5 comments about Lilly's Big Day.

1. 
   An instant classic!
   
   Henke does it again, great book. Henke creates very real characters who grapple with emotions about as intense as I've seen for this format. In Lilly's perfect day, her teacher, Mr. Slinger, in an act of naked nepotism, elevates his own niece to the role of flower girl. This despite the inordinate amount of energy Lilly has put towards practicing for the event, the proficiency with which she has rehearsed every precocious countenance, the inestimable classroom bragging rights with which she fixates her anticipation. This mouse is due her fate, and only the venal world of adult institutions could deny her.
   
   No one can quite bring themselves to be direct her Lilly. "Do you understand what we are trying to tell you?" they ask. How can a child honestly answer that question? How can a parent honestly interpret a child's answer to that question. My stomach was in a knot for Lilly. I knew this was a Henke book, I knew it had to have a happy ending. But how could Lilly's youthful, brittle narcissism possibly absorb the onslaught of such a sleight? I wouldn't dream of ruining the ending here, but I will provide a little hint by saying that a baby mouse dose of propanolol would have gone a long way. But even the villainous niece's feelings are spared, as Henke ties up all the strands as only he can. Thumbs up for Henkes! And go Bears!



2. Tonight my daughter and I were out looking for a perfect gift for a party tomorrow (gift for child required) and found this book and a doll to match sitting front and center and maybe a bit sideways at the local booksellers shop.
   
   So we opened it up to see what adventure Miss Lilly was finding herself in this time. I'm a 1st grade teacher and Lilly and her purple purse have been very important parts of my shared readings for ...ummm...more years than I think Lilly has. My daughter Syl even had a purple purse just to act out her precious purple purse story and now with her at 17 we look at these books with longing...
   
   Lilly's a mouse for me, living life with everything she's got, not afraid of feeling and more than a little mystified by other's inability to walk in her shoes...
   
   Henkes always takes a good look at children with their very real life...and spins a story that just has it all. And...it has everything I don't have presently in my NCLB afflicted life in an Under performing school forced into proscribed scripted curriculum teaching so presently devoid of story...I'm Sarah "one note" on this but when you read a book like this one you realize how much a book can bring to a classroom and children.
   
   Lilly is so charming and here she is completely with her whole soul determined to be the flower girl at her teacher's wedding, but relegated by her very favorite teacher, to watch another get the honors. Just looking at the note she writes alone to convince her teacher of her worthiness is so wonderful,it's an appeal that just should have done the trick. Henkes must someday come to my Room 10 and meet my student Gabby la la . They are somehow related, Lilly and Gab. I, too, got a note mine on Friday, "Why I am the best person to be the Class Pezidents" a new position she decided to open.
   
   There are from time to time children who are just so invigorated, alive, so vestily in this life, so carpe diem you gotta just stand away and say..."May I assist you Madame Pezident?". Such is Lilly who doesn't immediately get the flower girl position but does through the storyline save the day....and in the end doesn't it always fall to the Lilly's of the world to sweep in graciously(even when doing so after having been second placed right in front of everyone when they knew who was supposed to be in the position of flower girl) and put it all to rights and give life a kind of warmth and zest that makes us realize that sometimes you have to live and love, they come into your life and turn it all upsideover as my Gabby La La says.
   
   My student listens with great quiet to Lilly stories and always dramatically raises her arms and says at the end, "Oh...it's so cuuttee..that's a good story teacher." Dramatic falling to the floor in giggling ball. If read with charm this story of the wedding of Lilly's teacher is guaranteed to be a hit with all children.
   The book did not need another endorsement here but after reading it and picking it up tonight for our children's gift exchange I have to say it'll be read on my apple carpet in the classroom Monday with lots of fun because I'm taking in a basket of flower petals left over from a bouquet of roses from my anniversary which is rapidly fading and I saved , perfect for reenactment purposes. Enjoy a really wonderful read and you must, must get it with the Lilly doll." Too cutes" from Gab..And may I say...you only live once, so with Lilly, its wonderful to feel with every cell you have heads to toes...throw a few petals all over and practice the day you'll be called forth to walk down your aisle.



3. Children's Book
   
   Lilly's Big Day is not only a wonderful book but also a god-send for a little girl about to be a flower girl. I bought it for my granddaughter when we learned she was to be in a big wedding as a flower girl. At the time she was just 3. She loved the book and understood the story and understood the importance of being a good flower girl and practiced every day and when the time came she enjoyed the wedding hugely and helped another little girl who did not quite know what was expected. She has been in three weddings since the first and we call her the "professional". I send the book to anyone who is about to be a flower girl.



