Reviews

I've put off writing this review because, as someone who loves memoir and has renovated a home, I wanted to like this memoir so much more than I did. The metaphor seemed like one that should have been, uh, nailed, but as another reviewer wrote, I couldn't help but wonder where we were going. At the same time, the metaphor was too simplistic for an experienced writer. I don't begrudge anyone having a lot of money for a renovation of this size (doing it all yourself is thoroughly exhausting on all levels), but I do wonder how Bauermeister would write this now.

quiltmom14's review against another edition

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4.0

Listened to this one. Easy book, nice writing (I’ve picked up Bauermeister’s Scent Keeper b/c I liked the writing), and excellent narration. Great summer read.

thatswhatiloveaboutreading's review against another edition

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5.0

“Houses are made of wood and glass, but they are also made of the events that happen within them.”

I didn’t know what to expect when starting this book, but I loved it so much! Through the process of renovating a house, Erica Bauermeister experiences a transformation of more than just a place to live. She ties together architectural history, social statistics, and her own experience to explain how her marriage, her parenting, and even her own identity were refined, reshaped, and given a new perspective through the process. This is a book I want to have on my own shelf so I can read it again, and I will definitely be adding all of Erica Bauermeister’s fiction to my TBR too!

katherinethomas's review against another edition

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reflective slow-paced

4.25

Cooking + details + walking chapters were my fave. Really thoughtful writing

melanieholcombe's review against another edition

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4.0

Really loved this memoir.

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