400 Knitting Stitches : a complete dictionary of essential stitch patterns- review

I had high hopes for this book, and the online reviews looked good. However--it is not something I feel compelled to add to my knitting library.
+lots of interesting patterns, arranged in logical categories
+charts included (not that I care)
+binding lets the book mostly lie flat when you have it open
+18.95 list price is decent

-instructions sort of ramble on and don't have line breaks--so they sort of go like this 1st:blah blah blah. 2th, 7th, 9th rows do this. 3rd do something else.
-no yarn or needle size recommendations--you are just supposed to intuit what would work best
-the title made me think this would be very comprehensive, but there were lots of patterns missing

Check this out from the library before purchasing.

Book Review - Hattitude: Hats for Every Mood

by Cathy Carron, $19.95

I was very excited to get this book, but now I am not so sure about it. There are many hats in the book, many different styles using many different yarns, but there are a few problems.
- Most of them take expensive yarns (Ozark Mountain Handspun, Classic Elite...)
- The yarns are not washable (not so good for gifting in my case)
- Some of the stuff would just not be wearable except in an urban area by someone with a very high level of confidence
- lots of patterns require the ever evil DPNS
+ lots of interesting shapes that could be fun to play around with
+ lot of different colors
- not much for men

So-recommended for those with deep pockets, a very full stash, or hat lovers. Otherwise-borrow a copy from the library.