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felinity's review against another edition
5.0
When we moved into our first house I bought this book and read it from cover to cover. It was awe-inspiring in the amount of detail about everything. I think of this as the sort of book previous generations probably didn't need because they learned everything from other people.
Anyone responsible for a household will find useful information here, whether it's how to set about spring cleaning or what thread count (and fabric type) actually means or how to hang your washing on a line or how to fold fitted sheets or how to store food or what those arcane pictures on clothing labels really mean...
I now use it as a reference guide, occasionally pulling it out to read an entire chapter but more often than not to look at the laundry section (where I leave my bookmark) to find out whether a certain item really *needs* to be dry-cleaned or whether I can carefully use the delicate cycle on my machine. I wouldn't be without it.
Anyone responsible for a household will find useful information here, whether it's how to set about spring cleaning or what thread count (and fabric type) actually means or how to hang your washing on a line or how to fold fitted sheets or how to store food or what those arcane pictures on clothing labels really mean...
I now use it as a reference guide, occasionally pulling it out to read an entire chapter but more often than not to look at the laundry section (where I leave my bookmark) to find out whether a certain item really *needs* to be dry-cleaned or whether I can carefully use the delicate cycle on my machine. I wouldn't be without it.
denishaskin's review
5.0
(Marking this as read even though I didn't actually read it from cover to cover. But found it very useful--weird to be learning how to keep house, at my age--and am going to buy my own copy... this was from the public library.)
hoperu's review against another edition
4.0
This book works best as an occasional reference book, because, as other reviews have mentioned, the author can get a bit obsessed with things. It sounds to me like she doesn't have pets, or somehow manages to keep them from shedding...The advice and techniques are sound though, and there are usually environmentally friendly (and cheaper) suggestions.
motherbeetle's review
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
Wonderful, informative read for the beginner & experienced homemaker alike! Cheryl’s story of coming into homemaking & her perspective on it left me in awe. The heart of the book itself was very informative- With basics such as how to sweep or fold clothes, this book offers a great wealth of knowledge for those who may not have learned such things growing up. And for the more advanced folks, learn specifics about each type of fabric or learn about legal issues regarding the home. Truly something for everyone!
kateloveswords's review
I was expecting a lot more discussion of the nuance of making a home instead of a long long long list of commands. I felt like the book went into *too* much detail for what I was looking for.
taylakaye's review
4.0
This is a great reference book. Some of it is a little Stepford-ish, but when you have an odd question about cleaning or food expiration dates or really anything else related to keeping your home in order it's a great go to for you to have handy. Just don't spend too much time reading about dust mites...you'll never sleep again.