How to Cook a Wolf
by M. F. K. Fisher
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 October, 1988)
list price: $14.00 -- our price: $11.20
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Reviews (4)

Unusual writing for unusual times
M.F.K. Fisher was a superb writer. And she lived in "interesting times" in Europe and California. How to Cook a Wolf pitted her inate love of food and cuisine against some severe times when money might be short or food was rationed. Her strange sense of humor and practical outlook are interesting; for example, she gives a recipe for a sludge to keep body (if not soul) alive. The instructions begin with borrowing 50 cents to buy the ingredients; hamburger, wilted vegetables. The resulting mush can be used as a nutritious dog food, or a staple to survive on. She even claims it can be quite acceptable fried as scrapple, but then you'd have to have some cooking fat (and even that could be hard to come by.)

In these times of plenty, it's hard to relate to this book except to read Fisher's ideas and fantastic prose; the section on "Sue" (really California artist and etcher Nel Coover) who survived and entertained her guests with wild ice plants, seaweed and stolen eggs and potatoes is captivating.

If you have never read any M.F.K. Fisher, start with "The Measure of My Powers", but if you have read her, and if you have developed a taste for her marvelous writing, this is one of her famous works that is unique and interesting.

Overrated as a food writer?!Underrated as a writer!
I can't vouch for her recipes but I can speak for her prose.I picked up this book for pure entertainment and found it.Fisher's conversation is elegant, entertaining, and educational, and her advice is at times amusing, at times timeless.

MFK Fisher is somewhat over-rated as a food writer
MFK Fisher is somewhat over-rated as a food writer.This book has interest because it was written when food rationing was in force due to WWII.Rationing reminded her of other experiences of deprivation, which is the theme of the book.So-so writing, but a really good recipe for gingerbread.If you like gingerbread, this recipe alone is reason to read the book. ... Read more

Isbn: 0865473366
Sales Rank: 225287
Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Essays    5. Gastronomy    6. Reference    7. Cooking / General   

Art and Science of Dumpster Diving
by John Hoffman, Ace Twisted Image Backwords
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 August, 1999)
list price: $14.95 -- our price: $10.17
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Editorial Review

"Dumpster diving" is an unfortunate term for a noble pursuit: reclaiming and reusing perfectly good things that are being thrown away by wasteful or lazy people. It is also a political act highly frowned upon in materialistic societies because it removes one from obligate consumerism. And John Hoffman has written the ultimate guide for perfecting the art. A college graduate with a good job, Hoffman doesn't have to Dumpster dive: he loves to, and lives better--and more freely--because of it. In nations like America, there is an incredible amount of great stuff--often in great shape--thrown out every day. And Hoffman tells you how to claim it as your own.

At this point, I have a confession to make: I am a sometime Dumpster diver myself. Almost all of the furniture in our house has been found abandoned on the streets in our upper-middle-class neighborhood or nearby college campuses: sofas, tables, bookcases, lamps... you name it--even some of our several household computers! Personally, I wouldn't do some of what Hoffman advocates (such as diving for food), but as in the tradition of all Loompanics Press books, this is a no-holds-barred, tell-all book that assumes its readers can make decisions appropriate to their own lives. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Rather Disappointing
I had hoped for more from this book.This is what I found: incoherent politics, sometimes amusing anecdotes about growing up in a dumpster-diving family, & a dearth of practical information.Much of it is written as if it were intended to convince people who are dubious about dumpster diving that it is not as seedy or foul as it's thought to be.I think it misses its mark here, since it's likely that anyone who might consider reading this book is already more open-minded in this regard.

But not to be entirely critical, there is some merit to the book.There *is* practical advice here.Some of the philosophizing catches fire.Many of the anecdotes are rewarding, both as useful examples for your own diving & in their own right as well.But having said this, even the positive aspects are limited.For example, a lot of the practical advice is quite basic, things that a reasonably competent person could be expected to figure out on his or her own.

The good stuff could have been extracted & put into a fifteen page pamphlet & been well worth two or three dollars.As it is, it's not worth the money or the time it takes to ferret it out of all the dross, unless you have more than enough of both to spare.

I've done it myself!
I have been diving for about 16 years and I love to do it! I found John's book at Tower Records in Fresno, CA about six years ago. It was perfect! Most of what John said in his book I was already doing. The best excuse I have used is "I'm looking for boxes, I'm moving." And to keep a box or two in your car just to make it look good. I have gone as far as getting gate codes to gated communities. Working as a pizza delivery man helps. With this book and my own experience I have made an easy money and I have had so much fun doing it too. Pick up a book today and I promise you will be amazed!

make real money from other people's trash
This book is all about looking through others people's garbage cans, and finding something useful, valuable, or sellable.A LOT of good tips, especially the part about dealing with good-for-nothing rent a cops or other nosy jokers looking to make you feel guilty about being gainfully employed in salvage.Includes tips on how to minimize such confrontations and shakedowns.
Looking through other people's trash is how I got started on Ebay and amazon, because perfectly good NEW and USED books were being pitched out, and what I didn't keep for my own personal library, went on the sales list.What I liked most about it, was I found extremely rare and out-of-print technical books that will never come back around again, self-published history summaries, family history items, and one-of-a-kind keepsakes and antiques.
The author of this book emphasizes that most people, rather than finding a way to recycle, just put their burdens in the Garbage can; perfectly good and useable stuff: jewelry, watches, money, coin collections, antique toys, reloading supplies, firearms, even brand new goods still in the original box- UNOPENED! Why waste a prime opportunity, even if it does mean getting grimy? Carry some soap and water and clean up after a dumpster episode. not hard, maybe potentially lucrative to look.Just watch out for body parts... ... Read more

Isbn: 1893626075
Subjects:  1. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    2. General    3. Home economics    4. Humor    5. Ragpickers   

Cookmiser
by R. J. Lavigne
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 June, 2000)
list price: $9.95 -- our price: $9.95
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Reviews (9)

Isn't worth my shelfspace...
I adore cookbooks!The best I can say about this one is that it's well organized. There may be some worthwhile recipes but most are rather some bizarre compendium of dreamed up dollar stretcher recipes that I doubt were ever tested out. I sit here and wonder if these recipes where ever tested or were simply typed up meant to 'fill' the pages of a quite condensed book.The illustrations are quite ample and well done.I have to give that much to the author "R.J. Lavigne". The author did do a lot of research and compiling of information but it falls short of what the trumped up description makes you believe it truly is.The reviews I found made it sound comparable to the quality of the More-With-Less cookbook.I ordered CookMISER instead and am sadly disappointed.

Look at it this way.. besides the obviously lawyer legalese "Warning-Disclaimer" at the beginning of the book (wow! I've never seen this type of thing in a cookbook before!).. the book ENDS with this paragraph by the author on page 250:
"PLEASE KEEP IN MIND that CookMISER is a book of ideas, if you don't like one, joyfully move on to the next. It doesn't matter that they're not necessarily all winners. The important thing is that the book or its contents averages well. Moreover, always test new, complex or bizarre recipes by yourself before subjecting your family, friends, or guests to them."Uh.. well said!!If you DO get this book, then definitely heed the authors own advice!The CookMISER book isn't worth my shelf space.

