goodbye, then read it again. This is not just a great mystery, but it is also great literature.

C-L-A-S-S-I=C HIGH/low notes. These stories are like a deck cards, all aces...... but there are way too few left. I finished "Little Sisters" (GREAT), "Farewell, My Lovely"- is recommended in the other half (earlier edition). The hook is Marlow. In times where many take the easy/cheap way out, I ride hard with Marlow. Marlow does it with style, humor, wit, grit, and nothing less than an all american: get the job done. But in a way that is the opposite his nemesis: the monopolies of power & money. Of course they admire and hate him. But it just doesn't get any better than Chandler. Need an excuse? Then read it for the wrting alone. The best!

I recommend reading this book if you are interested in the rituals and culture of the Lakota. It provides clear and interesting discussions of major rituals that form important components of their way of life. The material is drawn largely from interviews with Black Elk, and the writing really explains significance of important details in the various practices. The book also provides a good basis for understanding how the cultural practices fit into Lakota history. This book is also a fine one to read in relation to "Black Elk Speaks," "The 6th Grandfather," and "When the Tree Flowered."

Black Elk is and was sacred Elder. Through his life we are given this knowledge. He has helped many to understand the way of the Lakota; following the natural law. While not all Lakota follow the traditional ways as closely as they did before the arrival of the white man, they are still connected to these rites and inhierently understand these teachings. It's only to outside world that these things become suprising moments of clarity. Joseph Epes Brown took time before it was too late, to record these teachings, which is a blessing and a gift of knowledge to all who would read, understand and heed these words. If you wish to learn what dwells is in the hearts of Native American people, you would do well to open this book and your minds.

I haven't actually finished this book yet but I'm looking forward to doing so. This spirituality is deeply sophisticated and elevated. I think the whole world is greatly indebted to the American Indian Nation. Furthermore, thank you for wonderful service.

Joseph Epes Brown was fortunate in meeting men who possessed great human and spiritual qualities, especially Black Elk who had a unique quality of power, kindliness and sense of mission. Born in 1862, Black Elk grew up when his people had the freedom of the plains, hunted bison; he fought at Little Bighorn and at Wounded Knee Creek and knew Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, Red Cloud, and American Horse. He traveled with Buffalo Bill to Italy, France and England. During his youth Black Elk was instructed in the sacred love of his people by Whirlwind Chaser, Black Road and Elk Head from whom he learned the history and deep meanings of his people's spiritual heritage. Through prayer, fasting and deep understanding of his heritage, Black Elk became a wise man, receiving visions and acquiring special powers to be used for the good of his nation. Because of his sense of mission Black Elk wanted this book to be written so that the reader could gain a better understanding of the truths of the Indian traditions.

In his foreword Black Elk tells us: "There is much talk of peace among the Christians, yet this is just talk. Perhaps it may be, and this is my prayer, through our sacred pipe, and through this book in which I shall explain what our pipe really is, peace may come to those people who can understand, an understanding which must be of the heart and not of the head alone. Then they will realize that we Indians know the One true God, and that we pray to Him continually. I have wished to make this book through no other desire than to help my people in understanding the greatness and truth of our own tradition, and also to help in bringing peace upon the earth, not only among men, but within men and between the whole of creation."

The wisdom of the Indians is based on such concepts as "The Earth is your Grandmother and Mother, and She is sacred. Every step that is taken upon her should be as a prayer" and "Every dawn as it comes is a holy event, every day is holy." The Indians developed their own religion based on the gift of the sacred pipe given by a very beautiful woman who approached two Lakota Indians out hunting. One of them had bad intentions and he and the mysterious woman were wrapped in a cloud. When the cloud lifted the sacred woman was standing there and at her feet was the man who was nothing but bones and terrible snakes were eating him. Black Elk interpreted this as an eternal truth: "Any man who is attached to the senses and to the things of this world, is one who lives in ignorance and is being consumed by snakes which represent his own passions." The mysterious woman presented the tribe with a pipe and stone, explaining the significance of the gift. On her departure she said to the Standing Hollow Horn: "Behold this pipe! Always remember how sacred it is, and treat it as such, for it will take you to the end. Remember, in me there are four ages. I am leaving now, but I shall look back upon your people in every age, and at the end I shall return." These four ages find a parallel in the Hindu tradition during which true spirituality becomes increasingly obscured until the cycle closes with catastrophe, after which the primordial spirituality is restored and the cycle begins once again.

Through the rite of the keeping of the soul, the Indians purified the souls of the dead and increased love for one another. This rite is followed by the rite of purification, known to us as the sacred lodge. The ritual of "Crying for a Vision" was used long before the coming of the sacred pipe. Crazy Horse received most of his power through "lamenting" or crying for a vision for some great event or ordeal such as going on the war path. "But perhaps the most important reason for 'lamenting' is that it helps us to realize our oneness with all things, to know that all things are our relatives; and then in behalf of all things we pray to Wakan-Tanka that He may give to us knowledge of Him who is the source of all things, yet greater than all things." Chapters are devoted to the Sun dance - one of the greatest rites; to "The making of Relatives" reflecting the relationship between man and Wakan-Tanka; preparing a girl for womanhood; and the rite of "The Throwing of the ball." Through these ceremonies we learn how the Sioux have come to terms with God, nature and their fellow man.

