Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook

by Debbie Stoller
Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Technical
  • ID: 5237
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
blinkist.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
excellent 4.50

Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook is a comprehensive guide that celebrates the art of knitting, offering practical advice and a sense of community. It's praised for its engaging style and valuable tips, making it a must-read for both beginners and experienced knitters.

Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook is more than just a knitting guide; it's a celebration of the craft that brings people together. The book is filled with practical advice, from choosing the right yarn to mastering complex stitches, all presented in an engaging and accessible style. Readers appreciate the author's down-to-earth approach and the sense of community that the book fosters. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced knitter seeking new inspiration, this handbook has something to offer. The book's emphasis on the social aspect of knitting, often referred to as 'knitters' therapy,' is particularly noteworthy. It's a book that not only teaches you how to knit but also why knitting can be such a rewarding and enjoyable hobby.

Quick quotes

    The book is a celebration of knitting and the community it creates.

    It's a must-read for anyone who loves to knit or wants to learn.

    The author's down-to-earth approach makes the book accessible and enjoyable.

hodgesfiggis.ie · Unknown · 2025-10-23
captivating 4.50

The book is a captivating exploration of family, obligation, desire, and food, wrapped in the magical realism genre. It delves into the constraints of a controlling and patriarchal system, highlighting the ripple effects of cruelty and the difference between obligation and true affection.

Like Water for Chocolate is a beautifully written novel that combines magical realism with a deep exploration of family dynamics and societal constraints. The story of Tita De la Garza, who is bound by tradition and her mother's cruelty, is both heart-wrenching and captivating. The magical elements, particularly how Tita's emotions affect the food she cooks, add a unique layer to the narrative. The novel also serves as a critique of patriarchal systems and the damage they can cause. The contrast between Tita's relationships with her mother and her other family members provides a rich study of obligation versus affection. Overall, the book is a powerful and engaging read that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.

Quick quotes

    The magical realism of the novel shows in concrete, undeniable ways that such cruelty is not limited to just the person directly on the receiving end.

    By dictating everyone’s roles so strictly and writing off or abusing those who stray from her dictates, Mama Elena undermines the very family bonds her rules are meant to reinforce.

    Seeing how the way Mama Elena treated her daughters — as tools to be used for her own comfort, as pawns to be played off each other to feel herself in control — and the different ways that impacted how they in turn treated those around them is a fascinating study of interpersonal relationships.

publishersweekly.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
disappointing 2.00

The reviewer found the book's magical realism endearing and the recipes a fun addition, but was troubled by the unrealistic love story and problematic treatment of consent. They ultimately found the book disappointing and not recommended.

The reviewer appreciated the book's writing style and the inclusion of recipes, which added a unique and enjoyable element to the story. The magical realism was found to be charming and the book was an easy, quick read. However, the reviewer had significant issues with the portrayal of love and relationships in the book. The 'love at first sight' narrative was unrealistic, and the main character's love interest was selfish and immature. The book also had problematic elements regarding consent, which left the reviewer uncomfortable. The ending was particularly disappointing, as it avoided any real meaning or significance and wrapped up too neatly. Overall, the good aspects of the book were outweighed by the problematic elements, and the reviewer would not recommend it to those looking for realistic and healthy relationships.

Quick quotes

    I loved the way this book was written. Like Water for Chocolate reads like a folktale, and a fun one at that.

    I have no idea what Tita saw in him.

    The ending of the book was completely disappointing, and only served to cement my growing discomfort.

knittingscholar.com · Unknown · 2009-09-22
intriguing 3.50

The reviewer loved the dreamy, folkloric feel of 'Like Water for Chocolate' and enjoyed the magical realism woven into Tita's cooking. However, they found the love triangle involving Tita, Pedro, and John to be frustrating, as they believed John was a better match for Tita.

The reviewer was initially captivated by the novel's magical realism and the dreamy, folkloric atmosphere. They found the first half of the book particularly engaging, with Tita's recipes and the influence of her emotions on those who ate her food being standout elements. The reviewer also appreciated the novel's themes and symbolism, which reminded them of high school English classes in a positive way. However, their interest waned when a love triangle was introduced. They found themselves siding with John Brown, the American-born doctor, believing he was a better match for Tita than Pedro. This preference led to some frustration with the book's direction. Despite this, the reviewer found themselves thinking about the novel's themes and characters long after finishing it, indicating a strong impact.

Quick quotes

    The most evocative passage involves quail in rose petal sauce — a dish that carries Tita’s passion for Pedro in every bite.

    I loved the dreamy, folkloric feel of Like Water for Chocolate, and devoured (pun intended) the first half of the novel in less than a day, eager to see where the story would go next.

    I thought John was so much better for Tita than Pedro that I started to get annoyed with the book.

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