2 comments about Almost Green: How I Saved 1/6th of a Billionth of the Planet.

1. I picked this book up on a whim at a local book store (the Canadian subtitle is different, and involves alienating the in-laws, which I found amusing, as I seem to managed to do that monthly).
   
   It's well written, quite funny, and full of smart observations. See the world's problems in microcosm as James tries to build an environmentally friendly "shed" (really, a one-bedroom office in the back yard).



2. A determined, idealistic young man attempts to put his green commitment to the test as he moves his dream eco-office-shed/guest quarters from talk to reality. An amusing, self-depreciating navigation through a multitude of challenges 21st century life throws in our way as we attempt to put our ideals into practice. Mr. Glave is a talented writer who pulls the reader into his life. I got caught up in James' emotional ride as he deals with the various challenges this project doles out to him. By the time I finished reading, I found myself wanting to visit the eco-shed of Bowen Island as one might take a pilgrimge to an ancient shrine! I hope this young man will use his eco-shed writing room and grace us with more tales and experiences. I'd settle for the "good read" he offers, yet you can feel the fervor of his commitment to our planet and thus the reader will find himself also interested in what further challenge, informative guidance and inspiration James Glave will offer us to move us further along that path to a truly sustainable planet. Strongly recommended.

2 comments about Unhappy Teenagers: A Way for Parents and Teachers to Reach Them.

1. If you are the parent of a teen who is having developmental problems of any sort, then you need this book. This book takes the essence of Choice Theory and applies it to the relationship between teens and their parents. The book consists of a number of case studies featuring the stories of typical young adults with all different sorts of problems ranging from anorexia to poor performance in school. As he is relating the story behind each case, the author will frequently turn to a brief discussion of various facets of his Choice Theory and how they apply to the case at hand.
   
   Glasser's enlightened discussion of the Quality World concept of Choice Theory is central to the book, and how this applies to the teen's relationship with his/her parents. Coupled with this are discussions of the concepts of control and choice. Relinquishing one's control over a teen, and gently guiding them toward making better choices is another common theme running through these case studies.
   
   My advice is, if you have a teen, or young adult, and you are experiencing some turbulence (and who does not?), buy this book, read it, underline the passages that strike you as most important (there are many), then keep this book at your side, within reaching distance, as you navigate these years. It is well worth it to be able to reach for this book in times of trouble, when your relationship with your teen or young adult seems to be deteriorating, to open a page at random, and just read. Very often, you will encounter an extremely important insight that can guide you forward.
   
   Thank you Dr. Glasser for helping us parents to understand that the relationship is everything.



2. Easy to read, provides a practical approach to a very challenging problem. Offers a workable, actually enjoyable way to improve every kind of relationship, not only those with teenagers. Since reading and discussing it with my family, we hear far less shouting in our house.

4 comments about Mural Painting Secrets For Success: Expert Advice For Hobbyists And Pros.

1. Saw an advanced copy and love all Gary's books always an inspiration especiallyIts Faux Easy With Gary Lordand The House That Faux Builtwhere he did the chicago church. The foils are awesome!



2. I spent last night reading through the book and I can honestly say I think it's one of the best and most interesting books on the market for decorative painting. You've brought together such a diverse group of decorative artisans with each of their own unique styles, which makes each new chapter a real pleasure to read and view.
   
   I think the "Secrets to Success" and "Before they were painters" vignettes were the icing on the cake....In reading the brief snippets of how these masters got their start were inspirational as well as down-right funny in some cases (like Pascal Amblard saying the largest piece he'd ever painted prior to his first full-sized mural was a breakfast tray"!)
   
   It makes the whole principal of decorative painting more "human" and
   approachable because people who read the book who may be beginners or just starting to move from doing just faux finishes onto mural painting will see that everyone started somewhere, and that those who are passionate and practice can go far! Even the most experienced muralists and decorative painters will certainly enjoy this book, especially considering the wealth of paintings featured throughout the book and in the gallery section. Highly recommended!



3. This book is full of detailed instructions and pictures of different artists' works. It has a great variety in styles and subject matter.



4. I can't say enough about how impressed I am with the book! Amazing!!! It reaches all levels of painters, designers, artist, etc.... So much info which is easy to understand not to mention the breath taking techniques and result. And I love the special attention to the business side of it. You never really get that side. I think the book covers every angle.

5 comments about The Caner's Handbook.

1. this book is far and away from your typical 'how-to' book. These actually want you to learn this skill. You won't be let down with this one.