If you question the superiority and validity of the goals of western society; if you are conducting a self-examination; if you are re-evaluating the premises and orientations of our society; if you are concerned about our environmental crisis; if you are concerned about the problems created by highly developed technology; if you are questioning our basic values concerning life, nature and the destiny of man; if you are open to look at the models represented by the American Indians; if you want talk about peace to become action about peace you will find something of value in this book.

A beautiful book. You can learn about Siuox religious practie and beliefs. The reader will come away with a sense of how similar religios faiths can be. The Sioux it turns out are not so different from Christians, Hindus or any other group that uses faith to guide people through what is both difficult and beautiful in life.

I visited the Salton Sea to photograph birds and found it impossible to describe, telling friends they had to go there themselves to experience the place and the people. Now I tell them to read this book. From the creation of the Sea to the creation of Salvation Mountain, deBuys tells it's colorful history in a prose that fills you with the sounds and smells and people of the Sea and Imperial Valley. Anyone with an interest in man's unlimited folly, vision, corruption, and the coming environmental train-wreck in southern California needs to read this book.

*Winner of the 2000 Norris and Carol Hundley Award from The Pacific Coast Branch of the American Historical Association.

*Winner of the 1999 Western States Book Award for Creative Non-Fiction. *Winner of the 1999 Clements Prize for the Best Non-Fiction Book on Southwestern America.

Bravo! Salt Dreams is the first of its kind to wrap up all of the issues surrounding the Salton Sea and Colorado River delta in one volume. The best since Cadillac Desert in its cinematic portrayal of a complicated host of issues. Awesome writing on the heroism of US Fish and Wildlife staff. My only criticism is that Congressman George Brown is slighted; Sonny Bono often called him "Mr. Salton Sea". Certainly, a book Mr. Brown would have loved.

Superlative read revealing the vast natural beauty of the desert and its inhabitants and man's irreversable errors in judging it as a fallen Eden. Together with Cadillac Desert it ranks as a southwest water classic. Beautiful writing and stunning photographs.

I've been a fan of Stephen Turnbull's informative and beautiful Samurai books since the early 90's, when I discovered his books in my local library. This is one of his best, much better than many of his recent works. If you're interested in the Ikko-Ikki sects, the warrior monks, or the conquests of Oda Nobunaga, this book delivers!

Really informative. I was actually surprised! Some really nice pictures in the book also. After reading, I now have a thorough understanding of Samurai, warrior monks, japanese warfare, etc.

With lavish illustrations and comprehensive text, "Samurai Warfare" by Dr. Stephen Turnbull gives the reader an overveiw of Japans elite soldier caste from the earliest use of the term to the advent of gun powder in Samurai warfare.
For those just delving into this ancient and mystic age in Japans history, Samurai Warfare offers the reader an easy to understand primer in the history of those responsible for enforcing the will of the Emporer and Nobles

Although very brief, and covering a lot of ground, this book takes a new look at some familiar topics (familiar to students of Japanese military history, that is!). There are some fascinating surprises here, such as the Kuniyoshi illustration of a samurai musketeer with a rather ominous-looking gun and sashimono. The color reproductions of key paintings are extremely detailed and sharp.

After the concise overview of the dynamic changes in samurai warfare over the centuries, Turnbull rewards the reader with informational case studies toward the end of the book. Although somewhat short on specific details and explanatory maps (maps at more frequent intervals during the campaign study would have been helpful), the strength of the book lies in its analysis of the specific construction of the hatamoto of certain daimyo. In addition, the analysis of the Battle of Anegawa (along with additional research by the reader) provides a good reference for scenario construction by gamers and hobbyists. Overall, Turnbull provides an inspirational resource.

This is a travel guide with an attitude. And Bonnie Stone's attitude is, "How unique is this?" I've lived in the Antelope Valley eight years, and Bonnie has unearthed destinations and facts that I've never heard of. We have out-of-town guests coming from New Jersey, and I bought a copy for them, too. Who can resist a guidebook that lists "the world's only drive-through earthquake fault"? (Yup,it's the San Andreas.) This book's a keeper!

Years ago while in high school I would bus to Lancaster to play basket ball and run track and always thought, "Who would ever want to live in this burning desert with its torrid heat, high winds and blowing dust." I now live in the Antelope Valley and am enjoying it immensely because of Bonnie Stone's new book about the Antelope Valley. If you enjoy history, like finding new nearby places to visit or just learning everything about the area around Lancaster, Palmdale and Mojave this is the only book you'll ever need.
The other day I looked for interesting places to take my 8 year old grandson and settled on The "Milestones of Flight Air Museum" listed in the book. It was a great trip. I am looking forward to visiting many other interesting places mentioned in her book. It would make a very nice gift for anyone living in southern California.

As a mom of five children, I'm always on the lookout for things to do in our area. I came across this book and feel that I found a treasure trove of information. We've already seen the Vasquez rocks and an Air Museum based on her recommendation and the kids are really loving it. This is a good book for family fun.

For the many people new to the Antelope Valley of California, this book should be a "MUST HAVE". It is a humorous, accurate guide to the many unusual things to see and do within a short drive from home and available at low cost or free. You think there is nothing to do in the desert north of Los Angeles? Yes, there is, and Stone shows you how to find those things. People who have lived here for years will also find much information they may not have known. This book will be especially useful for families.

An interesting, informative, and practical guide to the Antelope Valley and High Desert Area of California! Provides a delightul mix of historical and contemporary information. Highly Recommended!
--Steve Michiels
(Antelope Valley native)