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There are currently 25 member reviews
for The Heart-Shaped Tin
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Marilyn B. (Rockville, MD)
Delightful book
On its face, this book looks like it might not be very interesting. A book about different everyday kitchen objects, broken kitchen objects, objects that used to be found in most homes, especially in the kitchen or used for serving food --- just doesn't seem like it could hold a reader's interest. I am happy to report that I found this book delightful, thought-provoking, and very relatable. It was at its best when the author writes about objects that evoke various memories from my past and/or the author's past and/or the past owners of the objects. I personally find it difficult to get rid of certain objects that others see no value in keeping. This is usually because the thingamajig reminds me of happy times from the past, and usually these times involved those I was at least very fond of. I think this is not a book everyone would like, but I truly, thoroughly enjoyed it.
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Diane T. (Slingerlands, NY)
Full Circle
The Heart-Shaped Tin by Bee Wilson asks the reader to take stock of not only your "things" specifically home and kitchen goods but more importantly your relationship with those things most "important" to you. The memories and stories surrounding these objects can be loving but sometimes can hold you back from your true self. Many times, when you are dealing with the death of a loved one, you can get caught up in physically "saving" everything, specifically gadgets for the kitchen where the family gathered. But doing that doesn't allow you to go forward but rather live in the past. Your healing can't go forward nor can future happiness be yours. Giving yourself grace allows you to live a life that your loved one had always wanted for you. Keeping one or two that conjures loving memories can bring about a sense of self and peace that ultimately your loved one desired for you. Thank you, Bee, for giving me the strength to give so many kitchen things to others. It gives those "things" a chance to make loving memories to others.
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Brenda W. (Wilkes Barre, PA)
A Heartfelt Read
The Heart Shaped Tin by Bee Wilson is an exquisite testimony to how personal objects can affect us. Whether it is good, sad, bittersweet or nostalgic, they have a lasting impact on our emotions. Memories that last a lifetime. Their value is oftentimes more sentimental than monetary.
This book was a very enjoyable read. The writing is very well done. I really got into each story. The stories were so personal and heartfelt. Each chapter started with a title and had a black and white picture of the object the story was about. I really loved those pictures.
I plan on reading more from Bee Wilson. She is a wonderful author. This would make a wonderful book choice for book clubs that enjoy memoirs, women's fiction.
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Thelma H. (Ostrander, OH)
The Heart Shaped-Tin
This book brought back memories of memories of my parents, brother and sister. I have a few things that are priceless to me: an army uniform that my dad wore home from Vietnam, Variety puzzles that Mom didn't get to do, blankets my sister crocheted. Although they were kitchen items I related to this book.
This story tells her story as well as others. At first I thought the book may be too sad for me. However, there are times it is sad it brings back good memories.
Wilson looks at the humble instruments—knives, forks, spoons, pots, stoves, measuring cups, and more—that have quietly shaped human culture and cuisine for centuries.She also wrote the book Consider the Fork. I bet I would enjoy that book as well. I didn't realize how many books have been written on this topic.Ill have to check this book out too.
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Cindy J. (Hastings, NY)
The Heart-Shaped Tin
I really enjoyed this book. It made me think about objects that had been passed down through my family, but most of all it made me smile when I thought of my loved ones that had passed. I plan to recommend this book to friends and family. I think it will bring back many memories and encourage many great stories. Thank you for sending me this arc.
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Nancy B. (Rochester, NY)
The Heart-Shaped Tin
Having lost my 100 year old mother 2 years ago, and my father 17 years before her, I attach a great deal of meaning to objects that were theirs: handkerchiefs, watches, reading glasses. even clothes. Some days, I realize that I am dressed entirely in my mother's clothes (minus the underclothes) sometimes, I think of it as an embrace. I savored this exploration of the palpable connection to beloved detested tasks and people through the objects they owned and handled. It deepened my belief in the spiritual dimension that objects can have. Thus, it took me more time to read this wonderful book than was warranted...savoring takes time. The Heart-Shaped Tin beckoned me to spend that time.
Barry's Pasta Bow, Unused Platters, Jacob's Spoon, and more all spoke to me of the treasure certain things can represent. In the best case, elements of memory and ritual can be found in the most quotidian objects, leading to a deeper appreciation of that person - handling my grandmother's sugar scoop reminds me of the patience she must have had when her beautifully prepared meals were not always appreciated at the "kids' table." Sugar and spice and everything nice Not exactly.
In the worst case, Most of those objects that connect me to a painful past find their way into the garbage, if I can't foist them off on someone else without the attached strings.
This quiet celebration of unremarkable objects is...remarkable!
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Carol Ann R. (Pittsburg, KS)
Kitchen Treasures
Over the summer I realized I couldn't find the measuring spoons that my mother always used. They became mine when she died in 2009 and although worn and a bit bent, I cherished them. But when I couldn't find them that day, I wept. I now own a new set that I don't care for.
Fortunately, Bee Wilson's book, The Heart-Shaped Tin: Love, Loss, and Kitchen Objects, assured me that I'm not overly sentimental. Learning that others have similar feelings about personal, everyday objects and the reasons behind those attachments brought a sense of relief. It's not just me.
Ms. Wilson obviously did her research as she explored why people hold such deep feelings toward kitchen utensils, but more enjoyable are the stories and photos of the treasures held so dear by their owners. Cooking and eating together binds people together so it's no surprise that our memories are tied to implements used in those endeavors.
I recommend this lovely book to any cook or collector of family treasures. It's a cozy read.
