If you've bought a house before, some parts of this book may seem somewhat elementary. And, admittedly, a lot of the information about how much you can afford is available on the web on various home-buying sites. On the other hand, I found the location-specific information very helpful, and the advice in the book is solid and reliable.

The real winners are those who are preparing to buy a house for the first time. This book will take you through pretty much all the steps, from thinking about what you want in a house and finding good neighborhoods, through figuring out how much you can afford. It's an excellent reference guide for somebody who's just starting to think about buying, and will be useful all the way through closing. IIf I had to choose just one book on buying a house, it would be this one.

I used the Nolo Press tenants' rights book in the past to (successfully) sue my deposit-greedy/law-breaking landlords. I just used this book to buy my first home in the competitive Bay Area (yes, it's still highly competitive even in these "tough times"). Nolo's book is accurate and insightful, written in a voice that's accessible and, at times, fun and tongue-in-cheek. The organization of information, as usual, is right on. And the links and helpful sidebars are fantastic! Don't waste your money on other books. I swear this one is the only book you'll need.

This book was recommended to us by a friend who bought a home in California. Since then, we've bought it for other friends and family. Nolo Press publishes excellent books, and this is no exception. If you only read one book on buying a home (in California), this should be it.

I read this when I was considering a homebirth but was fearful of the overall safety. The author presents a very well-thought out treatise supported by a great deal of research that helped me to understand the practices (certainly not the science) of modern obstetrics. I have not been able to find any other information to contradict his overall premise. I came away with a great education on what safe childbearing is all about.

This is one of the books that convinced me of the lack of true science or even logic in obstetrical care and hospital birth. There are lots of studies reviewed and statistics analyzed. Every bit of this book is fascinating and all the references are provided. There are arguments and rebuttals with logic clearly weighing heavily in favor of midwifery and homebirth. It is essential reading for anyone worried about taking the responsibility of the outcome of their birth in their own hands.

This book is excellent for all beginners and experienced carpenters alike. It gives all the information needed to complete a timber frame project, and gives the info in easy to understand terminalogy. It has good examples of all the types of joinery needed for a timber frame. I have just finished doing a 16 x 24 foot pottery building that has turned out very nice. I made all my plans and cut the timbers by using the information in this book. It has been a valuable tool in the process.

Originally copyrighted in 1977, The Timber Framing Book was one of the first books published about the timber framing revival. Stewart Elliott and Eugenie Wallas have carefully crafted a simple book on the basics, including planning, mathematics and simple engineering, layout, joint cutting and raising. There are a large number of very nice drawings by Linda Foss that illustrate all aspects of timber frames. In the center of the book are 22 pages of black and white photographs by Jeremy Foss and Randy Hillner that clearly document the raising of a frame, beginning to end. The last chapter of the book describes the building of a 12' x 16' timber frame shed. There are drawings, a timber schedule and complete raising plan to test you new found skills. This was done in the March 1980 issue of Rodale's New Shelter magazine, including a clapboards and a slate roof. Also included are a seven page Glossary, a two page Bibliography, a five page Appendix of drawings of basic timber framing joints and their uses. The Timber Framing Book is a great way to get a clear understanding of timber frames before graduating to books by other authors like Tedd Benson. This book is a must have for any timber framer's toolbox.

I was searching for a book on desert homes and architecture styles. This book is broken into several chapters on homes around the world living under desert regions. Thoughout the books there are dazzling and breath taking photos along with informative background on every country and building construction for the desert home. I was pacticularly interested in the great USA (Arizona, New Mexico & California) because I am planning to build a home in a desert region. I needed a reference to help me understand and view a desert style of living and this book has helped. You'll find some interior decorating, color schemes, landscaping and several ideas of bringing the dry outdoors into your unique home.
I love looking at this impressive book, it sits on my coffee table for all to enjoy.

"Under the Sun" has become my southwest decorating bible. I bought the book when I was looking for decorating and architectural ideas for a desert home I was building. The book explores and exposes all the of varied and amazing orgins and styles of desert and southwestern design. The photos are stunning and intriguing and the text is rich with information and sources. I have since used the book for paint and decorating tips in several homes. This is one book in my library that has become a favorite loner, and has ultimately become my best gift book -- mostly to assure it will return to my shelf.

Some people love her, others can't stand her. Personally, I adore Martha Stewart and her creative and beautiful books. The At Home With Martha Stewart collection is the best way to get Martha's best books at a single blow. You will find a multitude of great ideas and will be inspired to create your own "Good Things"!

The common stewart home stuff; sex,violence,more sex more violence. Very similar to his other early fiction. If you liked Red London and Pure Mania then Blow Job will not dissapoint.

This is a great find. You must buy this book if you just recently purchased a home.

A tremendous resource for every family. Do I Need to See the Doctor? gives people the ability to care for themselves at home, and seek appropriate care at the appropriate time. It will help eliminate the stress and guesswork of your family's colds, fevers and earaches. You can treat your family with confidence with this easy to read book.

In "Ellen Is Home Alone," second-grader Ellen Riteman and her older sister, Debbie, become latchkey kids when their mother starts working. Both girls like their new independence, except Ellen starts to dislike it after awhile when she starts hearing creepy noises in the house. Plus Debbie makes Ellen do all of her chores, in addition to her own, while Debbie watches TV and eats ice cream.

Being a latchkey kid myself growing up, I could understand Ellen and Debbie's excitement and problems over having the house to themselves for a few hours each weekday. This is a great book for young readers (age 5 - 8), particularly latchkey kids, who want to feel older and more independent, just like Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield do, even though it comes with added responsibility, as Ellen finds out.

I had a bought and borrowed a few for-sale-by owner books in order to help me sell my spec houses, but was always very disappointed with how and general and vague they were. This book, however, told me all the info I needed in a very easy-to- follow, step-by-step format. I really feel like I totally understand the process now, thanks to this book. If you follow all the advice and suggestions, you will definitely save thousands on realtor fees.