Book Review: Sheepish

Sheepish: Two Women, Fifty Sheep, and Enough Wool to Save the Planet [Paperback]

I read this book before we brought home our first sheep, and although "Sheepish" is about two farmers who maintain a flock of wool sheep, and Katahdin's are hair sheep, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

At it's core this book is about two people who decide to follow their dream (I can relate.) It's about the give and take of relationships, the recognition of each other's strengths and, probably my favorite, the understanding of each other's weaknesses. Now this may not be what she was going for, but this is what I got out of it. (ps: if you click on the book picture it will link to Amazon where you can buy it, we don't get anything if you purchase it, I just like when websites are helpful like that.)

Catherine also spends a lot of time talking about her personal journey with the wool from her sheep. From shearing to knitting she wavers through each step a total and complete novice, sharing her failures and successes.

My favorite piece in the book comes when she decides to knit her wife, Melissa, a pair of socks:

For the first time I successfully make my way through the gusset on my own, partly on faith, partly by sticking the needle in different places until something works. I proudly present Melissa with her very own homemade sock, knit with love and a bit of bravery. "Very cool," she says. "Where's the other one?" The other one? Ungrateful wench.

It's so true! I think the handsome man is a bit like Melissa, very practical. Yes, it's great you made me one sock, but this sock is worthless without a match to go on my other foot.

I would recommend this book even if you don't have a plan to start a farm. It's an excellent portrayal (in my opinion) of women who farm and will also give you a new appreciation for wool AND the relationships in your life.