Sixpence in Her Shoe

by Phyllis McGinley

Phyllis McGinley calls Sixpence in Her Shoe a "kind of autobiography...since the experiences I have drawn on are largely my own." And she remarks that the domestic profession is her "first vocation." She has produced nine volumes of verse, fifteen books for children, and a collection of essays.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1964

About the author

McGinley was educated at the University of Southern California and at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. After receiving her diploma in 1927, she taught for a year in Ogden and then at a junior high school in New Rochelle, New York. Once she had begun to establish a reputation for herself as a writer, McGinley gave up teaching and moved to New York City, where she held various jobs. She married Charles Hayden in 1937, and the couple moved to Larchmont, New York. The suburban landscape and culture of her new home was to provide the subject matter of much of McGinley's work.

McGinley was elected to the National Academy of Arts and Letters in 1955. She was the first writer to win the Pulitzer for her light verse collection, Times Three: Selected Verse from Three Decades with Seventy New Poems (1960).

In addition to poetry, McGinley wrote essays and children's books, as well as the lyrics for the 1948 musical revue Small Wonder.

Reviews

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really like this book; it came to me when I was mother of several small children who took all my time and efforts and while I was feeling sorry for myself because fulltime motherhood wasn't something you get compliments every day for doing. (more like, You have HOW many children? You must be really busy, you must be crazy, you must be a saint, how can you possibly do that, I could never do it, I'm so glad I only have... number of children, and how can you possibly homeschool (same list of responses plus, but what about their socialization, algebra, sports, the prom), how can you stand to be with your children all day every day?

And my personal favorite: If I had your children, it would be wonderful, I could do it then.

I want to become a writer but must patiently and lovingly and happily enjoy the years of care for small and midsized and large children before I could ever devote long hours to writing. It's possible that by that time I may decide to do something other than write. But this book encouraged me to feel that life, a good life, a wholesome and helpful life, is possible, is a good goal, without planning on perfection.

[Heather Ummel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most encouraging books I’ve read as a mother. If you want to be able to lift your head higher as a housewife, you could do nothing better than to buy a used copy of this old book and read it! Yes, there are some amusing out-of-date chapters in the middle, like how to deal with your household help, but truly the first chapter itself is worth the price of the book and there are many other gems as well.

[Paul Gaya Ochieng Simeon Juma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sixpence in Her Shoe was first published in 1960. I own a very old copy which I bought from a secondhand bookseller. The author Phyllis McGinely is a pulitzer price winner. It is this fact that motivated me to buy the present novel. It is also non-fiction. The writer has written mostly about her experiences as a housewife. She touches on diverse topics which may be considered ubsurd by todays modern women. For instance, according to her being a housewife is the oldest profession in tge planet. It is the most important job a lady can do and she encouragea them to be proud of it.

Now, as tp what I think about her views? I value diversity in both thought and action. There are some who want to be lawyers, doctors, engineers et cetra. On the contrary, there are some who finished university on top of their class yet they just want to get married and be good housewives. Who is to blame them? Eistein once said that a person who appoints him/herself a judge of truth and knowledge will be shipwrecked by the laughter of his/her gods. I associate myself with those sentiments absolutely. But, what can a woman possibly achieve as a housewife?

Good question and Phillis McGinely has anwered it in her book. Housewives are the salt of this earth. Every successful man has a kind and loving wife besides him. Her children are happy. They eat well, they are always clean, they love their and appreciate their neighbors et cetra. It is just as important as being a doctor or lawyer. Though no one will reward her for being a graceful wife, the world cannot do without them.

[Luisa Mayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so charming. It’s a collection of essays published in Ladies Home Journal in the 1950’s. Essays about domestic life!!!

One essay is about differences between children and adults (they are another species), in which she writes about SHOES. I keep bringing this up in different conversations because I can’t get it out of my mind. “Are Children People Too?” is worth the price of the book. It is a pleasure.

There are also interesting essays on children’s literature, originally published in Glamour, and the importance of manners, which is especially thought provoking now, when authenticity is so valued.

A selection of 1960’s recipes included at the back. I will most likely never cook such things as Molded Peach Pudding. But I must say that, in spite of the first ingredient being orange jell-o, it’s kind of sophisticated.

In the essay, “The Casual Touch” she writes, “Nothing better could happen to a child than to be treated off-handedly ... to be possessed without possessiveness - to be loved without hysterics ...” Such a contrast with the helicoptering I struggle with.

I purchased my Rhode Island Public Library copy of this book because I read about McGinley’s poetry. Next, I’m going to need to find a book of her poems.

[Annie Hogue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has in many ways renewed my love for domesticity. Phyllis McGinley takes you along with her as she fondly remembers various facets of her life at home. She appreciated and improved on what she was given—like the good and faithful servant. She enjoyed her life and enjoys looking back on it. Her joy is catching.

