5 comments about How To Open Locks With Improvised Tools: Practical, Non-Destructive Ways Of Getting Back Into Just About Everything When You Lose Your Keys (formerly published as Lock Bypass Methods).

1. Helped me understand various lock systems better. I appreciated the innovative ideas the author presented, many of which actually may have a hope of working in the real world. Definitely has a MacGyver-esque quality to it, without being hokey and completely unfeasible.



2. hi i bought this book expecting a lot but when i was reading this book i found that it had more than i thought. so to any one who is thinking about buying this book you will not be dissapointed it is unbelievable



3. Well written. A good cover-all book. Some of the improvised tools shown will require items not readily found on your workbench. Good explanations of lock function. Some good drawings, some not-so-good drawings; a particular issue I have with the book is that measurements of tools and the items to make entry tools are lacking...(trial and error will be required for success). Author should have used better illustrations with measurements when describing the improvised tools.



4. Very elementary information on lock picking. Drawings are not detailed nor professional. I wasted twenty dollars on this book.



5. Pretty basic book, most of this stuff could be easily figured out if you were truly in a bind.
   
   Biggest take away is there is usually some way to get around the lock or obstruction in your way. When you don't have keys, you need to be creative and every situation is going to be different.
   
   The book just gives some "what-if" scenarios, but the likely hood of using their techniques exactly is somewhat unlikely. Rather just shows you how to think creatively to find the solution that might work for you.

5 comments about Earthship: How to Build Your Own, Vol. 1.

1. Wonderful. Easy to read and understand (maybe a little too easy sometimes, but that's OK). We are preparing to build using this book, and we are really excited by the possiblities. I would reccomend this book (and have) to anyone interested in really understanding sustainable living. Great book.



2. This book and the rest of the books in this series are the perfect recipe for living in harmony with the Earth. Reducing our carbon footprint is the challenge for this generation and this book series shows you how to do it - step by step. It's wonderful for the do-it-yourselfer and presents it in an easy-to-follow guide that gives even a novice the confidence that he/she can do it, too! I saw Earthships on several documentaries on Discovery channel and I am impressed by just how little energy they need to sustain themselves and how logical they are designed. I devoured this book and parts II and III as well. I can't recommend this series enough!



3. good topic for discussion around a break room or sitting lounge. not extremely detailed on mechanics of an Earthship house (guess you have to buy a blueprint or get a contractor). well worth it if you want to be more environmentally involved.



4. This book was informative, and it pretty much gave me all the information I wanted to know about how to build an earthship, but the pictures it uses is mostly hand drawn which still leaves a lot to your imagination. I wanted to see color pictures or at least real life black/white pictures that show me different layouts, designs, and other options for building one. Keep the hand drawn ones but add more that show off the idea. Also it seems that for me to even build one requires a lot of money and a lot of paper work with the state. It was a great book but in my mind it didn't make the possibility of me ever owning one for an affordable price any more realistic. I love the idea though.



5. Smart solution of building a house with recycled materials. Though the first printing was in 1990 I think the concept hits the bulls eye in our present day. If you are a teacher, a student in architecture or just want to build your own house I highly would recommend this book.
   
   Regards
   Michael

2 comments about Materials and Components of Interior Architecture (7th Edition).

1. This book is a good reference for anyone who is currently designing or building a luxury home, but for a general education on construction interiors, this is not the book. There are many references to the latest products, which include both color and feature description that will be quickly outdated. Most of the discussion centers around materials that would be used in an affluent home rather than your typical family residence, and product descriptions focus on the unique product, not the typical. Dimensions for comfortable clearance and layout hints are useful for residential layout, but the commercial references are very limited.



2. This book is very poorly written. It also does not adequately discuss estimating materials.

1 comments about Smart Guide: Basements: Step-by-Step Projects (Smart Guide).

1. Part of the outstanding "Smart Guide" series from Creative Homeowner, Basements: Step-By-Step Projects is a no-nonsense, "user friendly" collection of step-by-step projects to insulate walls, update plumbing, install new wiring, eliminate moisture problems and much more in the basement of one's home. Color photographs, diagrams, and detailed instructions distinguish this excellent do-it-yourself resource which is confidently recommended for personal "do-it-yourself" and Interior Design technical reference shelf collections.

5 comments about Decorative Concrete (Sunset).

1. I've purchased other books on decorative concrete, but this is the first one that I think is worth what I paid! It has excellent discussions of different techniques and materials, something that other books lacked. And, since they are not promoting some specific product, they provide information about products that are not as expensive as some of the systems that are being sold. The pictures are not as detailed as would be helpful on some pages, but that is a minor issue. There are enough step by step instructions to make it possible to do projects from the book as you learn the techniques. I highly recommend it.



2. Just purchased a home with painted concrete countertops and wanted to learn more. Lots of pictures and information on how to start outdoor and indoor projects. I don't know if it is quite detailed enough for doing your own countertops but lots of pix and ideas for someone interested in the subject. Gave me the information I was looking for in expanding the use of concrete into other parts of my home and garden.



