3 comments about Building The Perfect Gazebo: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide.

1. Received the book not long ago and read it all in one sitting. I've learned alot and I'm looking forward to builing my very own Gazebo. I would definately recommend it to all my friends, well at least those interested in building one. ;)



2. I recently purchased two books on gazebos from Amazon. My daughter is getting married in the spring and we plan on building one. This book really is what it says...step by step "how to". It is good. Of the two books I purchased this was the most helpful.



3. A well-planned and tasteful gazebo complements the home and makes for an at-home getaway spot. Author Dave Schiff takes a "hands on" approach to building the perfect gazebo, including detailed photographs and illustrations that elucidate the mysteries of roof framing and foundations. Of particular interest are the handrail details that outline precisely how to construct Victorian and traditional style handrails rather than the bolt-on Home Depot run-of-the-mill designs. Several styles of roofs, railings, and floor plans are detailed with marvelous photographs and drawings. In a significant departure from the octagonal gazebo, the author also offers details on a hexagonal variety.
   This is a "must read" for anyone wishing to have a gazebo that differs from the garden variety prefab units that are commonly purchased at a highway graden center.

1 comments about Chainsaw Carving an Eagle: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide.

1. This is a great book very detailed and it shows step by step how to carve a eagle.

5 comments about Zen Interiors.

1. The serenity of form and function are clearly brought together in this tranquil volume by designer Vinny Lee.

   With the Zen perspective that one's possessions are burdens, the book manages to create inviting, peaceful living spaces uncluttered by frou-frou and bric-a-brac.

   A great resource for those comfortable with themselves, not requiring a plethora of possessions to make a statement about who they are.




2. Well, with the plethora of Feng Shui books out these days it is nice to flip through one that doesn't shout in your face. The photography in here is excellent and there are many great ideas for living simply. That is, this is a "clear your clutter" without any preaching; the pictures should provide reason enough to get rid of your piles of (crud).

   That said, there are some illustrations of definite "no-no's" and some spaces in here do not really look liveable. I wonder if the 'dressers' did a bit too much styling and removed all signs of life from some houses; either that or one wonders what the closets look like since you do need a certain amount of stuff to live.

   It also bothers me a bit that "zen" has become little more than a buzz-word. Go get a zafu, take a weekend session and start meditating. Then start fixing your space and you will have a "zen" living space. Following instructions and/or copying layouts from somewhere is about as far from zen as you can get! I think the author could have stressed this point a lot more.

   Still a fun coffee-table book...




3. This book was too sterile for me. It was done in the modern/minimalistic fashion that is so popular today. I like something that is beautiful, welcoming and comfortable . This book did not have any furniture that appeared to be anything you would want to sit on. Some of the rooms barely had any furniture in them.



4. 
   I really like this book, is minimalist, which I understand not everyone identifys with, but the photos, the coments the whole concept and contect makes this book a must have reference for anyone wanting to integrate oriental mindset to western culture. Highly recommended, and the price is unbetable.



5. this book was very useful for my project and helping me get ideas on a zen looking interior which was the feel i needed for the space i was designing. i would suggest this book to anyone who whats to acheive that look. it has alot of pictures to help you mind visulise the space and make your creative juices flow

5 comments about Fresh Milk: The Secret Life of Breasts.

1. This collection of stories, focused on lactation breasts (male and female) is a page turner. Not so much to see what happens next, but who it happens to. They people in this book are real, like you and me. The all have in common the desire to give the best to their child (with the exception of the lactation fetishists, which could have truly been left out of the book in my opinion). They suffer adversity, set backs, and triumphs. They tell the stories of the human condition. Nothing is easy for everyone, but you persevere and go on. Some of these women are exalted in their role as provider, and they shine in their pride of a job well done. And some of them still harbor resentment over their experience. No matter the outcome, we (the lactating women of the world) can see a little of ourselves in all of them.



