Yarn Harlot: The Secret Life of a Knitter

I have only laughed harder when reading books written by Christopher Moore. Stephanie Pearl-McPhee has a gift of making you want to knit with her and share in her humor and her perspective. She makes me want to learn more than how to knit squares in all knit or all purl and she makes me want to actually learn how to knit a sock *sob* must I? Yes, I must. Because she's inspired me, dammit. She's got a humor that makes it fun and helps you realize that you're human when you swear at your yarn and throw the skein and needles into a bag and leave it there for four years. Read this book, you will love it and want to call her at 2am for help with a slipped stitch.

When a friend of mine at the yarn store told me to read this book, I thought "There is no way I'll like a knitting book without any patterns." I was wrong. This book is refreshing. It was so nice to see someone write about knitting in such a funny, addictive, manner. I've since bought all of her other books, and read her blog on a daily basis. If you are looking for something light to read (and about knitting!!) you'll love this book. Although, you may want to read it alone (away from strangers) because you are sure to laugh out loud at some of her stories.

It's true--longtime readers of Stephanie's blog will recognize some of the material here, but it's like greeting old friends. You know, like a "Best Of" CD by your favorite artist. And the new comic pieces are very funny, and in her inimicable style that both understands/pokes gentle fun at all of us obsessive knitters. The poignant pieces are very moving; one made me sniffle late into the night. If you've had the experience written about in this essay, you will be tearing up over your merino, too. The knitting essay is a lovely art; like knitting, it can be picked up for just a few moments and you feel satisfied. Stephanie does it the best!

This is the book for every knitter! Great stories told by a funny and witty writer. The themes she explores are spot on and every knitter I know can relate to them. If you are looking for the perfect gift for the knitters in your life, buy them a copy of this book and some yarn.

Stephanie Pearl-McPhee has been a source of entertainment for years on her blog, and I'm happy to have her wisdom and obsession at my fingertips in not one, but two volumes, with the publication of this book. I actually laughed out loud over the story of the green afghan, and the DPN incident. I don't know if I could explain the stories to someone who isn't a Knitter, but for those who are, well, this book is for you.