As you can tell by now, my experience with this book has been negative.If you can check it out firsthand (from a library or such) then I highly recommend doing so.It may not be what you are expecting even if you are into the Frugal lifestyle hardcore!If you are looking for 'tried and true' then I don't think this is the book for you.My own recommendations in the frugal vein are the following.I enjoy, own and refer often to my treasured copy of 'The Tightwad Gazette I, II & III' which I happily ordered from Amazon after a 3 month stint of borrowing it from my local library. It's the beginner Frugal persons bible.. and stemming from it has come other books of note.One in particular that I also have enjoyed very much is called "Not just Beans"...for it's tried and true frugal recipes.Not touted as 'frugal', but I also enjoy Patti LaBelle's recipe book because it is amazingly loaded with awesome inexpensive homestyle recipes if you want to learn how to make veggies (& other dishes) in a way that makes you Enjoy them... southern cooking style!Another favorite of mine is called Desperation Dinners.The recipes are fast, many are frugal and I've never been dissapointed.

I'm just not happy with this book and will return it as I would prefer to give the More With Less cookbook a shot at teaching me some new tricks in the kitchen.

A cookbook for those with limited budgets
I can't praise this book enough. While many of the recipies call for generic ingrediants that won't taste exactly like the "real things", they won't damage your budget, and will keep you fed and happy.

The ingrediants are intentionally cheap, the directions are clear (and in both US Standard and Metric), the tips are worthwhile, and the explanations are precise. If money's tight, this book is worth the investment.

For the truly cheap cook who'll eat anything.
The idea is great, the tips are great -- if you can stomach them. I knew this book wasn't for me when I read early on something like: "This doesn't taste like the real thing, but you'll get used to it." If saving money is a matter of survival, this is the book you want. If you're a bit more discriminating, I'd spend an extra buck or two at the supermarket. Not to say that this book doesn't get you in the mood to save money; it does, and it gives lots of things you've probably never thought of before, like baking your own bread (yummy) and your own soups (great when it's cold; uses up lots of leftovers and less-than-perfect veggies), but the recipes aren't something I'm prepared to economize THAT much for. ... Read more

Isbn: 0968411207
Sales Rank: 94135
Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Quick & Easy    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Methods - Quick & Easy    7. Cookbooks    8. Low budget cookery   

The Complete TightwadGazette
by AMY DACYCZYN
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (15 December, 1998)
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $13.59
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Editorial Review

Though tightwad seems like a derogatory term, author Amy Dacyczyn wants to assure you that it's okay to be a penny-pincher. This self-styled "Frugal Zealot" wrote and published The Tightwad Gazette for over six years to spread the frugal gospel. Each issue contained tips from her personal experience and from her many readers. The wealth of information contained in all these issues has been compiled into one volume for the first time. You'll find literally thousands of ideas for saving money, from the simple or practical to the difficult or bizarre. On the simple, practical side, Dacyczyn advises would-be tightwads to keep track of price trends at several stores in a "price book" and to buy in bulk when prices are low. Other, stranger offerings include tips for turning margarine-tub lids into playing-card holders, old credit cards into guitar picks, and six-pack rings into a hammock or volleyball net. More helpful are inexpensive recipes for making homemade versions of pricey, well-known products and ingenious ways to fix broken or damaged items. The book's disorganization encourages browsing, but the detailed index will point you to the exact page for specific items. Dacyczyn's occasional "thriftier than thou" tone is balanced by the friendly support for frugality that infuses every page. She even reminds her readers that it's okay to "sweat the small stuff"--because this small stuff is the essence of frugality. --C.B. Delaney ... Read more

Reviews (141)

5+ Stars -- Fun to read while being educational
I bought this book after I quit work and knew we had to economize. Reading The Complete Tightwad Gazette is not only fun but educational. I've learned so many new ways to be thifty (and I grew up in a thrifty family) the book was worth every penney paid. I'm still following some of Dacyczn's ideas while incorporating my own way of accomplishing daily tasks.

Also, her book has a small compilation of recipes and most we've tried have been tasty. We really enjoy the Granola recipe found on page 27. Some other recipes include: pizza casserole, pancake syrup, homemade sweetened condensed milk and taco seasoning mix.

We are now comfortably living one one income (and thankful to at the price of gasoline) and practicing some of the ideas recommended in the The Complete Tightwad Gazette has made it easier.

Fresh ideas - even for seasoned tightwads!
Our family has always tried to be frugal, but this book takes you further than you ever thought you could go!It is easy to read, practical, and to the point.I checked this out from the library, but I just had to buy a copy for home reference - it is filled with tons of useful information.I highly recommend it - it will pay for itself over and over again!!

Don't bother if you don't want to save a gob of money!
I've been reading some of the 1-2 star reviews and figure that these folks whom are so offended by Dacyczyn's advise should do themselves a favor and just stay in debt!Let the rest of us have our fun, building up secure futures!

I turned the corner to frugality with my first garage sale.Bought a blender for $8 that was usually $20 at the store.It was a start.I became a 'black belt' when I became engaged and then married.I cut every corner in order to pay off our mortgage and get us debt free so that we could have kids and I could stay home.In a couple years, on $30,000 annual salary, we did it.

In those years of extreme savings, we still had fun.We ate well and had good clothes to wear.We were careful about our money and researched what we wanted to spend on.We learned new skills like car repair, sewing, cooking, canning, gardening and home repairs.We practiced living more simply and it became a game for us- seeing how little we could spend and still get what we wanted.They were good years because our attitude was that of our frugality being a game to be won, not a burden we were ashamed to carry.

These days we're not as extreme as we used to be.We eat out once or twice a week, bought our kids new bikes although we could have bought used and cleaned them up with some elbow grease and paint, don't go to as many garage sales as we used to.But, the Tightwad Gazette gave my family the ability to live comfortably now.We saved and scrimped to get ourselves into a good financial position initially, but now that we don't have to, we prefer to continue living frugally.From those early years, we learned how to live well with less and now it is natural for us to do money saving things because we enjoy them still.Sure, we've been to the expensive restaurants and found that the food isn't worth the price.We've splurged at the higher priced super markets and found that a .79 cent can of beans isn't any better than a .29 cent can of beans.We've learned that our little children could care less if their toys are in boxes (new) or not (garage saled).

After reading some of the bitter reviews, I was reminded of friends of ours who used to insult and ridicule us constantly at parties and get togethers for all of our frugal ways.They said a lot of the things I saw in some of these reviews- that garage saling was gross and germy, that our kids would feel deprived, that washing a baggie was obsessive.

Sad part is that they should have taken notes.These same friends accrued so much debt that they lost their home and everything in it.They still live paycheck to paycheck and are forced to scrimp just to survive.They constantly borrow money in order to get the extras, rather than 'lowering' themselves to do with less, research purchases or obtain used merchandise.They complain they can't afford simple things- repair bills on a car, nutricious food for their children.For our biggest critics, the future looks bleak, but they insist that frugality is 'obsessive'.Okay.

In the end, I don't worry much about people who are insulting about anyone's method of saving money.Hopefully, they will never be in the same boat as our friends.

