John Rachel has a B. A. in Philosophy, has traveled extensively, is a songwriter and music producer, political activist, and a bipolar humanist. He has spent his life trying to resolve the intrinsic clash between the metaphysical purity of Buddhism and the overwhelming appeal of narcissism. He is author of eight novels, and three non-fiction political books. He has also had over 30 short stories, 7 poems, and numerous political articles published in both print and online magazines. Currently in development is a new novel set in Japan, another in Africa, and a creative non-fiction work, a fantasy/travel cookbook titled "What Do Mermaids Eat?". In his own words: “I write trivial garbage to clutter the world with nonsense, but do it with great reverence for literary tradition.” Author Rachel has been traveling through and living in over thirty-three countries since leaving America August of 2006. He is now somewhat rooted in a small traditional farming village in Japan near Osaka, where he proudly tends his small but promising vegetable garden.  To follow his declining cerebral functions and developing world view, please visit his website ... http://jdrachel.com