The Little Book of Cottagecore - by Emily Kent (Hardcover)

“Cottagecore is a movement centered around the simple existence of pastoral life,” Emily Kent writes in the introduction of her book, The Little Book of Cottagecore: Traditional Skills for a Simpler Life. ~ What ~ This two-hundred-and-fifty-six-page hardbound targets mainly women who want to destress and relax by finding true joy doing the simpler things in life. After an introduction, it contains eight chapters, ending with US/metric conversion charts and an index. With a focus on authentic cottagecore hobbies, the book hones in on hands-on activities that make the doer value and find peacemaking homemade products and items while taking time to appreciate a simple life. The first chapter is about gardening and beekeeping while the next is how to brew a perfect cup of tea. The third section discusses baking bread, pies, and cookies, and the fourth covers herbal remedies. While the next chapter involves candle making, the following two chapters are about cross-stitch, sewing, quilting, and embroidery. The final one has soapmaking. Several recipes, bullet-point lists, small drawings, and blue highlighted sections are included. ~ Why ~ It is always nice to use one’s hands to create, especially when it produces food, clothing, or an appreciative gift for a loved one. The lists are helpful in discussing different garden planting options, tea choices, baking recipes, herbal concoctions and their uses, and patterns to sew. I enjoyed reading the sections on making remedies for colds, flu, and cough as well as saponification in soap making. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not like do-it-yourself projects will not understand the simplicity of making something to enjoy. Since this is a beginner’s book, it may appear sophomoric to seasoned gardeners, crafters, bakers, and artisans. There are no photographs of finished products and a limited amount of examples. ~ Wish ~ Since I have done all projects listed in the book except bee-keeping, I wish it contained more examples, instructions, and pictures. Because it concentrates on health-related topics, I expected it to include promoting soy wax over paraffin as the latter emits carcinogens. ~ Want ~ If you are looking for a beginner’s book to destress, relax, and enjoy making or doing the simpler things in life, this may make a nice gift for the person who needs to slow down and take a break from the stressors faced daily, especially during a pandemic. Thanks to Bookpleasures and Simon & Schuster for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.