Hill Books

After my baby was born, I knew I wanted to save for her college. I read this book and another 529 book. This book was ok. I got more information from the 529 for Dummies book. It walked me through the college savings process, explained how to get college financing, and listed all the 529 companies to go with for each state. It decussed tax issues as well. This is not an easy read for someone that does not have a clue about 529's (Me).

David Braverman's book is a great help in understanding how to finance a college education. It gives families the financial knowledge they need to plan and choose wisely for the future. This book cuts through all the confusion and is clear and easy to read. It's a wonderful guide and resource for all families investing in college.

Successfully finding a book regarding how to save for college depends heavily on the background of the reader. I am mathematically adept (majored in economics) and not a novice regarding buying and selling securities (but I don't go short or do derivatives directly). I needed a book that contains strategies that incorporate the current version of the tax code and investment basics. After some false starts (see some of my other reviews for these), I found this book to be a delight. Finally, somewhat unusual for me, I am keeping this book for future reference even after reading it.

David Braverman, a senior director at Standard & Poor's, looks at how financial aid can be part of your savings plan, how to use 529 and Coverdell plans effectively, and the new tax benefits available. For people who are serious about preparing for one of the major expenditures of their entire lives, this is one of the books you need to read early on. Definitely worth a read.

Tom Nixon
Cheap College Degrees website
http://www.cheapdegrees.com

I own and run a small investment firm and this book is what we give our clients to read. We also train our brokers and advisors with this book (among others). Of course, plans and details change constantly, but we feel this is a more than adequate book that's pretty straight and to the point on information for the average person.

I get the feeling they were trying to be "politically correct" in mentioning a lot of plans and ideas on how to save without trying to piss of mutual funds and other managers though. So many states have weird plans that allow little choice to the consumer besides 3 choices. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I wish they didn't pull punches and really reviewed and said what they really thought sometimes :-)

Jeremy Siegel is the Russell E. Palmer Professor of Finance at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He appears regularly on networks like CNN, CNBC and NPR, and is a frequent contributor to financial periodicals.

"Stocks for the Long Run" is the best known book by Siegel, and widely cited. There are more than 100 books that cite "Stocks for the Long Run".

Most of the book takes a long-term view of the financial markets. Siegel takes an empirical perspective to answer some major investing questions. Even though the book has been termed "the buy and hold Bible", the author occasionally concedes that there can be some market inefficiencies that can be exploited. The book is very easy to comprehend and is targeted to wide audience.

If you like the idea of scrutinizing major investing questions, popular beliefs and conventional wisdoms, I would recommend "The Only Three Questions That Count" by Kenneth L. Fisher, which is much deeper than "Stocks for the Long Run".

In the previous editions of Stocks for the Long Run, Wharton Finance professor Jeremy Siegel offered a thoroughly bullish take on the merits of equity investing that has proved highly influential and largely correct through the end of the post-Millennial Bull Market in mid-2007. In the latest edition of this classic, released in a much more difficult period of substantial market declines, Siegel has added important and more nuanced insights derived from his previous and somewhat overlooked book "The Future for Investors," which came out in 2006. In addition to emphasizing the importance of the contribution of stock dividends to equity portfolio performance, this material from the Future for Investors, which has been updated somewhat for this book, also grapples with a perplexing challenge to Siegel's original stocks for the long run mantra, the much vexed question of what will happen if and when the populous Baby Boom generation attempts to cash in its stock and bond retirement portfolios by selling them to the smaller demographic of Gen X and Gen Y. An entire school of catastrophe futurologists, most notably Harry Dent, but also more mainstream voices like Peter G. Peterson (The Grey Wave) have warned that this so-called Age Wave is about to wreak havoc with stock market investments. In this book, Siegel does not dismiss this issue, but deals with it in a logical and generally less alarmist point of view. At the risk of oversimplifying a complex analysis, Siegel's bottom line is that while it is true that there are not enough younger generation Americans to absorb the Boomers stock and bond assets at current prices, investors in emerging countries, like China and India, will more than make up for that and will end up buying the Baby Boomer's paper assets as the Boomers sell them off to fund their retirements. The upshot is that foreigners will end up owning a lot of our companies by the year 2050. A potential snag, says Siegel, is whether America will be willing to let this happen, or will pass laws or adopt polices to discourage the transfer of US assets to foreign countries. This remains to be seen, but he is optimistic. On the other hand, the implications for the typical Baby Boomer's most important asset, his or her house, is rather dire, because homes can't be sold as readily to foreigners, for obvious reasons. Siegel doesn't provide an answer for the housing market, which is outside the scope of a book on stock investing in any event. Overall, this remains one of the best written and most sensible investment books available today, now offering a more nuanced and even more helpful sets of advice than the previous editions. With new information and analysis, this is well worth owning, even if you have a previous edition.