Likewise, the whole thing about Daczcyn's neglect/abuse of children...it is all just meaningless words.Similarly, our friend's kids are having trouble with managing their money- they feel as entitled to the extras, that they can't afford, as their folks do.They are all ready learning to abuse credit by 'borrowing' on their allowances for months in advance.Their parents eventually forget the debt when their kids are in too deep.

Our kids, on the other hand, are comfotable with used items and have learned many life skills, like gardening, cooking, etc. They research purchases and they know how to save.Proof is in the pudding...that's all I have to say.


... Read more

Isbn: 0375752250
Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Consumer Behavior - General    3. Consumer Guides    4. Consumer education    5. Finance, Personal    6. Personal Finance - General    7. Personal Finance - Money Management    8. Personal finance    9. Reference    10. United States    11. Reference / Consumer Guides   

Not Just Beans: 50 Years of Frugal Family Favorites
by Tawra Jean Kellam, David G. Cooper
Average Customer Review:
Plastic Comb (October, 1999)
list price: $14.95 -- our price: $14.95
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Reviews (64)

WOW!!! A True Family Pleaser!!!!
OH MY GOSH this is exactly the book I have been looking for.

I have loads of cook books from expensive recipes to amish style cooking and this one is my FAVORITE!!! Now when I do my bi-weekly meal planning I grab ONLY this book instead of a whole bunch of my other cook books. I was looking for something that was good old style cooking without all those ingrediants that I never have on my shelf because they are too expensive.

Super easy and delicious recipes.

Better then Betty Crocker :o).

I recommend this book out to EVERYONE I know.

My only problem is that my book is falling apart because I abuse the heck out of it.

I will just have to order another one soon. I WON"T dare go without my 'Not Just Beans" cookbook.

I just want to say a BIG thank you for making this WONDERFUL cookbook its exactly what I was looking for. I am teaching my teen age daughter to cook with this book. :o)

My only question iswill you makeNot Just Beans #2 ?

*hee hee*. Hint Hint. with more of you wonderful recipes!!!

Those reveiws that complain about too much fat, sugar etc can EASILY be adapted to fit there lifestyle.
I was surprised to see some of the reveiws in there about this not being low fat etc. It DOESN"T Claim to be.
Some people like my family need the fat in our diet or we would wither away to nothing. and our cholesteral is great.
I used Whole Wheat flour and honey in place of some of the ingredients in her recipes and have had great success. As well as you can cut down the fat also. Using lower fat cheeses, sourcream etc. So the only dissappointment that I have are the people that complain that they can't use it because its not vegan enough or low fat.
All I can say is adapt the recipes to your taste and lifestyle.

Tawra AWSOME job. Keep us posted on when #2 comes out because I want to be the first to know. :o)



Thank you so much



Michelle in Washington

Much better than just beans!!
I love this cookbook!Just plain, good food for people who want to keep things simple.You won't need high-priced extras to fix these recipes.Forget gourmet!And lots of frugal tips I haven't seen before.Glad I got this book!

Fun way to raise a family on a few bucks
Tawra has taken a lot of time to put down in her book frugal ways to cook, make silly putty and fruit leathers, etc.A must have book for a family on a budget but the recipes are great - so you don't need to be poor to enjoy this book.

----------
Reviewed by Sheila Farrell Murray, author of ANOTHER DAMN COOKBOOK and WHAT'S SAUCE FOR THE GOOSE. ... Read more

Isbn: 0967697409
Sales Rank: 545680
Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. General   

Eat Well For 99 Cents a Meal
by Bill Kaysing, Ruth Kaysing
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 June, 1996)
list price: $14.95 -- our price: $10.17
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Reviews (2)

If you're tired of high grocery bills BUY THIS BOOK!
Spend 10 minutes per meal-save THOUSANDS per year. By not spending 10 minutes to prepare meals, you are a lamb being led to the financial slaughterhouse!You have a choice.Either continue to spend thousands more per year on convenience foods, or roll up your sleeves in the kitchen, eat well, and save BIG money.This book shows you how. This book and, 'Your Money or Your Life', by Dominguez and Robin, are life-changing books, must reads for anyone into saving.I recomend this book wholeheartedly to everyone who eats!

Saved me big bucks!
This book is full of excellent ideas on how to utilize often overlooked resources in a community that can help save big on grocery bills. By using this book in conjunction with my small garden, I pared my monthly bill downby over one hundred dollars. It contains very simple, very inexpensiverecipes, many of which consist mainly of garden produce. Great for anygardener who would like ideas on how to more efficiently use their harvest! I was also surprised at the tastiness of the recipes. My kids love them! ... Read more

Isbn: 1559501375
Sales Rank: 124283
Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. General    3. Grocery shopping    4. Low budget cookery    5. Nutrition    6. Reference    7. Self-Help   

Frugal Living for Dummies
by DeborahTaylor-Hough, Deborah Taylor-Hough
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (16 January, 2003)
list price: $16.99 -- our price: $11.55
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Reviews (17)

Great buy!
As an expert at thriving on one income, I whole-heartedly agree that this books belonds in everyone's home!

This easy to read, easy to execute manner of writing is perfect for those who are unsure of how to proceed & maintain a frugal lifestyle.

In writing "The Smart Mom's Guide to Staying Home: 65 Simple Ways to Thrive,no Deprive, on One Income", I take on many of the same issues presented in this book.Tailored for families that find they want to, or have to, downsize from 2 incomes to 1, my book is a bit different, but the premise is the same.Frugality is a mindset & lifestyle, not a quick fix or something you do for a while & go back to old habits.Like dieting, frugality is not about deprivation, but moderation.

Here's to frugals around the world!!

Christine Walker
christinewalker@thesmartmomsguidetostayinghome.com

Intro to frugality 101
I see this book as an intoduction to frugality. In the last 2 years I have read everything I could get my hands onfrugality. I am now debt free, my only bills being my mortage and utility bills. No credit card debt! I think this book is an introduction to being frugal. It is not as comando as the tightwad gazette, and the ideas can be easily adapted for a newby.
Geting started is always the first step, and this is a friendly introduction to the concepts of frugality. I think it is laid out well. And can help anyone it does not seem so radical. A lot of these books make the reader feel deprived, this book does not, it is an alternative. When ever we feel deprived we don't stay on track. Thats budget wise, diet wise, or anything else in our lives we want to change. This is the book for you if you want to change your spending habits. I would buy it if I were new to frugality, if you have been frugal for a while you may want something diffrent as this book has a lot of ideas I have read in other books. I think it is great for a beginner, but not for advanced frugal zealots.

Keep in mind, this is a "FOR DUMMIES" book!
Just a quick reminder for all of those reviewers who seem to have forgotten this one little fact: "FOR DUMMIES" books are written for self-proclaimed "Dummies" ... people who know nothing about a given topic, but want to learn the basics.

For example, when I wanted a basic book on birdwatching (because I knew NOTHING about the topic but wanted to get a good, solid start with basic, accurate information) ... I bought "Birdwatching For Dummies".When my teenage daughter needed help with her classes in Algebra and Biology ... I bought her copies of "Algebra For Dummies" and "Biology For Dummies".

These "FOR DUMMIES" books have a particular place in the book market ... they're written for BEGINNERS -- people who know absolutely NOTHING about a topic."Frugal Living For Dummies" accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do ... it provides a basic introduction and simple framework for people unfamiliar with frugal living basics.

