I loved how this was told, the short tales really kept my attention. When I first picked it up I thought it was a fiction book but picking up this as my NOn fiction read of the week was so awesome!

When I requested this book to read and review, I had thought it was going to be a paranormal type story but it is far different than I anticipated. It is, in fact, about the world of antique dealing and the often hilarious tales the author has acquired over years of observation in the field.
I found the tales amusing and often laugh out loud funny but in a respectful way to those who have passed on. The book was well written and was arranged in such a way as to make me feel I was sitting across from the author listening to his experiences.

I am in charge of our Senior School library and am looking for a diverse array of new books to furnish their shelves with and inspire our young people to read a wider and more diverse range of books as they move through the senior school. It is hard sometimes to find books that will grab the attention of young people as their time is short and we are competing against technology and online entertainments.
This was a thought-provoking and well-written read that will appeal to young readers across the board. It had a really strong voice and a compelling narrative that I think would capture their attention and draw them in. It kept me engrossed and I think that it's so important that the books that we purchase for both our young people and our staff are appealing to as broad a range of readers as possible - as well as providing them with something a little 'different' that they might not have come across in school libraries before.
This was a really enjoyable read and I will definitely be purchasing a copy for school so that our young people can enjoy it for themselves. A satisfying and well-crafted read that I keep thinking about long after closing its final page - and that definitely makes it a must-buy for me!

Thank you to both NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this title, Selling Dead People's Things.
I found this the most fascinating read. The descriptions of the objects themselves are lovingly written. Cerny's sense of humour and wit in telling his experiences and the people he's met along the way is endearing and make you keep reading; it's like sitting over drinks with a friends, who happens to sell haunted desks and multiple-headed taxidermy. It's a wild ride, engaging and enjoyable and, at times, very poignant. I've recommended it widely and asked our library service purchase it.
I think the cover should be changed, though. It's too Hammer horror for the book and it would appeal to a wider audience than would pick it up with what it has.

This book is about buying dead people's things. Be it clothes or antiques , they all have a story behind. This is one interesting book, dare I say among my favorites.

Insightful look at why people collect the things they do, and what can often happen to them once they pass away. Made me take a look at what I will do with my elderly parents belongings; what to keep, what to sell, what to trash. The stories behind specific items were an added bonus. Brought interest and "life" to the book.

I've always had an interest in antiques and the people that inhabit the antiques world, without owning anything of real note myself. Well I understand the need of the collector, to fill that void with things! To complete a set, even if you don't know it when you begin.

I received this book via ARC from Netgalley.Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

So, as someone who every Saturday scours the local paper for Estate Sales, I was really looking forward to reading this book. Duane Cerny is an antiques and Mid Century Vintage dealer, who started out with $1500 in his pocket and built his business up into a Vintage Empire. His memoirs and recollections of starting out an are both endearing and sad. Some of the stories stayed with me and had me mulling them over in my mind for a while after I read them. However, I found the switch between first person and third person a bit jarring - who IS Marvin? Also I felt that the chapters were stitched together a little oddly. Duane talks about SRO using the acronym in an earlier chapter but doesn't explain the acronym until towards the end of the book. However, that didn't detract enough from the overall read for me.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read this book.

First, the good.

The cover is phenomenal. Perfectly creepy and when I first saw it, I had to know what the book was about. The synopsis had me utterly intrigued and I imagined the book would be reminiscent of Pawn Stars or American Pickers, in that the reader would get to read about some vintage pieces and stories that correlate with them. I honestly didn't know what exactly to expect. What I got, in the end, was a bit different but it worked well. A lot of the stories and pieces mentioned in the stories were fascinating and had that old time feel that I was hoping for. The grotesque portions too were right up my alley. Which leads me to the bad--

Firstly, I think the book would have been better suited with corresponding photographs. The two headed cow, Edgeview Medical Center, the antique stores, etc. It would have added a LOT to the story.

Secondly, the book lacked a cohesiveness. It didn't seem that there was any rhyme or reason to the way the stories were ordered in the book. It was a bit jarring. I could have overlooked that easily though, if not for my last issue--

I really disliked the author. Or maybe not even the author. I'm sure he is a nice man who would be fun to chat with at a dinner party. But in written form, he is not endearing at all. He has a smug, overdone tone that I couldn't connect with. Because of this, I cared very little about any personal tidbits he included in the book. His jokes were horrible. By the end of the book, I just wanted it to be over.

This was an incredibly interesting book. The cover is very creepy and might turn some readers away, but it is one of the reasons it grabbed my attention.

