Editorial Review

Congratulations, you're expecting a baby!What you may not be expecting is all of the requisite gear you "need" to look after your dear bundle. Fear not. Denise and Alan Fields, authors of Read more

Reviews (462)

Well worth the money!
I bought this book when expecting my first.It took what was completely overwhelming and helped me sort through what I HAD to have, could use but not necessary and was a waste of money.I loved that it incorporates feedback from parents as well as the expert ratings and such.
The best book you can buy when pregnant!
I don't know what I would have done without this book.It completely made the overwhelming task of registering so much easier.It tells you all about every baby product you can imagine and rates it with an A, B, C, etc.It breaks out products by type and then by brand.It is absolutely a must have and I recommend it to anyone expecting their first child.

Great resource for first time parents
I am adopting an infant and had no idea where to start when it came to strollers and car seats and carriers.This is a great, down to earth guide to help get your head around what you really need to purchase and things to consider when buying.For example, I never thought about the fact that strollers are designed for women who are 5'4".I am considerably taller than that and now know to make sure I find a stroller with a higher handle. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Catalogs    2. Commercial catalogs    3. Consumer Education    4. Consumer Guides    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Family And Child Development    8. Family/Marriage    9. Infants & Toddlers - General    10. Infants' supplies    11. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    12. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    13. Mail-order business   

Reviews (39)

service
The item is fine, however, Amazon's shipping procedures are very slow, and inadequet. I paid for an upgrade in shipping, and the item was two days late, with no explanation from Amazon.I will remember this the next time I need to order.

Blue Book of Gun Values, 27th Edition
Excellent and very comprehensive Gun Value Book covering numerous Mfgs.

Revised
The "Blue Book of Gun Values" 27th ed. is a great buy.Retail is around $40, and well worth it, but for almost half the price on amazon, an excellent deal.With updated values, this edition will surpass the previous especially with current events involving Winchester.Buy it for an accurate "Blue Book" price on guns. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques / Collectibles    4. Antiques/Collectibles    5. Books    6. Catalogs    7. Collectors and collecting    8. Consumer Guides    9. Firearms    10. Firearms & Weapons    11. Firearms And Gunsmithing    12. Prices    13. Reference    14. Reference - Price Guides    15. Shooting   

Reviews (38)

BUYER BEWARE!
I agree that this book is a compendium of very valuable information, especially for the novice buyer.But despite a lifetime playing the piano and a career as a piano teacher, I made a terrible mistake following his recommendation.He raves about the Schimmel piano, a German-made instrument.I bought one about twelve years ago and have hated it ever since.The store owner even replaced it with another identical model, which was no better.The dampers don't work properly and the strings continue to vibrate after the key is released so it sounds as if you always have a half pedal in use.Both pianos did the same thing.I am now shopping for a replacement...without the book.

A Must Have
Unfortunately, I purchased a piano before reading this book. Fortunately, based on the information in this book, I made the right decision. I just happened to be lucky. But I wish I had bought the book earlier.
THE book for Piano Consumers
If you are considering the purchase of an acoustic piano now or in the future, this book must be on your short reading list. Fine tells you about how a piano functions and what potential pitfalls to be aware of in the purchase of a new or used instrument. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Music    2. Music/Songbooks    3. Musical Instruments - Piano    4. Piano    5. Purchasing    6. Reference    7. Music / Reference    8. Musical instruments & instrumental ensembles    9. Buyer's Guides    10. Consumer Guides   

Reviews (21)

Informative Book
This was a great book to get your mind started on thinking about opening a retail business.It doesn't focus solely on EBay.It also covers other small business avenues.
Perfect for beginners
This book is perfect for first time sellers and people that just need help finding direction.A lot of the information is general business knowledge but there is an occasional piece of helpful knowledge, even to experienced ebayers and amazoners.There is help with understanding taxes as well as creating yourself as a professional business.All around it's a decent read.

