The Martha Manual

March 1, 2019

The latest from lifestyle expert, entrepreneur, and TV host Stewart is the first in a series covering the expanse of her cooking, entertaining, and homekeeping experience. From organizing a bathroom to hanging picture frames, each "how-to" in this heavily illustrated guide is addressed in one to two pages, providing just enough practical and attainable information for readers to get started or to become inspired to learn more. The work is divided into several categories: organize, fix and maintain, refresh and embellish, clean, launder, craft and create, garden and grow, host and entertain, enjoy, cook, celebrate, and care for pets. Throughout are helpful features such as a guide to removing various types of stains and an extended DIY to growing houseplants. The kitchen section is a standout, with extensive compare-and-contrast tips for sautéing, frying, broiling, roasting, poaching, and steaming. VERDICT This most recent compendium provides everything one might expect from a Stewart manual--clean and elegant design along with detailed instructions. For everyone with similar DIY experiences, and anyone looking to get started.--Meagan Storey, Virginia Beach

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2018
Stewart has long been known for having a honed system for anything home-related. Here she offers guidance for a variety of household tasks. The broad categories covered include organization, cleaning, sewing and crafting, gardening, entertaining, and cooking, with tips and instructions for tasks big and small. Some, like the page on how to fix screens, provide step-by-step how-to directions with a list of necessary supplies, while others, like that on how to fix drafts, offer brief tips for a variety of areas in the house. Stewart is known for her recipes, but the cooking covered here takes the form of Martha Musts and such techniques as how to best use particular kitchen tools, how to master cooking methods (e.g., braising), and how to perfectly frost a cake. The making section consists mostly of tutorials that mirror what one might see in Stewart's website, TV appearances, and magazine. This wide-ranging guide is designed as a household reference that sums up the breadth of Stewart's expertise.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)