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anastaciaknits's review against another edition
4.0
As a knitter & crocheter, naturally I enjoy reading about the subject, whether a non-fiction or a fiction book. This book is a memoir about Kyoko's life, starting with her childhood & a personal tragedy. She grows up, moves to America, gets married, and lives her life. The stories about her life, are intertwined with stories about learning to knit, making her first sweater, discovering circular knitting & Elizabeth Zimmermann. I'm a huge fan of EZ, so whenever someone talks about discovering her for the first time, I get a big thrill.
I am giving this book four stars for two reasons: one, I had difficulties keeping track of time. She goes back to her childhood so often, that I often couldn't tell if she was talking about the past or the present. Towards the end, she was retelling a story involving her husband that I thought took place in the past, until I realized after rereading it, she actually meant the present.
Two, I felt the story moved along slowly - I guess I just like more action in my books.
Again, these are just my personal opinions, just because I felt the book moved slowly doesn't mean someone else wouldn't greatly love the pacing.
I received a copy of this book for free from netgalley.com
I am giving this book four stars for two reasons: one, I had difficulties keeping track of time. She goes back to her childhood so often, that I often couldn't tell if she was talking about the past or the present. Towards the end, she was retelling a story involving her husband that I thought took place in the past, until I realized after rereading it, she actually meant the present.
Two, I felt the story moved along slowly - I guess I just like more action in my books.
Again, these are just my personal opinions, just because I felt the book moved slowly doesn't mean someone else wouldn't greatly love the pacing.
I received a copy of this book for free from netgalley.com
pattydsf's review
4.0
I am so glad that my friend Ginger lent me this book. I never would have found it on my own and it is such a good read. I may have to try knitting after all. If I went by Mori's definitions I think I would be better off as a knitter than a weaver.
Mori really knows how to write. Much of this book is about her writing life and what she does obviously works for her. There were phrases that I just wanted to reread and savor. Her comments about thread and yarn were lovely and were true. I also was impressed with Mori's ability to see her life and reflect on her past and present dispassionately. I don't have that kind of perspective in my life.
I would recommend this book to both knitters and writers. Mori's words could be of importance to both. I know I want to read more of her writing - I now have a couple of her books on my "to read" list.
Mori now teaches at George Mason. I wonder if she wants to come visit Ashland. She might be an intriguing speaker.
Mori really knows how to write. Much of this book is about her writing life and what she does obviously works for her. There were phrases that I just wanted to reread and savor. Her comments about thread and yarn were lovely and were true. I also was impressed with Mori's ability to see her life and reflect on her past and present dispassionately. I don't have that kind of perspective in my life.
I would recommend this book to both knitters and writers. Mori's words could be of importance to both. I know I want to read more of her writing - I now have a couple of her books on my "to read" list.
Mori now teaches at George Mason. I wonder if she wants to come visit Ashland. She might be an intriguing speaker.
robertalucy's review
4.0
I have loved everything Kyoko Mori writes so was excited to find a book new to me. The writing is excellent and she has an uncanny ability to look at herself and describe her experience. The loss of her mother to suicide at age 11 in Japan has colored everything in her life--fascinating to read about the differences in the two cultures.
I only felt the yarn metaphor was stretched a little thin. I suspect that knitters and weavers would enjoy that part more.
I only felt the yarn metaphor was stretched a little thin. I suspect that knitters and weavers would enjoy that part more.
hrhacissej's review
2.0
I can't believe I finished this book, and I can't believe that it was published. The knitting/weaving/spinning component compelled me to read it, and I kept thinking the story would get more interesting. I think it would be really interesting to talk with Mori perhaps at a dinner party about her life and her devotion to fiber crafts, but to spend a few days reading about it was way too much of a commitment. She mentions in passing in the Epilogue that she keeps a black/white composition notebook which contains all the items that she has knit (for whom, with pattern modifications and yarn info). This notebook also contains random notes, phone #'s, flight information, etc. I thought that book might be more interesting to mine for memoir content and format.
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