Book Review - Snip, Burn, Solder, Shred

About the Book
It's a good time to be a Do-It-Yourselfer. With hackerspaces popping up in cities around the world and countless new publications, live events, and, of course, TV shows, DIY culture has never been more vibrant. When it comes to the holidays, though, not even DIYers are immune to the lure of big-box retailers.

For DIY parents looking for another way to bond with their kids this holiday season, No Starch Press offers Snip, Burn, Solder, Shred (November 2010, 360 pp., $24.95, ISBN 9781593272593).

"This is a craft book for people who wouldn't be caught dead with a craft book," says author David Erik Nelson. "When they hear the word 'craft,' most people think of doilies and sock puppets. Those are great crafts, absolutely, but they're just the tip of the iceberg. Maker culture is at the root of everything from electronics hacking to punk rock. There's something here for everybody—even my four-year-old loves rocking out on the Thunderdrum and throwing pizza-box boomerangs."

Nelson is quick to note that Snip, Burn, Solder, Shred does in fact have a sock squid, along with other projects for young children. But in a nod to horror master H.P. Lovecraft, it also has a sock Cthulhu. "That's really the tack this book takes," Nelson says. "Even the more traditional projects have an unexpected twist, so they're that much more fun to make."

Nelson has seen firsthand the impact that making can have on kids' lives. Each of the 24 projects in Snip, Burn, Solder, Shred is field tested and kid approved from his days as a private school teacher for troubled teens. "Hands-on tinkering helps kids learn to make their own choices, evaluate the results, and take control of their lives," Nelson adds. "These projects are fun, but they also have a lot of educational value."

With its collection of cool toys, games, gizmos, gadgets, and musical instruments, the projects in Snip, Burn, Solder, Shred are perfect for DIYers looking for something more personal to give their kids this holiday season. Whether that's a mischievous teddy bear that administers electric shocks or a band's worth of musical instruments, these projects are guaranteed to bring parents and kids together.



My Take on the Book
This book is full of great innovative ideas to engage you and your kids for quite some time. What I loved most was that this book provided step-by-step directions that left nothing to chance. Instead it spelled everything out making it simple, even though your kids will simply think that you are cool! I mean how many dads can say that they built their own electric guitar? I don't know many that is for sure!

The ideas/projects within this book are great and are ones that will leave indelible memories for you and your children.

I highly recommend this book as I know you will also find some great projects to try out for yourself!


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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