Book Review: Knitting for Good

This is a lovely little book for any knitter's library. It jumps around a bit but provides a very pleasant read and a good deal of support and community building. Greer writes of her thoughts on knitting as a personal journey as well as an opportunity for both creativity and activism. Knitters can influence their own personal growth through knitting and particularly though not exclusively through knitting for others. She also profiles a number of other knitters (including bloggers, writers, designers, teachers, activists, and others), with their thoughts on knitting, fiber arts' place in the world, and what knitting means for them personally. The book includes simple patterns for a variety of projects which can be knit for oneself or for donation purposes, including basic survival items like scarves, hats, and blankets; toys and pet beds; and baby clothing. I would recommend this to the thoughtful knitter wanting a supportive volume on knitting's potential for positive personal and community change.

Knitting for Good!: A Guide to Creating Personal, Social, and Political Change Stitch by Stitch by Betsy Greer, Trumpeter, 2008, ISBN 978-1590305898

Book Review: Live Your Road Trip Dream, 2nd ed.

Carol and Phil White were retirees with a dream: to travel around the country on their own, for a year, without running out of money or energy. They planned, they budgetted, they kissed their children and grandchildren farewell, and they headed out.This newly revised manual and travelogue tells how they did it, both in practical and human terms. They provide budget plans, recommendations on transportation choices, insights into travel decisions, and suggestions for websites (including their own) which provide more information and tools. The first half of the book provides the planning tools and suggestions; the second is the diary from their own travels.Anyone interested in long travel, RV use, or travelogues should consider this readable, useful volume.