3. This author really helps those who want to "Do It Yourself" or gives outstanding examples and ideas. We used this as a resourse
   guide and by trial and error ( as the book states ) have successfully updated our exterior, interior flooring, kitchen/bath
   countertops and sinks to model home quality for pennies on the dollar.



4. This book was great! It has all the necessary information needed for making stepping stones and other neat projects, including types of cement and sand and stuff needed for those projects. A must have!!



5. I bought this book in conjunction with another book so I wasn't really expecting it to be very detailed. What this book does for me is offer a lot of ideas with great pictures and some steps to achieving the end result. If you've ever read a more detailed step-by-step book and then you read this book you'll see that this book leaves out a lot of detail but it does serve as a good book for concrete project ideas and works great in conjunction with other more detail material on working with concrete.

2 comments about Joey Green's Fix-It Magic: More than 1,971 Quick-and-Easy Household Solutions Using Brand-Name Products.

1. A very informative read using alot of everyday household items on hand along with being user friendly and eliminating the use of hazardous cleaners...some products use some interesting combinations needless to say but i feel that this book is certainly a worthwhile read and can save you some money overall..



2. I can't believe I actually paid money for this!
   
   First of all, please note that of the "1,971 solutions" many of them are nearly identical solutions, i.e. remove a water ring by rubbing with Johnson's Baby Oil, remove a water ring by rubbing with Star Olive Oil, remove a water ring by rubbing with Wesson Corn Oil, remove a water ring by rubbing with Land O' Lakes Butter, remove a water ring by rubbing with Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, remove a water ring by rubbing with Turtle Wax (there's more but I'll stop there, you get the idea).
   
   Next, some of the statements REALLY stretch the truth, like saying "fix a broken dishwasher with Tang"--when actually Tang will clean soap scum from the tubes and pipes of a dishwasher, but if it's truly broken, well, Tang's not gonna help you much. . .
   
   What I'll say now will give away probably over half the "1,971 solutions" but I'll say it anyway; Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets will repel or remove just about anything! (now wasn't that quicker and easier than reading a hundred or so pages of solutions where the answer is Bounce?)
   
   Have I mentioned that my kids immediately proved some of the statements false? The book says ants will not walk through flour and also won't walk across salt, (so make a line with flour or sprinkle salt where ants are coming in, to keep them out) yet when placed in the middle of a thick ring of salt or flour, our ants walked right over them with no hesitation. . .
   
   Also I have to say I was disappointed with the "strange facts." Many are things such as "The simplist way to prevent an abundance of weeds is to pull weeds before they seed" and "When natural catastrophes strike, the first possessions people take with them are photo albums and pets."
   
   Sorry, but this is NOT a "practical guide" nor a "great gift."

4 comments about Be Your Own House Contractor.

1. This book contains a lot of great tips and serves as a good resource.



2. This book really opened my eyes as to how much was involved in building/being your own contractor. The author obviously speaks from experience.



3. Very up-to-date publication. Author's web site provides much additional information. I plan to build using ICF's and Geothermal heat source. Good information available through both the book and the web portal. Clearly the best and most current of the 4 similar books purchased at the same time.



4. Be Your Own House Contractor: Save 25% without Lifting a Hammer
   I have read several books on this subject. This one offered the best information for the beginner. I would recommend this book for anyone considering building their own home.

5 comments about Welding Basics.

1. I bought this book for Christmas for my boyfriend. However the book didnt arrive in time but when he got it my boyfriend read it in one day and wants to try and weld together some of the stuff it shown. This is a very good book.



2. I thought this book was worth reading. Yes, I've read the other reviews that said it was too simplified and for idiots but for someone who has never welded, or like me has not welded since high school, it covers the basics. It gives a good comparison of different technologies (Oxy, SMAW, MIG, TIG and plasma) the pros/cons of each. No, this book will not teach you how to weld like a pro but it is a good starting point if you want to learn about the various technologies or trying to decide what type of welder you want or need to get started. The Welder's Handbook (Finch) is also a good beginner's guide.



3. The book provides a basic footing in welding. I simply used the book to develop a working vocabulary before I began learning how to weld.



4. I found this book to have strong basic/beginner information as advertised. Some foggy areas are clearer to me now. The section on welding projects could have been left out and additional instructional materials provided.



5. The book is good for starters. It is a bit vague on the basics but informative. A good starter book.

5 comments about Complete Basements (Stanley Complete).

1. This book is good for telling you how to do specific jobs in the basement, but it doesn't "fit all the pieces together" well as far as planning a whole remodeling project. Also, there is precious little included in this book on HVAC work- a crucial step to any basement remodeling project. Don't rely only on this book to take on your whole basement remodeling endeavor.
   
   I would recommend looking into Roger German's "Remodeling a Basement" for a book that gives a good overview of the whole remodeling experience. Then, you can buy books like this to drill down on specific tasks.