What to Sell on eBay & where to Get It
Very informative and well reserached book loaded with useful facts. As good as an expensive class. Good to keep for future reference. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. E-Commerce - General    5. E-Commerce - Internet Marketing    6. Entrepreneurship    7. Internet auctions    8. Internet marketing    9. New Business Enterprises    10. Business & Economics / E-Commerce / General    11. Business & Management    12. Consumer guides & advice    13. World Wide Web (WWW)   

Reviews (16)

Quite an interesting read on the attitudes of the new middle market consumer
Most of us believe we are pretty much like everyone else because we are pretty much like else everyone we know.However, this is almost certainly a false view of the world because of our very limited view of the world.Everyone we know is pretty much like us because we hang out with people pretty much like us.Statisticians call this a truncated sample.It is the goal of researchers in marketing to either look deeply into narrow samples of the market or to broaden the view much beyond what any one of us would likely to experience directly in our lives.
Easy read, but nothing amazing
Treasure Hunt is a very easy to read book. It's not dry and boring like some finance/business books. I was able to see myself in the situations described. I definitely bargain hunt in certain areas, yet splurge in others. I don't shop the middle very often. It was neat to see myself, but there was very little information that was new to me. It's mostly common sense and the author basically just applied labels and gives a name to stuff we all do. I wasn't overly impressed by the book, but it wasn't a complete waste either. Just ok for me.

Easy Read, Useful Info, & Relatable
I think most of us can relate to the case studies in this book...the case studies are almost like looking in a mirror.You see yourself spending frugally on certain products and saving up to afford higher end products just like they did.While I think the book is useful for businesses trying to capture a bigger share of the consumer market, I believe individuals will enjoy the book as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Consumer Behavior    5. Consumer Behavior - General    6. Marketing - Research    7. Middle class    8. Business & Economics / Consumer Behavior    9. Business & Management    10. Consumer issues   

Reviews (20)

Many Products Discontinued
I love this book and have walked into many stores carrying it.The only downfall is that many of the products have been discontinued.For example, Almay no longer makes the solid anti-perspirant unscented deodorant (you can get it in gel form, but I was looking for a solid), also several of the hair and makeup products have been discontinued by the companies that produce them.Since the book was originally published in 1995, it needs to be updated since products are constantly changing on the market.But the book has still been a useful tool for me.

Safety Guidelines for Consumers
There is no question that every consumer should have this book for their own safety and health. Astounding facts on chemicals used in products that cause cancer, allergies, asthma and dermatitis to name a few. Buyers beware, many health problems are related to the products we use. Incredible diary of each and every chemical. Products are rated on a scale, for safety and use, following consumer protection guidelines.

safe Shopper's Bible: A Consumer's guide to nontoxic household products
Very interesting information and useful. I feel it could have included more natural products and not just a couple that the author chose to push. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Consumer Behavior - Consumer Guides    3. Consumer Buying Guides    4. Consumer goods    5. General    6. Grocery shopping    7. Health & Fitness    8. Health/Fitness    9. Household supplies    10. Shopping    11. Toxicology    12. Consumer guides & advice    13. Health & Fitness / General    14. Public health & preventive medicine   

Reviews (11)

Love these guys!
I love these guys!! Having their book was a must...I have enjoyed seeing them on Oprah and thought they had a lot of good things to say. I know I will reference their book a lot..thanks for contributing a book that will helps us all!

Average to poor read
I have to agree with several of the previous reviewers who fault this book for being "light" on the information.I consider myself average in wardrobe knowledge and I really didn't learn anything new.It wasn't even presented in a particularly insightful manner.Some info was a good reminder, however, but plain stuff, like buying the right type of hangers for your closet.
Nothing to Wear?
What a fun and informative book.If anyone is unsure of why they don't wear half the items in their closet, read this book! I donated half my clothes to charity and only kept items I love and what looks good.There are so many wonderful ideas...from deciding on what style you are and buying clothes for YOU, to organizing your closet.It's a money saving read. It's great! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion    2. Clothing and dress    3. Consumer Health    4. Fashion    5. General    6. Psychological aspects    7. Self-Help    8. Reference / Consumer Guides   

Reviews (22)

fantastic read
This book did great things for my understanding of a challenger brands greatest strengths and strategies.Not to turn this into a forum, I have a few questions though:Does anyone know more about Adam Morgan?Did he work for TBWA?Any other agencies?What was his discipline?Any info would help.

one of the best marketing books available
I own (oooooh) probably between 80 and 100 books on marketing, some are obligatory read for my masters in marketing, some are handpicked in stores and on amazon and I stand by the title of my review. What can you take out from this book: YOU CAN compete with big brands, there are attitudes and ways of running your business that can knock down the goliath in your industry, and this book explains how, giving numerous examples from various industries. Only negative, if I can call it that, is author's writing style, which was rather hard for me, but then again, I am croatian, so it could be my english, not mr Morgan's :). A MUST!! have.

