Customer Reviews

Hearts & Gizzards: Motherhood in Motion

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ms. Alcyon's words flow, and her vignettes are a pleasure to read, even if the reader is neither a mother nor a quilter (or only one of the two). I appreciate the author's description of getting her quilting done during nap times and late at night while her children were young--and it's interesting to see how her projects grow in sync with her daughters. But what I liked best about Hearts & Gizzards is Ms. Alcyon's talent for writing--her descriptions, dialogue, and details are perfect.

This is a truly sweet book that would make an excellent gift for women learning the art of quilting. While the stories in the book revolve around motherhood - including the joys it brings as well as the insecurities that come with it - I think anyone who has discovered, or is considering quilting could relate to the recurring themes and come away feeling curiously happy and content.

This book was a joy to read. It was a very interesting portrayal of a quilter and a mother. It was refreshing to see that none of us are perfect, nor should we expect to be. I truly enjoyed meeting Clara and travelling with her through her mothering and quilting experiences.

I was given this book as a gift for Christmas and found it to be totally engaging and completely charming. It was a comfort to hear Ms. Alcyon's issues of motherhood and its inherent problems bubbling to the surface, yet allowing her quilting to have those problems float away equipped with care and support. I particularly enjoyed the family reunion story. Although I have a very close knit family, the passing down of these treasures has not been an aspect our family has engaged in. I wanted a quilt from an old aunt or grandma or someone after reading this story. I found it very pleasing since you could put the book down after reading one story and pick it up at a later date and continue. Although it is a departure from what I normally read (romance novels, sigh. . .) I am thrilled my sister gave me this book and I highly recommend it!

Clara Alcyon will warm your heart and touch your soul with her nurturing voice. She is the mother/woman/wife/friend in each of us. Uniquely incorporating the quilting theme in the body of this book, gives it strength and quality. The reader begins to believe that perhaps quilting can fix many problems! When her heartstrings are tugged, we carefully place our hands on our chest; when she is muddled, we cup our temples; when she is overwhelmed, we anticipate her survival. The stories are appealing and poignant. Her husband's moniker of "Sweetheart" is absolutely endearing and priceless. HEARTS AND GIZZARDS is a wonderful book to pick up, enjoy reading about a swim meet, or a school quilting project or a family reunion -- put down only to return to it, after fixing your own family crises -- to another loving story in the same comfortable voice. It is an inspirational and agreeable read, and I was sorry to have it come to an end. HEARTS AND GIZZARDS is a walk with a friend -- a shared journey. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this first-time author.

I am not a mother, nor am I a quilter, but I found the book to be fascinating. I especially enjoyed the story about the reunion. Some of my favorite people are mothers and quilters and I have new insights on both. Clara is not only passing down quilts, but the gift of storytelling as well.

If you fit any of these categories: Mom, quilter, PTA volunteer, suburban housewife, corporate escapee -- why, then, you'll find something in "Hearts and Gizzards" to love, to make you laugh and/or shed a few tears. My favorite story is about a group quilting adventure. It makes me want to see the finished quilt -- must be a fascinating one! And who hasn't had a family reunion experience similar to that recounted by Clara. All I've got to say is, "Great for Clara's Mom!!!"

If you fit any of these categories: Mom, quilter, PTA volunteer, suburban housewife, corporate escapee -- why, then, you'll find something in "Hearts and Gizzards" to love, to make you laugh and/or shed a few tears. My favorite story is about a group quilting adventure. It makes me want to see the finished quilt -- must be a fascinating one! And who hasn't had a family reunion experience similar to that recounted by Clara. All I've got to say is, "Great for Clara's Mom!!!"

I found this to be a fun little book in which the readers gets some painless doses of unpretentious, down-to-earth philosophy along with a picture of the pressurized life in nineties suburbia. I think quilters and soccer moms, in particular, will enjoy the commentaries. I particularly liked a story about a swim meet. It put the scene clearly in my mind's eye -- rambunctious teens and eager, anxious parents both spring to life amid the pressures of competition. A second favorite tells of the making of a community quilt. Conflict vies with cooperation (just like real life!, but when it's over accomplishment and sentiment rule the day. This book is a modest and humorous look at today's typical American families. It's like reading about yourself and your friends down the block!