I’ve done these book lists before, and after stopping in to a local bookshop last week, I thought it might be time for a new one. I love bookstores. What’s better than looking through the shelves, seeing what covers catch your eye, and uncovering some amazing story or new tome filled with interesting information? Lately, my technique for keeping track of titles that sound interesting has been to just snap a photo of a book when I see it. Here are the books from my phone’s photo archives that still have me captivated:
MWF seeking BFF
As someone who moved away from the place I grew up, then moved again from the city where I went to college, I can relate to Rachel Bertsche’s search for new girl friends. After moving to a new city to be with her boyfriend, then eventually getting married, she realized her circle of girlfriends had dwindled. What else to do than to go on girl-dates for a year in search of a new crew?
The Sartorialist: Closer
Does this really need an explanation? Scott Schuman is like the godfather of street style photography. I’d love to see what images he selected for his newest coffee table (and inspiration) book.
Rules of Civility
I’m so intrigued by this book. Chalk it up to my love of a good Fitzgerald novel, this book, by Amor Towles (which is a Fitzgerald name in and of itself), follows the story of two ladies and a gent who happen to meet on New Years Eve 1937. Many a review have recommended reading it with a dry martini — who am I to argue?
Super Sad True Love Story
I bought this during my travels this summer in an airport, and still haven’t had a chance to read a page (I might have some time this weekend — more on that to come!). This is at the top of my list. I still can’t quite figure out exactly what the book is about (though I do know it’s set in a dystopian future), however, the resounding, glowing reviews have me excited.
The Table Comes First: Family, France, and the Meaning of Food
This one plays to my past life in the food world. The book explores the history and philosophy of our current obsession with all things food, and what exactly it means in our lives these days.
Sleeping with the Enemy: Coco Chanel’s Secret War
Coco Chanel, a Nazi? I’d heard about this before, but in other books that outline parts of her life and her work, details are murky. Understandably, it’s likely something the house of Chanel would prefer to keep under wraps. In this new historical narrative, described as “part suspense thrilled, part wartime portrait,” Coco Chanel’s life during 1941 to 1954 is explored, and yes, okay, exposed. Scandalous!
What books are on your nightstand right now?
I really enjoyed reading MWF Seeking BFF. Although it’s not an incredibly thought-provoking read, it does offer some chances to think about how you make and keep friends… and she gives some interesting facts about how many friends we can have and what kind of relationships we need, as women. A good read!
I read the Rules of Civility and liked it, but also wasn’t sure about the way it ended. It did paint a fantastic picture of the time period, which I loved! If you like a lot of historical fiction and haven’t checked it out– I suggest the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It was a good one!
I’m so happy you put this up–I’ve been looking for new reads! I just finished Gone Girl (and a few other of the authors novels, because I loved Gone Girl so much) and I’m in the middle of Rules of Civility–it’s pretty good! I also read The Language of Flowers a few months back, which I absolutely loved!
-Alyssa
The Glossy Life
I just finished Mr. Churchill’s Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal – great, fun, historical fiction read. Now I’m onto Divergent; someone told me that if you liked Hunger Games it was a good read.
Ahhh thank you for this – I’m in the market for a few new good reads
I’m writing all these down!
i also enjoyed MWF seeking BFF! at times her story is fairly weak but it was a great plane read and helped me become more comfortable with my goal of actively pursuing new friendships since most of my best friends have moved away! can’t wait to check out some of your other picks!
I LOVED the Rules of Civility – could not put it down…
What a great post! I’m desperately in need of some new reads.
– Sara @ Gameday Stylist
A book on e-book marketing and a poorly written steampunk short story that is making me consider contacting the author to offer editing services. I just finished A Wrinkle in Time.
I love Mindy Kalig’s book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)! I laughed so much reading it.
Love this post! I am currently reading Invitation Only- about how Gilt was started and Gone Girl is next on my list! Loving all of your picks though and want to get the Sartorialist book!
So funny that MWF seeking BFF is on this list – I went to high school with Rachel Bertsche! And I absolutely adored Rules of Civility. Just picked up Beautiful Ruins (have you heard anything about that one?) but haven’t had a chance to start it yet!
Too funny!! You’ll have to read the book then. Would be such a
voyeuristic experience in a way! :)
Haven’t heard anything about Beautiful Ruins but I will check it out.
Thanks!
so happy to hear about MWF and the comments on it too – i’m in the same position and have felt awkward about it, but i’m glad to know i’m not the only one!
xo julesinflats.com
I loooove browsing bookstores. I could spend hours it is so much fun. I just downloaded on audiobook Carole from RHONYC book to listen to on the commute and am starting tomorrow!!! that MWF seeking BFF looks like a great one to add to the list!
Let me know how that is! I’ve been intrigued by that book, and
even more so since you mentioned it last week!
Ahh, I love bookstores- when I was a kid, my mom used to take me for what was supposed to be a quick trip, except she couldn’t drag me away for hours! Thanks for these recommendations. With the craziness of NYFW, I haven’t read anything in about a month, but looking forward to starting something new!
I neeed The Sartorialist book…of course I pick the one that probably requires the least amount of reading. haha! Like Taylor, I want to read Carolle’s book and I need to read Andy Cohen’s. xoxo
Sorry, I know this comment is bit after the fact, but I just wanted to thank you for the recs, adding Rules of Civility and the Coco Chanel one to my list! I’m working my way through Peter Mayle’s oeuvre currently, just finished A Year in Provence and starting on Toujours Provence now.
Bevin
magnoliareverie.blogspot.com