Thursday, November 17, 2011

Book Review: Killer Stuff and Tons of Money

I just finished "Killer Stuff and Tons of Money: Seeking History and Hidden Gems in Flea Market America" by Maureen Stanton.
It really was a GREAT read. It gave me a whole new outlook on Antiques and the world of Flea Markets.

Maureen follows around antique expert Curt Avery, show to show, market to market. It sounds a little cliche but I really felt like I was there. I couldn't wait to get a few free minutes and find out what show or antique market we were going to next.

I saw a little bit of myself in the book . . . unfortunately it was in the Housewife that shows up at noon, looking for "THE LOOK". It doesn't have to be a 'real' antique but I want it to look like one :S Something I'm going to be more conscious of now!
I also had NO idea how much Martha Stewart Living influenced the antique market, if something shows up in her magazine, the price automatically jumps up.

From Nicholas Cage's collection of shrunken heads . . . to Oprah's $200,000+ dresser, I was enthralled with the collections, but probably more so the money that people spend on them.

And last would be my new understanding of how much knowledge it takes to be in the antique business. The small little details can mean the difference between $10 and $100,000 or a million dollars.
The book was a bit sad, very exciting, well written, and for me . . . a bit guilt inducing, because I'm the one buying those "reproductions" that are killing the industry. But It definitely gave me "the shopping bug" I can't wait to get out and start looking for some redware or sandwich glass.

I would give this book a MUST READ status! I LOVED every word of it!!
And who knows your million dollar find could be right around the corner.

5 comments:

  1. I started it in the summer, couldn't put it down... until I did and then couldn't find it... found it again and now I'm gonna start over... {I hate that}... :)

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  2. Just reserved it from my local library. Not something I would typically read but now so curious I have too! LOL Thanks for the recommendation.

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  3. Oh I do luv antique shopping! My brother is a dealer, down south, so it must be like a family trait! I buy lots of my jewelry at shops and flea markets. Luv the look of old rhinestones and brooches! Awesome review! Thanks! I'll definitely be reading this one and getting a copy for my brother for Christmas!

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  4. Always love your book recommendations!

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  5. Thank you for the recommendation! I went out and got this from the library right after I read your review, and really loved it!
    I posted my own review here: http://bitsofjess.tumblr.com/post/13967514971/what-im-reading-killer-stuff-tons-of-money-by

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