4 comments about Rustic Revisited: Innovative Design for Cabin, Camp, and Lodge.

1. What a great book! I bought it to give as a gift and ended up keeping it for myself. It's filled with beautiful photos of rustic style in all its forms: including Adirondack camps, lake houses in Wisconsin, Western lodges and Southern cottages just to name a few. I got many good ideas from it, and will be buying more copies to give to friends. I highly recommend it.



2. This book portrays a vast amount of information on lodge-camp- and cabin style.
   
   Ann O'Leary identifies the historical as well as specific decorating details necessary to achieve these fabulous lodge and camp looks. This is a very in-depth, extensively well researched and beautifully written book! Well done!



3. Many design ideas can be obtained from this book if you are remodeling or building a cabin.



4. Pictures were well done but I wish someone that writes in this genre, would do a book on cabins and retreats that the average person could own. Most of these books cater to the wealthy rich folks and show lodges that most of us will never see let alone own.
   Give me a book that can help me arrange a rustic decor, Just a couple of those out there. A book on the average fishing and hunting cabin like the ones I remember from childhood would be a dream!

5 comments about Runabout Renovation: How to Find and Fix Up an Old Fiberglass Speedboat.

1. I found this item helpful, but maybe a little outdated. As a European, a lot of the stuff is a bit the American way. Eg. carpets i boats, which are hardly used i Europe. An option without carpets or vinyl would have been nice.
   
   The lack of presentation on new materials such as vinylcell (eg. Divinycell and other similar products)makes the impression that this book could be updated. But in general, it is very helpful. Nicely written, a joke here and there, and good focus on security, helth hazards and other information.



2. I bought this book for my son-in-law who's renovating a boat for pleasure and fishing. I know NOTHING about boats and don't like to fish, but he was THRILLED with this book, so that's recommendation enough for me!



3. This book is a very helpful guide for anyone needing to perform repairs on their boat, ranging from minor touch-ups to major renovations.



4. Although a little short on detail and possibly a little outdated, this book covers the topics very well and is a very enjoyable read. It could have been improved through the addition of more photos and diagrams, but still gives the reader enough information to tackle the jobs of floor replacement, transom replacement, etc. I highly recommend this book for anyone who owns, or is wishing to buy a boat of this era.



5. This book give a lot of info on the basics of rebuilding a boat. Most of the info could have been found online, but it's good to have it on paper in front of you. Not a lot of info on working with fiberglass, I would recommend you get Fiberglass Repair by David Aiken for that. Overall a good buy.

5 comments about How To Multiply Your Baby's Intelligence (Gentle Revolution).

1. First 1/2 of the book explains why intelligence is good. Second 1/2 explains how to do it. But the how-to(s) are so general. This book acts like an advertisement material to get you to buy other books so in my opionion, this book should be FREE, instead of wasting your money on it. The title is misleading...it should read "Why multiply your Baby's Intelligence-& how to buy our other books."



2. Doman's books are a must read, but this book is just a summary of all other books. I still give a 5 star because it gives a good overview.
   Start reading How to teach to Read and then How to Teach Math. If you are into it, go to Encyclopedic knowledge. Then take their courses, in Philadelphia, but they are a couple of thousand dollars. Do it all before your baby is born. I read this book 10 years before my wife got pregnant and it changed my life... and my daughter's (I hope). Now she is 3. But don't get too carried away. Believe me, some parents do get carried away. The ones in Philadelphia seem to belong to a sect. Just enjoy your children and add this to the fun. I took the course in Philadelphia but I really don't do much of the program. Still, I raise my daughter differently from what I would otherwise have done without having read this book. You will not be the same person after you read it. And it is not about teaching your baby to read. It is about teaching your baby about life.
   You will have more respect for your child and will not let your baby grow "by accident." Instead, you will be able to actively participate in the learning process and challenge your child to fulfill his or her intellectual potential. If you have a child, or if you don't but you love someone, this is the only book that you must read. Remember, read it before the baby is born. This book (or the others in the collection) are a wonderful present for an expecting mother.