It is the joy of working things out in your own life and home—taking what you are given and improving on it. On do-it-yourself decorating—or rearing a family she says, “We proceed by trial and error. We work and we plan and we read the instructions and we study other people’s triumphs. Then if our surroundings really matter to us, if we are willing to use our eyes and our wits, we gradually acquire what is even better than taste: minds of our own.”

And on thrift: “But it has to be a personal joy which every housewife must work out for herself. My methods of being thrifty (if I ever am) are different from yours because our goals are different and our capacities various.”

But with all the freedom she gives you to do things your own way, it is quite a delight to listen to how she did things or how she would do them over, though she never does the latter with a sense of regret. She just looks back with wisdom while also believing that things probably worked out as they were meant to.

She is such fun to read—so clever, so witty. Her style is inviting and conversational—she has a casual touch, as one of her chapters on parenting is named. It is that ability to be cheerfully and hopefully engaged in the work of carrying out what she calls “life’s most significant duties” that has won her my heart. I have no doubt I will be returning to this book again and again.

[Jean Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wifehood, the house, a family they are woman's traditional concern and each in its way represents one of the other great three- faith, hope, charity - which St. Paul sets down as the virtues of earth. (For how can one rear a family without faith? Or build a roof without hope? Or remain a proper wife without charity?) They are life's most vital elements and no ordered world can endure without them. "

I thoroughly enjoyed Mrs. McGinley's book of essays on all things domestic. It was both lighthearted and thoughtful. I laughed out loud several times but also found myself contemplating more serious themes discussed. The Old Fashion Americana described here is intriguing - another world that is probably closer to us than we think. If you like Alice Thomas Ellis' "Home Life" series you're sure to like these.

[Lizze Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd highly recommend this to anyone recovering the art of homemaking or weighing it. And particularly to those who'd like a good laugh and enjoy excellent writing.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful book!! It reminded me that what I do as a housewife and mother is in fact important and that it’s ok to take pride in it!

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be considered too old-fashioned by most people. Yet McGinley writes engagingly of a woman's call to take care of her home and family.

[Nahla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sixpence in Her Shoe is not only fun to read but also beneficial for girls and women of all ages. It provides both amusing and expressive arguments about what it is like to be full-time housewife and why it's considered the best profession for women. Since the book was written in the sixties of the last century, some sections about house prices, decorations, and equipment may seem out of date. Readers might skip these parts without affecting the flaw of the book. However, others may find these sections enjoyable and interesting to read.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love that I stumbled onto McGinley, and I’m kinda surprised we all still talk about The Feminine Mystiquebut not this, which is sort of a response to Friedan (and one we honestly need).

will say that the quality of these essays sort of deteriorates as the book goes on (they just become really specific rants), but the first one is solid. Very relevant to today. Subsequent pieces are still a really interesting glimpse into what being an upper middle class housewife looked like back in the day.

McGinley is a force. She should still be in print.

[Romina Farrugia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great slow read to be enjoyed not devoured. It's full of old time wisdom.

[Alea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Being written in 1960 made parts humorously antiquated (and fascinating), but great timeless truths about life and homemaking were also shared.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dated but still charming. A glimpse into homemaking in the 30s, 40s and 50s. I suspect the author felt poorer than she really was - she wrote in such a blase manner about the succession of housemaids she had employed.

I think I was recommended this book by someone on Amazon talking about thriftiness. I can't imagine why they recommended this book for that subject, but it was an interesting read nonetheless.

[Dayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phyllis McGinley is one of my favorite authors and this is one of her most revealing about her life as she says, a "kind of autobiography...since the experiences I have drawn on are largely my own." And she remarks that the domestic profession is her "first vocation." Her second, that of writer has produced nine volumes of verse, fifteen books for children, and a collection of essays.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even thought I don't agree with some of her views and think she is a little cynical at times, I thought this was very interesting reading. She is quite an entertaining writer and her stories and way of putting things are very funny. Also it was interesting to read a 1960's point of view.

[Mel Luna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never did finish this, I had to leave it behind. It is very dated, but the author is a pleasant enough companion. I mostly found it an entertaining and insightful look at the trials and triumphs of domestic stewardship.

[Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

i found this book in a sale. dilapidated. but it was such a gem. i was glad i read it when i was 20 before ihad 4 children. phyllis has been a constant companion and coach. from her introduction up to the recipes.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

way old fashioned, but still enjoyable for us stay-at-home Moms

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

A light read. Parts of it really annoyed me. However, some of it was funny, and it was interesting as a period piece.

[Etta Mcquade · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the 70s abd 80s as I was raising my family, how I loved this book. It gave me reassurance and laughs.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely.

[Sacha Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book describes exactly how I feel about being a housewife. Loved it. I'd recommend it to every woman.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book! It's so nice to read a book where being a wife and mother is a honor and a great vocation, rather than a waste.

[Carol Poulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. Written so many years ago, but I read it as a young mom and it affected my parenting and homemaking perspective. I've gotten copies for all my girls. :)

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting period piece, seeing what life was like 50 years ago, but didn't find it outstanding..