No comments about Modern Shoestring: Contemporary Architecture on a Budget.

1 comments about Modern Masonry : Brick, Block, Stone.

1. Be aware this book is "job practice manual" & not an actual text book. It is designed for actual workshop practices and does not get into actual howto, specifications, and code rules.

3 comments about Building with Masonry: Brick, Block, and Concrete.

1. My title should be self-explanatory.
   I am a rank amateur on this subject. I found this book extremely informative and would recommend it for amateurs. The information is both clear and well presented. A very good read.



2. This book is straight forward and you will learn tips from the pros. I had very little experience when reading this book; afterwards I knew tricks that my friend the brick layer did not know. I then went on to doing my own brick work around the home.



3. This book came in a timely fashion, was in good shape, and was what it was promised to be. I am happy with this purchase.

4 comments about Affordable Remodel: How to Get Custom Results on Any Budget.

1. I started out by using the book, Affordable Remodel for a redecorating/small renovation project. I wanted to turn a small, nothing room into a guest/office for myself and found it to be a wonderful resource. Well as the project progressed I noticed that I could use the photos as sources for my students' class research project on Homes/then and now. The photos are wonderful illustrations of how far we have come along!



2. Love the book. Very detailed, great photo's. Great ideas! This book is very easy to read and understand because they are shown with photo's which really help. it is so well written that I will look at doing projects that I hadn't thought about doing. There are so many things that I do love and the book is so accurate. Page 194 shows a sink refinished with a coating and shows a before and after picture. My friend actually did this to her bathroom tub and tile and it looked NEW afterwards. The mirror trim is awesome too (mirredge) page 198.



3. some good ideas but not worth the purchase, i have done quite a bit of remodeling,just my thoughts.



4. This is very useful if you are contemplating a remodel or at the planning stage. It has great photos, ideas and considerations for each phase of the remodel. It is only an overview of the process so you will need a different book if you want a how-to-manual.

5 comments about Veneering: A Foundation Course: Revised Edition.

1. The author of this book surely has a lot of experience with veneering, but in my opinion there are better ways to do things than some of the ways he suggests. For instance he uses regular wood glue (PVA) to apply veneer by letting it dry and then using an iron to reactivate the glue. I would never trust this to hold over the long run and PVA glue is not the best kind of glue to use with veneer anyway. It is to thin and it doesn't dry to a hard glue line so it will allow the veneer to creep with seasonal changes in humidity. He also never mentions using a vacuum press. While a press might not be for beginners, it is the easiest, best way to veneer a flat or curved panel.



2. I found this to be an exellent source of information on Veneering. I have been a woodworker for over 20 years but am just now getting into Veneering....



3. Nice, relaxed writing style. Good information for anyone interested in learning about veneering from the ground up.



4. This is a really, really good book. The format is excellent (color photos, well organized) and he covers all of the important topics including flattening veneer, substrates, shop-made equipment and of course, cutting and fitting veneer.
   
   However, there is a big gap in his coverage: the use of a vacuum press.
   
   I've used a vacuum press numerous times and have excellent results. Mr. Barton, on the other hand, has never wanted to make the capital investment (~$700) in a quality vacuum press and consequently a lot of his projects didn't go well. Because he didn't have success with a retrofitted vacuum cleaner and thin plastic bags (both are inadequate for the task), he ignores a very useful tool.



5. This book is okay. There really aren't that many new books on this subject, and it's cheap, hence the 4 stars. It's worth buying, though more for non-professionals.
   
   I was hoping to learn more than I was able to in this book. This book covers small veneering projects. If you build cabinets, entertainment centers or other large pieces, you'll find better sources for info online.
   
   The section on vacuum pressing was a joke. I feel as if he was forced to include the subject by his editor and he made up the most ghetto vacuum press I've ever seen (don't waste your time or your tools following his instructions). On that subject, don't let some moron try to convince you there is something wrong with a vacuum press. It's simply the only economical way for a small shop to properly adhere veneer, especially on large panels. If you hate excellent results, good tools and modern ways, then avoid the vacuum press.
   
   He also makes strong statements, then ignores them in his projects (I'm thinking about facing MDF, specifically). I turn to books like this to guide me with examples and I lose faith in the authority when they cannot follow their own advice.