Dr. Siegel, one of the top academics in finance, has provided a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of investing in stocks. His book is based on data going back 200 years and is fact based, rather than just opinions or theories. I have been involved in investing for over 30 years and found much new, useful information. This book is a great read for anyone interested in stock investing, whether a rookie or a veteran.

Siegel's masterpiece is a must buy for anyone who wants to stop wasting money on mutual fund fees and start accumulating wealth. I give this book and Professor Siegel an A+.

Andrew Nissenbaum

Recently published (end of 2007) very helpful to give an overall view of the world stock markets, with enphasis on the american market of course. In my opinion it gives a helicopter view of the economy and the stock market movements and in doing so it provides you with a map of the "territory" you are moving in (as it were). Great statistic amount of information.

After reading the book, I purchased several copies. They make great gifts for friends who are going through struggles. The many personal stories of hope often bring just the right encouragement.

Many examples of how God is there for us in all of or problems and everyday disappointments in life, and how he turns what could be a bad thing into good.

As a grandmother, mother, and wife, the author has lived through many of life's storms. Her vulverability, humor, and ability to see beaury in every aspect of life are qualities that make this book a winner. I felt I had gained a friend for life after just the first few pages. The book will encourage and uplift your spirit.

Through stories that touch your heart, Nancy Hoag shows how God comes alongside each one of us through the storms that buffet our lives. Nancy draws on her own experiences to help the reader see God's faithfulness in ALL situations. My copy of this book is dog-earred and worn -- a testament to its valuable insights for my life.

Storms Pass So Hang On is the kind of book you will take to bed with you -- especially on long dark nights. I was hooked by the time I finished the Prologue and the first two chapters. All chapters are mercifully short, which tells me the author understands that the attention span is the first thing to go, when you're stressed. In my opinion, this book leap frogs over the usual perky devotional book which often leaves me feeling a bit guilty if I haven't triumphed over my traumas in the first 15 minutes (with the aid of a Bible verse and a wink). Storms Pass is one delightful slice of life after another, painted with a vivid eye for detail and a total lack of saccharine. At LAST, someone wrote a book for the REST of us! I've been looking for a book like this for the past ten years. Thanks, Nancy.

This book was very interesting and suspenseful. It takes you right along, so that you feel involved. I live in Phoenix and some of the action took place in familiar settings. The way some philanthropic organizations can front for illeagle money laundering was a revelation to me. A well written book. Good reading.

This book is fast paced and exciting with likable characters. The author draws you in and never lets go. You're left wanting....MORE!

A most eloquent, yet pragmatic and scintillating literary work ... which includes power, greed and sex, an alchemist's quintessential prescription for evil. The intrigue and action will pique your intellectual curiosity from its inception and hold you hostage ..."

The novel, Subject of Inquiry reads easy but is not a simple story. The author combines skill and knowledge of his subject matter -- definitely a page turner.