Keep in mind when reading reviews of this book that say things like, "It barely scratches the surface of frugal living," that this book is part of the trademarked "FOR DUMMIES(R)" series ... it's a book that's obviously NOT written to people who've been living frugally their entire adult lives and already know a-thousand-and-one ways to recycle styrofoam meat trays.

If you're a long-time frugal person, buy a copy of "Frugal Living For Dummies" as a gift for your spendthrift friends ... but if you've read every frugal book on the market, you'll honestly be happier just sitting around hugging your Tightwad Gazette books.

REMEMBER: Don't buy a "For Dummies" book on ANY topic if you're not looking for a simple overview of the absolute BASICS!I just hate seeing people bash a perfectly good book just because they don't "get" the purpose of the book.Silly, silly people. What are they thinking?

But ... if you're brand new to frugal living and are looking for a basic introductory overview, then THIS, my friend, is YOUR book!If you have a sense of humor, can laugh at yourself a bit, and need a simple introduction to frugality, run -- don't walk! -- to the "Buy Now" button on this webpage.You won't be disappointed! ... Read more

Isbn: 0764554034
Sales Rank: 22388
Subjects:  1. Accounting    2. Accounting - General    3. Business & Economics    4. Business / Economics / Finance    5. Business/Economics    6. Consumer Behavior - Consumer Guides    7. Consumer education    8. Home economics    9. Personal Finance    10. Personal Finance - General    11. Personal Finance - Money Management    12. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General    13. Family & Health    14. Finance & Accounting   

Living Well on Practically Nothing: Revised and Updated Edition
by Edward H. Romney, Ed Romney
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (November, 2001)
list price: $27.00 -- our price: $17.82
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Reviews (11)

Living well on practically nothing
This book is for people that don't want to learn how to have there money expand and grow into true wealth. From the stand point of being cheap it is a great book but if you want to learn about money and not be trapped by it I would read Rich Dad Poor Dad. Why be cheap in the richest county in the world? Why not learn to have your hard earned money work for you so you can have free time and not be digging through the trash to "live" well? It seems foolish to me to use my time to fix my truck when in that weekend I could spend quality time with my family instead of under my truck. I would rather pay the cash to have my time be my time.
Over don't waist your money on this book unless you want to work all your life and try to get by on the scaps others throw away. If you want to have the real American Dream of a comfortable living with out the worry of lossing your job then read books on investing and learn how money really works.

Something for everyone
This is one of my all time favorite books, and I have adopted much of it to my own life.However, I do not live in an abandoned school bus, I live in a house.I do not trap and hunt game, I buy food at the market.And I am not a survivalist or a right wing nut job either.

I say this because some of the past reviews have focused on certain parts of this book and ignored others.Romney wrote this book originally in the early 1990's (although it was revised about 10 years later).It was intended primarily for people dealing with the "downsizing" trend during the Bush, Sr. years, who had to learn how to "downsize" their own lives without starving or going postal.

His advice is widely varied depending on one's personal situation.For example, he describes how to spot good, quality homes that won't break your budget with a huge mortgage.He does the same for autos, food, even entertainment and education.This advice would serve the vast majority of people who need to live simpler lives.He also discusses how to deprogram yourself from a consumerist, materialist mindset, and how to value what's really important in life.

He also discusses more radical alternatives for those who are REALLY down and out.For these people he talks about setting up camp in the woods, converting old school busses into homes, learning to hunt and fish, etc.Unless you are really, really broke you'll probably not apply these sections to your own life, though they do make interesting and fun reading.

The point is that this book has something for everyone.It is also written in a down to earth style that makes it a fun book as well.Chances are anyone will find something in it that makes it worth its cost.This one is very highly recommended.

Interesting, but maybe not Practical
I've enjoyed this book and found it an interesting read. The author does offer some good "thrifty living" advice throughout the book as well.

However, some of this book is more radical than most people might be willing to follow. We are a family with several young children - we aren't really up for moving away from all family, Church, and friends to live in a remote rural location.Nor would we be willing to convert an old bus into a home for our family.We aren't willing to give up basic utilities either.And as far as squatting on someone else's land and hiding our camp... well, let's just say that's not very practical with toddlers.:)

So, I think this book may be somewhat useful to families who are trying to live a thrifty existence and avoid the consumer trap.But at the same time, much of the advice may be too extreme for most people.

Its worth reading though, and I found the author's wry, conversational style writing entertaining and easy to read. ... Read more

Isbn: 1581602820
Sales Rank: 42881
Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Personal Finance - General    3. Personal Growth - Success    4. Self-Help    5. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General    6. Finance    7. Personal Freedom   

The Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair: 2000 Color How-To Photos (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library)
by Creative Publishing International
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 August, 1999)
list price: $34.95
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Editorial Review

Got a problem with grout? Open The Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair (to page 98) and watch your tiling worries dissolve before the simple beauty of photography. Black & Decker has anticipated your every question and problem with interior, exterior, and home systems repairs, and detailed the solutions in just over 500 pages. In no other human endeavor is a visual guide so important as home repair (well, maybe brain surgery), so this is a crucial aid to the handyperson. Easy-to-find sections on floors, insulation, roofing, chimneys, water heaters, wall switches, air conditioning, and much more are well-designed, brilliantly illustrated, and carefully outlined with step-by-step instructions from masters. The photos in particular are extremely valuable, offering many different views (sometimes even exploded) of the operation in question, and always showing just enough to communicate without overwhelming the reader with too much detail. These alone would be worth the price of the book, but the written explanations and instructions are also very helpful, offering tools, materials lists, and hints that wouldn't occur to the amateur. The book finishes with a maintenance schedule to help you keep repairs from becoming serious, and the end papers have conversion charts and tables that you'll use time and again. If you can't have Norm the master carpenter over to help you fix your old house, The Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair is the next best thing. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (31)

overall introduction~ with alot of pictures... kept simple.
hi I just got this book after seeing the reviews making it look super important to my beginning home repair knowledge. Its ok, all pictures which are great to explore, very thick and theres so much covered in this, but I am a woman who knows nothing about home repair stuff and this only gives me a taste of what I need to know. Like I said the pictures are great, an example is I need a new roof and I cant pay anyone to put it on and have any money left to do the one thosand things left I need done on this house. I bought a 250 year old house this summer in need of pretty much everything! I mean everything! so manye if your house is in need of much less then mine this is the one for you to keep things going around home. My guess its its good for that kind of thing. Maybe even a woman on her own who only needs a basic understanding of how a house works. Theres your heating systems and pretty much all the inner workings of a house here and its all explained so that even I got it with those neat pictures. But in order to actually DO the roof ( I will have help but I must totally grasp the complete understanding myself to assist in the repair of it) I wil have to get a book with much more information on newer roof supplies and diff types of issues I will be facing.. Its just too basic to begin something like roof work.. without further reading.
The painting section is pretty good, I liked all the discriptions of brushes and paints and tecniques and things pretty detailed I thought except I already read in depth elsewhere and KNOW now theres far more to painting a wall then what this book told me. see now I know I can use all sorts of interesting paints like milk paints and glazes and male totally cool designer walls when if i only read this book about painting my walls Id end up with plain colored walls like everyone else. just basic..I thought this book made home repair seem interesting. easy to grasp. thats a good point. Information I am told, Is power so three stars is how I felt. I thibk a person would use this at some point or refer to it for sure. or loan it out maybe even alot. I could say this might be a good basic book to BUILD your home repair libary with. And maybe even if youre home is new this might be the only repair book you need. The sections are just all too short for me to totally understand all my options on my house. I am redoing the bathroom and I need as an example a total understanding of ALL my options. who really wants just a plain bathroom? theres all that tile I can lay in tons of patterns and designs and such I can add a homemade sauna and use a home built glass shower with glass cubesor whatever and this book only touches on how to fix my plumbing not what to do should I try to understand relocating the whole bath in the other side of the house and installing a antique bath tub and trying to figure out if the 250 floor needs rebuilding or not to hold it etc. It did help me understand how my house stands up and what beam to look out for but I will need tons more books in each subject before I even outline and start on anything. I would tho buy this as a gift for a housewarming for someone maybe getting thier first house. good choice for that.