4. My daughter loves this book and Lilly's purple purse. However I did buy the collection last year and was much cheaper than what they are charging now. It is definitely a must have.



5. Another great story about Lilly! This book tells about her wish to be the flower girl in her teacher's wedding and how Lilly must be satisfied to be the flower girl's ASSISTANT. That is until the "real" flower girl freezes and is unable to walk down the aisle.

5 comments about Joint Custody with a Jerk: Raising a Child with an Uncooperative Ex, A Hands on, practical guide to coping with custody issues that arise with an uncooperative ex-spouse.

1. Each piece of advice worked the first time. I think it was because I was breaking the old patterns when I responded and she was caught off guard. By the next time we communicated she had a new way to shut me down. I stuck to the plan for a month, then gave it up. I would have needed to go to counseling after every confrontation. She has the ability to mutate faster than a super virus. I was amused but not helped by Joint Custody With a Jerk.



2. Once I saw this book at my x-wife's apartment it became clear she was working a new program. I bought and read it and understood what she was trying to accomplish. What I found amusing was that, I always felt she was the jerk. It would have been easier on both of us if she had just been straight with me. This book would be valid if both parents had a copy. So it should only be sold in sets so both parents are headed in the same direction. Aggravating information on lying, blocking and refusing to be flexible should be removed from the text. A professional mediator could correct the problems with this book and make it really helpful. For now, it does not rate much consideration. Not recommended.



3. This book will help you learn to deal effectively with difficult spouses or any other antagonistic people in your life.
   
   If you are going through a divorce, I highly recomend this book



4. They attempted to put a positive spin on the book by being cute. It did not work. It starts in the right direction but sometimes becomes more game playing. Take the good parts and ignore the rest.



5. This book is terrible. They bend so far over backwards not to insult men that they insult women. It tells you basically, yes he is a jerk but YOU must bend over backwards to accomodate his jerkiness. It adds to the current family court system that says that you can do whatever you want and the person pooped on must be the one to give in to the selfish one, the one who is morally wrong. That is right. We live in the west. Morals are relative.
   
   Don't buy this book unless you want more frustration.

2 comments about My Family's Changing (A First Look At Series).

1. This book provides a wonderful explanation of how a family changes through divorce, especially for a very young child. It is one of the few books that does not discuss step families, which was not an issue at the time of our split, and supports the idea of a child spending significant time with both parents. Best of all, it's a pleasant read. More than a year after our move, my child still pulls this book off the shelf occassionally.



2. I bought this book for my 4 yr old nephew in the midst of his parents' divorce, and found it exceptionally helpful. It is sensitively written, yet direct and powerful. The illustrations are rich and expressive, and evoked a very strong response in my nephew, enabling him to express himself in ways he might otherwise not have. Due to his age, I read the book ahead of time and chose which sentences to focus on in order to account for his attention span. But as he grows and develops, we'll be able to read the entire book together. I agree with the other reviewer and also like that this book focuses entirely on the immediate changes, without focusing on step-families. I hope to find a book as good as this one about step families when that becomes a need. I highly recommend this book! Note: the cover shows a boy, and the boy is the primary character, however, many illustrations also include a girl/sister.

5 comments about The Good Divorce.

1. As a very successful child of a "good divorce," I cannot think of a more destructive book published in the last 15 years. Despite the fact that a divorce is sometimes necessary (in the case of abusive marriages, for example), the phrase "good divorce" is an oxymoron! The ruin--and yes, divorce ruins things even when it may make certain things better--of 50% of families in America is anything but good.
   
   This book is not written with the well-being of children in mind, but rather with the well-being of the parents. The very idea that there is ideally no one to blame in the break-up of a marriage is ludicrous. People today, it seems, have found various other things (success, personal fulfillment, inner peace) that are more valuable than other people. Is it not a scary fact that this book aims at absolving divorcing parents of all guilt? The sad result is that the guilt inevitably falls onto the children, regardless of how many times they are told that it is not their fault. It is simply indicative of our self-centered, individualistic society today that we honestly believe that our spouses can remain such only so long as they are promoting our pure happiness and contentment every waking minute.
   
