Book I'm Reading : Cutting for Stone

Martha's book selection for the "Book's I'm Reading" Club this month is 'Cutting for Stone' by Abraham Verghese. Have any of you read it? It is an epic medical love story that gripped my attention right off; it is immensely interesting. The author who is also a doctor uses absolutely beautiful storytelling to share the life of twin boys that end up being orphaned by their mother's death and their father's disappearance. The story evolves and spans generations and continents and is about the journey of coming of age, love and family relationships. It is an excellent piece of contemporary literature that is topping reader charts (it has been on the New York Times' best seller list for a year -- currently number four) and there is even talk of a movie. I can't wait to finish it on my Sony Reader they provided me. As for the Sony Reader, I am a big fan -- it has exceeded my expectations in many ways with its simple pocket size, ease of use, and the ability to carry around with me thousands of books on one device.

What about you? What are you reading lately? Join Martha and us reading Cutting For Stone if you need a great novel.

*Enter to win a Sony Reader here - there is a winner each week!

(photo of Author : by Joanne Chan)

The Twelve Days of Christmas Ilonka Karasz

Check out my latest thrifting find! Vintage Book : "The Twelve Days of Christmas" illustrated by Ilonka Karasz. We were looking for ugly sweaters a few weeks ago and this beauty was sticking out on the bookshelf calling my name. It has been on my list for a few years, and bam... there it was! Have you seen this book before or did you know AIGA liked it back in the day? Don't you love the colors?



Doesn't it seem like when you are looking for something else you find unrelated gems? Have you found anything on a thrifting trip lately? What are your favorite Christmas or holiday books, I would absolutely love to hear your favorites as we are slowly building our collection so we can do this.

ps. The least expensive used copies of this book I've seen are sold by sellers here.

(photos by blackeiffel)

Books I'm Reading with Martha : Cleopatra

I am thrilled to announce along with Martha Stewart her book selection on the Sony Reader this month, "Cleopatra: A Life" by Stacy Schiff. I am especially intrigued with this selection because of the time that I spent in the Middle East and Egypt while studying abroad in college.

While diving into this book, I am already learning tons about Cleopatra. I find it interesting that most of what is perceived of her today is really made-up stuff exaggeratedly added in by classic authors and movie directors over the years. Did you know that there are only coin portraits left that can authentically verify what she really looked like? I also had no idea that Cleopatra was in fact Greek, which makes her just about as Egyptian as Elizabeth Taylor! This quote from the book sums up to me Cleopatra so far...

"A goddess as a child, a queen at eighteen, a celebrity soon thereafter, she was an object of speculation and veneration, gossip and legend, even in her own time."

This is a fascinating read. Join in with us in reading this insightful book, and be sure to tweet with the hashtag #booksimreading. What about you... are you interested in Cleopatra, history and the Egyptian Empire?

(photos by blackeiffel - taken in Egypt)

White's Books

These Fine Edition Classics from White's Books have been my wish list for quite sometime, I believe since I saw this article. After searching high and low the last few weeks online in many British books shops and even ebay.uk I found them, but didn't really want to deal with high international shipping rates, long waiting time, and import fees, so I was hesitant. But then, I found these babies on good 'ole Amazon and they were instantly ordered up. Good news, Santa is bringing these gorgeous books to our family for Christmas! A few years ago I adopted the : want, need, wear, and read policy for Christmas and they happily fall under the 'read' category for our whole family. Aren't they stunning, I can't wait to see them in person! They are also working on a re-design for Great Expectations, and since that is one of my husband's most favorite books, I especially look forward to seeing it. Find them all here, but just as a head's up some of the quantities seem to be limited.

Books I'm Reading with Martha

Today I'm excited to let you know about a new thing that Martha Stewart is launching on her blog called, "Books I'm Reading". As part of the Martha Circle, Jordan from Oh Happy Day, Jane from This Week For Dinner and I will be reading Martha's picks along with her on these awesome little pocket-sized Sony Readers they sent us.

