I'm looking for some good resources for layout design. When I design, layout tends to be the bump in the road everytime. I understand heirarchy and structure, but it seems I struggle far too often with how I can make the grid follow these principles. I was thinking of purchasing a few books. I was considering these books:
Does anyone have these books? The Amazon reviews are alright, but I never believe designers write them. Most are soccer mom's getting their feet wet in desktop publishing.

If you are unsure of these listed, anyone have other suggestions? A website perhaps?