3. I have no words to say how happy I am with this book. I read it just a few days before taking the course 'How to multiply your baby's intelligence' in Madrid, two weeks ago.
   If you want to read a Doman book, this is the one I reccomend you to start with. It is the one that gives you the broadest idea of his thoughts and theories. it is just so incredible and exciting, and if you already have a kid and have not started the Doman program right from birth, you will probably think ' oh my god, why haven't I read this book before?'. It is not a tragedy, you can and should start a program right away.
   I have two kids, ages three and one, and i have started the program with them. I guess it is working pretty well.
   I also took the course and was the best thing that happened in my life, after my children, nephews and husband! I enjoyed it so very much that I am taking the graduate course next week, in Philadelphia. Travelling from Italy to the USA to meet Doman in person! cannot wait!
   HIGHLY ; SUPER ;ABSOLUTELY reccomend this book.. my rate to this item is 5, but if I could write a number myself it wold probably be 5 million!
   Silvia Bilacchi



4. I bought this and many other books by Dr. Doman on a recommendation by a friend, who followed these books when her children were young. Both went to Stanford and the daughter continued to Harvard Law school.
   I bought these books for my 3 month old granddaughter and hope that my son and daughter-in-law will let me teach her.
   The book is very clear and easy to follow.



5. Some friends gave me this book and explained the system to me when my son was only a few months old. I learned soooo much! My son loved doing the "bits of intelligence" more than playing with his other toys, starting reading when he was 4, and more importantly got a real LOVE OF LEARNING. He just graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School and was the Valedictorian. He got a 2350 on the SAT, was accepted to 3 Ivy League colleges, and received a full scholarship to Vanderbilt. I tell anyone who is interested in helping their children to love learning about this book and have bought it many times as a gift for others. I definitely recommend this book and go online to their site for some of the materials they sell too. They are awesome. I was a single parent to my son since he was 3 years old and honestly, our lives would not have been the same without some of the great skills I learned from this book. Theresa Olsen.

5 comments about Modernism Reborn: Mid-Century American Houses.

1. I bought this interesting book because I wanted something that would cover, visually, the best of mid-century American architecture. As another reviewer has said, don't expect a full technical account of the background to these beautiful houses but if you want excellent exterior and interior photos in a well designed and printed book, 'Modernism reborn' is the one to get.
   
   The fact that these thirty-five houses have all been restored in some way gives the book extra interest. Many of them were featured in the architectural press years ago when they were first built and these are the photos you usually see in books. Some of them were neglected but fortunately the current owners thought restoration worthwhile and this is how Roger Straus photographed them.
   
   An interesting companion book to 'Modernism reborn' is Classic Modern: Midcentury Modern At Home by Deborah K Dietsch, not directly concerned with the architecture but more to do with the furniture, fabrics, lighting and style that made these houses such wonderful homes. If only I could afford to live in one!
   
   ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.



2. 
   We are in danger of losing our mid-century domestic architectural heritage.
   
   Yesterday's flat-roof, ultra-modern "home of tomorrow" is often perceived as the cramped and impractical "teardown" of today. Most real estate agents will confide that "Modern doesn't sell," and those modernist homes that are sold are usually fodder for the bulldozer; razed and discarded to make way for another McMansion.
   
   Sometimes it seems that the only folks who have any fondness for "Home, Sleek Home" are advertising directors (who love to feature hip mid-century homes in TV commercials and print ads), and subscribers to Dwell Magazine (and subscribers to the Dwell Magazine lifestyle).
   
   In his book MODERNISM REBORN: Mid-Century American Houses, architectural critic Michael Webb demonstrates that there is a growing appreciation for cutting-edge American residential architecture of the 1930s through the 1960s, and in it he highlights the intrepid homeowners who've assumed stewardship of 35 of these "Contemporary" domiciles of long, long ago. Tersely written, illustrated with floor plans, and enlivened by nearly 200 color photos by noted architectural photographer Roger Strauss III, MODERNISM REBORN explores the unique histories of these homes, and chronicles the research, labor, and expense that the adventurous owners have lavished on their preservation, restoration and sometimes, expansion.
   
   Nearly all of the 20th Century architectural greats are represented here--Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, Philip Johnson and R.M. Schindler--as well as iconic modernist structures such as Pierre Koenig's Case Study House #21, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House, and Charles and Ray Eames' own home-studio. Webb presents homes that embody various modernist impulses in thematic chapters that prove that there was no one right way (or Wright way) to be "modern."
   
