Happy Wednesday, friends. Each week I join Kat at As Kat Knits to share my reading and stitching projects. I don’t have a ton to share thanks to last week’s holiday, but I do have one finished book and the reveal of my current cross-stitch project.
Finished Reading
Little House in the Big Woods
I beg you not to laugh at me. Yes, this was the only book I finished this week! I reread this book about a decade ago and was crazy disappointed in it. But I decided to try it again on audio and really enjoyed it in that format. Yes, there are problematic themes and rampant racism. And yet – this is the history of the US. I loved listening to the simple pleasures of Laura and Mary and was captivated by the coziness of it all. I was also flummoxed by Ma’s ability to keep young children occupied during long winters without the help of a television or electricity. We’re so lucky to be alive right now. I have a hold on the second book in the series. I also have a copy of The Birchbark House for additional context of the time.
Stitching This Week
I have really been enjoying this cross-stitch project. I am obsessed with getting perfect little x’s and still need a ton of practice! I started this project years ago – the writing up top and the beginning of the farmer’s wife body was from then. In the last 2-3 weeks, I stitched the border and started on the writing below it. I am s-l-o-w. And that’s okay – it’s called slow stitching for a reason.
And friends, that’s it from me today. I can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on!
The Cozy Burrow 
A few years ago, I reread the entire series with my daughter, and I was rather appalled by the racism that went totally over my head as a child! But I guess the books were a product of their time, and reading them today does provide some opportunities for good conversations about those issues. And like you, I am very thankful that we go through winter (and this pandemic!) with plenty of entertainments and diversions!
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Some of my most pleasurable reading as an adult has been re-reading books I enjoyed during childhood, so I would never laugh at you! The Little House books can give you a sense of coziness and simplicity, while still recognizing the rampant racism and problems. Books can teach us in many different ways! And that cross-stitch is lovely!
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I recently discovered picture book versions of the Little House series… these are lovely to read with children, are taken directly from the books but re-illustrated, and (so far as I’ve read) skirt some of the issues you mention.
Also, even though Little House in the Big Woods is the first in the series, I find it to be one of the hardest to read. If you continue to be interested, you might try Little Town on the Prairie or On the Banks of Plum Creek.
Of course if it’s not your thing that’s OK too!!
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On the Banks of Plum Creek was my favorite as a kid! I think I’m going to try to listen to them all in order. My hold on Little House on the Prairie just came up and I’ll be starting it soon đ
I’m so glad to know that I’m not the only one who has enjoyed rereading this series!
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Garth Williams is one of my all-time favorite illustrators; I poured over his work in The Golden Book of Elves and Fairies when I was a child. When I think of Little House in the Big Woods, I always picture that cover. Also, if you become as interested in the series as I was, there is an excellent biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder out: Prairie Fires, by Caroline Fraser. It debunks the mythology of pioneer life yet still posits that a simple, hard-working, honest life is a calling.
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I haven’t heard of The Golden Book of Elves and Fairies – I am adding that to my wishlist – thank you! And Prairie Fires looks really good, too. Thank you!
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Books are of their time and just have to be read in context- you can always talk about how things were different then! it’s not a book I have seen in the UK. Cross stitch is very therapeutic- you have to concentrate so much- no mind wandering.
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You are so right about no mind wandering when cross stitching! I am loving it (right now). I think you might enjoy the Little House series, Cathy. It’s a classic over here.
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I would never dream of laughing at you for anything you read or didn’t read! đ
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That’s because you’re a kind and lovely soul đ
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The Little House books were best companions to my childhood, and yes… in re-reading them as an adult, some of the things surprised me. But I still think they are of value to read (and as Sarah said they are a perfect starting point for conversation!)
Your stitching!! Gah… gorgeous!
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Thanks, Kat! And I agree – there are some really surprising things. I’m just not going to think too deeply about anything :p
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I read a YA book this week too! Who cares what you read! It’s nice to take a break sometimes.
I’m glad you’re enjoying your cross stitch progress – i have done a bit of cross stitching in the past, but it was a bit too slow at points for me.
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Cross stitching SO SLOW. Haha. But I’m looking for big and slow projects right now. Mostly to help me save money! If it takes me a long time to finish something, then I’m not buying a ton of supplies for other things đ
Thanks for your kind words about my reading. I really enjoyed Little House in the Big Woods and that’s all that really matters!
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Ah yes good point about slow projects! I definitely go back and forth on process vs product!
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I read the entire Little House series growing up and enjoyed them at the time. I like the girls as main characters. I agree with others about using the stories as a jumping off point for discussion about racism and American History in general. I haven’t done any cross stitch in ages although I still have a fair amount of supplies. I like the colors in your project.
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