5 comments about Mexicocina: The Spirit and Style of the Mexican Kitchen.

1. The pictures are glorious and the text is very well written, concise and informative. I have travelled to many of these kitchens with Betsy McNair and it's like taking the tour all over again. There's no better guide to Mexico than Ms. McNair. She really knows the history and the people. If you can't go with her in person then the book is the next best thing.



2. My husband and I are building a new home in Mexico and wanted to make sure we kept it as authentic as possible, thus the book orders. This particular book is filled with spectacular photos of Mexican kitchens ranging from the most spectacular to the more common. Each page is filled with building ideas as well as decorating inspirations. Who would have thought of collecting beautifully carved wooden spoons for a wall display ! The authors include much narrative explaining background of the kitchens and various decorations/selections, as well as history. Everyone will enjoy the brilliant colors and artwork as each page is turned.



3. I ordered Mexicocina because I was looking for decorating ideas for my kitchen. But, I found so much more! This book is not only equipped with beautiful Mexican kitchens, but also the history behind the kitchens, and tasty recipes. Me and my husband's favorite country to visit is Mexico. This book gave us some great information on bed and breakfasts in different areas of Mexico.
   
   This is a great coffee table book too!
   
   Thank you,
   Adrianna



4. I'm addicted to Mexican style, colors, and design aesthetics. This newest book in the "Mexi-" series focuses entirely on kitchens. The photos are profuse with color, light, and (if you love this stuff the way I do) decorating ideas!
   
   As a bonus, if you own all the books in this series (Mexicolor, Mexicasa, In a Mexican Garden, and Mexicocina), they themselves become a terrific Mexican-style design accent placed together on your bookshelf. :-)



5. If you have a Spanish style home, or are merely interested in decoration, this is simply a wonderful book. The kitchens are all brilliant with color and festive with decoration. Lots of tile, alcoves, and sunny spaces captivate the eye. This is happy book, and full of inspiring ideas.

5 comments about Raising Twins: What Parents Want to Know (And What Twins Want to Tell Them).

1. With 4 year old twins that keep me on the run, I've read quite a few books looking for explanations and answers to uniquely twin issues. This is the first book I've found that actually discusses parenting issues unique to twins. Other books have been full of the same advice you'd get in any parenting book even though they market themselves as "twins" books. Don't buy this book looking for all the answers to your questions because you won't find those in any book, but it does give some good insight into issues that I'd never even thought of. I'll be able to plan for the situations which will inevitably arise with my girls now that I've read this book - rather than just getting confronted with them and having to make it up as I go. I'd highly recommend this book above all other "twins" parenting books I've read.



2. This isn't a bad book for parents of fraternal twins, but I found nothing in it that dealt with the issues that can arise with identical twins. I am still trying to find a book that deals more specifically with raising identicals.



3. This book is very good if you know absolutely nothing about twins. It is very broad in its scope. So, if you are looking for general information about twins from conception through adulthood this book is a good overview. If you are looking for specific knowledge about the care of twin infants/babies/toddlers - get a different book.



4. From a mother of 4 year old boy/girl twins... I read this book cover to cover when I was expecting. I felt that the interviews really provided very good insight into what it felt like to be a "twin" and brought up some interesting issues that I had not considered (ie - how to dress, how to help them be individual, etc). I thought it was very good - and entertaining. If you are an experienced mother, then most twin books will not be that useful. The best thing to do is join a twin club and get your practical advice from other parents - as the issues at each developmental stage are soo different. The reality is that there isn't a practical guide out there that really will spell it all out for you... and we are still learning.. Even "twins" can't be classified.
   
   Have fun !



5. The Pearlman book is quite good on many fronts, including the use of interviews with twins and parents and the dispelling of twin myths. The section on twin language and language acquisition is quite good, as are the sections on development of individual personalities. As with many such books, I found that I will need to read it again later as our daughters grow, but one of the merits of the book is that it does address issues of concern at many ages.
   
   Several of the twin interviews seemed to be too short -- the interviewees likely had much more to say and while it would be tedious to read pages and pages unedited, doubling the length of many of them in the next edition would illustrate the points better.
   
