Because Ideas Matter...
The faculty and staff of Butler University's College of Liberal
Arts and Sciences presents
Recommended Readings
House: A Memoir
by Michael Ruhlman, Viking Adult, 2005
Reviewed by Anne Wilson
Michael Ruhlman is far better known for his
books on cooks and cooking, but this memoir of the home he
renovated in Cleveland Heights, OH is an introspective examination
of home, community, restoration and suburban culture.
This book is more appropriate for the curious individual who is
interested in the history of urban expansion, especially in
Midwestern suburbs, than for the home improvement junkie. Ruhlman
presents a painfully honest account of the trials of home repair
from contractor challenges, complications in building supply
orders, budget management, and the personal toll that all of this
takes on a family living in the home as the renovations take
place.
The portrait becomes a bit too intimate at times as Ruhlman
discloses marital strains and is less than kind in his descriptions
of himself and his spouse. However, these distractions are easy to
overlook as he describes the history and growth of the city of
Cleveland, suburban development in the U.S. in general, and the
unique history of the homes built in his neighborhood and on his
block.
This book will inspire an interest in historic homes, create a
desire to make a trip to Cleveland Heights, and engender sincere
respect for those who are willing to take on the challenges and
joys of restoration of 100+ year-old homes.
- Anne Wilson is professor of chemistry at Butler
University.