Did my first repair thanks to this book!
I'm reading the other reviews here, so I thought I'd weigh in, hoping it will help the prospective buyer.This book is about as good as it gets for do-it-yourself home repair.Lots of home repairs are far easier than you think, and just take time and maybe some new tools.Even with the cost of new tools, it will often be cheaper than calling a professional.Yes--there are really complicated repairs I would leave to a professional, but this book helps with the simple things that you just need basic instruction on.

Case in point--my toilet was leaking from the base.I have never installed a toilet or taken one apart.I had no clue why it was leaking.I turned to the leaky toilet page and saw that there is something called the "closet" where the toilet connects to the floor and there is a wax seal that may have leaked.A plumber could cost $50-$100 just to come out and look at the toilet.Maybe more for his labor.

I went to Home Depot and bought a new wax seal for $3.50, and a mini-shop vac for $40 (new tool--yay!).Turned off the water valve, flushed the toilet, used the shop-vac to suck out the residual water, disconnected the water line, removed the 2 bolts connecting the tank to the bowl and removed the tank, removed the 2 bolts connecting the bowl to the floor and removed the bowl.Scrape off the old wax, put on the new wax, bolt bowl to floor, bolt tank to bowl, reconnect water.Yes--I may have figured this out on my own, but one is always hesitant to go in to a job not knowing what to expect.This book holds your hand a bit and has great photos.Now, if I had removed the toilet and found the closet flange overly corroded, I may have called a plumber.But I fixed the whole thing for $43.50, an hour of time, and I got a new shop-vac!

If you don't know a screwdriver from a hammer, then no book in the world, including this one, will help you.But if you have basic tool knowledge and a bit of courage, this book is the perfect and only companion you need.And when all else fails, you can always call a professional to fix it up.Armed with lingo from this book, you will be able to describe the problem better and perhaps avoid being ripped off as well.

CLEAR AND SIMPLE!HIGHLY RECOMMEND,,,
An excellent "do it yourself" "PICTURE" book which is quite fitting for the home improvment newbie. Everything from "A" to "Z" is practically covered. Also receommended are the Black and Decker specific projects books, i.e. wiring, plumbing, baths, carpentry, etc... ... Read more

Isbn: 0865737533
Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Dwellings    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. Maintenance and repair    5. Personal & Practical Guides    6. Reference    7. Repair   

New fix-it-yourself manual
by UnknownUnknown
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (04 October, 1996)
list price: $35.00 -- our price: $23.10
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Reviews (12)

Not as good as the do-it-yourself book
First off, I do want to say that this is not a negative review - I think the book is okay, but fairly limited.A far better book is the do-it-yourself book (by the same author).My reasons for recommending this book are based on the number of times I have found useful information when needed.I often pulled the fix-it-yourself book off the bookshelf without being helped, while the do-it-yourself book frequently gave me what I needed to know.I very rarely pull the fix-it-yourself book out anymore.

Note - there is a new edition of the do-it-yourself book out, and amazon will not pull it up first.The new edition is even cheaper.

The best book I ever bought.
Rent or own, you must get this book!You'll be able to fix most of the simple problems.If something is broken and too complicated, this book won't be a help, but then you don't want to do it yourself either (you won't be able to anyway with any good books) -- you need to call for a professional help.Anyway, GREAT book.Highliy recommended.

Excellent resource
This book is very easy to navigate. Quite a few of the *jobs* in this book are simply too big for me, however...I wouldnt want to be with out this reference. Most recently I was having washing machine filling problems. Going through this book allowed me to eliminate some things that I knew could not be the problem which was very helpful.

Calling for a repair can be nerve wracking to me. I never quite know if they are telling me the whole truth about what is wrong. In this case I went through the book and was able to eliminate quite a number of things that it couldnt be. The problem turned out to be intermittant and I didn't end up making the appointment. However I did get on the phone with the company that made the washer and was able to talk about the problem....tell them what I thought it was, what I thought it couldnt be..and ask how much the repairs would be to fix any of the possibilities.

I am sure the same problem will come up again. And that I will have to deal with it at that time. But by reading this book which has a lot of easy to read, yet detailed illustrations I was able to get a handle on the problem and feel like an informed consumer.

The book is a very good shape (a bit longer than wide) so it lies flat on all pages which is essential when you are trying to follow it for a repair. I think this is really a home essential even if you do not do repairs yourself. ... Read more

Isbn: 0895778718
Sales Rank: 7450
Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Furniture    5. General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Home Maintenance And Repair    8. House & Home    9. Household appliances    10. Household appliances, Electric    11. Maintenance and repair    12. Repair    13. Repairing    14. House & Home / General   

How to do just about anything
by Unknown
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (17 March, 1997)
list price: $19.95
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Editorial Review

In practical terms, this book sets out to do the impossible. But also, in practical terms, it covers a tremendous amount of ground in 448 pages and comes awfully darn close! The book is organized in alphabetical order and extensively indexed, so it's an easy matter to look up chess rules, faucet leaks, deeds, bow ties, or artichokes! The book contains a truly amazing amount of practical information on an astounding number of common subjects in everyday living. It even includes tips on etiquette! No foolin'! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Don't go home without it!
I just bought a house and it may have completely fallen apart if I hadn't had this book.When my ancient solar water heater broke, I brought out the book and found a diagram of the collector. When the sewage backed up, it described the repair procedure.When the rose bushes needed trimming, the fireplace needed cleaning, and the gutters needed flushing the book described how to do it all.In fact, I haven't yet referenced it and not found what I was looking for. The book is very diverse. It covers not only home repairs.It discusses just about everything we do, almost every day.I couldn't find anything comparable at any bookstore or online site and I can't live without it.

Every home should have this book
An incredible book to have in your home. Whenever you have a question about things around the house, from how to set up a crouquet game to how to paint a room to how to clean your carpet. It is all there.Although it doesn't go into great detail about any specific subject, it gives you agreat start on anything that you could want to know about.Buy this book! I am buying it to bring down to Guatemala with me where I live. ... Read more

Isbn: 0895779366
Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - Household Hints    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Encyclopedias and dictionaries    5. Handbooks, vade-mecums, etc    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Personal & Practical Guides    9. House & Home / General   

How to Fix Damn Near Everything
by FRANKLYNN PETERSON
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (08 July, 1996)
list price: $10.99 -- our price: $8.79
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Reviews (7)

Strong PresentationWith Good Results
Mr Peterson did an outstanding job by writing a book that offers the reader a very good overview as to how things work, and more importantly, how to fix things around the home when they go bad.