After vacationing in Phoenix the places were described just as I had seen them, except for all the action. I have missed several dinners and hours of sleep over this book. I simply could not put it down! The size of the type was especially appealing, making it even easier to read. The 'flow' of the book is very good. A couple of times I thought I had a part figured out but soon discovered I was totally wrong. I hope the author writes a lot more. He's like another John Grisham!!!

Words cannot even begin to describe the beauty of the works of art contained in this book. If you only ever buy one book in your life to just look at the pictures let it be this one. I could sit entranced by this embroidery for hours. I agree with another reviewer who stated that you can't conceive of this art being created by human hands. If you need proof simply look at the cover. That is not a photograph folks, it is embroidered.
The photographs are also quite beatiful. Consider as you look at them that the photo's are trying to capture texture...something very elusive in that medium. In many cases you can barely tell the photo from the embroidery and in others the embroidery is an interpretation of the photo.
I cannot state this enough... this book is truly, truly extraordinary and I don't think that there is anything else like it out there.

This is, by far, the most beautiful embroidery book I've ever seen anywhere, at any time. It seems impossible that such impressive works of art could have been created. Robert Ketchum's photographs are beautiful, but the embroideries are, indeed, so breathtaking that it's hard to believe real human beings could have worked on them. This is the kind of embroidery I would love to be able to do, but it is so amazing that I know I'll never reach such a high level of expertise (at least not in this lifetime). My thanks to all the people involved in this project for sharing their special gifts with me and anyone else fortunate enough to have purchased this book or, better still, to have seen these works in person.

I bought this book, sight unseen purely from the rave reviews listed. To be honest I was a bit disappointed with the book. Firstly, Robert Glenn Ketchum's photographs are very average. In fact any 15 year old with a good camera and decent eye could take photo's of this quality. The thing that redeems them is the skill of the needleworkers. Secondly, I just think the book is overated. There's several western needlework books that cover this type of embroidery and have better images in my opinion so I just don't understand the rave. An interesting read, but..........yeah. I wouldn't have paid this much if I'd been able to flick through it first.

This is, by far, the most beautiful embroidery book I've ever seen anywhere, at any time. It seems impossible that such impressive works of art could have been created. Robert Ketchum's photographs are beautiful, but the embroideries are, indeed, so breathtaking that it's hard to believe real human beings could have worked on them. This is the kind of embroidery I would love to be able to do, but it is so amazing that I know I'll never reach such a high level of expertise (at least not in this lifetime). My thanks to all the people involved in this project for sharing their special gifts with me and anyone else fortunate enough to have purchased this book or, better still, to have seen these works in person.

I'm not all that interested in embroidery, but I enjoy visual excitement. One day while gallery hopping, we came upon a small portion of the work depicted in this book. We were both blown away by the work! Absolutely amazing. I would really like some posters of this work.

For those interested in the embroidery details, it is done with fine silk threads, hand dyed, on various fine fabrics, some of which are so fine you can see through them. Much of the interesting texture and effect is from what they call random stitch embroidery, in which the scenes are depicted by various colored stitches .5 cm (1/4 inch) long running in various random directions, yet they all come together to make the image. Other parts of the images are done by carefully controlled stitch direction to give crisp images. They pick up the light and are quite luminous, some are displayed as screens with light coming from behind. Only the enlargements in the book give a sense of the beauty and amazing technique of the actual pieces.

Oh, and the book is good too. Definitely a 5 star quality coverage of the work, with background information, as described in other reviews. But the work itself is beyond 5 stars. (In the gallery they were priced around the $10,000-$150,000 range, some took several years to complete.)

J. David Pincus and J. Nicholas DeBonis have written a most inventive book. A fictional story about a CEO in crisis is told between chapters of this non-fiction assessment of CEOs and advice regarding how they can meet the needs of our changing corporate times. Based on ten years of research and interviews with CEOs in the Fortune 500, this book is very detailed, but written in an engaging conversational style. With a focus on communication as the key to effective leadership, the book humanizes its strategies so they come to life on each page. We... recommend this book not only for top corporate management and "top dogs," but also for anyone working in the corporate world.

