From the publisher: "Find order and beauty in the kitchen with this delightfully elegant primer on washing the dishes that elevates and illuminates a seemingly routine chore. In this reverent guide to the household chore, Peter Miller shows us how washing dishes can become a joy, a delight, a meditative exercise, and an act of grace and rhythm. Washing the dishes is as much a part of making a meal as prepping the vegetables, making the sauces, or seasoning the meats. At times it is quite routine, sometimes raucous, other times complex. It is never convenient. Despite its din and clatter, and despite its reputation, washing the dishes is the coda to the meal. It is a bustling musical of water and soap, of flow and surface, and done well, the fragile shall sit as proudly as the cast-iron. It is the perfect gift for those who love to clean and equally as apt for those we wish would clean a bit more."

This collection of stories, advice, and observations from the owner of a Seattle architectural bookstore was an unexpected delight. I love to understand how things work, and found much to appreciate as someone who loves and frequently visits shops and is interested in understanding the characteristics that make some public spaces (like favorite bookstores) feel vital and alive. Drawing on his forty-five years of experience, Miller offers insights on the particulars of his own business while also reflecting more broadly on the whys and hows of curating books and goods that are pleasing to himself and useful to his customers. I enjoyed this down to the last detail, plus came away with a long list of books I hope to read next.