John Fusco (1)

Little Monk and the Mantis is intended as a children's book. But the story and message are so well done and the illustrations so charming that it will appeal to readers of any age. It's a classical Chinese tale about the boy who created the martial art known as Kung Fu (although it's made clear that Kung Fu has a larger meaning). Little Wong Long, an orphan living in a temple, is feeling so ashamed of his failure in martial arts that he runs away. Studying nature, he finds his own unique show more style and becomes a legend. The story is full of wisdom about Chinese culture, martial arts, and growing up. show less

Review copy

The Malibu locals call Las Flores, "Dog Beach." Troy, a budding film-maker, and his housemates call their two-story beach crib the Dog House, and call themselves the Dogs of Entropy.

Louie Mo, is a former Hong Kong stuntman extraordinaire, who is now getting by as a hired knee-breaker in LA, putting fear into the hearts of people reneging on payments to investors.

When Louie Mo shows up at the Dog House to "encourage" Troy to pay his investors, Troy recognizes Louie and winds up show more convincing him to star in his next project.

Dog Beach is a high-octane, quick read, that is a lot like watching a Jackie Chan film and just as much fun.

I enjoyed the way the author developed the back-stories for the principal characters, giving the reader a clear picture of what drove them to do what they did, and I also liked the way he gave us just enough of a look into the movie-making process without getting too bogged down in the details.

The action was fast-paced, start-to-finish, as Louie Mo had to remain one step ahead of the Chinese mob, a monster ex-NFL lineman, and two ex wives. While at the same time Troy is trying to deal with his producer and some angry Guatemalan investors. Plus, I loved the twist in the book's climatic chase scene.

Overall, a fun read and John Fusco is an author I'd like to read again sometime.

Dog Beach is being published on September 9, 2014 by Simon & Schuster's Toouchstone division and will be available in bookstores and from many online retailers.

Recommended. show less

A powerful, gripping adaptation of the book of the same name which was a bestseller a couple of decades ago. Some beautiful scenery as well as heartbreaking tragedy, and moving scenes with an unexpected trio.

A strong Christian message of forgiveness and acceptance, but without preaching, and without specific teaching from the Bible. It's fictional, to be treated as a metaphor - or just a good story showing how something positive can result from the most terrible evil.

Rated 12, not for show more those triggered by recent bereavement or abusive parenting. But, otherwise, I would recommend it. show less

This is not an easy watch.

It forces you to look at yourself. The first time I watched it I struggled, but it is now a favorite. We are called to forgive as Christ first forgave us. He loves us at our worst.

Everyone can come to Jesus for forgiveness. As long as we have breath, we have a purpose.

All have fallen short, none is righteous- no not one.

I also recommend that people look into the sequel DVD series of how William P Young goes into the story behind the Shack, Restoring the Shack. It show more was temporarily on Amazon Prime but apparently their rights expired very recently so I purchased it. show less