apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I've read a few dummies and complete idiot books, although not for home design or remodeling. I've found those books to be a really good starting place when reading about a new subject.

i borrowed "vegetarianism for dummies" during the process of becoming a veggie. not the best source out there but it sure helped!

My first job out of college was editing For Dummies books. The quality varies wildly depending on the topic, the author and the editorial team. I continue to be shocked that the series is still around. It's well past its sell-by date, IMHO.

I love these books! I think they are a great intro to a new subject, and they are quick and easy to read. I usually want something with a little more depth for something that I want to know a lot about, but for topics that I just want to know the basics on, these are some of my favorites.

This is not related to home repair or decorating, but I got a Puppies for Dummies book when I got my new puppy, and it was amazing. There's no way I'd have such a good dog now if not for that book....probably mostly common sense stuff, but for someone who has no idea what to do, it was a wonderful step by step on how to raise a dog.

These books must be hugely successful as there are so many of them. I have always been surprised at the number of people I know who take offense at the title use of "for Dummies." I just assumed it was meant to be humorous. Maybe they should have called them "for Newbies"

Anyway I've used quite a few of the computer oriented books and also on home organizing and found them quite useful and clear.

I'm with you Charlotte, anyone that is offended or put off by the title of these books is taking themselves waaaaaay too seriously...