Just finished "Killer Stuff...". It was an fascinating look into the world of antiques and collecting. I loved how this world can teach you so much about history, and have a better appreciation of craftsmanship. This book is kind of fictionalized non-fiction. By that I mean that the author has changed the names of many characters etc. in the book to protect their identity. This is a world in which you have to be very knowledgeable to not get "taken" in purchases. There are many reproductions, repairs, or otherwise altered pieces, that some try to sell as the real deal. I enjoyed learning more about the life of an antiques dealer. The community in which I live has an antique show/flea market every August, so now I have a much better understanding of the whole subculture and what life is like on the road. Throughout the book the author shadows "Curt Avery", helping him set up at the various shows, follow along as he hunts for more treasures, and helps pack up again. It also tells us how he got started collecting and selling antiques. It was facinating to me how often these dealers shop from each other. Mr. Avery has a deep love of history, which comes through in his choosing to do this for a living. Much experience and research has too be done to do this job well. This book also comments on the effect of the poor economy, and how it has affected values and what kind of items sell. I will be a much more appreciative shopper when it comes to antiques. The only thing that did not grab or hold my attention too well was the chapter on comic book and toy collecting. I understand including it to be thorough, but personally it was not an area of interest to me. Since it was not an area Mr. Avery was involved in, it also seemed to be a bit of a detour to the story. I would recommend this book to those who love history, love antiques, and those for whom the television show "American Pickers" has become a must see. This book has definitely opened my eyes to the world of antiques. It is not a boring world at all, but these pieces are slices of our history. I received this as a "First Reads" book giveaway.