This month, Martha selected the book Cold: Adventures in the World's Frozen Places by Bill Streever. Streever is a biologist who writes about his experiences in the some of the most freezing environments in the world. It makes me shiver just thinking about it! I am fascinated by what he has to say about animal's hibernation habits, and the way the human body reacts in such extreme bitter-cold conditions. So far, it is very intriguing.

The Sony Reader they sent is really cool -- it feels natural and convenient because it is smaller than the size of a normal book and can easily fit in your bag, or even pocket. What differentiates it from most e-readers out there is that it has a full touch screen and you can also download books from participating local libraries and Google to get over 1 million classic books for free, so you really have a lot of options.

Bonus for you readers is that you can enter to win a Reader for yourself here where one winner will be selected each week! Be sure to also tune into the Martha Show on Monday, December 6th where she will be interviewing author Bill Streever. Happy reading everyone!

Kate Spade Books

Have you seen these fun new short stories from Kate Spade in collaboration with Strand -- how cute are they? They had seven writers incorporate the phrase, "she is quick and curious and playful and strong" at some point in their story. They've been added to my wish list for sure.

Reading Nooks

Is there anything more heavenly than curling up in a sunny little spot with a good book? When fall starts to come back around I always find myself gravitating toward the bright, sun-drenched side of my couch, inevitably grabbing a novel along the way. I’ve often thought how lovely it would be to have a dedicated spot just for reading.



My requirements for the ideal reading nook include lots of natural light, somewhere cozy to sit (oversized chair, pile of pillows, etc.), a place to rest my books and snacks, and a blanket to wrap up in. Even better, that it be unplugged – no laptops, iPods, or TVs nearby. There’s something about being away from all the electronics (as much as I love them) that makes the experience ethereal for me.





What about you? Where do you find yourself returning to in your home when the air starts to chill?

{images via apartment therapy, suziebeezie, stephmodo, cherry coloured, decorology, apartment therapy}

Post by guest blogger: Meredith Church from Lily Jane

Fall Books

Now that we’ve dreamed about the best places to spend our time with a book this fall, there’s only one question left: what book to read? Here are a few of my favorites; four tried and true, one a new release that caught my attention.



OLDIES BUT GOODIES:

Walden by Henry David Thoreau: A classic volume by the famed poet that relates his experiences living apart from society for a year.

Poems by Emily Dickinson: Dickinson’s poetry, especially those about nature, paint gorgeous mental pictures that are both beautiful and thought-provoking.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows: A fictional story, written through letters, of a group of friends living in post-WWII England. And, of course, a little love is thrown in, too.

The Tenth Muse: My Life in Food
by Judith Jones: The renowned editor’s autobiography of a life spent in the industry of writing about (and indulging in) food.

NEW THIS FALL:

Grant Wood: A Life by R. Tripp Evans: A biography about the famous painter who created American Gothic and so much more.

Post by guest blogger: Meredith Church from Lily Jane

Bakery Books

Because breakfast is my favorite meal of the day (Coffee and a sweet? What's not to like?) I have go-to bakeries in every city I visit. In San Francisco, it's Tartine for a morning bun. When I go to Boston, there's no doubt I'm stopping at Flour to peruse my options. So it's no surprise that I'm eagerly awaiting these new fall cookbooks. Even though I'll probably never cook from either (let's face facts) I'll still devour the pictures and narratives and dream of when I can return.

For more peeks at the new Tartine Bread book, visit tartinebread.com.

(photos from amazon.com)

Post by guest blogger: Jane Potrykus from Simple + Pretty

Ami Sioux/Paris

Photographer Ami Sioux's book, Paris 48°49N, 2°29E, is most intriguing. She asked 50 people to draw a map of a part of Paris that was signficant or important to him or her. Then, Ami visited each spot to photograph it. The book, comprised of these juxtaposed sets, is both personal and informative. It would make a lovely souvenir, or could inspire someone to visit for the very first time ....

