The Art of Homemaking Author:Daryl V. Hoole http://www.amazon.com/Art-Homemaking-Daryl-V-Hoole/product-reviews/B0006BQGHE/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1 — I have since read this book five times in the past six years. The book begins by describing the ideal homemaker, and then devotes a chapter to each facet mentioned (which makes up the ideal homemaker). — The author talk... more »s a lot on what to clean, how, why, and how often, but this isn't the only thing discussed. I appreciated the sections about how most of us aren't 'ideal' and what we can do to become closer to this ideal. There are chapters about family cooperation with housework (I especially loved the chapter on husbands), and what we should do with our time once the housework is finished. Housework is not the main object of a stay-at-home mother's life.
What I appreciated the most about this book was the fact it was written a few decades ago, before feminism became popular. I am only 26, so I don't really know what it was like to have mothers stay at home as the norm. This book has a calming and enlightening effect on WHY it is important to be at home with the children.
I have lent this book to many of my friends throughout the years and all have loved it. It is quick reading, full of ideas, inspirational thoughts, and humorous pictures (cleaning the house in a dress and heals, and loafing on the couch in a bathrobe surrounded by chocolates, apple cores, and papers, just to name a few).« less