No book is perfect, however, and the one flaw with this one is the fact that the apparent lack of illustrations may scare away those already intimidated by the workings of the hardware around their homes.But fear not because the author has gone into excellent written details regarding the fixing of all those troublesome gadgets. Before long, youwill realize that the author has purposefully left out the illustrations to allow thereader to think critically and solve the problem in the most effective manner, unique to the situation at hand.

When it comes down to the nitty-gritty of the fixings around the house, your best friend will be your troubleshooting skills.That is, the five logical steps of troubleshooting *any* hardware such as a faulty dryer to a stubborn computer goes as follows:

1.Source of Power
2.Power Controls
3.Power Unit
4.Power Train
5.Use of Power

All the power to you!

1996 Edition
Explains the logic of troubleshooting and repair with 300 illustrations.Helps you talk to hardware store clerks and avoid wasting money on unnecessary items by buying the proper equipment.

All words, few pictures
This book is a big disappointment. Pages and pages and pages of text. Precious few photos or illustraions. No "Step 1 illustration, Step 2 illustration, Step 3 illustration..." I ordered three of this book for my sons-in-laws. I sent them all back and got the Reader's Digest "Fix it Yourself" instead. More expensive but A) updated recently, and b) profusly illustrated. Very simple to follow. Don't waste your time or money on this wordy loser. ... Read more

Isbn: 0517662000
Sales Rank: 199677
Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Bargain Books    3. Repair    4. Repairing    5. Sale Adult - Do-It-Yourself / Home Improvement    6. House & Home / Repair   

Family handyman: simple car care & repair, the (Family Handyman)
by Unauthored
Average Customer Review:
Spiral-bound (19 May, 1997)
list price: $17.95 -- our price: $17.95
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

It occurred to me, as someone who grows faint looking under the hood of my car and has no intention of even attempting to fix anything in there, that this is still a useful book, if for no other reason than it will help me determine how honest my mechanic is. The Family Handyman Simple Car Care and Repair offers good, practical, readable, and sometimes even humorous advice for people wanting to know how their cars or trucks work, why they sometimes don't, and how to prevent the latter from happening. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good for understanding your car
This book is great for those wanting a basic understanding of cars in general and how to maintain them. A great starting point for those like me who don't know a lot about working on cars but are willing to learn thebasics. The book covers a lot of thing that are good to know such as how toidentify different fluids in the car (along with what to look for to see ifthere are signs of something wrong in them), what to look for to tell whenbelts need to be replaced (along with way to get rid of belt sqeak), alongwith some of the "simpler" repairs such as hoses, lighting, andspark plugs. It's best as a starter, and then a companion to something likea Chilton manual for your specific car. For example, this book talks aboutthe PCV valve, but I had no idea where it actually was on my own car untilthe Chilton manual showed me a photo diagram of the engine I actually had.

Basic and readable, but a little light
This book was easy to understand and as I was reading it, it seemed to cover a variety of very specific topics such as fixing sagging headliners and replacing an oxygen sensor.However, when I had finished, it seemed Ihadn't learned a thing about the jobs foresaw myselftackling.

The book seemed to jump right from the incredibly basic (whatoctane do I need?) to the beyond-me (fixing a misaligned door with a blockof wood and a big heave-ho) without touching on the more common points inbetween.For example, how to change oil was not covered, but there was agreat section on how to wash (yes, wash) the car and why you should choosea natural chamois, along with a section on electrical work this weekendmechanic wanna-be wouldn't touch with the proverbial ten-foot pole.

Thebook does a great job explaining the things it actually does talk about,but this 180 page book is about 100 pages short.In other words, I'mdefinitely keeping the book in case I do want to try reattaching somepeeling trim or replace a PCV valve (huh?) one day, but I still have to buyanother to learn about thestuff I'm more likely to do in between, likechange my own oil or deal with the beginnings of a little rust patch... ... Read more

Isbn: 0895779307
Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Automobiles    3. Automotive    4. Automotive - Repair & Maintenance    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. General    7. Maintenance and repair    8. Transportation    9. Transportation / General   

Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance, Third Edition
by Lennard Zinn, Todd Telander
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (09 September, 2001)
list price: $21.95 -- our price: $21.95
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Editorial Review

Lennard Zinn explains that it doesn't take special skills to learn how to care for one's bike, only "a passion for spreading new grease on old parts." Clearly, his ambition is to share with newcomers the Zen-like joy of bike maintenance. But it's seasoned bike mechanics that should be tripping over each other for a copy of this comprehensive and ambitious manual. Zinn differs from other how-to books by guiding readers--with plain-speaking text--through almost every imaginable repair on almost every imaginable part. He covers everything from rebuilding hubs, to loosening seized stems, to installing six different types of bottom brackets. He even risks cycling blasphemy by walking mere mortals through the art of wheel building--an intimidating task that can take years to perfect. Although best suited for the old pros, his guide is user- friendly, funny, and essential to anyone willing to love their bike. --Ben Tiffany ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Benefits for both Veterans and Rookies
As a rookie, I first checked out the second edition Zinn from the local public library - it taught me the basics of adjusting the limit screws on my derailleur and how to replace spokes on my rigid frame mountain bike.

After 10 years of riding in Marin CA, I now have a dual suspension mountain bike.These bikes are expensive andcomplicated with a lot more things to break and adjust.I now own a third edition copy of Zinn and am glad to have it.It is a good owners manual.The book provides guidance for things I can do and things I am better off not doing.Even when I can't do something I like to know how it works.

The book provides an added level of safety in getting riders familiar with their bikes and providing guidelines for evaluating if things are worn out and what a good replacement schedule is for parts.Unavoidable things in life include death and taxes, mountain biking adds a concept 'everything will break at some point' and when it does you want to be able to consult Zinn.

The book is nicely indexed and is set-up in easily understood sections that will allow you to handle specific problems you are having with your bike.Explanations are concise and there are a lot of pictures and figures of various models of equipment.Fun to read even if you don't work on your own bike, and allows you to save some $ if you do.

Great gift for a female fat tire rider
This book does a great job in not only explaining basic bike repairs, but also labeling bike components.Otherwise, to a newbie, it doesn't do much good to simply state that you must adjust the rear derailler ... but now that you know exactly which piece it is and what it looks like, you are set to performing a basic repair yourself.This in itself is well worth the price of this book.

The first time I flatted, my bike was fortunately in my garage.So with book in hand, I follwed the instructions on how to get the tire off the rim, remove the tube, check for leaks, search for any debris inside the tire, and patch the tube myself.And with just a few attempts, managed to get both the tube and tire back on.

Since then, I diligently read the other repairs and have put them to good use on the trail.And no, I don't have the book with me, but the instructions are so good that I can remember how to perform on-the-trail repairs.This has saved myself and several friends from hoofing it back to the trailhead instead of spending about 5-ish minutes (depending on the repair) to fix it ourselves.

