Zen and the Art of Knitting: Exploring the Links Between Knitting, Spirituality, and Creativity by Bernadette Murphy
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Book Reviews of Zen and the Art of Knitting: Exploring the Links Between Knitting, Spirituality, and Creativity
Book Review: Too much name dropping, not enough diversity!!
Summary: 2 Stars
There were things I did like about this book. I like the little knitting instructions at the beginning of each chapter. I also agree with the author on the spiritual, meditative benefits of knitting. What I didn't like was the the way she talked about who she knows, what celebrities are knitting. Worst of all, how many educated, professional people are now knitting!! Do we need all these people's approval?
I am a proud blue collar, working class knitter!! I was disapointed that the author did not seem to interview any of us!! Yes, many of us have knitted for years. I am 50 and I learned to knit when I was 10, long before it was a hip, cool thing to do!!! I work at a local Super Walmart and many of us DO knit, crochet and needlework as a way to relieve stress. A church nearby has a knitting group that prays while they knit prayer shawls. All that said, I just wish she'd interviewed working class people as well as the professionals. It was more about "who" than "zen". I wish she had stuck with the spiritual and meditative aspects of knitting.
Book Review: Wonderful book, read at just the right time for me
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book at just the right time in my life. It beautifully describes various ways in which knitting can bring spirituality into our lives. For many knitters, we already know this, consciously or subconsciously, but this is a beautiful reflection on the spiritual side of knitting that many of us have grown to love.Book Review: Zen and the Art of Knitting: Exploring.....
Summary: 4 Stars
I read this book, picking through, to explore the spiritual side of how I was spending my time during the dark winter evenings... I enjoyed the stories; they were well written.
The book provides inspiration and sparks the creative side. The book explores the common link between knitting and meditation and how knitting can break many 'holds on daily life', such as bridging the generation gaps in family, unlocking your inner creativity in writing and other forms of expression. Also, the importance of making a handmade gift of admiration and love for someone. The connection with spirituality was a little on the light side (for me), but none the less I enjoyed reading this little book.
It's the perfect size to stash in your bag and take with you, for those moments when you can not knit!
3.5 to 4 stars
Book Review: Did she read her own title?
Summary: 5 Stars
Bernadette Murphy gives true moments of insight and grace in this book, especially in her discussion of knitting in the Waldorf School curriculum. Unfortunately there seemed to be too many moments that felt like she was bragging to the reader, "I live in LA and see what FABULOUS the people I know!" Overall I liked the book, but I could have done without the detailed resumes of many of the interviewees. I didn't care what TV show or movie someone worked on. It didn't seem to have anything to do with spirituality (in fact, quite the opposite.) It really took away from the theme of the book.
Book Review: Good stories, not much spirituality
Summary: 3 Stars
This book, Zen and the Art of Knitting, was an enjoyable, quick read, but I felt a little deceived by the title. The book is mostly stories about knitting that come from interviews with knitters, but there is little in way of serious spiritual content. For those wishing to explore integrating knitting into a spiritual practice, looking elsewhere would be advisable. For those looking for a book of enjoyable stories about knitters, this one might be worth picking up.