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roseleaf24's review
5.0
Bried traveled the country interviewing numerous grandmothers, all with the wonderfully sage advice of a generation that went through the Great Depression. Organized into 9 chapters are 1-2 page instructions on how to do everything from swaddle a baby, dance a waltz, keep a budget, or bake a pie. Some of these were immediately helpful, others provided a tip or two for something I already know how to do, and some will be helpful at some point in the future, but the whole book is worthwhile and a fun read.
labunnywtf's review
5.0
Not only is this book scary helpful, it's hilarious! It would be really easy to make this book a boring How-To on different things you should know how to do. But considering how many times this book tells you to drink? Just FUN.
Making a new GR shelf for this. "Want to Own".
Making a new GR shelf for this. "Want to Own".
apochemu's review
3.0
This book didn't hold a lot of value for me. I felt like the topics included were pretty common sense. But maybe that's just me. The pictures included should have been more instructional rather than just "decor" for the page. Her writing style was entertaining. I recommend checking this one out of the library first to make sure it's what you need. Maybe it would be a good gift for a young teenager to help in your teaching of life things.
lobeliaparides's review
5.0
I really liked this little book, and I am going to actually buy it as well. Some of these things, I don't have anyone to teach me how to do (or didn't..) So, its pretty neat to have a book that can.
fluteplayer7's review
5.0
This is a great little resource book with lots of information on things that most people no longer take the time to do. The recipes and methods are simply laid out and clearly described. Even if you are not a DIYer, this book will give you enormous insight into what women in the past had to do for their families.
nicolec417's review
2.0
Loved the concept but was disappointed in the format. I regard these kinds of books like cookbooks - they're better with pictures!
meg_reading's review
4.0
I really enjoyed the stories of the grandmothers in this book mixed with basic how to do's and handy tips.
nina1117's review
4.0
A cute and quirky book to get you thinking about knowledge that is being lost with modern conveniences. As some people commented, it is far from being an end-all in cooking, sewing, or socializing; more like dipping one's toes into a pond of tradition. I personally found the sections about canning, darning and gardening especially helpful. And though this isn't a book most people consume whole, I nibbled at it all the way through, piece by piece, for some light night time reading. Can't wait to try to make some jam!
cinnachick's review
4.0
I want to write a longer review on my blog about this, but I have to say I found this a very interesting read. And I've tried a few of the tips and tricks in here that I didn't know and I'm quite content with how they worked and will use them going forward. I do think my technique for roasting a chicken is better than the one she gives here, but otherwise I don't have any complaints about the processes she describes.
I like the bios of the grandmothers and wish there was a little more of their voice throughout the book. And I'd like to point out that not every grandmother was/is like this. Mine was an abusive alcoholic who couldn't change a diaper or cook a meal without help. And while I'm glad the she doesn't glamorize or romanticize the poverty and hard times that encouraged these grandmothers to develop these home techniques, I have to say that I just didn't have grandmothers like this to pass stuff on to me. Which is probably why this book was enjoyable, it gave me something I was missing.
I like the bios of the grandmothers and wish there was a little more of their voice throughout the book. And I'd like to point out that not every grandmother was/is like this. Mine was an abusive alcoholic who couldn't change a diaper or cook a meal without help. And while I'm glad the she doesn't glamorize or romanticize the poverty and hard times that encouraged these grandmothers to develop these home techniques, I have to say that I just didn't have grandmothers like this to pass stuff on to me. Which is probably why this book was enjoyable, it gave me something I was missing.