True stories of buying dead people's things. This is an incredulous book about buying, vintage, antique collectables. Not only that is is about the persons who own these things. The history about an object, piece of furniture, postcard, or picture. All of these things have a history. This history carries on to each person that owns it. Then it gathers that history. An interesting journey of becoming a world renowned antiques dealer. Humorous, smart, incredible. Great stories.
5 Stars

I absolutely loved this! I never knew too much about the estate sale business and honestly have always thought it was purely an American activity (I’ve heard a podcast I listen to talk about it often). Following Duane on his adventures around Chicago through estate sales was incredibly interesting and I loved the heartfelt stories he told about the people who owned the items. It’s something that I personally have never thought too much about. The personal connection that Duane shares with the story is lovely even though he’s talking about selling dead peoples stuff!

The entire book gave off reminiscent vibes that felt incredibly personal to the Duane. I love that he started his business and sales career by running a toy store on consignment in his front porch! This is the second non-fiction book I’ve read about the deceased and it’s changing the way I view death and the afterlife.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book.

I've always had an interest in antiques and the people that inhabit the antiques world, without owning anything of real note myself. Well I understand the need of the collector, to fill that void with things! To complete a set, even if you don't know it when you begin. I loved reading about Duane and his various encounters, although there were times I wished more was explained and the stories didn't jump around so much. I am such a complete noob to antiques (haha!) that I needed more information on what made things valuable/why. All I know is books from my own personal experience and working in Op Shops.

There are some real gems of stories here, but I admit some held my attention better than others. I liked the comical way Duane described some situations, even if I wasn't sure if they were the same quality as some of the other stories; for example I greatly enjoyed the story of the older lady with the mysterious item for sale, but not so much the Ventriloquist at the party story or the cleaning up the hoarder's house. Still though, I think the good stories outweighed the bad, and maybe the stories I didn't enjoy as much will appeal to others.

All I can say at the finish is; I want more! More stories, more explanations and that isn't a bad thing. Second book in a row where I've felt like the author has more to say and should publish another book. Really enjoyable, five stars!

I am still laughing as I write this review. If a book makes you feel, it in my books, is a must read. There are funny moments, some bittersweet moments, some moments that can give you goosebumps.

Duane Scott Cerny has been running in vintage sale circles for most of his life. He currently owns Broadway Antique Market with his business partner in Chicago. With a lifetime of collecting and selling under his belt, Cerny has more that one strange story. In his book Selling Dead People's Things: Inexplicably True Tales, Vintage Fails & Objects of Objectionable Estates, Cerny gives readers a look not only into the strange estates he's picked through, but the sometimes creepy experiences he's had. 

Being a vintage dealer means sometimes going into the homes of hoarders, encountering grieving relatives, and even vicious landlords who are more than happy to send someone in to do their dirty work if it means getting their building rented. This collection of essays has more than one story about creepy goings on, like a television that turns on without power while a family sits Shiva for the dead. 

Selling Dead People's Things is an enjoyable read but not certainly not a conventional story. Reading this collection of essays feels more like sitting down with someone while they tell you hilarious stories over drinks. Look past the off-putting cover and give this book a shot. It is now available from Thunderground Press.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Selling Dead People's Things is a collection of essays written by antique extrodinaire Duane Scott Cerny. Each one is its own story and gives readers a peek into the suprising world of antique buying and estate liquidating.
Despite years of going to estate sales and visiting qntique stores, I had never given much thought to the other side of the counter-to the people selling the occupied Japan figurines and books to me. As it turns out, their world is incredibily unique. Cerny shares his struggles and successes--and his just plain weird experiences in an engaging and funny manner. To be honest, I almost put the book down after the third or fourth chapter because it wasn't quite what I expected. But I kept reading and I am glad that I did. One or two chapters seemed to miss the mark, but overall I really enjoyed Selling Dead People's Things.

Anyone who likes antiques roadshow or poking around dusty dingy estate sales for the perfect find will be intrigued by this book.

The cover is fabulous! Unfortunately, the inside of the book wasn't quite as interesting as the cover. As someone from a family of antique dealers, the author got a little extra buy-in from me, but as a teacher-librarian this is not for me or my kids.

This book was a fun read! The different stories were both funny and poignant even with with different level of interest.
I loved the style of writing that is really witty and tender at same time.
A must read for whoever is interested in stories about collectibles.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Thunderground Press and Netgalley for this ARC

Being a vintage/antique reseller the premise of this book drew me in. I love the bizarre stories other resellers tell and this memoir did not disappoint.

The author details his journey, with the highs and lows, into the world of vintage. He started working at a fast turnover Chicago antique mall, designing displays and curating a basement booth. He describes what it was like to sell in the time before the internet, which is similar to the stories I have heard the old timers mumble about the “good old days” of antique selling. From there, he hits some bumps in the road, and it is interesting pe he manages to recover.

He comes across a poltergeist, fun picker friends, and has a hell of a few stories to tell about the odd world of vintage resale.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an unbiased review.