Sunday, April 17, 2011

Book Review & Giveaway

Winner is Butter Yum!

I was asked to do a book review of 101 Things I Hate About Your House by James Swan, with Carol Beggy, and illustrations by Stanley A. Meyer.  Let me start by saying this is not your typical interior decorating book.  Of course, the title itself is not typical and can be a little off-putting.

book

The illustrations by Stanley A. Meyer are great additions as there are few pictures of actual rooms in this book.  The book is set up so that each chapter covers a room in the home {i.e. Chapter 1 – Entryway}, which organizes the book in an orderly fashion.  These are pictures I took of the book pages, so it’s not the best quality.

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The book tries to provide a humorous look at the way we decorate {or don’t decorate} although I found that it seemed the author was trying too hard to inject humor in certain areas.   Some portions were just not funny {at least to me}.   This is not a book I would typically read, so I had a difficult time getting through it.

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Some excerpts: “Dear Fair Reader, simply put: if it is fabric . . . then its only place in the kitchen is as a beautifully woven, possibly monogrammed tea towel.    You would no more set up a hot plate or deep fryer in your walk-in closet than you would light a match to your wardrobe.  So why would you go to all the trouble of hanging equally valuable fabric anywhere in your kitchen, and have any expectation other than its complete and total destruction.”

“Besides the look of a house, a host or hostess should consider another layer of impression with which to astonish and astound unwitting guests.  Breathe with me.  Take a deep breath and try not to choke on the aroma of musty wet dogs, acrid cat boxes, marinating gym clothes, and damp, moldy laundry.  To put it succinctly: Buy a candle.”

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However, since tastes vary, you may enjoy this book more than I did.  This is not a book for those who love interior decorating books with lots of pictures that provide inspiration. With that in mind, I am offering the book as a giveaway and you can enter by leaving a comment on this post up until Tuesday, April 19th, at 8:00 p.m. EST.   I will announce the winner on Wednesday, April 20th.

Kathy

7 comments:

Sara said...

The first excerpt made me laugh aloud lol- in agitation that is. The following one is worse. I'm still laughing. The pictures are very pretty to look at though.

Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door said...

I'm writing this comment to support you, Kathy. I'm not sure I'd read this book if I won. So if my name is drawn feel free to choose again. My response to the excerpts you wrote was..."Really? Is this man joking?"
Everyone has a right to their opinion but I'm not sure it needed to be put in book form? But then again, maybe that was the reaction he wanted.

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

Actually sounds like a book I wouldn't mind reading. I immediately thought the cover was funny - not sure about the content, but I'd be willing to give it a shot. Sounds interesting to get a glimpse of the author's real opinions about people's homes.

Jane said...

Sounds like an interesting book but I'm the type of person that needs some visual...I like pictures. Have a great week.
Jane

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Kathy,

I hope you had a fun weekend. What a clever title for a book! I'm not inviting the author to my house! lol

Thank you for visiting my tea party and having a sip of tea with me.
XO
Cindy

Kristens Creations said...

Hi Kathy, I only buy books and magazines for the pictures! lol...not sure about this book either.

I wish I had boxes big enough to ship those wreaths in. I have looked everywhere and cannot find anything suitable. Thanks for your nice comments on it! I appreciate it! Kristen

Stitchfork said...

I enjoyed your review of this book, and don't think I'd like the book itself. I need pictures! So if by the unlikely chance I win it - I'm gifting it back to you!
xo Cathy

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