(Full disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Revell Books to review on my blog.)
I don't generally read heart-warming, inspirational books along the lines of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and while I consider myself a spiritual person, I'm not affiliated with a particular religion, so I wasn't quite sure how I would respond to Knit with Love: Stories to Warm a Knitter's Heart. I grew up with an unusual, multi-faith background, and often feel excluded by or uncomfortable with faith-based authors. I've had the pleasure of interacting with Lisa Bogart on Ravelry (a social networking website for knitters and crocheters) and she has a really warm and inviting personality, so I really wanted to give her book a try, and requested a review copy from Revell Books to accompany an interview with Lisa I posted on my blog.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It is a quick read - I was able to finish it over the course of about 2-3 days of commuting time. Each chapter is organized around a theme which is metaphorically linked to knitting. For example, Chapter 3: Knit Two Together, is about friendship. I enjoyed reading the stories about how knitting brought together communities, helped individuals through difficult times, and how knitting charities started. There were also some interesting tidbits about charity knitting in history. The book definitely has some tearjerker stories, and I confess that I did have "something in my eye" a few times on the subway ride. Lisa's writing style is very casual and when reading you feel as though you are having a conversation with her. Towards the end of the book, she provides some tips for knitters and shares her favorite books and websites.
The beginning chapters are definitely geared towards a Christian audience in terms of the language used. However, Lisa addresses this exact issue in Chapter 2:
"If you tell a new knitter to knit two together, yarn over, you will get a blank stare. The same barrier goes up if you launch into apologetics with someone who doesn't speak Christianese. And even worse, they may tune you out immediately. "The Lord told me..." Suddenly, there's a blank stare. If you want to help a new knitter get more comfortable with the lingo, explain as you go and show, don't tell. Speak an inclusive language. If you want to share your faith, speak plainly the language of love."
I didn't find the language after that point to be very exclusive, but some readers might be uncomfortable with the Christian emphasis of the book. From time to time, Lisa quotes Biblical verses that relate to service, charity, and love.
The book would be a nice gift for a Christian knitter and a great read for someone who enjoys inspirational books. It would probably be an awkward gift for most atheists or non-Christians, though some would certainly be willing to read through the first few chapters to arrive at the more inclusive language. It is lightweight and portable, and is a great read for a train or bus commute, or while waiting. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars for Christian knitters, the target audience.
