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There are currently 25 member reviews
for The Heart-Shaped Tin
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Kathryn T. (Geneseo, NY)
Every Day Kitchen Objects Provide Memories
Bee Wilson's words in The Heart-Shaped Tin won me over from the very first sentence. Kitchen objects do have a life of their own and we don't realize that each might be loaded with meaning and nostalgia that we are not fully aware of. The book is described as a book of recovery from loss; however, there is so much more to the notions of the human stories Wilson tenderly weaves encountering charms, superstitions and our relationship to the world around us.
Perhaps, this book is a reminder to use your best china right now, share the stories with your grandchildren about the heritage of the kitchen spatula and let the junk remain in the drawer.
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Catherine O. (Altavista, VA)
Exquisite
The Heart-Shaped Tin was such a pleasure to read. Bee Wilson wrote a book that makes the reader slow down and experience the joys of ordinary objects. Her short vignettes about ordinary kitchen objects, often illustrated by stark photographs of these ordinary objects, were masterful. The author is a wonderful teller of stories and collector of stories. She weaves the memories that she has gathered with historical facts and studies that show the value of an object is tied to the memories it holds, not to the monetary value.
I will recommend this to my book club. I can imagine a wonderful discussion with each member bringing and sharing their favorite kitchen object. In a world of shiny, new, replaceable items Bee Wilson has affirmed the need for objects that carry the history of their use and the memories that they invoke.
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Anna R. (Oak Ridge, TN)
A treasure
This book is terrific. I enjoyed the stories about kitchen utensils and what they mean to people. Also, the story about Queen Elizabeth I in a painting holding a sieve was fascinating. It also made me realize that I need to use the "good stuff" I have been saving. Why am I keeping the beautiful crystal that I have? I know my adult children don't want them. So, the next time I host a group of friends, I am getting out the good stuff. I want to enjoy it now and share it with my friends.
I have a treasured juicer that belonged to my Mother. It was part of a set of pots and pans she received as a wedding present. So it's an antique. It still works and can get every drop of lemon or orange juice out.
I loved this book!!
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Patricia C. (Naples, FL)
A thoroughly enjoyable book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I usually do not read this sort of non fiction but the title interested me. The author managed to make the subject of how meaningful certain objects are to a variety of people both personal and universal. She used ordinary objects often found in the kitchen to connect with some universal themes of love, friendship, memories. Each chapter is devoted to an item and the circumstances about it that brought on a memory, an emotion or circumstance. The writing is spot on!
I highly recommend it to book clubs. This book will elicit great discussions. I certainly plan to recommend it to my two book clubs.
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Judith V. (Sioux Center, IA)
Heart Eyes for The Heart-Shaped Tin
I had my reservations about this book initially, simply because it is short stories and I prefer novels. But I felt compelled to give it a chance because I love kitchen objects and the subtitle "Love, Loss, and Kitchen Objects" pulled me in. From the very beginning, this book drew me in. Yes, it is short stories but many of them are inter-related and there is definitely an arc that is very compelling. I learned much about why people develop such a bond to kitchen objects, and I learned that I was in good company throughout history in this regard. I also learned about certain customs and traditions around the world - Bee Wilson is a determined author and left no stone unturned to get pictures of and to learn the stories behind many household items. I laughed and I cried, and I celebrated how the author ultimately harbored little bitterness to those in her life who had created unwanted change in her life - she is a lovely person and an even lovelier author.
This book would be appreciated by all who love to create things in the kitchen and who appreciate gathering around the table with "their people", however that is defined. Book clubs would also love this book and could bring a lot of personal reflections about their memorable kitchen items.
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Gwen C. (Clearfield, PA)
The Heart-Shaped Tim
Bee Wilson has done it again! I'm a big fan of her book Consider the Fork and The Heart-Shaped Tin only reenforced my belief in her as an outstanding researcher and author. This far ranging book has something for everyone. My copy has notes every few pages of excerpts I must share with various friends.
Going far beyond a cake pan calling up a sense of loss (an ex husband and a mother), Wilson tackles every day kitchen objects and gives us a whirlwind of snapshots in history: Jacob Chaim"s spoon carved secretly in a World War II concentration camp; protesting Chavez with pots and pans; the explanation of Queen Elizabeth's sieve in a famous portrait, etc. She deals with the whimsical (the Merry Mushroom canisters of the 70's) and the unwanted - but valued - kitchen gifts one receives (hoarding and belated regret for getting rid of items also discussed.) The history of the corkscrew will fascinate my meticulous wine making friends.
This book is chock full of avenues to explore after she's done all the essential research for us. Thanks, Bee.
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Stephanie K. (Glendale, AZ)
The Heart-Shaped Tin Captures Hearts
Bee Wilson's "The Heart-Shaped Tin" revolves around the seemingly uncomplicated practice of accumulating household articles through the years. The author charmingly and humorously writes of how people of both genders and all cultures magically become "collectors," whether they want to or even realize it or not. I would highly recommend it to anyone who's on their own sentimental journey these days. This book speaks to the heart of those wrapped up in family traditions yet trying not to become clutterers or worse, hoarders. In addition, Ms. Wilson gives us all heartfelt advice concerning the quality and quantity of items we collect and how to rehome those things we can rightly do without. It's a book of both practicality and imprudence that gives homey insight on why we do the things we do.
