The Only Barter Book You'll Ever Need

When my father wrote this book in 1984, I had yet to be born by three years. In fact, he had yet to meet my mother by one.I really shouldn't review this book -- I've never read it -- but I thought that my relation to its author would warrant at least a comment.From what I understand, the book was not a large success. In the age of the Eighties, with the economic boom and the attitude of greed sweeping the nation, a book about saving money was not in so much demand as one about, oh say, making your Cadillac look really kickin'. My sister and I joke about how the illustration on the front (a painted handshake eminating a cornucopia of fur coats, booze, musical notes, concert tickets, a bicycle, tools, jewelry, a painting, skis, an automobile and even a happy red lobster) looked "SO early-eighties" and the cover lettering is reminiscent of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (a series which also wouldn't begin for a few years).As I said, I won't comment on the content of the book, but I will say that if you are looking for a legal, sometimes tax-free way to obtain objects, well, here's the only barter book you'll ever need. As the back cover proclaims boldly:"Whether its baking pies in exchange for free tennis lessons, or trading multi-million dollar pieces of real estate, THE ONLY BARTER BOOK YOU'LL EVER NEED gives you the essential facts and ground rules before you start to barter."PLUS... all the facts you should know about how the IRS is dealing with barter income, and the best way to avoid getting hassled."Although I can't verify whether or not the rules outlined in this book still apply to modern IRS laws, they sure did back in '84.Nobody makes money off of this relic anymore, so I could care less if you buy it... but, better yet -- why don't you barter for the book?-Tyler Mack, November, '03