Demolish the 3-piece suits that stand in your way
I don't know how to explain the insightful ideas I have taken from this book.
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Subjects:  1. Advertising & Promotion    2. Brand name products    3. Business & Economics    4. Business / Economics / Finance    5. Business/Economics    6. Management    7. Marketing - General    8. New products    9. Product Management    10. Advertising    11. Business & Economics / Advertising & Promotion    12. Consumer issues    13. Distributive industries   

Reviews (16)

Love the Pill Book
I've been using the pill book for years.It comes in handy when taking medication.It tells you everything you need to know, and it's easy to use.

A Welcome Resource With A Few Standout Flaws
I recently bought The Pill Book after hearing so much about it, then later finding it applicable to my own circumstances.I won't delve into its assets, because I believe they speak for themselves.However, upon reviewing my new purchase, I was disappointed to note a couple of glaring deficiencies in the book's content. An Outstanding Reference
This book is indespensible reference for anybody who wants to see the whole picture about specific drug.Yes, some of them do more harm than good as they produce side effects that can overweight prospective cure; also, some relatively harmless drugs can be dangerous if taken together.This book help us get all the facts so we can make the right decission before we actualy start taking drugs.Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Guides    2. Drugs - Dictionaries    3. Medical    4. Medical / Nursing    5. Pharmacology    6. Reference    7. Medical / Reference   

Reviews (27)

Eh
You're better off getting Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover.A much better book.Starts slowly, but if you actually listen to his strategy, it works.

Not for me
This book is for you if you have credit card debt. That is pretty much the the theme throughout. Also a lot of what she writes is common sense stuff. If your thinking of buying this, either buy it used (cheap) or get it from your library.

Too Basic
There is nothing wrong with this book... but there's not a whole lot substantial either.Look at your budget and see what you can cut for the long term goal of debt reduction.
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Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Consumer Credit    3. Consumer Finance    4. Consumer Guides    5. Debt    6. Finance, Personal    7. Personal Finance    8. Personal Finance - Budgeting    9. Personal Finance - Money Management    10. Reference    11. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General   

Reviews (47)

Great tips!
A fast read - some great tips and tricks - and lots of good selling advice from a marketing expert. Highly recommend it.

A happy customer.
The delivery was speedy and the book had all that I needed to get started. Its been a great experience. Thank you.

Good overview
For those who do not know E-bay very well, this book is for them.I got some good pointers by reading the book and more than a few ideas of what I need to do before starting my own business on E-bay ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Computer networks    5. E-Commerce - General    6. Electronic commerce    7. Internet auctions    8. Management    9. New Business Enterprises    10. Small Business - General    11. eBay (Firm)    12. Business & Economics / E-Commerce / General    13. Consumer guides & advice    14. Internet   

Reviews (59)

Online Retail Is In The Model T Phase
Marsha wields a mighty pen with this treasure of information about eBay. The lessons learned within this prominent guide will help the small or large Internet entrepreneur navigate through the myriad of possibilities.
A good book if you don't like reading FAQ's on web pages.
I purchased this for a family member who wants to get into eBay selling, and I'm really on the fence about what I want to say about it.
Great way to start on ebay!!!
I have been wanting to start selling on ebay and wanted to get as much information as I could on how, what to do, when and where.My brother bought this book and said it was excellent and easy to read and understand.
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Subjects:  1. Art (Economic Aspects)    2. Auctions    3. Computer Books: Internet General    4. Computers    5. Computers - Communications / Networking    6. Electronic Commerce    7. Industries - Retailing    8. Internet - World Wide Web    9. Internet auctions    10. Internet resources    11. Online Services - General    12. eBay (Firm)    13. Business & Economics / E-Commerce / Internet Marketing    14. Consumer guides & advice    15. World Wide Web (WWW)   

Editorial Review

Jean Kilbourne first gained prominence in the 1970s as the maker ofRead more

Reviews (17)

Phenomenal
This book was OUTSTANDING.The only thing that pains me about it is that I bought it out of bargain bin.I would have gladly paid full price. Only a little out of print...
This powerful and vital book is out of print - but only under this title. "Deadly Persuasion" was released in November 2000 under the new title "Can't Buy My Love: How Advertising Changes the Way We Think and Feel". Under that title, the book has never gone out of print, so it is easy to acquire. And you definitely should acquire it!