   Webb's survey argues a case for Modernism as a mode (or ideal) of living, rather than a mere style (or styles). Indeed, these light-filled, open plan, spartanly furnished "homes of the brave" imply an enlightened lifestyle of Zen-like purity somewhat at odds with the ever more acquisitive and materialistic American way of life.
   
   Don't read too much into the Modernist rejection of consumerism, however, because these designer homes were status symbols in their day, and to furnish a home with "Modern classics" like Le Corbusier's Petit Confort sofa, the Eames lounge chair and ottoman, and a pair of Mies Barcelona chairs will set you back several grand. Modern don't come cheap.
   
   Ultimately, the stories that Webb weaves about the people that commissioned, designed, built, restored and live in these homes are every bit as enlightening and memorable as the homes themselves. In fact, the author makes their histories seem inseparable, as if house and owner are joined in partnership against philistine taste, obnoxious neighbors, natural (and unnatural) disasters, and metal fatigue.
   
   This is not a scholarly study, but Webb assumes a certain level of cultural awareness and familiarity with architectural terms in his reader. It is a fine book with a fresh look at a perhaps overly familiar subject, and is well worth owning for the photos alone.
   
   Reading MODERNISM REBORN makes one wonder how the home of 1950 will inform and inspire the home of 2050, the mid-century home of tomorrow.



3. The author provides a good overview of the history and restoration of 35 architecturally significant houses
   of the 1930's through mid-century. The only thing keeping it from getting a 5 star rating is it's small format,
   resulting in smallish pictures and smaller floor plans. These wonderful houses deserved a larger page size,
   say 12" x 12", to show them to the best advantage. Still, given it's relatively modest price, this book provides
   a lot of information between the covers.



4. If you want a strong, national (not just LA or Palm Springs) overview of mid-century modern, this is a good bet. Very well produced, beautiful imagery.



5. I was looking for mid-century houses that were more in the middle classes, and you do not get that here.
   
   These are all high-end, very expansive homes, similar to the type one might come across in Dwell magazine. The book is nicely set up, with thick, distinctive paper used, and the book coming encased in cellophane, implying 'you're getting something very sophisticated and special here...', something I neglected to pick up in reality [but again I was looking for something else]. I also did not like the contrived use of marketing (paper and cellophane wrap). Always a bad sign.

5 comments about How to Build and Furnish a Log Cabin.

1. This 'older' book shows you in simple diagrams how to build rustic log structures and furniture the original way. I have used the methods to build a fantastic fence from trees harvested from my own property. I have also built most of the birdhouses. This book is not really for building a log cabin. It is the greatest book of folk art for rustic log furniture and structures I've ever seen.



2. great book for beginners easy to read information lots of step by step details



3. I built a log cabin in the 1980's using this book and two others. The cabin is still dry and clean and will probably stand for another 100 years, especially after adding a steel roof 8 years ago.
   
   There is some very good information on various parts of the cabin. The book falls short in a few areas, however, because of newer technologies and available materials that can help keep a cabin strong and insect free for much longer. For instance, the use of "oakem" and mud for chinking which would always need replacing, perhaps yearly. A much better lifetime product would be PermaChink which you can find on the internet. Another example would be the building of cement piers without instructing about the use of a termite shield. A simple piece of angled flashing will keep termites from ever touching any wood of the cabin as long as the sill is at least 2 inches from the soil.
   
   But these are things that COULD be added in an update. The info that was used looks like something from the 50s, so it's no surprise that the book is dated. However most of the log construction methods are solid. The tools may have changed but the concepts are basically the same.
   
   If you are truly interested in the grueling-yet-fun experience of building a log cabin, I would also seek out "How to Build Your Home in the Woods" by Bradford Angier, as well as "Building a Log Cabin From Scratch" by Dan Ramsey. Each of these would help round out your education and the latter is the most modern and complete of these.
   
   NOTE: Be prepared for HARD WORK over several months. This is not something to be attempted by lazy people!



