Library Notes
March 12, 2011
Lynn A. Denison

An intriguing title caught my eye recently as I was browsing the section in the library for new nonfiction. The title is How to Get Things Really Flat. Reading the subtitle piqued my interest even more: Enlightenment for Every Man on Ironing, Vacuuming and Other Household Arts. I found myself reading and laughing out loud at some of the ridiculously funny anecdotes the British author Andrew Martin describes. Although the target audience is men, the tips are helpful for women as well. This is not a dry guide to doing household chores. Some of the chapter headings will give you an idea of the book’s tone: Chapter 3 on ironing includes sections such as “Do I Need to Bother with the Controls on the Iron?” and “What Is the Worst Thing That Can Happen During Ironing?” Chapter 6 on dusting includes a section on “During Dusting, Where Does the Dust Go?” Chapter 7 on cleaning includes a section on “How to Impress People with Bicarbonate of Soda.”

This book set me on the trail of similar “How To” books that we might have on our shelves. The trail led to two books written by Erien Bried, How to Sew a Button and Other Nifty Things Your Grandmother Knew and How to Build a Fire and Other Handy Things Your Grandfather Knew. The author, a senior staff writer at SELF magazine for the last nine years, gives hope to the domestically challenged among us in a practical, useful, yet humorous manner. Some of my favorite topics in How to Sew a Button include, “How to Properly Fold a Fitted Sheet.”, “How to Use Vinegar to Clean Almost Anything”, “How to Rid Your House of Mice”, and “How to Polish Your Image by Shining Your Own Shoes.”

Written for men but with women still in mind is the wonderfully helpful, back-to-basics, you can do anything guide, How to Build a Fire. Whereas How to Sew a Button deals with home-ec type things, this book offers a number of lessons on being a grown up. Some of my favorite tips include: “How to Keep a Secret”, ‘How to Make a Good Cup of Coffee”, “How to Buy a Car”, and even “How to Make Toast.”

The explanations in each book are short but helpful and most importantly, fun. After reading these books from the library, you may even decide to purchase two or three to keep on hand. They make wonderfully impromptu gifts for friends and family. As a librarian, I always feel that a book you have read and then care enough to share with a friend is a pretty special gift. Of course, Rowan Public Library is your headquarters for all kinds of “How To” books. Come by to check out our wide selection on books of all topics and experience the friendly and helpful service we always strive to provide for our patrons.