I keep a repair kit stocked and with me at all times thanks to this book.As a female rider who is not typically mechnically inclined, I am able to follow the instructions and spend more time on the trail and less time at the mechanic.

A must have book especially for beginners
I am brand new to the world of mountain biking and this book has been my bible. If it isn't covered in this book then you don't need to know. With this book I have been able to make adjustments and alignments to my bike I would have normally taken to a shop to have done.

My wife doesn't care for the book too much though because she has now become a mountain bike widow. I spend about an hour or two a day rereading this book and tweeking my bike. The must have spares part of the book saved me from pushing my bike home one day as I would not have normally had a spare chain link with me. Unfortunately I also went on to break my collar bone that same day and this was not addressed in the book. Seriously though, I'm contemplating buying a second book, a working copy (the dirty one) and a reference copy (the clean one) I can bring in the house.

You won't be sorry if you buy this book. ... Read more

Isbn: 1884737994
Subjects:  1. All terrain bicycles    2. Bicycles    3. Cycling - Mountain Biking    4. Engineering - Mechanical    5. Maintenance and repair    6. Mountain bikes    7. Religion    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Technology    10. Sports   

Prescription for Nutritional Healing : Third Edition (Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd ed)
by Phyllis Balch, James Balch
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (19 October, 2000)
list price: $23.95 -- our price: $16.29
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Prescription for Nutritional Healing by nutritionist Phyllis A. Balch and James F. Balch, M.D., has long been considered one of the most trusted, comprehensive sources on the mind-boggling array of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other dietary supplements now available. Working from the premise that a good diet promotes good health, this third edition of PNH still starts with the basics: consume fresh produce, grains, and lean meats; avoid foods that are processed or high in saturated fat; cook using glass, stainless steel, or iron--never aluminum; and drink filtered water. The authors also stand by their claim that the government-prescribed recommended daily allowances are ridiculously low, and that the book's optimal daily intake for nutrients should be followed instead.

So what's new in the third edition? Along with now-accepted remedies, like zinc and echinacea for the common cold, the Balches also explore many of the newer supplements to hit the market: SAMe (recommended for depression and joint pain), phosphatidyl serine (mental acuity), red yeast rice (cholesterol), and 5-HTP (weight loss, insomnia, depression). You'll also find an expanded chapter on alternative therapies that encompasses Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, along with a hefty section on pain control that offers a grab bag of options such as acupuncture, biofeedback, guided imagery, chiropractic care, and massage.

Still, the bulk of the book remains the more than 250 health conditions--from everyday problems such as insect bites and bad breath to serious diseases including bulimia, cancer, and AIDS--and the nutritional protocols the Balches recommend for treatment. Since any number of supplements can be taken for the same condition, the Balches make sifting through the glut of information a little easier by separating their nutrient recommendations into four categories: essential, very important, important, and helpful. And they take a lot of the guesswork out of buying supplements by listing the brands they know and trust. Once again, the authors have squeezed in an impressive amount of information, including valuable sidebars on topics such as the dangers of aspartame; how to choose a calcium supplement; common heart problems and procedures; cancer risk factors, diagnosis, and treatments; and sports nutrition. This is not relaxing reading, but it's enormously useful. While the material can be dense, the authors still manage to present it in a straightforward manner that's understandable even for readers without a medical degree. --Norine Dworkin ... Read more

Reviews (118)

...but do the supplement brands recommended pay the authors?
My only qualm about this well-organized book is that the authors do not seem to state anywhere that they ARE NOT PAID ANYTHING AND DO NOT RECEIVE ANY SUBSTANTIAL GIFTS from the supplement companies recommended in the book.At least I couldn't find any such statement.If they are not paid or gifted by the supplement companies the book recommends, that fact should be explicitly stated in the introduction, so readers can be assured there is no conflict of interest involved in the recommendations the authors make.

Can't do without this
This is a book that helps me everytime I go to a health store. I need to get in touch with the author of this book and deliver a couple of gifts. The writer(s) deserve a few more degree's for this masterful work.

Sincerely,
Author. "Knowledge For Tomorrow"..Quinton D. Crawford

First book I go to.
When I have no information on a certain ailment, then this book is the first place I go to. You can tell that if you ever saw my copy-it looks pretty worn.
This book was written by a husband-and-wife team of health care professionals, and it is an encyclopedic reference that provides natural healing programs for more than 250 ailments and disorders. An excellent reference book with detailed information about vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, and other supplements.

I found this to be an excellent book, and a great book to send you in other directions for a good understanding of certain ailments.
... Read more

Isbn: 1583330771
Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. Diet therapy    3. Healing    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Herbs    7. Holism    8. Nutrition    9. Popular works    10. Vitamin therapy    11. Fitness & diet    12. Health & Fitness / General    13. Popular medicine   

Steal This Book
by Abbie Hoffman
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (January, 2002)
list price: $14.95 -- our price: $10.17
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (56)

Physician Revolutionize Yourself
AAAhh, another wonderful book from old Abbie Hoffman, with his endless critique of American society and how other people live their lives, plus Hoffman's sage advice for rising up to his exalted level. I heard near the end of his life Hoffman was working on a book tentatively entitled How To Successfully Deal With Manic Depression. I'm sure it would've been another great book from ole' Ab, filled with his usual stellar advice for successful living, except Hoffman committed suicide half way through writing it.

Go there and view the book yourself...
Go there and view the book yourself...

http://www.instinct.org/texts/steal_this_book/

Food for thought
I had this book ages ago, and you can guess what happened to it.

I'm ordering another copy now, and I'm getting it for one simple reason.

I want the recipe for Yippie Yogurt. ... Read more

Isbn: 156858217X
Sales Rank: 37177
Subjects:  1. Political Ideologies - Communism & Socialism    2. Politics - Current Events    3. Politics/International Relations    4. Sociology - General    5. United States - 20th Century   

Baking Soda: Over 500 Fabulous, Fun and Frugal Uses You'Ve Probably Never Thought of
by Vicki Lansky, Martha Campbell
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 April, 1995)
list price: $6.95
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Editorial Review

This is not simply a useful and informative book about the innumerable uses for good old baking soda, saving tons of money, and in the process not harming the environment. It is also entertaining and sometimes downright funny--it would be a great gift for anyone, including yourself. I expect that Vicki Lansky had a blast putting this book together, and her enthusiasm is evident in the text. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

the wonder of baking soda
I`ve used baking soda for years to boost laundry detergent,as a dental rinse to neutralize plaque acids,and as an environmentally-friendly toilet bowl cleaner along with pumice stone.The uses of baking soda are virtually endless,and you`ll find many suggestions in this book.My sister is bulimic,and even she uses baking soda to protect her teeth when she throws up!The baking soda neutralizes the stomach acid residue in her mouth.Also helps soothe her esophagus and throat.

A money-saving compilation of household suggestions
Written by Vicki Lansky (a contributing editor to "Family Circle" magazine), Baking Soda: Over 500 Fabulous, Fun & Frugal Uses You've Probably Never Thought Of is a handy householder's tip guide filled from cover to cover with useful applications for baking soda. Ranging from cooking tips, to kitchen care and cleaning, to personal hygiene, doing laundry, and so much more, Baking Soda is enthusiastically recommended as a practical, informative, "user friendly" and money-saving compilation of household suggestions.