2. I found this book at the library, tucked in between a Dr. Sears book and a book on weaning. It looked like intriguing, and I expected it to be a book that helped to "normalize" the view of breastfeeding, showing simple vignettes of the realities (both good and bad). Something more enjoyable to read than a "how to" manual.
   There is some of that. In fact some of the short stories are priceless. However, there are also many disturbing images which definately are not going to help to encourage breastfeeding or enlighten anyone about the reality of breastfeeding.
   In fact, some of the more controversial stories (the ones about adult lactational fetishes or porn) only play off societies misguided beliefs that breastfeeding is or should be taboo. The author mistakingly uses the term "breastfeed" to apply to a variety of uses for the breast, including non nutritive. If the authors intent was to stir up thought and meaningful discussion about the subject of breastfeeding in our society, these stories detract from any of the positive messages included.
   In my opinion the subjects of milk men, induced lactation, extended nursing and cooking with breastmilk are controversial enough for society. The pornographic issues belong in a seperate book.
   I would not reccomend this for anyone who is looking for more information on nursing in general, or who is considering breastfeeding but hasn't made up their mind yet.
   Its a nice try, the idea of a book of vignettes that reveal the many different facets of lactation is definately something that I'd like to see on the market. But this one goes too far.



3. If you've ever pondered the contradictions about breasts in our society, this is an engaging book. It is based on the author's research and questionnaires about breastfeeding, and has stories from mothers, husbands, lovers, and adults who recall their own experiences being breastfed. Breasts are highly politicized (e.g. the controversy over Janet Jackson's momentary exposure). The topic of breastfeeding adds heat to the fire, as it blurs the boundary between motherhood and sexuality in a society of ideologues -- from Puritan prudes who think public breastfeeding is disgusting, or too sexy, to some breastfeeding activists who advocate a totally non-sexual role for breasts. Thus, almost anything said by the author would be taboo for someone. Given that many of the author's accounts are anonymous, the coverage is more diverse than one might expect in the public discourse. I liked the story of twin boys who had successful breastfeeding experiences as young children. Later in adolescence they revealed to their mother their attraction to Pamela Anderson's breasts -- just the opposite predicted by some Freudians who believe that sexual interest in prominent breasts is the result of inadequate breastfeeding. Thus, this book has much to invoke a more thoughtful discourse, and to comfort mothers and couples who want to raise their children naturally in our society that is so uptight about breasts.



4. I just recently became a breastfeeding mom for the first time and so I have been looking for books on breastfeeding. I've read lots of manuals and was refreshed to find a book on the subject that wasn't a how-to. Fresh Milk covers many different aspects of breastfeeding including the ones not talked about much like breastfeeding an older child, using lactation in the bedroom and cooking with breastmilk. There are stories of breastfeeding adopted children, older children and triplets. There are stories about the pressure to breastfeed versus bottlefeed, breastfeeding while you work and learning how to breastfeed. It's a good read for those people like me who like to know a lot about a subject before they do it. Even the parts I didn't agree with, I still read and tried to keep an open mind about. Reading the book also made my breasts fill with milk and helped me to pump more milk during a time when my baby was away from me.



5. Men breastfeeding. Need I say more? A lot of great stories and entertaining information about breasts that does not get mentioned in more Proper Books.
   
   Lots of fun.

5 comments about Homebuilding Basics Carpentry (Homebuilding Basics).

1. I would recommend this book to beginning framers, apprentices, and homeowners who want to learn to do there own work. Professional carpenters and journeyman should pass it by. The book itself is very well layed out and complete. It is rather low tech and somewhat dated in the new world of 'hurricane and earthquake' code requirements. But, I like it. it does not promise more than it delivers and what it delivers in content is well presented.



2. This book is the best I've ever seen as a teaching tool on this subject. It assumes no prior knowledge, everything is very clearly written, and the illustrations make it simple to understand. (In fact, if you scanned through the book and only studied the pictures and read their captions, you would learn a great deal without reading the book's text.)

   If you choose to buy this book, it's money well spent.




