Genre: Humor, Knitting

Format: Audiobook, Read by the Author

Reading Challenges: 1 for 100+ in 2010

If you are a knitter, then you probably have already heard of Stephanie Pearl-Mcphee. If you are a non-knitter, you are probably wondering if it is truly possible for a book to be both humorous and about knitting. Let me assure you that most knitters have a very healthy sense of humor. We almost have too! Surely you have seen some of the hideous hand knitted objects out there.

McPhee is a popular blogger. She writes the blog, Yarn Harlot, and is the author of several engaging knitting essay collections. In Casts Off, McPhee takes the reader on a guided tour of "the Land of Knitting." Knitters don't have a country, but most of us do speak the same dialect, frequently visit our local yarn shops, and carry an ongoing project (or 3) in our bag.

This book made me chuckle more than a few times. When you are obsessed with something, it is nice to be reminded that there are other people out there who "get it." Mcphee perfectly captures so many of the little idiosyncrasies that make knitters such an interesting group. She writes humorously of our tendency to hoard fiber, cast on endless projects, and our sometimes misplaced optimism in a project we refuse to admit is doomed to hideous failure.

I enjoyed listening to this in audiobook format, and Mchpee did a great job reading her book. At times I almost felt as though I was listening to an old friend. I really enjoyed this book, and am sure I will listen to it again at some point in the future. If you are a knitter, or have ever been curious about knitters, this is a fun read. If you find knitting to be somewhat eccentric, cute, or boring, this really isn't the book for you. I really don't mind if you are a not a fan. More sock yarn for me!