Deadly Persuasion
A brillient and stunning consideration of how advertising affects society. Rather than the more popular route of blaming problems of the modern world on entertainment media, Kilbourne convincingly argues that it is, indeed, the unnoticed and unceasing stream of advertisments which is harmful. Required reading for anyone who ponders modern sociology. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Advertising    2. Advertising & Promotion    3. Consumers    4. Media Studies    5. Social Control    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. Sociology - General    9. Women consumers    10. Women in advertising    11. Women's Studies - General    12. Consumer issues    13. Current Events / Mass Media   

Reviews (44)

Good Resource but Not Nearly as Good as Baby Bargains
I got this book with "Baby Bargains" and found myself ditching this one almost the entire time I was coming up with my registry. That's not to say that the book is no good. I did use it on occasion to confirm that the items suggested in Baby Bargains were actually considered safe. But for a first time parent, it tells you the ratings of different brands, but doesn't actually say "buy this one", which Baby Bargains does. So, if you want information on the safety and performance of different brands, I highly recommend this book. But if you want someone to tell you what to buy, try another book.

Very disappointed
This book won't help you at all.I don't even want to give it a star.I would recommend The lilaguide: Baby Gear Guide and Baby Bargains.

Not as useful as Baby Bargains or Girlfriend's Guide to Baby Gear
Main Pro: an additional unbiased source of information in an area where there is not nearly enough
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Guides    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family/Marriage    4. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    5. Parenting - General    6. Reference    7. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (3)

Excellent, well worth the money
This books covers every aspect that you can think of in terms of setting up the business. The sample forms came in very handy.

Best Job to have!
This book is incredible - it is packed full of how to information that would have taken me a long time to find elsewhere (and I think I am shrewd when it comes to tracking down information).
Excellent resource
I had been searching for detailed information on how to become a personal shopper without success, so it was exciting to finally find this book. I love all the expert tips, and am especially grateful for the CD-ROM with all the samples I can use to start my own business. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Careers - General    4. Careers / Job Opportunities    5. Consumer Behavior - Consumer Guides    6. Consumer Behavior - General   

Editorial Review

Though Read more

Reviews (167)

I maintain that this book, comprising three books in one huge volume, is definitely worth exploring!
I am pleasantly surprised that the book form of the 'Tightwad Gazette' newsletters, which first appeared inthe very early nineties, is still available. I acquired my first consolidated book issue of 'Tightwad Gazette' also in the early nineties, & the remaining two consolidated book issues, i.e. Tightwad Gazette II & III, during the mid-nineties. I came to know about it probably from 'Your Money or Your Life: Transforming Your Relationship with Money & Achieving Financial Independence' by Joe Dominguez & Vicki Robin.
Bottom Line -- It Works!I am living proof.
I first read the Tightwad Gazette series in about 1995, at a time when I was living hand to mouth in a small and noisyapartment, wasoverwhelmed with my own foolishly-racked-up credit card debt, was afraid to go to the dentist because I could not afford one more bill.
Worth Every Penny
A few years ago I found myself with a new baby, tons of debt, a limited income and a (now ex) husband who had no money sense at all.I was rocketing towards bankruptcy, so I got a few books out of the library on saving money.This book changed how I looked at spending money.It got me thinking of how I could use, reuse, recycle, or find new uses for absolutely everything.I made it through a terribly tough financial time by the "skin of my teeth" and if it werent for reading this book, I doubt it would have happened. ... Read more

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   

Reviews (10)

Good guide
Good book for someone interested in knowing what they have.It is based on using specific equipment, but does give the biginner a good understanding of what is needed, and how to use it.

Pros, but Cons as well...
When I bought this book I was looking for a way to indentify various stones that I inherited from my Grandmother. This book if great if you're looking at selling or profiting from your stones AND willing to spend $$$ in advance to do it. The book basically lists equiptment, where to buy it, how much it costs, etc... and then how to use said equiptment to identify stones. I was looking for something that would help me to identify stones without spending $1000 before hand.
A True Gem for Gem Lovers
As a professional Gemologist having studied gems extensively and also someone who helps instruct already certified gemologist, aspiring gemologist, gem and jewelry retailers (many are not gemologists), gem cutters, hobbyist and consumers, I find Gem Identification Made Easy to be a very worthwhile purchase. It is comprehensively informative, accurate, resourceful, inspiring, and articulate as appropriate for the intended audience with a wide diversity of gemological knowledge. And, it's fun! Let's face it, gems, and jewelry containing them, are expensive toys, and though the money used to purchase them are typically discretionary, I don't know anyone who wants to pay for something that is not what it is represented to be. Very good, basic gemological information contained in this book will pleasingly educate the reader of any of the categories above, but can also potentially save the reader from mistakes worth multiple orders of dollarmagnitude beyond the cost of the book (or the recommended basic tools which it explains how to use). The 3rd Edition provides updates that deal with new treatment processes, new synthetics and simulants and gemological evidence that will aid in their identification. I have many reference books on gemology in my library, and I proudly display and use this one. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Identification    5. Jewelry    6. Precious stones    7. Antiques & collectables: jewellery    8. Consumer guides & advice   