3. "Homebuilding Basics: Carpentry" may just be one of the best
   carpentry tools you could buy. Larry Haun, a production framer
   and carpentry teacher for over 45 years, wanted to "share with
   others what I have learned from my teachers." He has certainly
   succeeded.

   He begins by covering both hand and power tools and explaining
   how to choose one version over another depending on the task.
   Safety tips and tricks for more effective use are presented in
   sidebars.

   The jobsite section explains the frame structure of a typical
   home in detail: nomenclature, whys and wherefors, and sequence
   of tasks.

   Next, Haun moves through the actual frame construction from the
   foundation sill through the completion of the structure and basic
   finishing in sections on framing floors, walls and ceilings, roofs,
   stairs and finish details.

   This large, well-organized handbook will prove invaluable to anyone
   planning to build a home, remodel one, or simply wanting to be able

   to recognize proper framing methods and high quality work. It
   provides an introduction, list of sources for tools, supplies and
   books and an index as well as a slew of excellent illustrations.

   Larry Haun currently teaches carpentry in Coos Bay, Oregon and is
   the author of "The Very Effectient Carpenter" and a long-time
   contributor to "Fine Homebuilding Magazine".




4. this is an excellent primer on stick framing, covering everything from tools to layouts of floors, walls, ceilings and roofs. nothing about shingling, drywalling, plastering, etc. - just framing. that's the strength of this book, in the depth of its treatment of the subject. nicely illustrated, there are at least two or three photos or useful diagrams per page. the book's a big step up from your usual how-to, as the author ties in his own personal building experiences, in ways that illustrate the logic of methods and practices.



5. "Carpentry" by Larry Haun, is the Number 1 book that I recommend owning first when beginning carpenters, homeowners, and do-it-yourselfers ask me about learning different aspects of this trade. I also tell these folks that this book, in particular, is well written, easy to understand, and filled with high-quality color photographs and drawings, that help make clear what this Master Carpenter is teaching on the subject of basic carpentry.
   In addition to the above, I'm asked this question many times as my crew and I frame or remodel homes in our state of Minnesota: "What other books do you recommend buying to help us learn more about homebuilding and fixing-up our home?" I tell these folks that they can be assured of finding additional high-quality, informative books from the publishers at Taunton Press, and Fine Homebuilding.
   I tell the carpenters that ask me the same question to check out Larry Haun's book titled, "The Very Efficient Carpenter," also published by Taunton Press, as their next step in becoming more efficient as working carpenters.

1 comments about Air Conditioning Principles and Systems: An Energy Approach (4th Edition).

1. it is a great book.. we used it in the class..

5 comments about Dream Cottages : 25 Plans for Retreats, Cabins, and Beach Houses.

1. This lovely book proves that a picture is worth a thousand words. I am in the beginning stages of planning my dream retirement home, and I have been looking for a few select books to convey the sense of style I want. This book is the best I have found so far. Tredway's designs are very well thought out -both beautiful AND liveable looking. There are lots of photos of completed structures along with the floor plans and elevations. Please note that as of 11/03/01, the web-site listed in the book is not working. Highly recommended book.



2. Although there are pictures scattered throughout the book, they are mainly of small details and accents, rather than a total view of the houses. Also, it seemed that some of the pictures were not even of the design that was being featured. I found it difficult to get any perspective of relative dimensions or the overall feel of the design from simple line drawings and floor plans. Perhaps a better book for someone more familiar with architectural drawings than for someone just starting out and looking for inspiration. Finally, not many of the designs were of what I would call a cottage, with square footage at, or higher than most average homes.



3. There are some ok ideas in this book but it suffers greatly from a cramped layout. It's not easy to browse and most of the photo are cropped so close one almost feels claustrophobic just flipping through the pages



4. Nicely illustrated exteriors and floor plans, good photographs, lots of suggestions, and a bit of education thrown in. Well worth reading.



5. The book was okay, not quite what I thought it was going to. It does have some interesting plans, but not what I was looking for.

2 comments about Kitchen Remodeling for Dummies.

