The Part-Time Thief and Other Appraisal Stories (Volume 1)
Author
Susan R. Stoltz
Publisher
CreateSpace
3 Review Copies Left
Sixty-five-year-old cross dressers? Bombs? Venomous snakes? Murderers? Charging bison? Who would have thought the life of an appraiser could be so full of adventures? When most of us hear the term, real estate, we think of realtors, banks and mortgage lenders. The appraisers are those non-descript people who carry a clipboard and measuring device, look into your closets and underneath sinks, and tell you your house isn't worth anywhere near what you think it should be. Right? What most people fail to realize is that, like other high-risk jobs, we enter the homes of complete strangers without a clue as to what we may encounter. Here is a unique look at the life of a real estate appraiser from the inside out!
Reviews
The Part-Time Thief and Other Appraisal Stories by Susan R. Stoltz
Published by CreateSpace
Reviewed for Review the Book
Rodents and rattlesnakes and rogues. Not enough? How about gangsters and charging bison? This little book of stories, taken from the author's days as a real estate appraiser, shows just how dangerous some of these jobs can be. After all, you are in a vulnerable and lonely position in the true cases mentioned above and throughout episodes in Susan R. Stoltz's memoir. Probably an eye-opener to many, but I will tell you from my husband's experiences as a real estate salesman in the 1960s and prior to his retirement that this is just the tip of the iceberg! Susan writes her episodes as short chapters and in her own voice, making this book personal.
As you will find in the book, there is definitely risk, but there is humor as well, and the very real sadness of seeing how some people live. I enjoyed the book as written, but I couldn't help thinking that there must have been several other instances that did not appear in the book for whatever reason. I could see this written in a format much like the acclaimed British author James Herriot’s farm veterinarian books. Having also worked on a farm, I realize there are many more opportunities for doing those animal books, though. Nevertheless, I was left wishing for more, and felt even if the stories had to be tweaked slightly, this book could have been more fleshed out it definitely showed promise in that direction.*
But of course, this is Susan's own memoir and fascinating as is, written in stark, factual, as-it-happened realism. This author was held at gunpoint in one home, attacked by wild animals, even faced an apparently lonely senior cross-dresser while keeping her cool. This type of job is a lonely one and laughter is good when it comes your way. Terror isn't. I am amazed at the courage she maintained in her terror. I believe her quiet sense of "get the job done" and hilarious sense of understatement at times was helpful in this respect. A nice quick, lively read.
This is a prime example of how seriously some people take their work, what different types of jobs can bring, both good and bad, and how one woman stood her ground. Susan R. Stoltz is one author I would like to sit down and chat with.
*I note on her website that Susan does have a second Appraisal Stories book out.
Reviewed on 04/29/2011 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Betty Gelean
Along with the “surprise! we mean ostriches!” cover art, this book raises an eyebrow on first glance because it’s surprisingly small. The Part-Time Thief clocks in at 88 pages, or just under the size of your average poetry chapbook. In most cases, 88 pages barely makes a respectable young adult book, let alone a readable memoir. But once again, the appearance of The Part-Time Thief belies its contents: every corner of this book is packed with engaging, feel-good humor that makes for just plain good reading. The only down side to this book’s size is that it ends so quickly. The title page identifies it as “Book 1,” however, so I can only hope that The Part-Time Thief will soon have multiple siblings.
The Part-Time Thief also offers a great heads-up for new appraisers or those considering appraisal as a career. Appraisal clearly makes for good stories to tell at cocktail parties, it also involves some hair-raising moments, whether they involve bizarre pets or folks who are just a little too protective of their property. Although my own experience with appraisers has been limited to taking their testimony from the confines of my law office, The Part-Time Thief doesn’t take much reading between the lines for even my inexperienced brain to understand that appraisal isn’t just measuring lot lines or identifying termite damage. It requires tact, diplomacy, compassion, and the ability to think fast – and run faster.
The Part-Time Thief is a great choice for appraisers, potential appraisers, loan officers, and anyone else who enjoys a glimpse into the highs and lows of another’s profession. Some teenagers may also enjoy the book, although parents should strongly consider perusing it first – some of the tales contain violent or sexual themes that some teens aren’t ready to handle.
The Part Time Thief and Other Appraisal Stories. Susan R. Stoltz. Paint Horse Press (electronic edition by Garlic Press), 2010. 88 pp. $9.95. ISBN: 9781453802502.
Reviewed on 04/10/2011 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Dani Alexis Ryskamp
