Making the House a Home   By: Edgar A. Guest (1881-1959)

In "Making the House a Home," Edgar A. Guest presents an honest and heartfelt exploration of the true essence of creating a loving and warm home environment. With his inimitable blend of lyrical poetry and relatable anecdotes, Guest masterfully captures the essence of domestic life and the importance of family bonds.

Throughout the book, Guest skillfully weaves together a tapestry of vivid imagery and evocative language, painting a portrait of a home that readers can easily imagine themselves in. From the creaking floors to the comforting smells of home-cooked meals, each word on the page immerses the reader in a world where love and nurturing are at the core.

What sets Guest's work apart is his ability to delve deep into the emotional fabric of home life, unearthing universal truths about the joys and challenges of creating an environment that brings solace and security. Through his gentle prose, he underscores the power of small, yet significant gestures, like a genuine smile or a warm hug, that can transform a humble dwelling into a sanctuary filled with cherished memories.

Moreover, Guest delves into the transformative power of family, highlighting the importance of love, acceptance, and forgiveness within the home. He addresses the inevitable conflicts that arise within families and emphasizes the need for open communication and understanding. These insights serve as a reminder that building a home is not just about the physical structure, but about the emotional connections that bind its inhabitants together.

While Guest's work is rooted in traditional values and may feel dated to some readers, his timeless wisdom and simple yet profound observations about home life still resonate today. His belief in the power of kindness, gratitude, and compassion to nurture a happy and harmonious home is a message we can all benefit from.

Some readers may find that "Making the House a Home" lacks a clear progression or structure, as it reads more like a collection of Guest's musings and reflections. However, this stylistic choice only adds to the book's authentic and conversational tone, making it feel like a heartfelt conversation with a wise friend rather than a dry instructional guide.

In conclusion, "Making the House a Home" is a tender celebration of the intangible qualities that transform a house into a loving sanctuary. Edgar A. Guest's prose resonates with warmth, humility, and a deep understanding of the complexities of domestic life. With its timeless messages of love, forgiveness, and the enduring power of family, this book serves as a gentle reminder that true happiness lies within the walls we call home.

First Page:

Mother and I started this home building job on June 28th, 1906. I was twenty five years of age; and she well, it is sufficient for the purposes of this record to say that she was a few years younger. I was just closing my career as police reporter for the Detroit "Free Press," when we were married. Up to a few months before our wedding, my hours had been from three o'clock, in the afternoon, until three o'clock in the morning, every day of the week except Friday. Those are not fit hours for a married man especially a young married man. So it was fortunate for me that my managing editor thought I might have possibilities as a special writer, and relieved me from night duty... Continue reading book >>