1. The majority of this book was painful to read. I mistakenly assumed that "For Dummies" meant that it was going to cover all aspects for all skill levels. Instead, the author made a point to decide what you are capable of understanding and undertaking. There were "Call a Pro" icons peppered throughout the book indicating that the reader does not have the skill level or the brain power to possibly get his hand around specific tasks. I think that a responsible DIYer has the capability to determine what is and what is not in their skill set. Just because you have never done something does not mean you cannot do it. I have no problems with warnings, but to not share information because the author feels the reader cannot handle it is just poor writing.
   
   Here is a passage that illustrates the tone of this book (discussing installing sub flooring):
   
   "You do this by installing blocking between the floor joists from below. If you're not familiar with this type of work, contact a professional to do it right. If you are familiar with it, you'll know what I'm talking about and how to do it correctly."
   
   If you know how to do it than why are you reading a book on it? Everyone has to start from somewhere - even the pros. I knew nothing about electrical but I can install a new service panel if I needed to now. How? Information and experience - I was not born with the knowledge, neither was the author.
   
   The unsuccessful use of humor in this book only served to clutter the pages and take away any amount of credibility that the author had as a professional. Furthermore, there were several points that I disagreed with him on. For example, he made a point to say DO NOT install your new flooring under the cabinets, instead install around them. His point was that you lose a valuable 1/2" between the countertop and the bottom of your wall cabinets. Forgetting even about aesthetics, have you ever tried to remove a dishwasher that was below your floor level? Trust me - it's no fun. Also, materials such as tile serve to protect the sub floor from water damage (which can happen to anyone).
   
   This book did have some trivial information that I found interesting (like where the "d" in "10d nails" came from). Other than that, I found it a waste of money.
   
   Look elsewhere for your kitchen remodeling information needs.



2. this book was so worthless that I didn't even shelve it after reading. Nor did I consider giving it away. I tossed it straight into the recycling bin. The book is strong on advising the reader as to what tasks are simply to difficult. It fully lacks when it comes to detail/advice regarding the tackling of technical tasks. Really, it offers no advice on remodeling your kitchen. It is should be titled "How to hire someone to do your kitchen remode." This "book" is a waste of paper that does not diserve even one star.

4 comments about Garden Design Details.

1. This book is a coffee table book. The pictures are nice, but it does not give any new or valuable information regarding garden design (no reference to styles or history whatsoever). It is not a book for professionals. I only gave it the 2 stars because the cover and pictures are pretty. If you are seriously interested in design, don't buy this book.



2. The book describes function and meaning of landscape elements insightfully yet digested and understandable. This book is useful for both beginner and advance landscape designer. In addition, gists and tips in this book are also useful for public space and urban designer. Picture are well arrange to show creativity in traditional and comtemporary landscape detail design.



3. On the contrary to what another disappointed reviewer sites as this book's failure to live up to professional landscaping standards, this is a great small reference book! Nowhere in the description does it state that it is anything other than a source for ideas and inspiration. At almost 200 pages it is full of fantastic photos which serve as the jumping off point for what you can aspire for in your landscaping projects. For those of us that don't have regular access to an environmental design library and have few other immediate references than the small thumbnail photos found on the internet, this book fills the niche quite nicely. Re-read the editorial review and I think you'll find this book is as diverse as it is pretty to look into.



4. As a professional designer, writer and photographer, I found this book to be chock full of great ideas! The title and description of the book fit perfectly, in my opinion, in that it did offer beautiful high quality images of a wide array of design ideas that inspired my own creativity. It's easy to get stuck in a rut when you sit at a drafting table or a computer day after day. This book was just the thing I needed to jar me awake and start thinking more creatively at the midpoint of what has been a very long season thus far.

1 comments about Introductory DC/AC Electronics (6th Edition).

1. This is my best introductory to dc/ac electronics book out there and this beats them all. All of the other books are too complicated and missing quite a few important concepts. This book covers all of the basics and has a very nice approach for learners like me that has difficulty comprehending new material. Nice review and test questions in the back. Only main drawback is price... ouch