Book Review: The Art of Homemaking

After reading Passionate Housewives Desperate for God (see my book review here), I was able to get my hands on another book called The Art of Homemaking (by Daryl V. Hoole) and read it this past week. I actually found the title when digging through Biblical Womanhood’s archives with the sole mission of finding suggestions on good homemaking books. In one of the comments sections someone randomly suggested this book (not even remembering who the author was) saying that it was out of print but an excellent book on the subject!

Well, I found a copy…and I’m so glad I did!

While this book did not have the same soul-stirring, heart-warming, “go-get-em tiger” sort of feel that Passionate Housewives did, it did offer tons of practical advice on how to keep a home. It also gave me a clearer picture of what the everyday housewife of the 50’s and 60’s looked like (for example: the author even gives instructions to wipe the frost from the milk bottles once they have been delivered!) :). This was very refreshing to me as I’ve often wondered how women of the past conducted themselves as homemakers on a day to day basis.

If you have any interest in gaining more knowledge in the area of homemaking, this is a must-read and I highly suggest getting a copy of your own.

Some of the topics that are covered are:

• Qualities of a Homemaker
• A Place for Everything - Everything in it’s place
• Attitude and Appearance
• Getting the Job Done
• Time Saving Tips
• How to Clean a House
• Home Decorating
• Children and Chores
• Money Management
• Schedules
• Family Traditions

You will also find plenty of illustrations and lists galore to help you on your way :). I will personally be copying and formatting many of her lists to suit my every day needs. My husband and I went to the library this weekend, so there may be a few more book reviews (most likely more on homemaking…) some time in the future.