Reviews (81)

Not for the elegant, or those who'd like to be.
I love Lucky magazine, and shows like What Not To Wear, so I was very excited about this book.It has some good information about fit, body type, and how many of certain items (such as T-shirts) a girl really needs.I also liked the inserts about various designers and their personal styles.But when it comes to breaking down a wardrobe, the actual clothes pictured are so trendy that they were "over" by the time of publication, and I worry that the more literal-minded among us may use them as some sort of standard.These are not classic items that everyone needs and can (or should) wear.The best way to use this book is abstractly...and even then, it's just not the best manual of its type.Many of the suggested outfits were inappropriate for any sort of event, and others were just silly.I was disappointed.

The Lucky Shopping Manual
This book is really written for the under 30 year old woman.It is very detailed and thoughtful but I really couldn't say that I picked up any good fashion ideas for my age group (50+ years).I have bought The Pocket Stylist by Kendall Farr and some of the "What not to wear" series and have found them fantastic and appropriate.
PERFECT for Spring Closet Cleaning!
I bought this book on a whim, thinking that what with being a teacher, a receptionist, and an actress, having a book full of outfits is just what I need to get dressed in the morning.
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Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion    2. Clothing and dress    3. Consumer Health    4. Fashion    5. General    6. Handbooks, manuals, etc    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Fashion design    10. Reference / Consumer Guides   

Reviews (4)

Everyone should have one
I purchase this book each year as soon as it comes out.I look up everything before I purchase it as gifts for Christmas and Birthdays.I have never once been steered wrong by anything in these books.This is the 4th year I have purchased one.I am purchasing three more to add to raffle baskets for my daughters school's fundraiser.They are a great resource and make gift buying and suggestions easy as 1-2-3 and you don't have to worry about returns.That's how honest the reviews are.THIS IS A MUST HAVE FOR EVERYONE.

Best Toy Tech Support Ever
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio 2007 is the best tech support I can find to wade through the numerous products available for various kids ages. I would be lost without this insightful, informed, and well researched book. I always include the most recent copy in presents to new parents and refer to the book often for my own gift selections. I recently started giving the book as gifts to new grandparents!

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
I was so thrilled going through the 2007 edition.No other book tops this.Every year they guide me and millions of others to the best toys, books, games, and more.Being a mother of three small children I always feel that my children have an advantage far past any other parent with children who do not use this book as their guide.Oppenheim Toy Portfolio is the best and as far as I'm concerned will always be the best. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Development    2. Consumer Buying Guides    3. Consumer Guides    4. Parenting - General    5. Reference   

Reviews (69)

The title is very misleading
This book was a huge disappointment.I checked it out of the library (thank goodness I didn't spend money on it) thinking I would learn about one woman's struggle to spend less and live more simply.Honestly, I learned all I needed to know about Judith's year-long "journey" from her 5 minute interview on Oprah. It starts off ok, but quickly descends into a rant against Republicans, the Iraq War and George W.Not that I'm a fan of George W and Co., but her views were quite boring and I found myself barely able to finish. I really felt as though I had suffered a "bait and switch", which use to be a favorite tactic of retailers.I guess Ms. Levine learned something from them during all those years of shopping.

Don't Waste your Time or Money
The author had a good idea but executed it poorly.This book was more about politics than abstaining from purchasing.
Not buying this book
The author had a BRILLIANT idea writing this book, however she couldn't accomplish and develop a chain of reasoning. She is PROLIX and way too boring. The reading has to be dragged.
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Consumer Behavior    3. Consumer Behavior - General    4. Consumer education    5. Personal Memoirs    6. Shopping    7. Social Movements    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Sociology - General    11. Women    12. Consumer issues    13. Social & cultural anthropology    14. Social Science / Sociology / General