Gobs and Gobs of Free Stuff (Paperback)

~ Matthew Lesko (Author), Mary Ann Martello (Author) "Times are tough, and we're all looking for more ways to save a few bucks, right?..." (more)
Key Phrases: Environmental Protection Agency, State Information Office, Federal Information Center (more...)

Product Details

• Paperback: 481 pages
• Publisher: Information USA; 3rd edition (August 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1878346334
• ISBN-13: 978-1878346339
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #661,902 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

88 of 90 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A very good, useful book (like it) but a bit misadvertised, May 31, 2002

By	Joel L. Gandelman (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I LIKE this book. And if I rated it on what I liked about it I would easily give it five stars. It has very well-written and fun descriptions on various informational topics, coupled with addresses, phone numbers and websites from which you can get gobs and gobs of free information. Most of these sources are federal and state government agencies that will send you fact sheets, booklets, catalogues, and lists. And in the back of the book there is an enormously useful directory of state information sources.

The problem is the book is advertised and titled Gobs and Gobs of Free Stuff! True, but the free stuff is INFORMATION so it should be Gobs and Gobs of Free Information.

I'm an entertainer and do lots of venues, including schools, so this book is going to be well used and it has already been placed in a pivotal spot on my desk bookshelf. But if you're expecting Gobs and Gobs of Free Stuff such as the stuff described on its cover ("free gifts, posters, toys, videos, books, advice, travel, money and much much more") you will be sorely disappointed and feel that you did not get your money's worth.

Again: this is a valuable tool, is well-organized, with well-written, breezy descriptions (that are fun to read even if you're not looking for anything) and you can get TONS of information from it....but you're NOT going to see your mailbox or postbox overflow with free merchandise. The "stuff" is actually good, solid information...and this book can save you time and give you some great ideas...IF that is what you're looking for.

55 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars this man and his books are a joke, July 17, 2004

By A Customer

i purchased this book with a couple of his other titles 'on sale' a few years ago thinking that i could save money on travel,health,legal and household items and all i got was B---S---..and to boot i got junkmail for months telling me that i could get rich by SELLING the same books to others...a f&*%ing PYRAMID SCHEME....i'd seen this dorky fool on several talk shows throughout the nineties and thinking maybe he's onto something.WRONG!

his 'information' is incomplete,outdated and misleading! Caveat Emptor!
folks, you can get better information from the Consumer Infomation Catalog from the Federal Citizen Infomation Center based in Pueblo,CO offered FREE in many local libraries and public agencies across the country!(remember those corny commericals from the 80's?). they have up to date and factual information on many government programs available for free or for a lower price than this jacka$$ charges!

not to mention the internet can give you access to government/federal websites and contacts to research for grants, loans and programs to help people start businesses, get money for college,etc.

the fact of the matter is, is that if you got scammed by Lesko or others, the lesson you can take from this is that the only way to make a change in your life is to get off your duff and take a proactive role in finding opportunites to make your goals a reality. Do yourself a favor and send this joker back to obscurity.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Matthew Lesko is a JOKE, May 21, 2005

By	sherri (Virginia Beach VA) - See all my reviews

I have one of his books from the library. Often he mentions websites where you can go to to get help. These website are always down or old!!! He mentions ways to save money on groceries. His solution: clip coupons!!!! Need help with high utility bills or rent? Get a roommate!! Come on now, Matthew, you imply that you know of agencies that can help with rent, utilities, grocery bills. All the average person has to do is google the same things you suggested on the internet and their advice is free. I thank God I checked this out at the library instead of wasting good $$ on it!!!