Rating: 
Summary: Combines the worst of Jane Brody and Martha Stewart
Review: I've always liked how-to-housekeep books, and this was so well reviewed I was really looking forward to it. "Home Comforts" is as guilt-inducing as Jane Brody, and as out of touch with what is possible (or even desirable) as the nethermost obsessive recesses of Martha Stewart. Examples: The author (a lawyer) tells you the correct footwear for walking up and down stairs. Her method for folding sheets involves having a cleared bed, or an equivalent clean, clear space, to do it on. There are 2 references to Christmas: one under electrical hazard, one under fire hazard (she tells you if your tree dries out before Christmas, get rid of it and get another). The only people this book would be useful for are obsessive-compulsives setting up house, and it would be a truly double-edged gift if you gave it to them. I wish there was a way to give this book less than one star.
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Summary: Another Satisfied Customer
Review: OK, OK, so it gets a bit much at times. Not in this life will I clean the refrigerator inside and out (including the inside walls!) once a week. But my one New Years Resolution was to improve my housekeeping, starting with my *attitude* towards it, and Cheryl has helped me immeasureably. Just reading it has seemed to work some kind of magic: without pain or heartache, I look around and the house looks better. I've picked up little habits like airing the bed in the morning. My husband made a comment about the kitchen looking good these days. And yes, my attitude really *has* changed. I'm calmer and happier about my home, and more productive in it. It's not perfect, by a long shot, but I do think that if you can keep your perspective and not get overwhelmed by the barrage of things you *could* be doing, this book can inform, inspire, and and certainly be an often-used reference.
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Summary: Any book that can inspire me to clean my fridge is AMAZING
Review: Wow. I can't say enough good about this book; I'm planning on giving it as a gift to every bride and college graduate I know for the rest of my life. There are some things missing (nowhere does she say what to do about bits of broken glass in the bottom of the dishwasher), but 99% of the book is massively helpful and inspirational. I received this book as a Christmas gift and actually was excited at the prospect of trying out the ideas/instructions. Never before could it be said that I would enjoy cleaning, yet last week, I spent two hours vacuuming the house from top to bottom (ceilings included) and loved every minute. Who knew?
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Summary: Should be the Home Economics major's Bible
Review: This book explains not only the how-to's of housekeeping, but the ramifications of a messy, disorganized house: frustration, wasted resources, and sometimes illness. Along the same lines it also details some of the pleasures of a well-kept home: ease of living, frugality, and healthfulness. All of this is contained in a thoroughly-researched and highly-readable tome that may well bring back housekeeping as the dignified and complex occupation it is. Should be required reading for every Home Ec major.
Rating:
Summary: Inspirational and a great reference
Review: The best part of this book is the inspiration it provides. Second comes the information. This book inspires me to do wash my dishes. It then supplies me with the information I need to wash them well. It inspires me to fold my laundry and then clearly illustrates a great way to fold it. My home is staying clean for the first time in my life. I love this book so much, I've given it to my equally messy sister. She is also transforming her home into a clean, comfortable home with the aid of this book.
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Summary: I want my money back!
Review: I bought this book based on all of the wonderful reviews. I have learned my lesson.
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Summary: I'm ready to clean!
Review: What a wonderful, motivating book! Easy to read, and full of info on every type of fabric, surface, and material found in modern homes. I can now maintain my hard wood floors (I was not cleaning them properly, and didn't know why they looked so bad), and why I should sort that laundry. I'm keeping this one!
Rating:
Summary: Not just for at-home women
Review: This is the best book on this topic I have ever seen - I collect old housekeeping books, but so much of their information is completely out of date. This is a great book for anyone, whether male or female, single in a studio apartment, or married with many kids! I work a 40 hour week and cook from scratch, and not only have I found time to read this (it's not like you lose track if you put it down after a few pages), my house is already cleaner and neater. I've resisted all previous good intentions and advice - don't know what this author did to me but the bed is made, the clothes are put away, and my cutting boards are sanitized. I can dispense with a lot of her advice, which she invites you to do, but a lot of this book are little things that take very little time and make a big difference in keeping on top of dirt and clutter, and making your living space feel like home. Wish I'd had it in college!
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Summary: A home encyclopedia.
Review: So your mother isn't "Martha"! You can find the answer to any household dilema in this book. Everything you thought you would never need to know. I always wanted to know where those yellow stains came from on the underarms of my husbands shirts and how to prevent them; Well now I know. The book covers subjects of food, cloth, cleanliness, fire safety, insurance, record keeping, Domestic employment laws, storing keepsakes and photos, and general home maintenance. Even what temp. your refrigerator should be kept at. I can't think of anything that was overlooked. A must have for every household!
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Summary: My mom is in heaven looking down, pleased
Review: I was my mom's only daughter, and have only a vague memory of her showing me how to do hospital corners, folding laundry, etc. But by the time I appreciated her she was gone. This is a fabulous book and filled with all sorts of matter of fact hints and advice. The once a week laundry works great--I'm no longer doing a few loads a day. I've always been dismayed by slobbiness, and it's great to read how Mendelsohn calls it like it is. This book is a call to arms to "gird up your loins" and take pride in one's surroundings. P.S. My two daughters tell me it was the worst thing they ever did was buying me "that book" for Christmas.
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