   To any parents who are entertaining the idea that a divorce in which conflict is minimized is not harmful to children, I must, from personal experience, issue a resounding, "NO, a marriage is the best thing you can give to your children." Some things, my friends, are worth fighting for--and the love of your life trumps them all.
   
   For an excellent yet sensitive counter argument to this book's selfish and guiltless agenda, I would strongly recommend Elizabeth Marquardt's "Between Two Worlds: The Inner Lives of Children of Divorce:"
   
   "Why are children of divorce considered so resilient? Because the adults need them to be that way."



2. I am a Counselor. Rule #1 is "Do not counsel friends and family."
   I gave this book to my son and his ex. Thier break up was BEYOND poisonous to my Grandson. I asked them to read it & seek help. Otherwise I was going to seek custody of my Grandson. {It was THAT bad.}
   This book, along with a good 3rd party counselor, helped immensely.
   It is, in my opinion, good no nonsense advice. It will help open eyes of exactly WHAT you are possibly doing to your children during a divorce.



3. This is a must have book for anyone considering a divorce, in the process of divorcing, or even already divorced. There is much practical advice as well as encouragement in this book. I highly recommend it!



4. My parents read this book as they were considering separating. It convinced them that there was no reason to resolve their differences, and that our family would be somehow stronger. It absolutely gives unhappy people the unfounded expectation that if they can just be friendly with each other, negative effects can be completely avoided.
   
   In the end it made my parents separation all the more painful for me and my adult siblings, because it built an expectation that divorce would be easy on everyone. When it wasn't, the only response was to blame us kids, because they were working really hard at their "good" divorce.



5. Relational Shifts: A Family Doesn't Have to End Just Because a Marriage Does
   
   Our family is another proof of this book's positive impact on what could have been a very negative story...we wrote our story, raw and vulnerable and filled with things most people wouldn't share with their therapist or best friends...we share our worst in the hopes that it can help others find their best...somehow, starting with this book, THE GOOD DIVORCE, we found out way to a better family.
   
   We were honored to be Keynote Speakers at an event for the Collaborative Law Institute which is hosting Constance Ahrons as their Continuing Education Lecturer.
   
   Blessings on this woman and all the goodness she has helped others live with integrity for a higher goal...FAMILY!
   
   warmest regards,
   jules
   
   www.relationalshifts.com

No comments about Ethics In Marriage and Family Therapy.

5 comments about Little Children: A Novel.

1. Perotta's prose leaps off the page. I could give you a synopsis but there is one in the description above much better crafted then anything I could write. So let me just say this: Little Children is one of most highly readable, engaging books I've come across in the last few years.
   
   The book sticks with you.
   
   Todd and Sarah, the lead characters, are so sympathetic. Even when we disagree with them we still understand why the act they way that they do. They are trapped and need to act out. They need each other. They need connection. Suburbia and parenthood have trapped them and forced them into a corner. It forces them to act. Even if you've seen the movie I'd still recommend the book. It's a killer read.



2. If you live in the US, this book captures all that is right and all that is wrong with raising children in today's society. There are so many reviewers spot on, that there is little left to say other than go get this book, somehow, someway. You will find yourself laughing at times, melancholy at others, and disturbed at the accuracy of the picture it paints as the story unfolds.
   
   And as for the ending...I still cannot imagine a better ending. Absolutely perfect those last 20 pages or so.



3. Oh the woes of being a stay-at-home mom -- or dad! You're devoted to your offspring; you want to provide a loving, stimulating, safe childhood. But it can be so boring! That's the dilemma of the characters of this classic of suburban angst.
   There are other, less savory threats lurking among the manicured lawns -- child molesters, homophobes, violent vigilantes. The sub-plot revolving around these types is the least successful part of this book. The sexual weirdness of another character also detracts from the whole.
   The center of the book is a familiar saga of adultery, in this case very well done. One feels the yearning of these poor stay-at-homes for love, attention, and self-esteem in a society which does not esteem them or their sacrifice.
   Perotta has a rare gift of raising serious issues of our society in an entertaining way. Bravo for this!
   For more about me and my book, The Nazi Hunter: A Novel go to [...].



4. If you're buying this book because you liked the movie, you will be happily surprised. The book is intriguing, complicated in the best way, and often funny. Enjoyable on every level.