2. I bought about 10 books off Amazon to plan for my basement remodeling. This was one of the top 2. Definately worth it.



3. This is better than many books I have looked at, but if you are moderately functional DIYer who is contemplating remodeling the basement (like me) I would recommend that this not be your sole source. They skip a lot of the little details and tips that you need to really do things properly. On the other hand, they do provide ideas and suggestions that I didn't find elsewhere. I bought this book along with "Remodeling a Basement (Build Like A Pro)" by Roger German. German's book is really great, lot's of detail and DIY tips. If I could only have one book, it would be German's.



4. I'm usually a fan of the Stanley Complete series, because of the detail they offer. However this one lacks a little in that department. It will provide a good overview of the tasks involved, but it does not provide enough detail to complete most of them. I've had to go to other books for things like framing, drywall, and electrical. The most helpful sections of this book deal with elements that are specific to basements like slabs and foundation walls.
   
   The following sections are pretty good, but vary in depth of coverage:
   Finishing Floors
   Installing a New Bathroom
   Finishing Walls and Ceilings
   Preparation and Demolition
   Plumbing
   Cabinets and Storage
   
   The following sections are lacking:
   Framing
   Wiring
   Lights and Heaters
   
   You might get some useful ideas for this book, but do not use it as your only guide.



5. I was looking for a book that gave a lot of nitty gritty information regarding basements. Ideas for separating utility from living, etc. This book gives you lots of general building information. If you know how to frame, drywall, etc then this book isn't for you. If you are looking for a good general overview of those topics than it will work. I feel it went too much into basic construction as opposed to really dealing with the basement itself.

5 comments about MaryJane's Ideabook, Cookbook, Lifebook: For the Farmgirl in All of Us.

1. This is an awesome book! Truly, it has changed my life - let's fill every day with down-to-earth joy!



2. I've been living a farming, back to nature lifestyle for 30+ years. I have many books on preserving, crocheting, bird watching, decorating, homeschooling etc. My husband of 27 years and I like to think of ourselves as homesteaders. So to be fair to MJB I'm giving a 3 star since to many who have never had a garden, this book would be revolutionary.
   
   BUT...this book is not all about farming/crafting/cooking. It is full of a philosophy I don't hold to: New Age mentality. I wish she would have left this out. Her little "Buddah Bursts" and the "Church of Each Other" is not what I believe in. My lifebook is my Bible and my life coaches are Joyce Meyer, Max Lucado, John Maxwell, Dr. Dobson. If you're like me, you may want to buy another book specific to what you're wanting to learn.
   
   She also says she couldn't fit everything in one book...hence all the other books coming out (marketing). If all the glossy family photos were taken out there would be room. Her daughter's wedding was very pretty and cool, but I didn't pay money to see the family photo album. If she was a famous historical person I could maybe see it, but I just found out who MJB was 2 months ago! It's very self-promoting.
   
   Like I said, my hubby and I have been married for 27 years and have 4 kids. He was the nature nut/Eagle Scout/Grizzly Adams sort of guy when we met. I was a city dweller. We talked BEFORE our marriage about this. We loved each other and our kids to work out this differnce. We had to move within 5 miles of a major town because we lived too remote and it depressed me. We worked it out! (Thank you Dr. Dobson!) Butter's view on her divorce made me very sad. It seems so selfish. Her view that it all worked out for the best and we're all just one big "extended" family now...wow...google "the 25 Year Study on Divorce" and you'll see how damaging it is.
   
   I've been long winded and apologize for that, but my hopes were so high for this book. I want a farming book that's not preachy, just facts.



3. Being a frustrated suburban Farm Girl I completely love this book! I actually was introduced to it by a good friend who said I would enjoy it and she was right! Great images, instructions,projects & ideas. Whether you live on a farm or a cottage in the city with a little patch of soil, there is definately lots for all who hanker for the simpler things in life, at times with modern twists. Forget growing up to be Barbie, little girls should want to grow up to be Mary Jane Butters!
   Enjoy the book for yourself and get transported, inspired and back in touch with creation, you'll be a happier girl for. :)



4. I expected this to be a great book, but it ended being even better than I thought! If you go to her website then you will get a good idea of what she is about. This book was filled with interesting stories, great recipes, great sewing patterns, good quotes, beautiful pictures, and awesome craft ideas. It is defintely for farm girls;)
   I read the whole book in one day and by the end I felt like I knew her.



5. I could hardly put this book down. It reminded me of growing up on our
   southern Idaho farm during the 1950s, and brought back so many fond and cherished memories. I also found it inspiring, especially in this time of economic crises. The old ways of being self sufficient are more time consuming but so much less expensive. But, I have found the satisfaction of 'doing it myself' very fulfilling, not to mention the happiness in doing it. Sure beats 9 to 5 and the stress of traffic jams and living pay-check to pay check. I highly recommend this to all those closet farm girls.