I found myself looking forward to the switches between fiction and non-fiction equally. Top Dog entices the reader on both levels. I definitely got two books for the price of one. In terms of the non-fiction -- I'm not in management, I'm in managee, and I found this book to be an excellent insight to what upper management has to deal with on a daily basis. The fictional portion was as good as any of the novels that I've read from the New York Times Bestseller lists. It left me wanting more...

Top Dog: an instructive and entertaining blend of management text, fiction, case experience and leadership commentary. Pincus and DeBonis weave a well researched and reported account (fictional, or at least fictionalized) of a "cooking the books" crisis at a major hotel chain into discussion and presentation of the leadership and communication issues raised in the story. All this is supported by interviews with CEOs and reviews of current research and practice, and illustrated by many anecdotes and other cases. The alternating format is at first unsettling and then highly effective. It offers a much more appealing and enjoyable learning process than conventional management texts.

In the daily media, CEOS are often portrayed as ruthless, profit-driven moguls more concerned with their own golden parachutes than with employees and customers. The complexity and challenges of the CEO's role are understood by very few people.

J. David Pincus, the lead author of Top Dog, provides depth and insight into the chief executive's role while also teaching us lessons about internal and external communication.

As a veteran professional in the communication field, I have read dozens of corporate books designed to illuminate, inspire and bring about change in business communication. It is rare to find one that keeps you turning pages all through the night -- Top Dog is such a book.

Pincus combines the gifts of a talented novelist with a researcher's painstaking attention to detail. He presents corporate life in raw form, showing the insecurities, arrogance, pettiness and base motives of his characters along with the deep desire (of at least the main character) to do the right thing. The story in the novel is portrayed so accurately, so humanly, that it will ring true with the college freshman as well as the "top dog" in a major corporation. But Pincus and his co-author J. Nicholas DeBonis also take it a step further. They intersperse chapters of this gripping novel with equally thought-provoking and intelligent chapters of analysis. Yes, this is a book that makes you think, but you will have fun doing it.

If I were a CEO today, I would not only read this book, I'd make it required reading for everyone in my company. Until everyone in a company understands the challenges faced by the "top dog", the communication problems in business will only compound.

David Pincus is well-known for his management research of Fortune 500 companies. He puts his research results to good use with co-author, Debonis in this combination fiction-non-fiction book about a CEO in a crisis.

Like any novel, the fictional story that alternates chapters of Top Dog, develops memorable characters we root for, such as the protagonist CEO Arlen Royster, and those we want to see vanquished. It is a good story on its own merit, set in the crisis atmosphere of a large business. As story complications arise, the factual chapters discuss real world business problems and solutions that relate to the story. These chapters draw on Pincus's interviews with well-known CEOs and interesting, relevant case studies. It is an excellent and effective technique that keeps the reader interested.

Anyone in management will find Top Dog worth reading.

During my battle with breast cancer, this became the most important book in my struggle with my diagnosis and treatment. It was sitting quietly on a bookshelf at the chemo infusion room. What a beautiful, beautiful, uplifting, empowering book! It was hard to find during that time, but I am pleased to see that Amazon has it available now. Highly recommended to anyone who has been touched by breast cancer, personally or thru someone you love. The photographer captures the spirit of the women perfectly, and their stories are well written. It touched the depths of my soul.

This is the best book I have ever read. It is not only beautiful but also wonderfully written. I suggest this book for anyone battling cancer.

I know many of the women in this book. They are, or were, indeed warrior women. I have reassessed my opinion of the tenacity of the human spirit after knowing them. Springer catches the essence of these women in her inimitable way.

This book is one of the most beautiful and inspiring books that I have read. The photography is spectacular!!! If you know someone who has just been diagnosed with Breast Cancer, give this book to them. It will give them hope for the future and help them realize that they are not alone.