5. The title itself brings so many different layers to a lush suburban landscape that is brushed with all the right levels of satire, sincerity, humor, and melodrama. While the subject itself isn't anything profound, it is the storytelling technique and the usage of the backstory to explain the characters' present motives that pulls the novel out of the depths of obscurity. Perrotta is skillful at getting into the minds of desperate people in desperate marriages, giving honesty to a genre that could have been filled with caricatures. Some of the comments the author makes about the circumstances of the book are breathtakingly dead-on. The story lags in the latter half of the second part, but by the time you get to the third part, Perrotta has found his niche and the reader is left with overwhelming and indescribable emotions. In a stroke of genius, parallelism from Part One is brought to the final act, bringing the narrative to a full circle - and close. Who are the little children? This ultimate question is up for debate, and is part of the true magic that Perrotta brings to the literary scene.

5 comments about Hope For the Separated: Wounded Marriages Can Be Healed (Chapman, Gary).

1. This book helped me deal with all the emotions that come with a wounded marriage.



2. This booked helped me at a time when nothing else could. It helped me to see things more cleary and gave me direction. It is a very useful book to help you get your life on track and understand what is happening and why. I read the book over and over when I've had a bad day and it helps to bring understanding and ways to overcome those depressing things you guy through in a divorce or seperatoin.



3. For those of us who have found ourselves separated from our spouse it is a terrible, frustrating, depressing and confusing time. We're married -- but we're not. We're single -- but we're married. We have a spouse -- but not a husband/wife. We can't be a family -- but we can't be a single. And a separation can only go in one of two ways -- reconciliation or divorce. Chapman's book is a terrificly easy and incredibly appropriate read. Having surely counseled dozens of separated couples, he touches on every aspect involved, for both parties, regardless of the offense or the offender, emotions or intentions. For the Christian, it offers great insight in to what God expects of us and how we need to be conducting our lives in this difficult time. I read it, loved it, and am trying to apply the principles he relates as best as I can. I gave it to my wife who I hope will find it as useful and practical as I did. Time will tell. But if it doesn't work, it won't be because I didn't do everything I could do, and this book has helped point me in the right direction. If you are separated and have even the slimmest hope for reconciliation -- BUY THIS BOOK! You won't regret it.



4. This book is written for both the person that left and the one that was left. My husband left me out of the blue and I was devastated. I have read many books since he left and this is by far the best! I highlighted and made notes and am sending a copy to my husband. Maybe he reads it and it stirs something in his heart and maybe he doesn't but reading this book definitely helped in my healing process!
   
   One of my favorite quotes was "separation may be the valley of restoration, and the pain you feel may be the labor pains that will give rebirth to your marriage." He does not suggest that "the road to reconciliation is easy, but rather it is right and that the results are worth the effort."
   
   This book is written from a Christian perspective so it encourages reconciliation. If your spouse has left and you hope to reconcile, I highly recommend reading this book!



5. Another great book by Gary Chapman. He explains the different issues of separation and how they apply bibically. Most helpful to those with hope for reconciliation in marriage.

5 comments about The Co-Parenting Survival Guide: Letting Go of Conflict after a Difficult Divorce.

1. when i divorced two years ago, reasonably contentiously and with a four year old daughter, the best advice i got was to read this book. i did, with highlighter in hand, and found it absolutely invaluable. i continue to this day to consider it absolutely invaluable! such that, i just ordered a gift copy for my brother and his new wife, to help them with my niece and her co-parent. that gift brings the total i've purchased for others up to five. its an unfortunate reality that there will probably be more in the future, but the book helps immensely and so there will be gifts.



2. I am a play therapist, author of "The Successful Divorce, In The Eyes of the Child" course and have taught parenting divorced for nine years. This is the book that says it all. The authors teach in clear logical manner how to co parent your children. They are sensitive to the pain both parents and children feel post divorce and teach how to proceed in parenting. I frequently use sections of their book in teaching to remind parents that they must still work together enough to meet children's needs. This is a concise book, no long drawn out narratives or tales of others pain... just the facts and how to avoid the pitfalls. I and the children of divorce, owe these authors a huge thank you. Their new book is also great,



