PHP is far more than a cult language or open-source icon. It’s a remarkably capable language that’s well integrated with lots of technologies–notably mSQL and MySQL database servers–and quite easy to learn. Programming PHP helps you up the PHP learning curve, very nearly guaranteeing that you’ll find in its pages an example that illustrates every fundamental aspect of the language and its most important extension modules. Plus, there’s some cool advanced stuff, like recipes for manipulating images, working with Extensible Markup Language (XML) content, and generating Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files. Rasmus Lerdorf invented PHP and quarterbacks its ongoing evolution, so there’s little question of the content’s authority.

The authors use a Talmudic style to explore PHP’s capabilities and explain them to their readers, meaning that they like to present code and commentary in close formation, with each enhancing the other. Typically, they’ll present a capability generically and show the relevant code. Then they’ll dig into variations on the theme, calling attention to required code alterations as they go. This is a book about PHP itself, so practically no attention is paid to PHP Builder or other development tools. Regardless, this book will help you solve programming challenges with PHP, and enable you to write efficient, attractive code. –David Wall

Topics covered: The PHP programming language, for people who are coming to PHP with a bit of programming experience in other languages or who want to expand their existing PHP knowledge beyond the basics. Sections deal with the core language, as well as HTTP session management, database connectivity (to MySQL and Oracle, as well as with PHP Extension and Application Repository–PEAR), graphics file manipulation, XML parsing, and PDF creation. There are instructions for building a PHP extension library in C, as well as a function reference and guide to existing extensions.

Price: $2.45

The Art of SEO: Mastering Search Engine Optimization (Theory in Practice)

Price: $25.99

In chapters like ‘Arbors and Trellises’ and ‘Garden Secrets’, the book offers a wealth of design advice and problem solving solutions for traditional gardeners. Small space gardeners, DIYers and those looking to incorporate the latest vertical techniques into their gardens will appreciate sections that examine ‘skinny space’ planting beds, urban gardens, edibles and living walls. In keeping with their problem solving approach to gardening and design, Morrison and Sweet have arranged their
plant picks chapter by solution rather than plant type.  Each chapter features a design spotlight that examines a specific garden and breaks down the elements that went into its creation. 

The range of gardens included in the book support the authors’ belief that vertical gardening is more than a temporary trend – it’s here to stay.

Price: $12.87

Personal and professional coaching, which has emerged as a powerful career in the last several years, has shifted the paradigm of how people who seek help with life transitions find a “helper” to partner with them in designing their desired future.

No matter what kind of sub-specialty a coach might have, life coaching is the basic operating system: a whole-person, client-centered approach.Here, Pat Williams, who has been a leader in the life coaching movement, has co-authored another essential book for therapists working as coaches. Becoming a Professional Life Coach draws on the wisdom of years of collective experience that have gone into designing the curriculum for the Institute for Life Coach Training. This curriculum has trained therapists and psychologists around the world to add coaching to their current businesses. This book presents the essential elements of life coach training program in a content-rich form that is equivalent to a graduate-level education in the field.

Becoming a Professional Life Coach: Lessons from the Institute of Life Coach Training

Price: $29.21

One of the world’s most recognized vegan body builders presents a comprehensive guide to building a fit body while eating a plant-based diet. Author Robert Cheeke inspires people to develop magnificent bodies. His passion for doing the most amount of good while causing the least amount of harm has inspired athletes, trainers, and anyone interested in a strong, healthy body. This title includes information on the most important things to consider in order to be a successful vegan bodybuilder including the best way to put together vegan meal programs and training regimens, how to find sponsorship and make bodybuilding a career, and where to find access to vegan products, services, and equipment. There is also advice on how to take bodybuilding beyond a personal endeavor and use it for activism and outreach.

Price: $10.36