4. I got this for my 12 year old son who was fasinated with the PBS special showing the man who built a cabin in Alaska. It was a big hit! He has been reading it ever since Christmas morning. He says it really tells you how to build and furnish a Log cabin - and what tools you need.
   Anything that gets a 12 year old excited about reading is good in my book.



5. One dream of mine & my boyfriend is to pull up stakes & move to a serene, remote area of the country. This book tells us everything we need to know to handle the housing portion of that dream.

5 comments about The Complete Modern Blacksmith.

1. I think Alex Weygers is an amazing man, artist and engineer. This book has a LOT of good information on basic smithing but has a few small technical errors. The only drawback is that some of the items upon which he goes into great detail are things that most people would prefer to just buy, rather than make. However, the TECHNIQUES used to make some of these items (like a waste water pump) can be applied to other things. He is a world-class scrounger and tries to identify good sources of junk metal. However, the world has changed since he wrote this book and the composition of some of the junk auto parts he recommends has changed considerably. It is a book worth owning if you are interested in smithing.



2. This book contains somethings that are practical, as far as forging and tempering blades for wood working, and a few other various tools. Older technical manuals such as shopwork on the farm by Mack Jones, elementary forge practice, and most other blacksmithing manuals show how that Mr. Weygers has completed certain tasks, plus the steps are more clearly defined. On one note. The anvil that Mr. Weygers made shows his ability as a smith. The only problem is that it is too small for most forging jobs, I would reccomend this book to a starting smith along with several other manuals and pamphlets. Either commonly available, or from my own personal library. Let the anvil ring call you to the shop, and be prepared for the next project. Thanx.



3. This book is well written for the layman working with metal for many purposes. Covers forging, tempering, grinding, reusing old, broken, worn out, or discarded tools and material. Definately has a scrounger in mind when discussing materials. Illustrations are well done and instructions are thorough but not over-simplified.
   
   Kevin Hagan



4. The book does a decent job of telling someone about the basics of blacksmithing tools, set up of the shop, etc., but most of this can be obtained off the internet these days, with better illustrations to boot.
   
   The projects are the major disappointment with this book. They seem as though they were chosen for the "Red Green Show" rather than for hobbyists. Most of us are engaged in blacksmithing to produce art these days, not because we are forced by extreme poverty into a Mother Earth News subsistance lifestyle. In this regard the title of this book is a misnomer, as a large portion of the book would have been more useful for the person of 150 years ago (in the USA), not for the modern-day suburban or semi-rural person in America. Having said this, on the other hand this book would still be useful for someone who's residing in a third-world country where everyday items such as scissors, pliers, etc are either unaffordable or unavailable. (But then in this case, you probably couldn't afford the book, anyway).
   
   It is also lacking in "modern" conventions such as photographs, instead using drawings that are executed OK, but nothing like seeing the real thing in a photo. If you are interested in expressing yourself artistically and want to learn the basics of blacksmithing, I recommend you buy "The Backyard Blacksmith" by Sims, instead.



5. I bought this book for less than half what I could find it for in Oz. The book is written well, and assumes some knowledge in the reader's part and focuses on technique and function, rather than basic skills... however that being said there is enough to get someone started who has rudimentary skills or aptitude. There is some repetition since the book is the combination of three seperate books, but that is not a problem when reading the material.
   There is excellent material on recycling, and reuse of raw and salvaged materials, and the notes concerning the manufacture of tools, with small notes concerning how their use influences their manufacture is knowledge worth having. In all, a worthwhile read/ purchase for anyone interested in the art/skill of working with steel.

5 comments about Creating the Not So Big House: Insights and Ideas for the New American Home.

1. A FURTHER EXPLORATION OF THE NOT SO BIG PHILOSOPHY, QUALITY OVER QUANTITY. INTERESTING AND INFORMATIVE, GOOD COMMON SENSE.



2. We are remodeling our house and my daughter and husband are about to build a new house. A friend of us got many great ideas from this book when they built their home, so they recommended it to me. I had purchased it as a gift for my daughter who, along with her husband, have been reading it since then word by word, and studying the pictures. They are so excited by the concept of a great home and the excellent ideas found in the book. It gave them the direction that they will definitely take when designing their new home.