Incredible photographs and prosen are contained in this book. A moving, sensitive chronicle of cancer survivorship that changed my perceptions forever. I recommend it unreservedly. I can't wait until Springer's next book!

As a professional consultant (strategy, operations and growth) I have seen many young businesses longing for the real-world perspective Beth gives with her exercises and directions. This book provides the small business owner or "owner in startup mode" with a practical, hands-on `how-to-guide' to get their sales and marketing program (the engine for growth) off the ground and running fast. The pragmatic tools in the book and on the CD are an invaluable resource for beginners or those struggling to take their marketing efforts to the next level.

I hope that future editions of this book add even more of the `real-life' perspective that takes the expert's advice and shows it in action to the reader hungry for examples of how it's done.

As a small business owner, I don't have time or patience for lofty marketing theory. I want tips and tools that work, that I can implement without a lot of fuss. Although this author has the formal credentials and obviously knows her way around academia, I was struck by how practical and "accessible" this book is--written in a easy to read conversational style, almost as though you're sitting at the kitchen table with the author. The stories she shares (of her own business experience as well as clients')offer great examples of general principles and keep us engaged. And the book really is a "toolkit," offering all sorts of practical templates that you can put to use right away, especially if you take advantage of the CD ROM included with the book--a nice bonus feature. There is no shortage of books on the subject of marketing, but if you're looking for one that really "cuts to the chase," and will be a good reference for years to come, this is the one I'd recommend.

As a Director of Marketing for a small high tech start up firm, I'm always on the prowl for more practical and proven ideas on how to grow our business. I don't have alot of time to research new ideas but I found this book has done the research for me and I can implement some of these programs very quickly.

I found the section on quantifying the "lifetime value" of your customer particular helpful. The author takes you step by step (worksheet provided) on how to calculate the financial value of your current customer(s) and then through the process of calculating what happens if you increase the average value of the sale or frequency of the sale, and it s financial impact on your business. Things you think about but never really analyze on paper.

I also found the chapter on Surveys extremely helpful. The author provides you with everything you need to know about creating a survey (samples and worksheets included) and what to do with the data once you've collected your survey responses. Another reason to stay close to your customer.

This is a terrific book that presents many, many practical and useful ideas in one spot. And I always learn something from many of the stories in the book. The nice thing about this book is that I can implement many of the marketing programs one at a time and not feel like I have to do everything all at once. This has become my "marketing how-to" book and my reference guide.

I would have liked the author to have included more information on selling, telesales or telemarketing but maybe in her next book!

The book "Small Business Marketing Toolkit" by Goldstein is one of those rare books that has essentially distilled all of the key point of marketing and related business into an easy to read and easy to absorb package. I am an entrepreneur and also teach entrepreneurship, and I have begun to refer to the content and approach of this book in both my work and academic lives. It cuts through all of the usual academic chatter and presents the most important points and insights in a clear and unencumbered way. I would highly recommend it to someone looking for these attributes in a book on this topic.

Beth Goldstein has taken her years of real world experience put it into a easy to read format. The conversational style mixed with simple frameworks and practical tips make this a must read for any small business owner. Many books for small business owners simply reuse tools for large company marketing- but this book presents examples, market research methods and customer analytics in a language and scale most appropriate for small firm owners. The market plan implementation is definitely a winner. All small business owners should own this practical and useful book.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R28WFPYI61I948 I am also listing what I would consider the 5 most important learning-Spanish resources availalbe for self-study which I think you will not only enjoy but also benefit from if you love learning Spanish as much as I do:

1. Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Pronouns And Prepositions This book covers the proper usage of Pronouns and Prepositions and just like Spanish Verb Tenses, you will find plenty of exercises to improve your Spanish-language skills.

2. Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Verb Tenses This is a must have book for learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs for both beginners and advanced students. You will want to read it from cover to cover and then keep it as a learning-Spanish resource.

