I picked up a couple of baby red ear sliders at a bargain price, and picked up some tips on the internet. However it is nice to have a basic book handy. This would be a good reference book to get a perspective of raising these type of turtles. The authors make use their experiences to explain how your turtles will live a good life at home. They also describe differences among related turtle species and their ability to adapt to certain conditions. Nothing is really concrete or "set in stone" in the book, but they stress properly accommodating your turtles in your home based on their needs. If you are new to turtles this book may help ease you into it without feeling "caught between a rock and a hard place". Check it out, reading this book can only help you. My turtles are doing fine so far. My next challenge when they outgrow their home. This book helps give you some foresight.