2. Of all the myriad of reference books I have acquired in the 25 years working in the seat weaving business, The Caner's Handbook is by far the best and #1 on my entire list.

   I was fortunate to purchase my first book (in hardcover), right after it was published in 1984. I had already done every type of seat weaving covered in this book, but through the clear, close-up pictures and accompanying text, was able to fine tune my craft even more.

   At each one of my seat weaving classes, and whenever someone asks me what the best all around book on seat weaving is, I tell them to buy The Caner's Handbook. Through the information in this book, anyone can learn to weave with cane, rush, splint, rawhide, Danish Modern, Oriental seagrass, and all types of splints in a variety of designs and patterns.

   Jim Widess, who besides co-authoring this book, is the owner of The Caning Shop, where he and his employees not only sell materials used in cane and basketry, but have first-hand knowledge of weaving. They have been doing this for a living for many years, so know all the problems and questions the novice as well as the consumate weaver might encounter.

   I urge anyone that is contemplating beginning seatweaving as a hobby or profession to buy this wonderful book, take some time to read and digest it, then go out and conquer the world of seat weaving! There will be no doubt that you will be a professional in no time!




3. This book contains easy to understand instructions for multiple caning techniques. These instructions are accompanied by step-by-step photographs or thorough illustrations. It is an excellent reference manual.



4. The book was just what i wanted for my son in law. Unfortunately he ordered the same thing for himself and began using it. Since I had not used mine I returned it.



5. My chairs needed new seats and I hadn't the foggiest idea how to fix them. I had no available workshop, no experience, merely patience learned form handwork. I found this book and it gave me all I needed to know in order to complete the jobs up to the standard of my highest expectations. The authors provide detailed information for projects, giving history of the craft, materials, needed items, and "how to do this" complete with detailed instructions and step by step illustrations. My projects involved sheet caning, woven caning, and rush seating. Other forms are included and look to be every bit as "do-able" as my projects were. This is THE BOOK.

5 comments about The Complete Illustrated Guide to Shaping Wood (Complete Illustrated Guide).

1. Fabolous book,excellent easy to follow tips,very well photographed,excellent help around the workshop



2. Shaping wood by Lonnie Bird is one of the best book I have read on the subject.
   Written in a clear and simple style, illustrated by hundreds of beautifull color pictures, this book will take you through a journey that will introduce you to all the different techniques that can be use to shape wood.
   You will find it all, cutting complex compound curves, molding, turning, carving and bending.



3. Jest to naprawde dobra pozycja. Mialem okazje korespondowac z autorem i jest to naprawde mily gosc! Ksiazka jest prawdziwa skarbnica wiedzy. Jest dobrze ilustrowana. Jej poziom merytoryczny jest naprawde wysoki. Na polskim rynku trudno bedzie znalesc taka pozycje
   
   (Przepraszam wszystkich za brak polskich znakow diakrytycznych ale to wina systemu informatycznego Amazon. Polskie znaki zmieniane sa na krzaki i dlatego z nich zrezygnowalem)



4. What a great book! Very useful, nice functional layout. This is a shop manual more then a book for causal reading.
   
   I believe every successful woodworker possess their own 'Secrets of the Craft'. These are time-tested methodolgies made unique by each craftsmen. Bird goes into great detail about how and more importantly WHY he chooses one method over another in almost every topic.
   
   This is one book that should be sitting near your bench, and not stored with your (often unopened) machine manuals.



5. This book is a very good resourse for building period furniture with one exception. The author's shop is tooled much better than the average shop and he assumes the his readers have the same tools that he does. So far, I have worked out an alternate method of accomplishing the tasks without different tools. The book gave me the basics and I was forced to do some complex problem solving so I have to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to build up my brain power.

5 comments about Jessie Walker's Country Decorating.

1. I thought this book to be very colorful and informative book, Jessie covers the many styles of country living interiors - whether it's country cottage or rustic or primitive she has captured it all. Very attractive design - anyone into Country Style will love this book.



2. This is a great book for anyone who wants a old world country feel to their home. The illustrations are beautiful and the decorating advice is thoughtfully planned out.



3. Jessie Walker's Country Decorating
   This book was everything I hoped for; it is awesome. My husband and I are planning to buy an older farmhouse and wanted decor ideas, this book has given us several really good and easily done ideas. Thank you!



4. I loved the book and the price is great for all the ideas that is in the book. She gives you great inspiration with the many different country styles. I would recommend this book to any novice home decorator.......



