a re-read, but I've never ranked this book on GR before. ( )

If I were a carpenter or a tradesman I might appreciate his reminiscing about the old hand tool days. ( )

Substance: Invaluable advice on carpentry and tools. Application of maxims to other areas of life.
Style: Anecdotal memoir. ( )

Norm Abrams is a pro in the shop, but he's no bard. The language is clunky and the information doesn't flow. But, if you can look beyond all that, there's lots of good information in here. ( )

You will learn more about Norm Abram and life from this book than you will about carpentry. While talking about basic principles of carpentry, Abram explores the experiences that shaped his life and his philosophy. It is engaging and personal. I have it filed in my philosophy section, rather than in carpentry. It is a wonderful book. ( )