HIDDEN PROFITS IN YOUR MORTGAGE: THE SMART-MONEY GUIDE TO CANADIAN HOME OWNERSHIP. Silverstein, Alan. Toronto, Stoddart, c1985. 221 pp. paperbound boards, $19.95, ISBN 0-7737-2045-6. CIP Grades 10 and up Reviewed by John D. Crawford Volume 14 Number 1 1986 January An alternative title for this book could be All You Ever Really Wanted to Know About Your Mortgage -and More. The author presents the arguments determining the various components of a mortgage clearly and with obvious expertise. The message that comes through is that a mortgage is, for many people, the most important financial decision they will ever have to make, and deserves their careful deliberation. Indeed much of the content of Hidden Profits is what could be described as expert common sense, in that once the financial aspects of mortgages are explained, the means by which repayments and other terms should be arranged are obvious. For example, most people with a mortgage will notice that the principal is reduced very slowly in the early period of repayment; a feature known as front-end loading. It follows that any prepayments additional to the basic payment will have an important effect on the total to be paid overall. I was pleasantly surprised that this book was as readable as it was. This is in large part due to the author's attractive writing style. Most of the questions concerning mortgages are answered clearly and in understandable language. Many mortgagors tend to be passive agents in their arrangement. Silverstein's instructive book should help to encourage a more educated attitude to mortgages. John D. Crawford, Frank Hobbs E.S., Victoria, B.C.