The Martha Manual: How to Do (Almost) Everything―Expert Strategies For Organizing, Celebrating, Cleaning, Decorating, and More

The Martha Manual: How to Do (Almost) Everything―Expert Strategies For Organizing, Celebrating, Cleaning, Decorating, and More cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Technical
  • ID: 5278
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
open.spotify.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
practical 4.00

The Martha Manual is a practical guide filled with expert advice on various aspects of home management, from organizing to decorating. While some readers may find the advice overwhelming, it offers valuable tips for those looking to improve their home and lifestyle.

The Martha Manual is a comprehensive guide that covers a wide range of topics, including organizing, cleaning, decorating, and celebrating. The book is filled with practical advice and expert strategies that can help readers improve their home and lifestyle. However, some readers may find the sheer volume of information overwhelming. The book is best suited for those who are looking for detailed guidance on home management and are willing to put in the effort to implement the suggestions. Overall, it's a valuable resource for anyone looking to bring a bit of Martha Stewart's expertise into their own home.


Quick quotes

    The Martha Manual is a treasure trove of practical advice

    It's a comprehensive guide that covers everything from organizing your closet to planning the perfect party

    The book is best suited for those who are looking for detailed guidance on home management

abebooks.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-23
enjoyable 4.00

The reviewer enjoyed Mark Kurlansky's 'The Food of a Younger Land', finding it a fascinating exploration of American food traditions. While some articles were bland, many were engaging, and the book successfully compiles a diverse range of regional food histories.

The reviewer found 'The Food of a Younger Land' to be a delightful read, particularly for those interested in food history. Kurlansky's compilation of articles from the Federal Writers Program offers a unique glimpse into America's regional food traditions before the era of chain restaurants and frozen food. Although some entries were less exciting, the majority provided interesting insights and stories behind iconic American dishes. The reviewer appreciated Kurlansky's effort to tie together a diverse collection of submissions into a cohesive narrative, making it a valuable read for food enthusiasts. Additionally, the inclusion of recipes and updates on the current status of these traditions added to the book's appeal.


Quick quotes

    Kurlansky has combed through hundreds of submittals from a pre-WWII New Deal program called the Federal Writers Program to develop this book.

    Despite some of the weaker articles I really enjoyed this book and I think any fan of food history will enjoy it as well.

    Anytime you compile a hodge-podge of completed, half-finished, and unedited submittals from over 80 years ago it’s going to be a challenge tying everything into a nice cohesive package but Kurlansky has done an admirable job.

booksamillion.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
fascinating 4.50

The book is a fascinating exploration of American food history, capturing the diversity and regional traditions before the era of fast food and frozen meals. It's a time transporter that enriches the reader's sense of history and makes them appreciate the richness of local food cultures.

The book is a remarkable portrait of American food before World War II, capturing the diversity and regional traditions that have largely disappeared. It's a collection of vignettes and recipes from the Federal Writers' Project, which was created to document the eating habits and food customs of Americans during the Great Depression. The book is organized by region, and each section features short essays written by authors who went on to become famous, as well as by average writers who simply had a tale to tell. The essays are a delightful mix of humor, nostalgia, and historical insight, and they transport the reader back in time to a world where food was seasonal, regional, and traditional. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, food culture, or the art of storytelling.


Quick quotes

    The book is broken down into regional areas and features short vignettes written about foods, food customs, recipes, and how they played a social role in a time now long past.

    Many of the foods talked about made my mouth water with anticipation, others made me cringe, but all showed just how much we've lost in the last century with the shift to frozen and shelf-ready standardized foods as well as the limited choices in drive-ins and chain restaurants.

    This book is a time transporter. Don't miss a chance to take the trip!

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