Crochet Saved My Life by Kathryn Vercillo
Don’t be put off by the textbook-like appearance of this book. It is an admirable work of monumental proportions on a topic that has not been addressed in such great depth before. Crochet Saved My Life is a must-have for the bookshelves of any and all crochet enthusiasts, and Kathryn’s easy-to-read writing style will carry you through this tome as though you are reading a novel.
You may not have mental health issues, but the breadth of topics covered will surely address a theme that resonates with you. A family member, friend or co-worker who could benefit by reading this book will come to mind. Each of us will most likely become a caregiver at some point in our lives and there is a job for crochet to do in assisting with the stress and strain of a calling such as this!
Over 285 pages, a wide range of afflictions are covered such as stress/anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder/addiction, Alzheimer’s Disease and age-related memory loss, pain management to name a few! More importantly, easing particular forms of suffering in these conditions with crochet is backed up by a rich collection of resources. Kathryn’s in-depth personal story of depression and healing reveals how her crochet hook literally saved her life. Along the way she tells the stories of two dozen other women who have used the hook to heal.
The only flaw I see in this book is that it will most likely reverberate with only those who already know how to crochet even though she includes many online resources for crochet communities and classes. If only there was a way to convey all the information and wise advice that Kathryn has amassed to the public at large! Crocheters, I urge you to find a volunteer opportunity in your community to introduce and teach crochet. If you don’t feel comfortable teaching in a clinical or formal classroom setting, teach a friend, teach a child! There’s power in numbers and who knows, by the time Crochet Saved My Life is ready for the second printing, Kathryn could rename it, Crochet Saved the World!
No matter what your needs, now or in the future, Crochet Saved My Life is a complete study of how crochet is an vital tool in our mind/body journey through life.
September 2012: Self-published by Kathryn Vercillo
Available at https://www.createspace.com/3928868
Also available on Amazon US, UK, EU
$17.95 print version; $9.99 Kindle version
