The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society

Knitting novels don't have their own genre - yet. But we're getting there. This past year I've read several different fiber-centric stories, both knitting and crocheting, covering murder to romance. "The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society" is the best so far. Well-written, with engaging characters, southern charm, plus lots of knitting and classic novel love, this is a good book to pick up when you want solid fiction in a chick-lit setting.

Eugenie is the spinster librarian of Sweetgum, and she runs the Knit Lit socieety, a monthly meeting of multi-aged women who read one classic novel and complete a corresponding knitting project every month. However, her scheduled reading line-up gets a shake-up when she takes a troubled young teen under her wing. Turns out, 13-year-old Hannah has never read any of the 'classic' girl novels! The rest of the women aren't terribly thrilled to be reading "Pollyanna" and "Little Women" but they gamely join Eugenie's quest... and find themselves transformed in the process.

"Sweetgum" won't win any awards, but it's a solid notch above most chick-lit. While knitting and classic novels are a cornerstone of the book, you only need a passing knowledge/appreciation to understand how it all weaves together.

Beth Pattillo is a Christian, but the book doesn't read as a predictable "Christian Women's Fiction" novel. Being a small southern town, Christianity is certainly important window dressing, but this book isn't preaching at you.

Give it a shot... but be prepared, you might find your fingers aching for needles and yarn by the time you're halfway through!