3. We have read both books and did find some things interesting, there was only one or two houses in either of the books about the Not So Big House that would have worked for us. One thing we did find that the cost of the "not so big house"; because of many of the materials used; it is really more than what a number of people might find too expensive for their budget.



4. Hopefully all the people who are supposed to be interested in preserving the natural world will buy into Susanka's idea and build smaller, more useful houses rather than energy and environmental guzzlers. Be nice if some of the "talking heads" would do as they say. Great ideas for all of us interested in using less and preserving more.



5. Sarah Susanka, an architect orginally based in Minnesota, has written an extremely valuable book about creating comfortable living space in a small house. Until the recent housing crisis (and yes, even despite it among the super-rich) residential housing in this country was guided by the principal that "bigger is better". From an average house size of about 1,300 square feet during the housing boom that followed the Second World War, houses have been getting larger and larger. The effect of this on the environment went virtually unnoticed until it became fashionable to talk about global warming. No retired couple needs a weekend home of 8,000 square feet, yet one would be shocked by the number of such houses that were built in the 90s and were all the vogue up until about a year ago. Now that Hollywood movie stars, earning $20 million a film are driving hybrid cars and installing windmills in their backyards to power their 50-inch flat screens, the small house is somewhat in vogue.
   
   Ms. Susanka has many interesting ideas on how to maximize the use of space, including the notion of creating "living" space, e.g., seating, a fireplace, and even a tub, on the other side of the walls of a house.
   
   If you are thinking about building a house, read this book first. Perhaps you will scale down your plans and that would be a benefit to both you and to the world outside.
   
   Books of this type have proliferated in the past few years but this volume, one of the first on the subject, remains as vital as it was when first published.

5 comments about Cottage Style Decorating.

1. I only wish I could make my house look like this! This book has quite a range of different types of Cottage decorating, everything from Swedish to Shaker to Garden. It contains many ideas that I will be trying to emulate.



2. This is the first book I will pick up to get inspirations and ideals for cottage style decorating. Loads of colorful photographs really set this book apart from other books.



3. Beautiful pictures, nice ideas - my mom went gagga over it - cottage style is totally her. I liked it - but wouldn't look at it repeatedly.



4. I absolutely love this book! The pictures are beautiful, every page is a treat! It's definantly a good investment and really gets your mind rolling with all kinds of ideas for your own house. I highly recommend this book if you are into cottage decor!



5. I'm making the transition from rustic farmhouse to cottage. This book really helped me to see and understand what changes I need to make to accomplish this while utilizing many of the items I already have. It has a very organized presentation with short and easy explanations to achieve the look you prefer. I have looked at every page over and over again. The pictures are beautiful as well.

5 comments about The Family Manager Takes Charge: Getting on the Fast Track to a Happy, Organized Home.

1. Walks you thru the very basics to start each project. Simple and easy to do.



2. A lot of organizing books repeat the same old principles. Kathy's book applies an entirely different creed! Family managers become CEOs of the family which gives us a whole different perspective and value system. I highly recommend this book. Even after you get the concept down, there is a lot of information in the book you will want to have on the shelf as a reference.



3. I have been a housewife for 17 years and I still learned a lot of great time saving tips from this book. This is definately the kind fo book you have to buy, not borrow, so you can hilight and tag pages that jump out at you. It has columns for notes, budgets, etc. This is an absolutely perfect book for a shower gift or anniversary gift for a new bride--I am excited to give a copy to my daughters when they leave home.



4. I just got this book a few days ago, and have been reading it in my spare time, but already I've organized the office, my daughter's closet, and the kitchen cupboards with Kathy Peel's advice. This book not only gives great tips and advice, but gets you motivated to keep a clean, organized and orderly home. I'm only in the 4th or 5th chapter so far, and have gotten so many great ideas for keeping a more smooth-running home. My husband has really enjoyed coming home every day to a more organized, neater home. Our biggest problem is clutter, and she gives great advice for getting rid of clutter and controlling the influx. We have a lot to do yet, but I'm excited to take back our home with Kathy Peel's helpful instructions.