   On a minor issue, the book can be annoying in some places where pronoun use renders the passages confusing. Keeping the pronouns straight is especially important when an underlying theme is the complexity of relationships between twins themselves and with family members and other third parties.

5 comments about Confident Parenting.

1. Jim Burns writes with a passion to come alongside parents who are looking for a strategy of parenting that offers practical advice with God honoring principles. "Confident Parenting" is the result of Jim's passion.
   
   Burns introduces the concept and challenge of becoming "A Transitional Generation Parent." He draws from his own life experiences and illustrations from the lives of other hurting and frustrated parents. He addresses the question of how to overcome negative family patterns learned and carried over from childhood.
   
   Another important word Jim uses in describing confident parenting is "intentionality." This implies being intentional in putting God first in priorities, relationships, and in the parenting role. Jim encourages the reader to find replenishment for their overcrowded lives. He recommends this as another "intentionality."
   
   Important sidebars in the narrative remind the reader of some basic principles. "The first layer of influence for spirituality is the parent, and then the church." And "When it comes to discipleship, life lessons are more caught than taught." An alarming sidebar warns, "The pace of life is killing the soul of families." I found the chapter on discipline and grace, as well as the one on passing on the legacy of faith to the next generation to be especially helpful.
   
   The questions for study, and evaluation make this book a valuable resource for counseling or for parenting class curriculum.
   
   "Confident Parenting" provides solid Biblical concepts and offers hope and healing to troubled parents. Jim Burns, writing at his best.



2. All too often we worry about teaching our children becoming bullies or arrogant or hard so we teach them to be passive, compliant, and perhaps whimpy. Confident Parenting is about showing parents how to raise their children to be confident, compassionate, strong human beings and it's about time! Very good book. Full of great insight and lessons we can take home and use.



3. Wonderful advice on raising children who love God in this crazy world. Very real world. Excellent planning & goal setting tools.



4. Book arrived in perfect condition and quicly. Excellent service.
   And a terrific book recommended by Psychologist John Rosemond.



5. Children don't come with an instruction manual. "Confident Parenting" is a guide for parents to deal with that. Admitting that the parenting process is more of a feel thing than anything else, "Confident Parenting" gives the best advice it can - to be confident. With practical tips to help parents get by, and guidelines to make one's home as harmonious as possible, "Confident Parenting" is a must for parents striving to do the best they can.

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.

3 comments about Making Heirloom Toys.

1. The book provides scale drawings of several projects. But in order to use them you first have to photocopy the plans at the appropriate (and provided) zoom level. This was difficult, especially since the paper size needed to be larger than standard copier sizes. In order to save pages, it seemed as if many steps were eliminated from the cutting and assembly instructions.

   I made the dump truck and airplane for my 2yr old nephew. They're his favorite toys and he plays with them all the time.




2. I used this book to make a little dump truck, a jet plane, and a tugboat, soon to be given to my grandson. I did not find the fact that not all plans were full-sized a problem This is common and the %enlargement (if needed) is given The instructions were clear. (However, if you are making the little truck, check the width of 2" hinges available before gluing down the hinge block!) The designs are classic, and range from simple (the ones I made) to complex (the truck on the cover is said to take 40 hours.) There are a couple of educational toys included.

   Many of the toys' parts are made out of fine woods, but you can substitute available wood in most cases. Makowicki is concerned with toy safety, e.g., the crane uses a magnet to lift barrels, not a hook, and he specifies child-safe finishes - references in appendix. He also gives many ideas for jigs for cutting angles on the table saw. (If you aren't going to produce for sale, in many cases you can use a band saw with a narrow blade or a scroll saw and sand smooth, instead of making the jig.)

   I made the toys while taking a shop course, so I learned the safe way to operate power tools at the same time.

   I also purchased Tarjany's "30 Toy Vehicles Made from Wood". It has cruder designs, but look there for semis, flatbeds, bulldozers, etc. (I made the long-hood semi with a gravel trailer.) His airplanes suffer by comparison with Makowicki's.

   I am going to purchase Makowicki's "Marvelous Transforming Toys" next.




3. This book has very creative and quality toys to build. It has excellent plans, instructions, drawings and full color pictures. I recommend it highly. I have built the truck fleet and they are the talk of our family and friends.