3.5 ⭐
*Yarn Harlot* by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is a fun, lighthearted read that explores the addictive properties of fiber crafts, particularly knitting. While I’m far from a skilled knitter (Stephanie makes a distinction between lowercase-k knitters and capital-K Knitters—though whatever is below the former, that’s me), I do love to crochet. Despite her known preference for knitting over crochet, which I’ve chosen to politely overlook, much of the humor and frustration she describes applies to both crafts.

Pearl-McPhee brilliantly captures the dual nature of knitting (and crocheting, for that matter): equal parts therapeutic and maddening. Her writing is full of niche humor that, while it didn’t have me laughing out loud, kept a bemused and knowing smirk on my face throughout. The book nails the relatable struggles—like frogging your work, ignoring pattern instructions in favor of sheer stubbornness, and the dreaded pre-holiday crafting panic.

Though my knitting experience is minimal, *Yarn Harlot* has certainly helped me avoid any temptations toward fair isle, intarsia, or—heaven forbid—steeking. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to persevering in my attempts to becoming a knitter.