New books. Who doesn’t love ’em? Voracious reader or not, there’s nothing better than the promise of a new, yet-to-be-explored book (novel, coffee table, cookbook, or otherwise). Over the weekend on Instagram*, I was talking about how pleasurable it is to stop into an actual bookstore, after Joe and I were in midtown on Saturday afternoon and decided to pop into Barnes & Noble. I always have a running list of books I want that lives on Amazon, but as fun as it is to discover something new online, absolutely nothing can beat the thrill of flipping through books in an actual store. Beyond the tactile pleasure of opening a fresh book, you inevitably come across so many more titles that you probably would never have discovered online. In fact, the vast majority of these books I found in store over the weekend (although I’ll cop to it: two of them have been living on that Amazon Wish List for a while now). Three books I have my eye on are above; check out another three, after the jump (plus, if you’re curious what that Instagram asterisk was about up above, read on for more details!)…
1.// I came across this book in store and can’t stop thinking about it. The title pretty much sums it up — it’s the most beautiful book featuring photos of sample books and cards of French ribbon, new and old. It was so fun to flip through, and I’m planning on adding it to my collection. 2.// When I was in grade school, I always enjoyed art class, but never excelled at things like drawing or painting. Collage though…collage I could get behind (which doesn’t surprise as much now given how much I enjoy layout design!). This book was so inspiring to look through. Featuring modern collages from the 1920s onward, it made me want to go home, gather all types of scraps, and collage for myself. 3.// This cookbook is one that’s been on my Wish List for a while. I absolutely adore David Lebovitz (his blog is a must read if you love to cook and/or love Paris), and his latest book promises to be gorgeously, deliciously, inspiring.
4.// I grabbed this book off a table laden with fiction titles, and was immediately intrigued by the description. Ballet? France? A love story that sounds like it brings the dramz? Sign me up! 5.// This is another one that’s been on my Wish List. Anyone who enjoys vintage or antique items would enjoy it — aptly named, The Furniture Bible covers how to identify, restore and care for furniture pieces. 6.// I absolutely loved Maria Semple’s book Where’d You Go Bernadette?; in fact, it’s one of my favorite novels ever. This book actually came out before it, and is a perfect example of why online algorithms aren’t always perfect — I had never heard of it! I spotted it walking through the store Saturday, and knowing how much I enjoyed Semple’s subsequent novel, this one’s on the list now too.
Any good books you’ve read lately? Anything you’re getting ready to read?
* Speaking of Instagram, I’m participating in a HUGE $850 J.Crew gift card giveaway right now! It’s open through tomorrow (Tuesday) evening. Check out my Instagram account on your smart phone for all the details and to enter — you’ll need to be in the Instagram app in order to submit your entry!
ohh i need to check out “this one is mine” — great list. xo jillian – cornflake dreams
I’m obsessing over that first book for the cover alone!
http://bedknobsandbaubles.com/
I, of course, gravitated towards #3. Not sure I need another cookbook. Will definitely add it to my wishlist though!
Oooh I’d love to read Maria Semple’s other book!
-Lauren
http://www.prettypiecesblog.com
I read Astonish Me last year—it’s a beautiful book that I really enjoyed. There’s actually not much of France in it at all, but if you’re familiar with ballet you’ll find it a breeze to read!
Good to know — although the publisher is really milking the current Paris fad, then! The book cover in store was a picture of the Seine/Eiffel Tower!
I loved Where’d You Go Bernadette as well, so definitely intrigued to see another novel by the same author! I’m currently reading Us, by the same author as One Day. It’s pretty good, but I’d definitely recommend One Day a bit more highly. I liked Astonish Me, and Maggie Shipstead’s first book, Seating Arrangements, was really, really good as well!
These are great picks! I’m really fascinated by The Furniture Bible, as I have a piece I would like to rehab in the next few months!
I need this list just before my vacation! thanks for the recs!
x Lily
http://whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com/
I just tore through the Neapolitan series by Elena Ferrante. The 4th and final book is coming out this year. After multiple friends said “just trust me and read it”, I’m so glad I did! I have never read a book that describes women, friendships, and a woman’s inner monologue more spot on. It’s worth the page commitment!
I will check it out for sure!
The ribbon book is so pretty! I like the cover.
I’m going to be reading Mail Order Mysteries by Kirk Demarais; it’s a look at the real life stuff people got when they sent away for novelty items from magazines. I remember those ads for jewelry collections, magic kits, etc. from the early 90’s for super cheap when I was a young child. Never sent away for them as I’m in Canada but I’ve always wondered what you really got. I’m trying to cut back on spending so this book seems to be just the right thing for me to read right now.
Ohhh, that sounds really interesting. I love that kind of stuff too!
Just so you know, Powell’s Books (biggest bookstore in the USA) is having a huge sale today and tomorrow – 20% off entire purchase with code “BIGDEAL” and free shipping on everything. I just placed a GIANT order! And it’s not new news, but I thought #GIRLBOSS was absolutely fantastic.
http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
Thanks, Ella! :)
I didn’t realize Maria Semple had other books. I definitely want to check out This One is Mine since I thought Where’d You Go, Bernadette? was great. I’m currently reading Annihilation, which is the first book in this sci-fi series by Jeff VanderMeer. It’s a bit outside what I usually pick up, but it’s interesting so far! I read Perfume by Patrick Suskind last month and I thought it was fascinating. It’s about a man who has an amazing sense of smell and becomes obsessed with recreating one particular scent. Apparently there’s a movie version too, though I haven’t watched it yet!
Great list of must-reads. Thanks for sharing!
<3
katsfashionfix.blogspot.com
I loved David Lebovitz’s book “Sweet Life in Paris” – I will definitely have to check out the cookbook!
Yes yes yes! I love book posts. I’m always looking for good recommendations. I’ve added the Maria Semple one to my list! I also loved Where’d You Go Bernadette!
Catherine
http://www.myinnerfabulous.com
I loved Bernadette, too! Now I’ll have to add the other Semple to my list. I have to say, Astonish Me by Maggie Shipstead was the best book I read last year. I thought I didn’t like books with unlikable characters, but this flipped me to the other side. SO intriguing! Beautifully written–I loved her debut, Seating Arrangements, too!