Bliss Adair And The First Rule Of Knitting

One of the most prevalent messages in the book is in the title itself, the first rule of knitting is not to look too far ahead. This is something Bliss reminds herself of often, as she must take life one step at a time. 

Hi Emma! Can you tell us what this book is about?

Bliss Adair And The First Rule Of Knitting is a coming of age story about a high school student, Bliss Adair. She loves math, knitting, and her intimate social circle. But this school year is getting a bit more complicated, as she experiences her first real crush, new friends, and is forced to keep big secrets.

What do you like about this book?

I love how the book introduces readers to a fun activity! I have never tried knitting before; however, Bliss describes knitting as such a fun and relaxing activity that I now want to try it! Towards the end of the book, I was Googling the nearest knitting supply store – and the author, Jean Mills, must have predicted this, as there is a knitting pattern guide at the end!  I also really liked the way the book demonstrates Bliss’ thought process, as the book occasionally uses a stream of consciousness writing style to demonstrate how Bliss’ thoughts are pinging in every direction. 

What do you like about the main character?

I love how well-rounded Bliss is! She is passionate, anxious, and brave. She is always willing to be the loudest in the room to cheer on her friends. She tries to leave her comfort zone when asked. She is always willing to help her parents at the store. But she is also anxious at times, hyper fixates, and avoids confrontation. She is complicated, as all the best characters are.  

What important messages/themes are present in the story and why would this appeal to a young adult reader?

One of the most prevalent messages in the book is in the title itself, the first rule of knitting is not to look too far ahead. This is something Bliss reminds herself of often, as she must take life one step at a time. Additionally, I think one of the more complicated themes in the novel is secrets. For Bliss, she struggles to decide what secrets she should keep, and what secrets she should share. Some secrets are big enough to rip a family apart.

Who would you recommend this book to?  

I would recommend this book to anyone aged 13 and up, as this book is a perfect coming of age tale. I think for people in high school, this book will help normalize how complicated and confusing life can feel. For someone who has completed high school, this book is a fun look back on how it felt to be a teen. I think too, this book would particularly appeal to anyone who enjoys knitting and/or math!

If you could ask the author a question, what would it be?  

Have you thought of what happens to the characters after the events in the story? Have you considered writing a sequel?