5. Upon leaving the corporate world to nurture our first born, I came across this book. It was a very helpful tool! It gave me help I needed to transition rolls from Corp Woman to Family Manager. It helped me see myself in a new light. The term HomeMaker is so matronly and out dated. With my new title as Home Manager and new job description I was ready to tackle the days ahead with confidence. This book gives sooo much practical advice. It's like having a granny sharing all her secretes and golden nuggets to keeping a house in order all the while balancing the delicate relationships of wife, mother and friend. Written well, organized chapters by subject, meaty & written in plain english with no unnecessary fluff. It is a wonderful book and I'm so glad I got my hands on it! More than a good read, it has templates and loads of suggestive advise to getting the job done efficiently and quickly. The Family Manager Takes Charge is a must have for those seeking more sanity while running the home.

5 comments about Does Anybody Else Look Like Me?: A Parent's Guide To Raising Multiracial Children.

1. As the mother of 4 beautiful biracial children, I was delighted to find this intelligent, realistic book. My children are often asked "What are you?" and attempts are made to label them as Arabic, Latin, Greek,Black, Italian, etc, etc. This makes it difficult for them when they are at ages where all of us were trying to "find ourselves". My daughter has also had a difficult time, often meeting women who instantly dislike her based on her appearance alone. This book was refreshing and helped me to realize others go thru the same. I was amazed at the amount of research and fact finding this author included. The everyday anecdotes was also most truthful, speaking from personal experience. great find for anyone who knows, loves, interacts with those of more than 1 race!!



2. I have been in an interracial relationship in the past but am currently single and sometimes dating. Sometimes I think about the possibility of marrying out of my race (I am a black-african woman) because of (and in spite of) my previous failed relationship (I guess I'm hard-headed). Over the years I have realized that multiracial situations are filled with unspoken conflicts and tensions and anxieties because this world is economically racist and exploitative... Where people live, how people live, what they do for a living all has to do with their race or ethnicity. It's really deep.
   
   This book doesn't sugar-coat or minimize the experiences of mixed families and peoples. With these relationships the conflicts and tensions do come out in the form of hurtful, mean words, sentiments, and actions. It was so shocking to read about some of these experiences. Someone actually yelled "Eeeww!" out of a car at a mixed black (woman) white (man) family. Another child made negative comments about northern asian eyes that traumatized the author's more Japanese-looking son. There's a real lack of ACCEPTANCE with mixed peoples and couples. It's surreal!!! I think maybe people have a mental block about it or something. People are so focused on their own frame of reference.
   
   The book is good because her writing is really honest and intelligent. She has wonderfully organized chapters including one on improving the education curriculum to be more accepting of multiracial families. I am getting my teacher certification in the next year so this book gave me info that will help me understand the backgrounds of some of my future students. There is a lot of good info on the little things I never knew about like how some very young mixed kids identify race with gender. The chapter on Adolescence delves into the STEPS TO IDENTITY-FORMATION, dating, and more. I recommend it!



3. Thsi book was easy to read and provided a lot of insight to being a muilti-racial family. I think it is an excellent resource for parents of transracially adopted children as well as families of mixed races.



4. this book is, hands down, a great purchase for anyone raising or working with multiracial kids. What a great resource.



5. This is a good, fairly basic book on children dealing with issues of racial difference. Topics such as how and when children start understanding racial differences, how peers begin to react to racial differences in school and some basic strategies for parents are covered well. My one criticism is that the book is marketted for adoptive parents and yet its main focus is on the children of interracial couples. The author says - off-hand - at one point that the differences between these two situations are minor and beyond the scope of the book. That was a bit of a shock. I think the differences are probably vast. Parents of transracially adopted children don't have the basic resource of an adult partner from the child's background. That's an enormous enough of a difference that I really think the issues should be treated in separate books. My other reason for personal dissatisfaction is not the fault of the author. I am in the situation of adopting a minority child in a country where racism is still very overt and raw. I found the book's focus on Asian-Caucasian mixes unhelpful because, although there is some racism in American society, it is not nearly so intense, particularly when it comes to people of Asian background. If you are looking for a hard-ball book on dealing with intense racism, this probably isn't it. This is about dealing with run-of-the-mill basically well-intentioned ignorance, not open hostility.
   -A.F.