3. Learning Spanish Like Crazy: Spoken Spanish, Vol. 1 (2 volume set) This is the self-study course that I would recommend for someone that needs to immediately learn how to speak Spanish in order to communicate with Spanish-speakers that have recently arrived in the U.S or for someone that expects to be speaking to people in familiar situations in Latin America. This course comes closer to teaching the colluquial or familiar style of conversational Spanish that you will hear native speakers use among themselves. I like the fact that they only use native Spanish speakers in this course.

4. The Big Red Book of Spanish Verbs with CD-ROM, Second Edition This is a must have book for learning how to conjugate hundreds of Spanish verbs in the various tenses. But if you already have 501 Spanish Verbs: with CD-ROM (Barron's Foreign Language Guides) then you can skip this book.

5. Mierda!: The Real Spanish You Were Never Taught in School (Plume) Actually, this one is not a must-have book. It is optional. But it is very entertaining so after studying Spanish hard I always find it helpful to use a learning-Spanish resource for pure fun. And this book is lots of fun. That's if you are not easily offened by vulgar language. Even if you are not the type who would use dirty words in a conversation you'll probably still find this book very entertaining to read. At the very least, you will pick up enough slang and vulgar Spanish words so that when you hear it you will at least recognize it.

I hope that my review has been helpful to other Amazon shoppers.

Non-native Spanish students, listen up! This is the *ultimate* book!!! All 14 tenses are explained with crystal clear comparisions to the English language. What does the English language do in the subjunctive that the Spanish language does or does not do? This book answers that question and sooo many others!!!! "Haber" is no longer my enemy.

The order of grammatical concepts is sensible. (Unlike the way I learned them in the 90s!) I gained a lot of confidence with each exercise. The exercises also offer different ways of becoming more competent in Spanish. For example, sometimes you have to identify the subject of the preterite tense, other times you are translating from English to Spanish, other times Spanish to English, and then sometimes working with multiple tenses. The activities get more challenging as the book progresses.

There is a complete answer key in the back.

This book is better than most at explaining the complex rules of Spanish, but also some of the interesting background behind the rules. Not for beginners, but definitely a great book for year 2 Spanish learners.

I have been using The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice: Mastering Spanish Grammar for Confident Communication as a review and reference book. It has seen me through Spanish language exams, travel to Spanish-speaking countries, business meetings where I had to speak Spanish, and even social situations. I read Spanish language newspapers and magazines and even some history and literature and watch Mexican telenovelas with a high level of comprehension.

I've been seeking a good follow-up review text and at last I found it: The Ultimate SPANISH VERB Review and Practice: Mastering Verbs and Sentence Building for Confident Communication. This amazing book is taking me through verb forms in all the tenses. The explanations are crystal clear and there are loads of exercises for practice. I love the Building Sentences section in each chapter because from the simple conjugated verb I learn how to build sentences by adding the verb + infinitive construction, or create sentences with double object pronouns; I learn how to express probability, how to focus on a certain element in the sentence, etc. I can say all the things I've wanted to say about "if something happens" or "if something were to happen" or "if something had happened" (possible conditions or contrary-to-fact conditions).

I like the presentation of Spanish grammar contrasted with English grammar. I'm a native English speaker but never really thought about English grammar until I used The Ultimate books. I find this very helpful, and I'm learning a lot about English, too!

Spanish has a lot of tenses and a lot of irregular verbs. The Ultimate SPANISH VERB Review and Practice is helping me to learn and practice them in context. I really like that the book allows me to go out of order which means if I need more practice on the present subjunctive (which I do!), I can jump right to Chapter 11. This book makes learning Spanish so logical and even enjoyable.

I think the Language Boxes are great because I'm learning interesting facts about Spanish. I didn't know that about 4,000 Spanish words, such as ojalá, el café, el alcohol, and hasta, were borrowed from Arabic. I am also learning many words that Spanish borrows from English to describe computer terms, such as crashear, linkear, and cliquear.

