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Book Review: The Rhythm of Family



Source: amazon.com via Sarah on Pinterest

The Rhythm Of Family by Amanda Blake Soule and Stephen Soule had been on my wishlist since back in Spring, when (I think) I first heard of it. I'm an avid reader of Soulemama's blog. I love her thoughtful posts, her children's funny antics, her knitting and sewing addictions, and her chosen lifestyle. I also should admit that I have her other two books, purchased with weeks of their release dates. I didn't expect this book to be too different from her previous two, The Creative Family and Handmade Home. It does have a couple homey crafts mixed between it's pages, but there are a lot more recipes, and the main difference is this seems to be a compilation of seasonal (monthly) essays written by the two Soules through the calendar year.
The photography is even better than the last two, and I could definitely see the mix of seasons within the pages, but  I have to admit, this is probably my least favorite of the three, mostly because of my expectations. I don't know that I would categorize this book as a craft book, or a cook-book...perhaps lifestyle?
The writing from Blake Soule is well done, as is found daily on her blog. It was just an extra glimpse into their daily life between the family of seven. There are times when her husband, Stephen Soule, writes on her blog, and this is certainly a shared effort. There is one essay per month per spouse, and then usually the DIY/craft aspect is written by the Mrs. I really, really want to love this book, and I think I do, as I'll keep this in my craft book-shelf and skim through for the WHO bread recipe a time or two, but I to be perfectly honest, I'd give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. Stephen Soule's writing is just a bit too...mystical and flowery for me. If you want the best of the bunch (from a crafter's opinion) start with the middle book, Handmade Home, and journey back to The Creative Family for excellent projects and directions. 
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Comments

leaves and blossoms said…
Yeah, I would have to agree with you on the way out there-ness at times! I've always found the books to be strangely less than the blog. I just expected more, and always there seems a lack of body or something. Still love them all though!!
September 30, 2011 at 1:48 PM
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