3. THE BOOK: THE CO-PARENTING SURVIVAL GUIDE: LETTING GO OF CONFLICT AFTER A DIFFICULT DIVORCE...
   BY ELIZABETH THAYER, PH.D.
   IN THIS ERA OF SPOILED BRATS (THE PARENTS), THIS BOOK WILL HELP WITH THE CONFLICTS OF TODAY!! WE ARE NOT LOOKING AT THE REAL MEANING OF TWO PEOPLE MAKING THE COMMITTMENT OF MARRIAGE!!! SOCIETY HAS PROGRESSED TO THE SIZE OF THE WEDDING, THE DREAM OF THE PERFECT WEDDING, NOT THE COMMITTMENT OF REALLY LOVING THE PERSON YOUR MARRYING. CONSEQUENTLY, PEOPLE MARRY AND HAVE CHILDREN, THEN WHEN THE STRAIN OF MAKING A MARRIAGE WORK BECOMES TOO HARD......THEN DIVORCE IS INEVITALBLE. THEN THE GAMES.... BEGIN, ONE OR BOTH PARENTS DECIDE THAT THEIR FORMER PARTNER IS NOT WHO THEY WANT THEIR CHILDREN AROUND.....SO, POISION THE CHILDREN'S MINDS AGAINST THE OTHER PARENT. THIS BOOK HELPS BOTH PARTIES REALIZE HOW TO WORK WITH THEIR OWN CONSCIENCE....AS WELL AS HELP MAKE THE CHILDREN AS COMFORTABLE WITH THE SITUATION (WHICH MUST BE FIRST IN THE PARENTS MINDS). DRAGING EACHOTHER THROUGH THE COURTS IS NOT THE ANSWER, COURTS JUST DEAL WITH WHICH SIDE AS MORE LEVERAGE, EVEN THE PSYCHOLOGISTS JUST PLAY WITH THE SITUATIONS. WE NEED MORE BOOKS LIKE THIS, AGAIN DISPLAYED IN EVERY LIBRARY IN THE UNITED STATES.



4. The book was a bit simplistic, much of the same information was covered in the New Hampshire Mandatory co parenting class. But it was still some very good advice.
   
   Nothing ground breaking here but it's a good collection of what you probably should know.



5. Even though it's titled, THE CO-PARENTING SURVIVAL GUIDE: LETTING GO OF CONFLICT AFTER A DIFFICULT DIVORCE, I wish that I had read this book BEFORE the divorce was final because of all the outstanding ideas about co-parenting, that you, your former spouse, your lawyer(s) or even the court, may not address. BUT, if you are an open minded parent and willing to do what is in the best interest of your child/children (and isn't that the reason you are looking at this book to begin with), it offers some really outstanding suggestions.
   
   I especially love the Co-Parenting Contract. It goes beyond the divorce decree, and really sets-up some workable guidelines for parents and children.
   
   This book addresses several topics, offering up suggestions and examples.

5 comments about Separated By Duty, United In Love.

1. Every spouse/partner having someone deploying should read it. It has the before, during & after. I felt normal after reading it!



2. Very insightful and full of useful information! Some areas are a little difficult to read when your husband is already deployed, but I got through it and I'm reading it again. I recommend this book to anyone seperated from your loved one for an extended period of time!



3. This book is an excellent and valuable resource for all military spouses and family members. Is easy to read and easy to understand. The fact that the author is a service member and is been married to a service member for so many years, gives us a clear-real view of what exactly we can expect and very important, she gives us advice in how to face, approach and successfully go through difficult times of separation caused by deployment. This book is exactly what you're looking for!



4. Been in the military life for 15 years and found this book to be so helpful, especially during all these too-often deployments. The hardships faced by military spouses can only be understood by those who have been there. I read this book cover to cover, and even if I did know some stuff, there was a lot of helpful guidance and support. I wish I would have read it 5 years ago when the stress was all time high with my husband's deployment to Iraq. (another 2 deployments followed) Time is valuable and we can hardly get through the day. Instead of searching through websites, this book has it all in one place here. And you can read in bed. It's worth every penny. If I had a million dollars, I would give one to every military spouse. It's a great resource -- and we military wives deserve it for all that we have to go through.



5. I'm an army girlfriend. My boyfriend is deployed to Iraq for 15 months. I bought this book in hopes of finding a little comfort and advice for situations military couples come across. Instead, I found a book I couldn't put down. The author did a wonderful job of taking life experiences from many different men and women, servicemembers and civilians and compiled them into a "crisis bible". The issues addressed are real-life issues. There are no "beating around the bush" answers and she really tells you how it is but in a very motherly, experienced fashion. I found this book has given me so much more strength and a positive outlook on a situation many significant others could not put themselves in. I suggest it to anyone. Whether your special someone is in the military, you're a parent, or even a friend. The advice is so real and helpful. My relationship has improved on both ends because of this book and the wonderful words of advice.