The Ultimate SPANISH VERB Review and Practice is the gold standard of language teaching books.

I began reading this book and doing the exercises after a very basic beginner's class which sparked my interest in learning the language more thoroughly. While I would say this book can be a stretch for beginning students of Spanish, it's perfect for intermediate and advanced learners. I read this book two years ago and once I had completed it, I took a placement exam for the University of Costa Rica's "Spanish for foreigners" class. I was able to qualify for the advanced level! Since then I have purchased more than sixty books which cover all aspects of the Spanish language. This book is, by far, the one I consider most useful and still use as a review. The explanations of the grammar are straightforward and easy to understand (even the dreaded subjunctive!) There are plenty of very useful exercises with an answer-key in the back of the book. Chapters often build on previous information and is best to work through this book sequentially. I can't say enough good things about this book!

Great boat for really simple very small boats. This is an excellent reference book for someone who has never build any kind of a boat. I had hoped for more larger stitch and glue boats, like in the 15 to 19 foot range such as the Diablo and Diablo Grande.

I don't know of any pleasure greater than enjoying an outing in a vehicle that you built with your own hands. A boat is one of the few vehicles that most people can actually build from readily available materials and without years of training and a treasure trove of specialized tools. Unfortunately, too many would-be boat builders jump in too deep, too soon. Mr. Atkin teaches us that anyone can build a boat and provides a perfect entry point for anyone thinking about leaving terra firma in a craft of their own making. Not only does he include many free, easy-to-build designs, but he teaches through clear, comprehensive text and illustrations, the basic skills and techniques that apply not only to build the designs in the book, but to future projects beyond the book. If you're planning a boat project with kids this is THE book. As an added bonus, Mr. Atkin invites us to join his discussion group, where we can share tips and tales with the author and others who have built and enjoyed his designs. Ultrasimple Boat Building is not only a great starting point for newbies, it's a great launching point for future hard core builders.

This book belongs on the shelf of anyone who is contemplating building their own boat. This book was a special treat for me because there is a picture of a boat I built in it.
The prospect of building a boat can be very overwhelming. It is a process of figuring out your needs and then deciding on an appropriate design. This is followed by determining if you have the tools, money, space, skill, and time to see a project go from a pile of wood to a pleasant afternoon sailing on a local lake with your family. If you are like me you begin this process by reading as much as you possibly can prior to actually creating sawdust.
Gavin Atkin's book is divided into two parts. The first part deals with the "how" to build a boat. Although you may supplement this information with additional material from other sources, Atkin gives enough practical information to actually build a boat. Atkin makes building a boat for someone who has never done it seem very doable, even fun. The second part of the book is filled with designs to whet the appetite of anyone who
is in the process of trying to decide what would would be the right boat for them. Mr. Atkin includes complete plans for seventeen of his own designs, all very doable, plus he reviews designs done by other popular designers.
My boat recently succumbed to dry rot and was hauled to the dump. I am now in the process of deciding which is the "right" boat to build and Gavin Atkin's book, "Ultrasimple Boatbuilding", has renewed my interest in building my own boat again.

Gavin Atkin has been designing boats and distributing those plans for free on the web for many years with his main enjoyment being the photos and letters he received from builders. I built his flying mouse and found it to be wonderfully stable boat in a short and light package, not a normal combination. His book is a must-have addition to his plans for the extra instruction and advice he gives. He also has all sorts of different boatplans in this book to choose from for your build. Finally, you not only get the book but Gavin is readily available and responsive through the mouseboats yahoo group to answer any questions you might have during the build.

Excellent example boats in the well written boat. The author explains his choices - of boat types and construction types - very well. Inspires me to try and build a boat better than one he would build. Well at least with a nicer finish, "better" is open for dicussion. And I would not mind discussing better with the author, I would gladly pay for the for pint.