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Jun 09, 2010

Lisa rated it:

I was finished. I told myself I wasn't going to read any more find your true purpose in life, happiness is down this path, live in the now, this is the last diet book you'll ever need, dream it...achieve it, be your best self, you are what you think, unclutter your life, fit more activitites into less time, law of attraction or follow your bliss books.

I was ready to give up and simply accept who and where I was. And wouldn't you know it, hand wash cold dropped into my life. The su More...

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Jun 08, 2011

Kim rated it:

I loved this book. On its back cover, Elissa Elliott is quoted: "Hand Wash Cold is Eat, Pray, Love without all the scurrying from something..." I think that's very well said. This book made more sense to me than any other alternative spirituality/philosophy of life book I've ever read. It is so honest and so simple. Miller has a lovely critique of "the law of attraction," while still noting that where we place our attention matters--what we give attention to thrives. I More...

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Jul 14, 2010

Catherine rated it:

Hand Wash Cold felt uneven to me - but I suspect that's because I got a great deal more out of the second and third sections of the book than the first, so think of the last part fondly and the first part less so. Miller's strategy - of showing how loving kindness and other Buddhist principles - are as much a matter of everyday application as doing the laundry or the dishes is a great one. Where she and I depart ways is in how Buddhist we are - she is a Zen priest, and I'm fumbling around at t More...

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Jul 08, 2010

Jen rated it:

I've read Karen's other book, Momma Zen, and enjoyed it tremendously (particularly given that I had just had a baby!) So, when I saw that she had a new book out, I ran to get it as well. Again, it is simply a gem of a book. I just found that I can relate to so many different aspects of the book, and appreciate the wise, kind and gentle ways in which she speaks about life. Over the past 1 1/2 years, I've quit working outside of the home, which is not a common choice where I live. So many are More...

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Jul 16, 2011

Christy rated it:

Nora sent this my way last week with a note saying, "You might not be ready for this right now" or something along those lines, which of course piqued my interest and made me start reading it that very day.

I think that what I liked most about this book was it's take on "ordinariness", and how it's gotten an unduly bad rap. I also liked her take on miserableness and "...how the actions and thoughts we choose directly control our present life, and that all of More...

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Mar 15, 2011

Deirdre rated it:

My treat for the drive to Boise. Loved Momma Zen and looking forward to this.

ETA: Finished, though it's in the car & I wish I had it to quote correctly. Best thing I've read in ages. Thank you, self, for the gift, Thank you, Karen Maezen Miller for writing it, and thank you Brian for doing all the driving so I could read it in one long stretch.

You know when it feels like everything you come across is conspiring to tell you the same message? I feel like Brene Brown, Katrin More...

3 comments like (1 person liked it)

May 31, 2010

Tami rated it:

Hand Wash Cold is completely unlike any other spirituality/self help book I’ve ever read. These days, most of these books look to manifesting abundance or finding your life purpose. In both cases, bigger, better, and more seem to be the measuring sticks: more money, a bigger house, a successful business, a better relationship, etc.

Hand Wash Cold looks to the everyday. Finding peace in whatever your life happens to be right now. No judgments. Being mindful while you undertake the dai More...

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Jan 01, 2012

Alissa rated it:

One doesn't need to be interested in Zen Buddhism to find the wisdom in this book. Based on the author's ups and downs, failed relationships, broken hearts and motherhood, the pearls of wisdom in this book inspire one to pay attention to our ordinary lives as they are happening right now and how to avoid the pitfalls of always living for the future. The time to pay attention to our kids and the time to use the good china is always now!

Some quotes I found meaningful in this book inclu More...

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Oct 18, 2011

Tmorlok rated it:

You don't see me give many 5's...this book is brilliant, creative, down-to-earth, real - something EVERYONE at ANY stage of life needs and can relate to. I began the book on a mountain trip last weekend and read parts of it to my hostess/friend...thinking it would be perfect for her - and as I read I thought, "This would really be great for her daughter."

One read is not enough. I've earmarked so many pages - and Miller has a great reference index in the back by topic....I'll More...

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Jun 13, 2011

Donna rated it:

Hand Wash Cold delivers the same gentle and honest wisdom we came to expect from Miller through her now classic, Momma Zen.

It is intimate, but delicate; beautifully written, but simply told; wise, but unpretentious; detailed, but tasteful. As might be expected from a Zen priest, her story carries with it the flavor of Buddhist wisdom, but never, as the Zen expression goes, does she "stink the place up with it." The hard-won lessons and timeless insights are seamlessly braided More...

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Aug 29, 2010

Nicole rated it:

I love the premise of this book -- that the path to happiness lies in being fully present in each moment, whether that moment is doing laundry, cleaning dishes, or raking leaves. Since I am not working outside the home, I hoped this book would bring some fresh insights into the happiness that can come from simply being at home. Unfortunately, it was a little disappointing. The writing style was a bit formulaic at times, and while I have a much better sense of the authors life, it didn't offer More...

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May 24, 2011

Ki rated it:

For a book with the word "Instructions" right in the title/sub-title, you'd think it'd have a lot of instructions. Not so. This was a well written, lyrical biography which served as the base for her insights and "instructions." I guess if you like the free-floating memoirs flowing with spirituality, this will really rock it for you. Eh. Not really my type of book.

But, it WAS well written. Her insights were beautiful. It was interesting to read (even if it wasn't my More...

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Mar 09, 2011

Jasmine rated it:

Reading Mrs. Miller's books, I find myself frequently nodding in agreement, laughing and even shedding a much needed tear.

She has a way of sharing the parts of her life to which we all can relate with such honesty and translating it into a perspective that makes you feel at ease with yourself.

If you are a Buddhist, you will identify greatly with her profound words and the way she incorporates Buddhism into her every day life. If you are not, you will still benefit from an a More...

