Kathleen Norris’ little book about “laundry, liturgy and ‘women’s work'” is a must read for anyone who struggles to see the value in repetitive tasks. Quotidian is a word from the Latin meaning daily or ordinary, and in our society where we feel measured by our output, these everyday things like laundry, cooking and dishes can be very discouraging to those who do them day in and day out. It might also be a good read for a spouse who has trouble understanding exactly what their partner does day in and day out. The author is not a stay-at-home mother, so homemakers who work in or outside the home, with or without children, will all relate to her insights. It’s a work that is short and very readable, having been delivered as a lecture series, but also thought provoking and deep. I expect that I will be coming back to it again in years to come, for encouragement and insight to sustain me in my daily work. (9.5/10)
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I lovelovelove Kathleen Norris. I reread her “Amazing Grace” every year. I’ll have to check out this book. I understand finding enjoyment out of the repetitive, often mundane tasks of life. I personally love washing the dishes, especially when I’m upset about something. I find getting my hands wet and doing something productive and satisfying to be incredibly soothing and calming. Sometimes I’ll listen to a sermon or podcast online while washing dishes, or I’ll pray.
Thanks for this review, Kristen! It sounds like a great book, adding it to my list!