Ami's first book in the series was Reykjavik. Books for New York and Tokyo are planned.

images courtesy of Ami Sioux

Post by guest blogger: Jane Potrykus from Simple + Pretty

The Thirteenth Tale

I first bought a copy of Diane Setterfield’s novel, The Thirteenth Tale (Orion, 2006), about an hour before I was supposed to get on a train from Oxford to the North of England. I was feeling rather homesick and wanted a good Victorian-style mystery novel to lose myself in. The book has regrettably remained in my rented room in England as I tried, rather unsuccessfully, to fit it into my full suitcase a few months later. But the narrative has remained in my memory.

This is not the most well-written or accomplished novel I have ever read, but whenever one of my friends ask me to recommend them a book to read, I suggest they give it a try. It is one of those books that is easy to enter into and absorb in moments when you want to drown out the world. It’s perfect for a day at the beach, snuggling in bed, or lying in the garden under the sun.

The novel explores a family mystery that centres on the fictional figure of the author Vida Winter, and the Gothic house, Angelfield, which she inhabits. It begins with the protagonist of the story, Margaret Lea, being invited to leave the seclusion of her father’s book store to live in the equally isolated Angelfield House and write the biography of Vida Winter. I won’t reveal anymore plot details as I don’t want to spoil the mystery for anyone.

This is a novel that quite lovingly wears its influences on its sleeves: it deliberately draws from previous authors such as the Brontës, Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins, Henry James, Arthur Conan Doyle and Daphne du Maurier. It creates an evocative sense of place and time and seems to relish in the literary traditions of detective and Gothic fiction.

But more interestingly for me, it is also an exploration of history as fiction. With its overt fixation with the process of storytelling and the impossibility of correctly narrating another person’s life, it also suggests the limitations of the narration of historical experience. I ultimately came away from this novel pondering the relationship between literary fiction and historical facts. For example, can we approach novels as forms of historical artefacts?

Despite this exploration, it is by no means a difficult book and can be appreciated purely as a fun read for those of us who like old-fashioned, thick novels.

Post by guest blogger: Hila Shachar

Favorites of week no. 31

Have a relaxing weekend! Here are a few things that caught my eye this week...

1 - Sleep all Day photo by Corinne Day from Vogue UK April 2005. (This feels like something I could easily do for the upcoming last few weeks of pregnancy.)

2- Stunning new covers by Coralie Bickford-Smith (via All the Mountains)

3- Stitch Design Co. and their beautiful work. (via Twig & Thistle)

Chronicle Book Friends & Family Sale

It's funny -- the other day I was mentioning to a friend how much I like to stock up on great things when Chronicle Books has their bi-annual Friends and Family sales. Luckily, it is that time of year again and you can save 35% off plus enjoy free ground shipping by entering the promo code FRIENDS at checkout now through July 28th. Thanks Chronicle!

Here are some titles and things I have my eye on...

Print & Pattern
The Small Stakes Music Posters
Super-Charged Smoothies
Masha & Friends Nesting Doll Notecards

Mama, Is It Summer Yet?

I just received the most lovely book in the mail by the talented Nikki McClure. Like her previously illustrated book, All in a Day (which I mentioned here) her artwork is phenomenal! This new book entitled "Mama, Is It Summer Yet?" she not only illustrated, but wrote as well. Along with her artistic skill of hand-cut illustrations, I am charmed by her heartwarming words that ring really close to home because almost every single day our daughter asks, "is it Summer yet?"

Obsessive Consumption

When I received the book "Obsessive Consumption" in the mail I found myself sitting quietly for quite some time flipping through it. Kate Bingaman-Burt did a wonderful job of drawing things that she purchased everyday for three years, and it really made me think.

It is powerful to ponder about how little daily choices (not only in the consumption category, but other areas as well) add up to a much greater whole and in many ways define and shape who we are. It can be tricky at times and we are far from perfect, but in the past few years we have become much more conscious about our daily choices, and it has been empowering.

Have you changed the way you consume lately?

See more about the book here.

