A Life in Stitches

September 12, 2011
Novelist and blogger Herron isnât really old enough to write a memoir. But that doesnât stop her from sharing interesting, sometimes poignant, and often humorous scenes from her life in 20 essays organized around her life-long passion for knitting. Herron, who is young and attractive enough to sit in bars and knit socks without looking like a nut, turns in honest, well-considered appraisals of choices sheâs made, turns sheâs taken, and people sheâs known. Itâs a big year for Herron, whose A Cypress Hollow Yarn series (William Morrow) will hit its third installment in October with Wishes and Stitches. She also writes a popular knitting blog, but the essays here are deeper and more polished than pumped-up blog entries. And while the book has a hipster vibe, the personal truths and revelations mined are universal enough to resonate with all ages. For knitters, opening this book will be like curling up on a couch with a pair of needles, a ball of yarn, and a couple of cocktails with a good girlfriendâa guilt-free indulgence in the twin pleasures of friendship and handicrafts.