Author: Maureen Stanton
Format: Hardback
Published: Penguin Press HC; June 2011
Pages: 336
Genre: Nonfiction
Grade: B
Source: TLC Book Tours
Synopsis: Millions of Americans are drawn to antiques and flea-market culture, whether as participants or as viewers of the perennially popular Antiques Roadshow or the recent hit American Pickers. This world has the air of a lottery: a $20 purchase might net you four, five, or six figures. Master dealer Curt Avery, the unlikely star of Killer Stuff and Tons of Money, plays that lottery every day, and he wins it more than most. Occasionally he gets lucky, but more often, he draws on a deep knowledge of America's past and the odd, fascinating, and beautiful objects that have survived it.
Killer Stuff and Tons of Money is many things: an insider's look at a subculture replete with arcane traditions and high drama, an inspiring account of a self-made man making his way in a cutthroat field, a treasure trove of tips for those who seek out old things themselves, and a thoroughly fresh, vibrant view of history as blood sport.
My Take: Have I let you in on this aspect of my life yet? Our home is replete with flea market finds! I used to not be a flea market goer I swear, thinking they were full of t-shirts and bobby socks and then I moved to San Francisco and had a house to furnish. As a child my mom was really into antiques. Our whole house was decorated with them and we would spend entire weekends trolling through antique stores. Do you know what an antique store is like for an eight year old? Torture! You aren't allowed to touch anything! Well then she did a 180 and is now into ultra-modern and I grew up and my boyfriend and I live in a house built in 1924. It has some modern touches but for the most part, if you have seen any movie or TV show from San Francisco you'll understand, it has the feel of an older home. It would look weird with modern furniture in it. Don't get me wrong we have a lot of new stuff in it but it looks nice with those 'authentic peices' in it and that is where our addiction, yes addiction!, for the flea market came in.
The first Sunday of every month there is the Alameda Point Antiques Fair and it is nothing if not awesome! Alameda, CA is just across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco so we get their early and go shopping and believe me people, if you want to furnish your home and don't want to pay the crazy prices of furniture stores (obviously I am not talking about Ikea) and you like shabby chic or anything from the Mad Men era, that get yourself to a flea market! You can furnish your whole house with great finds! Need something for a craft? Flea market! It's an addiction and a great way to spend a sunny morning and get some exercise to boot. Just find your own as mine's already packed ;)
Should I talk about the book? That's why we are here right?! Ok, I'll be honest, you had me at the title: Killer Stuff and Tons of Money is a great title! Naturally, this book focuses on all of the East Coast flea markets which always erks me. I don't know why but I was hoping for a look at all of the US flea markets and the people who make them up across the US. I find that would be a nice story about Americana and how they are all different. Don't get me wrong, I want to go to Brimfield some day which was featured highly in this book but I also really want to go to the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena and that crazy one in Texas! (You flea market aficionados know which ones I'm talking about, right?!)
The crux of the story is centered around Avery who has built his life around making money at flea markets. He supports his whole family doing so which is fascinating but not necessarily, in my opinion, book worthy. More like a couple of chapters worthy. It got a little monotonous. I loved the chapters that focused on how Antiques Roadshow and eBay changed the face of antiques and flea markets. They are so prevalent in our culture and I had no idea the ramifications they had on the industry and therefor their effects were so fascinating!
Overall, if you love this part of our culture there are parts of this story that will make you smile, that you will nod your head and go, ah yes, and parts that are unnecessary but overall I am really glad I read it.
Cover Lust: I'm sorry but snooze fest 2011! Seriously, where are the crowds, the fervor of a flea market!
For other opinions about this book, here's the full TLC Tour Schedule:
Tuesday, June 7th: Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Books
Tuesday, June 7th: My Sweet Savannah
Friday, June 10th: Amused By Books
Monday, June 13th: Mod Vintage Life
Tuesday, June 14th: La Dolfina
Wednesday, June 15th: 52 Flea
Thursday, June 16th: English Major’s Junk Food
Thursday, June 16th: The Shabby Nest
Friday, June 17th: No Minimalist Here
Monday, June 20th: BookNAround
Tuesday, June 21st: hello lovely inc.
Wednesday, June 22nd: Rusty Rooster Vintage
Wednesday, June 22nd: Chaotic Compendiums
Thursday, June 23rd: Books Like Breathing
Friday, June 24th: Freckled Laundry
Monday, June 27th: Gypsy Brocante
I am not a big fan but that is cos here there are so much crap and then the good things are expensive. I have much to learn cos I know a girl who finds awesome things
ReplyDeleteAgree that the cover is dull, but the feeling and energy of flea markets is pretty exciting! I was never a yard-saler or anything of that nature, but my boyfriend loves going on "the hunt" to find treasures (and he has). As he just moved into a new place of his own (yay, no roommates!), I'm sure we'll be searching for furniture and other goodies in unusual places.
ReplyDelete"Do you know what an antique store is like for an eight year old?" Why yes, yes I do, and it IS torture! LOL
ReplyDeleteSounds like you were the perfect reader for this book. Thanks for being a part of the tour.
I am a flea market freak...I need this book!
ReplyDeleteI read this book too. The cover makes no sense but I loved this book! I've never been to a single flea market but I found reading about the whole subculture of antiques fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI find subcultures to be fascinating! I love flea markets, and I can't believe I've never been to the one in Alameda! I need to get my butt in gear!
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