It is rare that a book review makes me even chuckle, but a new post by furniture designer/maker James Watriss about Nancy Hiller’s “Kitchen Think” made me laugh aloud (and not just the introduction, in which he worries “if the world really needs a blond-haired white guy praising a woman for writing about woodworking”). Along with making me laugh, he teases out much of what I love about this book:
“There’s a strong emphasis on design, because that’s as important, or more, than simply doing a good job of executing that design,” he writes. “If the end product flows in an uninterrupted way, the skill involved shouldn’t need to stand out, because the goal is to make something the homeowner can live and cook and relax and eat in comfortably. It’s not a Goddard high-boy, you don’t need to masticate in awe.”
Of the kitchen designs themselves, he writes, “Each has very individual character, none of the layouts look remotely similar, some are modern, some are vintage, but they all look comfortable, workable, and… like home. I don’t have a good way to put a finger on what makes that happen. Clearly Nancy Hiller does.”
Read Watriss’ review in its entirety on his blog.
— Fitz
I’ve eyed this book wistfully for months, but not being a pro or in mid-reno, I didn’t think maybe I “needed” it. Apparently I was wrong.
I so wish we could have reviews which didn’t have to start out with 2-3 paragraphs about gender politics, and just get into the book, as we would if say Schwartz had written it. I say that as a blond haired white guy (!). But as a father of a grown daughter and father in law of another fine human who happens to be female, I’m aware that we aren’t there yet.
God willing, Hiller’s book pushes us farther towards that day.
Can you explain what gaslighting means in this context?
I don’t see that word anywhere else on this page.
It’s in James’ review.
I won’t speak for James, but the Wikipedia definition might help: “Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which a person or a group covertly sows seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or group, making them question their own memory, perception, or judgment.”
That’s as good a start as any.
I’ve seen more than my fair share of truly talented women talked down to, if not blatantly insulted, by men who clearly knew much less. But, you know, they were men, so obviously they had the capacity to know more. (That’s probably not exclusive to woodworking, but I’ll stick to what I know.)
Similarly, I’ve seen men whose opinion of a solidly made piece would take an abrupt right turn when they realized that it had been made by a woman, and they suddenly felt compelled to find fault somewhere, even if they really had to look for it.
To be blunt, it’s a prejudice that’s even in our language. You have no idea how hard it was to write that review without using using words like ‘craftsmanship,’ or ‘workmanship.’
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one of the PC police. But all of this is ‘in the air’ for a reason.
I have read exactly one humorous book review in an academic journal.
The review, done by the top historian in that field, was absolutely and thoroughly scathing. But it ended with the sentence: “The book was, however, illustrated with some interesting photographs, and was remarkably free from typographical errors.”
Great review all around. Loved it all! I’ve been reluctant to buy the book because I don’t really have a kitchen remodel in mind. Then again, I just finished Crime and Punishment and wasn’t contemplating a double murder…
Great review, fantastic book. The book is useful not just for kitchens but for any project where the end goal is personalizing a space. 1st, Nancy gives a healthy dose of reality check against the idiocy of remodel consumerism with someone else in mind. If you’re going to build something (or have anyone build something for you), build it to fit your life. 2nd, all building (except art for Art’s sake) is at its core an attempt to create a cozy and useful home for our stuff. To that end, kitchens are probably the most complex balancing acts of work flow, storage and recreation where aesthetics are equally important to utilitarian considerations. (I’d love to see a room or furniture piece that comes close on all counts!) 3rd, the book provides a complete kit of tools for tackling any major aspect of design and construction. 4tj, It’s an easy step to apply all the principles of Nancy’s book to literally any building project.
Hence, when I become squid overload supreme emperor and benevolent dictator of the universe, my third order (immediately following my second order which will be to burn all extant Vogon poetry) will be to require every builder, creator, inventor, etc. to obtain and read a copy of Kitchen Think.
“world really needs a blond-haired white guy praising a woman – ” really is that the best way to write about people. It is offensive. I took was a student of Nancy’s at Kelly’s school, she was then as now thoughtful, direct, talented and I would add a great person. The Fitz comment is not descriptive except to be something one uses to say they lack a better way to communicate. The world has enough haters, if you don’t like the review, ignore it or review the review. Adding the tribal view is not a good look for anyone.
ALS IK KAN