This book is one of three versions I purchased-one for my Grandmother, another for my father, and a third for my mother.
I'll start from the top:
A. DESIGN:
Beautiful exterior design. The color chosen for each group (Grandmothers, Moms, Dads) is appropriate, and the cover design is clean and simple. The linen covering for the cover of each book gives it a distinguished feel, far from many of the cheaply-made alternatives that can be found in the "Customers Who Purchased This Item Also Purchased..." recommendation bar along the bottom.
There are only two issues with the design. First, the barcode that adheres to the back of the book is peeled off easily, but pulls some of the book's color off with it as it goes. Second, the books are so SMALL! This is really the main reason why they're rated at a three-star level. Between the photos and the product description, I felt as though it should have been made clear that these books are really no larger than a postcard. to discover this fact, you either have to order the books and discover it when they arrive in a tiny package, or scroll down and read into the product specs.
Also, the size is especially inconvenient for mothers, fathers and Grandmothers who are older and need more space to write (both due to handwriting and the length of their stories) that's not such a great design choice. Each question only allows for a few lines' worth of answers...can you truly expect your family members to provide a recounting of the bits and pieces of her life with only a dozen closely spaced lines?
B. INTERIOR COPY:
Questions seem interesting and story-inspiring. There isn't much in the way of uniqueness, but the fact that the books are providing a start for family members to capture each others' stories is what really makes these books special. Again, a larger book would allow for an expansion of those stories instead of shortened, clipped versions. Text is clear and clean. Easy to read.
C. PRICE:
I felt that these books were a bit overpriced, but not overpriced enough that I wanted to go through the trouble of sending them back.
D. OVERALL
These books seem well-made, well-designed and thoughtful. Whoever you purchase them for will definitely enjoy them (providing they're OK with the idea of having to come up with the stories to answer the questions). Most of all, you'll truly enjoy the opportunity to delve into some of your family stories. The only items to be aware of are
1. The tiny size of these books.
2. The limited writing space
3. The barcode that takes some of the book color with it when peeled free.
I'd only purchase these items again if the price were lowered. At even $5 or $6, I'd feel that the value was better. At $10, they seem overpriced to me.
