In The Stacks

Another one of my great loves is Books. Before domestication got the best of me. I never went a day without reading. Barely a week went by without the purchase of a new book or checking one out at the library. It's been far too long since I've nurtured this part of me. That all ends now.

Once a week (what day who knows) I'll share with you a book review, perhaps share a little nostalgia, but one of my favorite hobbies has to be finding obscure and/or quirky books. I've been known to buy books for their elaborate illustrations or artful fonts or absolutely absurd subjects. These little morsels of fun I'll be sure to share with you. All in an effort to write a never ending love letter to the art of prose.

This week I was very excited about our local library's book sale. As Library books sales are famous for providing a plethora of obscure books. And at this particular book sale I hit the mother load. Behold: "Polly's Homemaking Pointers" by Polly Cramer

First I must tell you that the kitschy illustrations were the first thing to catch my eye. There are some spectacular cutie illustrations by Joe Phelan (I believe). Published in 1965, I knew I was in for some delightfully pre-women's lib verbiage.

I soon discovered that one post most definitely won't be enough. As Chapter One begins with.

"A good homemaker is tops in the most respected and highly honored occupation in this wide, wide world of ours" *cough- bullshit* "An excellent housekeeper is not necessarily an excellent homemaker. Many women, you know some and so do I , are slaves to housework. They empty the ash tray almost before hubby's cigarette ashes hit it, and the newspaper is in the trash can before he has had a chance to take a second look at the sports pages." *first, that's OCD hun and second, BWAHHAHAHA* "For the comfort and happiness of their families, let's hope these almost fanatical housekeepers are few and far between. Most of us follow the middle road..." *or some like me are domestically disabled* "...and have some time left over for our families, for worthwhile outside activities, and if we are fortunate, for some things we just like to do for our own selfish pleasure" *like be forced to work a full-time job to help keep a roof over our heads*

Rrrright. See what I'm talking about and trust me it just gets better and better.

But I do have to say there are some very interesting old skool tips shared, that are quite innovative. For example in the children's corner chapter: "A blackboard bank account for a child teaches mathematics, saving and industry. Even preschool children learn to add and subtract nickels and dimes when it involves their own money. Some of the odd jobs around the house that they are not paid for are credited to their account on the blackboard. Children feel like they have money in reserve, that they can decide when and for what it can be spent, or saved for a larger want. "

I'll definitely re-visit Polly's Homemaking Pointers in the future for a good laugh and a surprisingly good tip.

I hope you enjoyed the inaugural run of In The Stacks, If you have any suggestions or if you would like to post your own review, or guest blog about your own book nostalgia your submissions are oh so welcome.