How to Sew a Button

December 25, 2009
As the economy tanked last year, Bried, a senior staff writer at Self magazine, thought of her deceased grandmother, a feminist and activist who successfully cared for her family and cultivated friendships even when money was tight. Without her around to teach important life skills for surviving tough times, Bride turned to ten wise women who lived through the Great Depression. The resulting book is charming and timely. Unlike dry household manuals or tomes of thrifty tips, this is filled with brief, clear, step-by-step advice coupled with good-natured humor and the loving spirits of grandmothers teaching us to take good care of ourselves, our relationships, and our treasures. Even readers who learned practical household skills (cleaning, gardening, and coupon-clipping) from their elders will relish its reminders on the soft skills involved in being a good friend or fine neighbor, volunteering, and speaking up at city hall. Timeless suggestions for creating fun include throwing a card party and singing in harmony. Verdict Recommended for those seeking a deeper sense of self-sufficiency and rewarding connections with others. Readers who enjoyed Clara Cannucciari's Clara's Kitchen: Wisdom, Memories, and Recipes from the Great Depression will also want this.-Bonnie Poquette, Milwaukee, WI

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