Sadie Shapiro's Knitting Book

Knitting, publishing, 72 (or maybe 75) year old woman who jogs in a pink suit she knit, a little romance, an eloquent obscene phone caller and a singing cab driver...what's not to love about this book? My friend Maria lent me her copy of this book (she is in publishing and a knitter), which was given to her by a friend who is an editor. How nice to read a book that has no slashers (except with a red pencil), devious bad guys scheming to take down the world, thrusting bosoms or throbbing members (not to say there's not a little romance in there, but it's down to earth reality based, and all the more honest for it.) Sadie and her friends at the Mount Edens senior Citizen Hotel in Queens are wonderful.

The plot is simple: Sadie has a show more talent-- she knits marvelous items and has a slew of patterns to share with the world. She submits the patterns to a third rate publishing house and Things Happen. Lots of Things. Good Things. To Sadie and those around her, including Marion Wall, her lonely editor, to the gang at Mount Edens, even to Johnny Carson.

And even to one little czukie, feeling a little shell-shocked of late, who found Sadie Shapiro to make her smile.

In searching for a copy of this book to buy I found the complete text on-line here. It's only 190 pages and a very quick read. If you read it and want to journal on it, PM me for the BCID and I'll share it with you. My copy is staying with me though, so don't expect the actual book.

PS Does Sadie have a crocheting cousin? I want the patterns. show less

Mostly engaging, with some bright bits.

But the Mama Cass reference to the child who is only 15 lbs overweight is cruel... and if only mom would not make donuts and cupcakes avl., and would set a better example herself there would be no problem... oh, and lots of love, not scolding or shaming. Or saying outright "Food is your enemy" (and omg, that's Sadie, not mom, saying that!).

I did like that the mom learned to stick up for herself, and said, basically, I don't want your gratitude for my hard work, I want a raise that will give me what the men here are earning.

Light, humorous novel. Sadie's life (she is 75) changes when she submits 50 of her best knitting patterns to an ailing publishing firm.