Baking Soda in Bulk
My grandmother buys baking soda in bulk and loves using it, so I bought this book for her one Christmas.She seems to like the book and has been able to use many of the suggestions.One of the tips that she found helpful was using baking soda for cleaning the oven.Baking soda can provide a natural alternative to many other products.This book can be an inexpensive gift or a helping hand for you. ... Read more

Isbn: 0916773426
Subjects:  1. Cleaning & Caretaking - Household Hints    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Engineering - Chemical & Biochemical    4. General    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Home economics    7. House & Home    8. Sodium bicarbonate   

The Frugal Gardener: How to Have More Garden for Less Money
by Catriona Tudor Erler
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 February, 2001)
list price: $14.95 -- our price: $14.95
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

The Frugal Gardener should have a place on every serious gardener's shelf, no matter what his or her budget. Catriona Tudor Erler has assembled a fantastic collection of suggestions for economical gardening strategies, covering everything from pruning-shear purchases to making the most of your plants. In this case, "economical" also translates to "environmentally sound," as Erler's recipes for do-it-yourself pest control rely on items like dish soap, garlic, and hot peppers.

Separate chapters cover topics like cost-conscious plant choices and growing techniques, tool care, and inexpensive garden design. You won't find wasted words in this book--every page is absolutely covered with quick suggestions, recipes, and planting charts. Some of her advice is deeply practical, such as 15 places to find free manure for mulching, but inexpensive doesn't have to mean plain. Her suggestion for a topiary friend in a child's play area is utterly adorable, and couldn't be simpler: "use hedge shears to slice off anything that doesn't look like a bunny, then keep the lines of the creation clear with an occasional haircut." The illustration of a romantic patio provides real inspiration--just spread gravel along a path to an area under shady tree and add furniture and torch lights! But don't think that saving money is always Erler'smain focus; she's sure to point out that low-cost items may not be the best deal over the long haul and that sometimes it pays to invest in a pricier item. Buy this book as early in your gardening career as you can: it will easily pay for itself in your first season. --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (5)

How to spend less and reap the rewards
The Frugal Gardener is a great book of gardening strategy for those of us who want to (or have to) stay within a small budget.As it turns out, the frugal way is also the organic way, generally.

TFG is organized to guide you through long-range strategies that will save you money in both short-term and long-term investments.An early chapter deals with the bare bones tools that you will need to start with; how to spot quality that will last, how to maintain them, and different uses for each.Next we learn how to plan a garden based on regional climates, making heavy use of naturalizing perennials and native plants that need less maintenance, watering and/or care (and so fewer products to buy).If you like the quick gratification of annuals, there are quite a few tips here that will help you maximize their impact in your garden.A great emphasis is placed on soil health, how to get it and how to increase it, thus saving more moneythat would have had to be wasted onexpensive fertilizers and replacement plants.Then there are the recipes for homemade bug sprays and remedies that can be concocted from common household items.

TFG explained gardening organically in a way that made it easy and sensible even for me when I was first trying to make compost and wean away from chemical sprays.There is a lot that can be done to fortify and protect your plants and trees that will benefit them and the environment, andsurprise!It's cheaper than chemical solutions.My garden has been thriving ever since.

Frugal gardeners, don't be afraid to spend the money on this book!Even if you only use a few of the many tips packed within this book, you will more than make up the cost of buying it in the long run.
-Andrea, aka Merribelle

Even For Frugal People, This Book's Worth the Money
I'm another purchaser who first tried this book from the library and then knew in days that I needed my own copy.It offers many tips I was familiar with after years of gardening, yet hundreds I'd never heard of. Even if you are not simply looking for ways to garden on a budget, it offers many great gardening tips.Period.

There are plenty of good illustrations and the layout is appealing to the eye.It is well organized and enjoyable to read, not just to use as a resource.This book is money well spent toward your garden.

A wonderful read!
For me, a complete novice at gardening, this was a wonderful choice as one of my first two gardening books.Before digging up my front yard, I bought a Gardening-101-type book and this book, The Frugal Gardener.As it mentions in this book, it truly IS best to be frugal right from the beginning.You save the most, get exactly what you want for your dollar, and have a good idea of how to get what you need without spending a fortune.Useful tips throughout.I'd find it interesting even if I wasn't planning out my own garden. I highly recommend. ... Read more

Isbn: 0875968651
Subjects:  1. Gardening    2. Gardening / Horticulture    3. Gardening/Plants    4. General    5. Organic gardening    6. Techniques   

The Frugal Traveler: How to See More of the World for Less
by Caroly Jones
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (January, 2001)
list price: $15.95
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Reviews (2)

The World on a Shoestring
This is a rollicking good read, full of high adventure and down-to-earth tips for travelers on a budget.Laced with personal experiences, both humorous and poignant, it proves you don't have to be youthful to see the wonders of the world--only young at heart.

The World on a Shoestring
This is a rollicking good read, full of high adventure and down-to-earth tips for travelers on a budget.Laced with personal experiences, both humorous and poignant, it proves you don't have to be youthful to see the world--only young at heart. ... Read more

Isbn: 1879899167
Sales Rank: 1345898
Subjects:  1. Reference - General    2. Reference - Tips    3. Travel    4. Travel - General   

Better Than Take-Out (& Faster, Too)
by Pamela Marx
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 September, 2001)
list price: $14.95 -- our price: $14.95
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (2)

Just plain fun!
Better Than Take-Out is a very creative manual for busy people who like to eat well. Chapters on Extra Easy Appetizers, Simple Soups, Made-in-Minutes Main Dishes, Scrumptious Salads & Sides, and Desserts in a Dash offer up quick, nutritious, zippy entrees with style. Each chapter title page has the index of recipes and page numbers displayed, making for quick and easy finding of favorite recipes. One of the most fun chapters is the first, Cook As You Are. From Red Beans and Rice, to Mediterranean Starter, this chapter is about fast, experimental, creative approaches to good eating. The author suggests,"Come back to this section whenever you don't know what to put on the table or are feeling that mealtime is monotonous." With Better than Take-Out, it is a guarantee they won't be!

A few example of tantalizing recipes are Linguine with Gorgonzola and Broccoli Sauce, Black Bean and Corn Tacorito, New Mexican Posole (a stew of hominy, ground pork, chiles, lime, and spices), and Warm Rice Salad with Shrimp. Dessert ideas include Raspberry Trifle, Fresh Berries and Sweetened Sour Cream, and Chocolate Banana Cream Pie.

Better Than Take-Out is obviously designed to be user-friendly. What makes the book a bonus is it is just plain fun!

Nancy Lorraine, Reviewer

Practical tips for busy parents
Better Than Take-Out is a practical tool for busy moms who want to provide their families with nutritious meals but don't have the time to spend hours in the kitchen. From time-saving tips to desserts in a dash, parents will find this book helpful in their meal planning and preparation.And with the Preparation Time included with each main dish, even the organizationally challenged will find it hard to make excuses not to cook! ... Read more

Isbn: 1930085028
Sales Rank: 477261
Subjects:  1. Cookery, American    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Methods - Quick & Easy    5. Parenting - General    6. Quick and easy cookery