Advanced Origami

This origami book is SUPER advanced. It's difficult to tell that some of the images are even made of paper. If you're interested in origami, I would recommend mastering the simple dry folding technique before turning to the wet folding shown in this book.
From a literary perspective, the book achieves its purpose with very detailed folding instructions (more clear than most origami I've seen), as well as in-depth recipes for various folding papers. My one real criticism of Michael LaFosse is his flowery stories about each animal and why he's inspired by them. Really not necessary.

Rating - 2

Advanced Home Plumbing

So, I probably wouldn't have read this, but it's tiny and mostly pictures. As such, I finished it in one morning. Not sure if I learned much of anything though. The projects illustrated in the book are the type that most home owners would hire a professional for, unless they are trying to build their own home. I wonder how reliable the book is when it's published by Black & Decker, the very company that is trying to sell its tools and supplies. I'm gonna try not to think about it too much, and just enjoy the photos of the man in plaid.

The Advanced Genius Theory

It's hard to know how to describe this book. Jason Hartley is an amazing writer. Perhaps the word "genius" is what really threw me off at first. This theory was discovered by Hartley and one of his friends after wondering why some of their favorite artists seemed to lose their way or "sell out". The theory states, that they weren't really crap all of a sudden, but rather they were advanced beyond their fan base's ability to comprehend. Like I said...hard to explain. If these people are Advanced, the artists who don't advance are merely Overt. In other words, they are obvious about who they are and what they're doing and fans know what to expect. I can't explain it as well as Hartley.

"Don't worry, I don't think the Advanced approach the status of gods. They still screw up and make bad art from time to time, but their mistakes are at the very least interesting and serve their evolution as Advanced Geniuses."

"The Overt find faith in a Christian or Muslim God to be absurd, though they frequently believe in other kinds of spirituality such as yoga or quasi Buddhism that don't prohibit believers from getting drunk or having sex before being married. What is interesting is that Overt people typically find religious people closed-minded and intolerant, but they too have a very specific set of rules about what makes a person acceptable or unacceptable."

"I'm not saying Elvis is a messianic figure or anything. Elvis was more like Obi-Wan Kenobe calmly allowing himself to be light-sabered by Darth Vader. If he is Obi-Wan, then we are Luke, yelling "No!" because we can't understand that by leaving the physical plane, Elvis/Obi Wan gets closer to the Force and will give us some of his power when we are ready to destroy the Death Star."
Advanced British Artists are more likely to keep their fan because Europeans have more advanced taste.

"One of the greatest challengs all parents face is having "The Talk" with their child..."But whenever the time comes--and it will--we parents are going to have to sit down and try to explain where James Brown came from."

Rating - 4

The Advanced Cyclist's Training Manual

I'm rather biased when I respond to this book because I love cycling. I would consider myself in no way advanced, but Luke Edwardes-Evans was able to teach me a few very practical things. I thought at first that it would leave me depressed because I'm not even in good enough shape to do RAGBRAI, let alone a race.
This is a different kind of book. It's not about training schedules and mantras (although it does have its share of both). Rather, it's geared toward the rider as an individual. Yes, hardcore training is important if you want to race well, but if you set out with no regard to your schedule, relationships, and fitness goals, you will burn out fast. One can only hope that doesn't include an injury in the process.
The information was surprisingly NOT over my head and March was the perfect month to read it, as this is about the time when I get really obsessed with cycling. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Rating - 4

Advanced Cancer

Hooray, another cancer book! Ok, it's not that bad...the book that is. This is part of a series of books from the American Cancer Society called Quick Facts. It is exactly that.

The book covers all the basics without delving into flowery language or overly technical jargon. It is specifically about advanced cancer, where there is little or no chance of recovery. Prevention, diagnosis, which types of cancer tend to spread where. It's all there, compacted into a quick, easy to navigate read.

Rating - 2

Advanced Bread and Pastry conclusion

I wonder how much of all this I'll remember. What a huge book! In case anyone suspects that this is a recipe book, they are mistaken. There are, however, many "formulas" for breads and pastries. I love carbohydrates, but after reading this book, I'm becoming gradually convinced that humans aren't meant to eat bread. The percentage of actual nutrition is rather small.
But that didn't stop me from lusting after the many photos of grandiose concoctions. My only negative comment is that the author veers too far from the bread and pastry topic and spends a considerable chunk of the end talking about things like syrups and sugar molds and *sigh* chocolate. Lovely topics on their own, but he could have spared me a few hundred pages and a few pounds to boot.
If you're considering a career in baking, this book is a must read. If you're a casual home cook, I'd recommend a simple cook book instead and leave the chemistry to the professionals.
Rating - 3