5. Understanding that opinions are subjective, my opinion is that this is a wonderful book. The pictures draw me in and put me in a primitive, mellow mood. It is also inspiring in that when I'm finished with the book, I want to get started on a decorating project. The pictures are just so enjoyable.

2 comments about Barn: The Art of a Working Building.

1. This book is truely an inspiration... the images and descriptions will bring great memories of Barns to your mind, will bring tears to your eyes if you spent childhood fantasies in "the barn", and might inspire you to save, build, or restore a barn someday... thank you Elric, Alexander , and David, whoever and wherever you are for presenting such a work...It stays on the table, within easy reach...



2. Endersby and fellow authors, using an intelligent combination of pictures, drawings, and text to successfully depict both finished buildings and structural detail, have written the definitive book on barns. They trace the lineage of American barns from their European roots in a lively, readable, informative format. In addition to it's functional qualities, the book is quite handsome, a stunning addition to the library of anyone who likes barns. Quite simply, this is the best book on barns I have ever seen.

5 comments about The Bat House Builder's Handbook, Completely Revised and Updated.

1. Maybe I'm too sold on what's marketed as variety.
   
   I agree with what other reviewers have said, that these are good bathouses and the instructions are easy to follow. I just wish there were a little more variety in terms of design.
   
   The book, by the way, over and above the houses does have some reference information on bats including where to put the houses. That was helpful.
   
   If you're into bats, and would like to make your own houses, this is the book I would recommend.



2. Lots of good information in here. This book went into detail that I'd never even thought about. Definitely worth a buy if you want a good house that will attract bats.



3. I was a bit annoyed to open the package from Amazon and see this glorified pamphlet inside. "There goes ten bucks!" I thought. Don't let the size fool you, though. When I opened the booklet and started flipping through, I saw that it really is an excellent guide. It is far superior to anything else I have seen on the subject. I have seen bat houses for sale in my area that do not come close to meeting the well researched guidelines described in this book. Worth buying, definitely. I just wanted to combat the mosquitos in my neighborhood -- now I will likely join the Bat Conservancy and build houses for any friends who ask.



4. My grand daughter's are anxious to get started building! I bought this and the Stokes Guide to Bats. They love the books. Easy to use and with a little help 8 & 10 years-old understand the blueprints.



5. For a small, pamphlet like publication this handbook packs a surprising amount of information about bats and bat houses. It has several very detailed plans for bat houses and accompanying materials list that simplify the purchasing process. Very happy with this purchase.

No comments about Georgian Style and Design for Contemporary Living.

5 comments about The Triumph of Individual Style : A Guide to Dressing Your Body, Your Beauty, Your Self.

1. I found this book six years ago in the libarary. I took copious notes from it over the next few years I checked it out. I finally purchased it and with every reading get more tips for style. I wish I had purchased it sooner.
   I sew and it has proven valuable for things like selecting prints, woking with fabric texture, and determining hemline, waistline and neckline lengths and widths. Other books tell me what to do to achieve an effect, but this one tells me why.
   I am exploring style and trying to develop more creativity in my sewing. I think this is the best guide around for that purpose. It also would have been a good companion for my "Dress for Success" efforts a few decades ago.



2. This bok with it`s beautiful drawings adds dimension to it`s material. This is a must for people who want to look their best and also a great book for clothing designers as weel as image consultants.



3. I am a fashion designer who was looking for some good resource books to help with figure-appropriate designs. I came across this book after a long search and thought I had found gold. Unfortunately, it was not what I expected. I was really disappointed with the line sketches used to explain clothing choices and found those designs to be VERY outdated- especially considering the second printing was in 2002. For example, I could not disagree more with the advice for rectangular-shaped women- that they should opt for sack dresses that ignore the waist, rather than trying to create one.
   The chapters on jewlery choices and color charts were equally useless.
   I would not recommend this book to any fashion designer looking for figure-flattering design elements. "Dress Your Best" by Stacy London and Clinton Kelly is by far a better choice- especially considering the price.



4. This book is for the experienced Fashion and Image Consultant that want the theory behind creating image and beauty.



5. I bought this book "The Triumph of Individual Style" because a friend was excited about it. Her talk struck my curiosity, so I ordered it. Once I received it, I looked through the whole book and I lost interest right away.
   It must be the most useless thing someone suggested. It might be good for someone who has absolutely no eye for beauty and balance. I would rate it 0 (zero) if there was a zero star to add, but since there is not one, I have rated 1.