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Sep 07, 2010

Lara rated it:

Over the past few weeks, I have noticed a trend developing. I don't get much, er, allow myself to get enough reading done during the week. So I end up saving all 200+, 300+ or even some 400+ page books to devour all day every Saturday (and sometimes into Sunday). Now, this is not a problem if:

a) The book is totally awesome.
b) I can get through it quickly (especially if I am not digging the book).
c) I want to make plans to do something other than reading.

This occurre More...

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Feb 24, 2011

Emma rated it:

Momma Zen saved my sanity when I was a new mother and this book could save your sanity when you realize that the dirty dishes and annoying husband and pile of laundry are not going to automatically disappear- ever. I love her lesson that your life is what is in front of you. Not what is to come and not what has happened, but this right now, whatever it is. However messy and boring. Take care of it. When something else comes, take care of it. Hard advice to follow, what with our mids constantly f More...

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Nov 02, 2010

Kelly added it

No, thank you. This book fell victim to my Fifty Page Rule and was reminiscent of Eat, Pray, Love. I didn't hugely care for that book either. I don't relate to the character, and I just felt like she tried REALLY hard to relate everything to laundry, just to be able to write a book about herself. "How can I make a new, kitschy concept for a book that has been written a bunch of times already, so that it will sell to a bunch of women with $15?" It sounds harsh, yes. Unless someone More...

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Sep 29, 2010

Jen rated it:

I was hoping for something a little different when I grabbed this book, something more directed to Motherhood and Buddhist practice...but I assume her first book was more like that! Momma Zen, it is just that none of the book stores around me had it in stock so I tried this one! I still really liked it a lot, and would recommend it to anyone who needs the reminder of presence in their lives!

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Jul 10, 2010

Melissa rated it:

There are some books that are so brilliant in their simplicity that the power of their message sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Hand Wash Cold is one of those books. When you buy this book, be sure to get two so you can give one away and keep your own copy to reread - it's one of those books you'll be able to come home to again and again!

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Aug 09, 2011

Cara rated it:

I grabbed this off the library shelves while browsing the nonfic section. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up enjoying the book! It's one of those books I could probably read again after a year or five years or ten years and notice something new and learn from more and more with every read. Very good book, I definitely recommend it.

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Apr 17, 2011

Andrea rated it:

An enjoyable read about seeing the value in the everyday moments of our lives. The author uses laundry, dishes, and gardening as philosophical methods for living a fulfilled life. While perhaps simplistic (the author seems to have the finances required to live in a lovely house with a huge zen garden while working as a homemaker and that just isn't possible for many people) it was a fast read and often uplifting.

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Feb 15, 2011

Katiesmurphy rated it:

This book is exactly what I need, every time I pick it up to re-read or just drop in for a few pages. Somehow it soothes my soul without ever being drippy or preachy or even abstract. I love learning about myself from other people's stories and Karen Maezen Miller gives me a gist on every single page of hers.

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Dec 31, 2010

Jennifer rated it:

I enjoyed the book. There are good tokens here and there. A little too many personal anecdotes at times, but the story telling was decent and the author was very pragmatic in her approach to Zen buddhism. I look forward to reading more of her work and perhaps studying with her one day.

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Apr 12, 2011

Elizabeth added it

Sorry folks, I just could't do it. I was about 20 pages in when I found myself in a very familiar place: it was Eat, Pray, Love and Julie & Julia all over again. The author repetitively droned on about her depressing and difficult (and very privileged) life. Karen Maezen Miller is definitely a gifted, eloquent writer (I've been looking forward to reading Mama Zen, and I still intend to), but I felt that Hand Wash Cold was just a little overindulgent for me.

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Jun 04, 2010

Christine rated it:

Really a fantastic, life changing book. But I will say I think you need to be ready for the message. I'm not sure all will buy into it, but it comes with a simplicity of purpose that I enjoyed and relished. Karen does a great job of speaking like a real person. It isn't preachy, it's just real. I can't recommend it highly enough.

For my review and discussion visit: http://www.coffeesandcommutes.com/2010/0...

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Dec 17, 2010

Kristen rated it:

I'm still processing this book. There were sections that were incredibly resonant and powerful, but then other sections where the metaphors didn't quite add up for me. I suspect that when I go back and focus on the highlights, I'll find deep and lasting food for thought.

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Oct 12, 2010

Cherie rated it:

A A lovely, delicious Zen book about how to live life. Full of anecdotes, but full of ideas on how to move past the things that pull us down and back, how to enjoy everyday life, how to figure out your own meaning of life. I loved it.

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Oct 22, 2010

Elizabeth rated it:

This is a book that begs for a re-read in the near future. I loved it, but I can't summarize it. However, I do feel like some light has been shed on Zen Buddhism, and I want to learn more. I'd recommend it to anyone for the beautiful writing and nice pieces of practical wisdom; I'm curious what my Buddhist friends would think of it as well.

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May 24, 2011

Dinah rated it:

A bit too sweet and spiritual for my taste.

Very pleasing book design though! (I'll have to keep an eye out for New World Library stuff to see if it's all up to that caliber of presentation).

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May 14, 2011

Sarah rated it:

I liked Momma Zen better because there was a lot of humor mixed in. Hand Wash Cold was good, but at some times hard. Reminding me of a lesson I have to learn over and over again. Stay in the present.

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May 11, 2011

Cindy rated it:

I had read Mama Zen by this author and very strongly identified with her experience as a new parent, so I was very excited to read this book, her latest. I didn't get as much out of it because my experience and hers diverged in the rest of our lives and I didn't have the same perspective she presented. Nonetheless, I think the advice she offers is valuable, as is her perspective. I definitely thought it was worth reading, just not as much of it applied to me.

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