Reddit mentions of John Coltrane: His Life and Music (The Michigan American Music Series)

This book by Porter is a superb biography of Coltrane - http://www.amazon.com/John-Coltrane-Michigan-American-Series/dp/047208643X
It is the best biography of any musician I have read, and since it covers in compelling detail both Coltrane's life and music, it also covers his spirituality and religious convictions in detail, looking at their development and the effect it had on his music.
There's nothing like a great book to open up a musician for you, and this book gifted me with a love for Coltrane, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Hopefully you can find a copy in a local library.

I'd recommend checking out this Coltrane biography

It's EXTREMELY thorough and talks a lot about Coltrane's musical education, development, and practicing habits. I would check it out and look up references to where and when he started playing keyboards, but I left it at my mom's house after a move to Europe. :( I'll definitely have to pick it up on my next visit.

Some really interesting things in there though, for instance Jimmy Heath talks about little exercises he and Trane used to practice together, as well as arrangements they had worked out.

http://www.amazon.com/John-Coltrane-Michigan-American-Series/dp/047208643X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345681282&sr=8-1&keywords=john+coltrane+book

Thats an amazing book about Trane, towards the end there's a chapter of quotes from musicians about him and his personality, it's so moving man.

Also check out Clifford Brown. Enjoy!

good stuff

https://www.amazon.com/John-Coltrane-Music-Michigan-American/dp/047208643X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492375205&sr=8-1&keywords=coltrane+lewis+porter