5 comments about Crazy Aunt Purl's Drunk, Divorced, and Covered in Cat Hair: The True-Life Misadventures of a 30-Something Who Learned to Knit After He Split.

1. Definitely not a knitting pattern book, although there are some simple patterns in the back. The focus of this book is on Laurie's true life journey through divorce in a comedic light. Very funny, GREAT sense of humor! Easy readability. This book has encouragement for almost everyone, not just divorcees. Recommended!



2. I picked up this book based on the title alone. I had once been drunk, divorced and covered in cat hair and trying desperately to make myself whole again. Now, many years later I find myself knitting furiously to fill the empty next. Not quite the same as being dumped by one's husband, but a similar feeling of loss and loneliness. In addition to knitting and latch hook and crocheting, I've started reading voraciously so I took myself to the bookstore to find a book to fill the void.
   
   I knew, instantly, from the title of this book, I had to read it and I was not disappointed. Any woman who has found herself clinging to an empty marriage, unwilling to accept that it's over only to be unceremoniously dumped will be able to relate to the sad but funny antics of the author. She takes you on her journey from shock and despair, to total depression to re-entry into the world as a whole person equipped with knitting needles. You'll both laugh and cry and remember your own journey to becoming whole as you read.
   
   The chapters are all very short, some only one or two pages long and cover a particular point in her journey - like the hair emergency a few days before divorce court or "cooking ADD". Her style of writing is very similar to Erma Bombeck who could also make you laugh at the irony of life. Whether you were dumped when "he" decided he was losing his creativity or you lost your spouse through death or you find yourself alone after the children have left the nest, this book is for you.



3. I thought this book was great. It's a quick read because you want to keep reading it. She is so open and honest about her life and quirks that you want to be friends with her. And she's funny. In addition to being a funny book, it is really good for someone to read if they are contemplating divorce but are on the fence about it. She gives very good coverage of the pros and cons as per her own experience.



4. I don't know how she did it but she channeled my life! So many of the same things happened. I can't write as houmrously, though. This lady is a stitch (pun intended)! Easily enjoyabe and quick read. My co-workers love to hear it on rides in the truck!



5. Strap yourself in and be prepared for a compelling true story ride that goes up and down, side to side, spirals this way and that and leaves you smiling in the end.
   The Crazy Aunt Purl thing in the title is misleading to the unitiated (me), that's just the name of Laurie Perry's blog/website (add a dot com), and obsessive knitters who've read Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's books shouldn't expect the knitting to be the star here, because it's not: it only makes an appearance around chapter 7 and is mentioned only a few times thereafter. Yes, there are knitting patterns (14), written in the same vein in the rest of the book-which makes a nice change if you're used to only normally written knitting patterns: These are in the back followed by a gallery-you have to see the picture of the cat wearing the hood of the devil baby blanket! There are scarves(5), hats(2), bags(3) and one each of a cat tunnel, pom-pom, flower, aforementioned blanket and shawl. My glitch with these is that they mostly come with a wine recommendation but not always gauge or yardage-extra homework for those who wish to substitute yarns.
   The knitting comes across more as a crutch, but this might be a good thing: one could give this book to non-knitters also going through a divorce or break-up, because that's what this book is really about, and how she, Laurie, survived the dark days of divorce and created a wonderful, sparkly new life (and with luck, the recipient of this book will be encouraged to knit too! So diabolical, it's brilliant! Get 'em when they're vulnerable-because knitting is, of course, healing and did I mention useful?)
   Although this is by a woman and probably marketed to women, there's no reason a man shouldn't look into it.
   The 44 chapters are bite-size, for that sense of accomplishment, and it feels like reading someone's really well-written diary or pages of a nice long letter, flashbacks to childhood and those real, often uncomfortable feelings we're too polite to say out loud, included.
   It's funny in places, smile-free in others and unwittingly kind of self-helping, mostly the third act.
   4 stars because I like it but don't swooningly love it (needs a pinch more knitting for my taste) but I'm happy to have it in my knitting book collection.
   Definitely worth a read if you're in the mood for comfy, cozy, light and ultimately feelgood (and/or are on a diabolical mission to convert the non-knitting...)