Inspired by Blue + Corals

Have a most lovely weekend everyone! We flew into Florida last night and will be kickin' it in the south -- so nice to be on vacation. I am inspired by this color combination of blue, pinks, corals and reds.

Lauren Moffit
Bando Corsage
POEMES DE RAYMOND QUENEAU

Joan Jett

I am a fan of pretty much every book that Ammo Books comes out with, and when I received this book about born-rock star Joan Jett, it was no exception. Joan Jett is one of the first to mother the femme-rock explosion during the 1970s with some definite punk attitude (like you can see in her pose above). Check out this video clip of her famous 'cover song' to be reminded of why she is such a legend. As usual, Todd Oldham does a brilliant job of authoring and designing the book, which is chalk full of tribute photos and other highlight moments chronicling Jett's career. You can find the book here.

There is also a movie out called the Runways which shares how she at age 15, along with others started one of the first all girl bands. Rock on! I think I will have some of her songs stuck in my head today.

City Secrets Books

I enjoy reading other people's opinions about things, and these City Secrets Insider's Guide books are right up any 'guide book' lover's alley. They are compilations of short essays written by award-winning novelists, writers, poets, directors, producers etc... all revealing and recommending their favorite forgotten, underappreciated and little-known movies and works of literature. They would make a perfect gift for many people on my list that are tricky to shop for. I received them in the mail the other day and was really delighted with their content.

You can find City Secrets Movies and City Secrets Books and the rest of the series including City Secrets travel titles here.

Blog it Forward : Inspiration

Have you been following and enjoying the Blog it Forward series put together by Victoria from sfgirlbybay? It has been a pleasure to peruse all of the inspirational posts and today is my turn to share what inspires me most - I decided to pick ten.



I am really drawn to classic literature, and these redesigned Penguin Classics are stunning. I also love beautiful art, photography and coffee table books along with well-thought out magazines. Don't you love to curl up with a good book? I find them inspirational and uplifting. What have you been reading or perusing?

{Seeing the Everyday | Lulu | Penguin Classics designed by Coralie}



I don't think I could ever get enough of maps. I think there are three hanging in our house, two of them I picked up in a flea market in France. I remember gasping when I first saw the above map dress by Elisabeth and the Screenprints by Paula Scher -- my word, they are amazing!

{Places on earth Print |Elisabeth LeCourt Map Dress| Paula Scher Screenprint Maps |Ork City Posters}



Other artists/designers sketchbooks and inspiration boards are incredibly beautiful. It gives a peak into their creativity and window into their inner thoughts, just love.

{Chickenwire Board | Jen Causey's Inspiration Wall | James Gallagher Sketch Book}



Sometimes I feel like certain catalogs are just as good as magazines because of impeccable photography, creativity and styling. It makes me really happy when I receive a good look book or catalog in the mail.

{Anthropologie | Toast | J. Crew}



My endearment for balloons has grown after having our daughter, she adores them too the moon. My husband will often surprise her coming home with them after work, it lights up her world -- that inspires me.

{Louis V | Glass Balloons | White Balloons photographed by Pia Ulin}




Music has always been a huge and inspirational part of my life. Music has a body + soul connection that can alter a day into something even better. It is a wonderful simple pleasure in life. Oh, and bad music with awful lyrics can do the opposite effect, and sometimes you won't even know it. -- beware.

{Bach | Feist | Jeff Buckley | Art by Robert Longo}



My husband and others who have traveled with me like to tease me about a few of my travel habits. While traveling I take lots and lots of photos and will sometimes turn to complete silent mode because I am soaking the experience in. I also like to get lost -- as long as it isn't in a sketchy area. I adore travel, adventure, learning about new cultures and going somewhere I've never been before. Do you do anything nutty when you travel?

{Book - mine | Photo by Ben Watts from Self | Me in Beynac, France | Mac & I in Paris}



Nature is inspiring and uplifts my heart and soul, patterns and colors in nature compel me to be a better creative person. Of course, fresh flowers brought indoors makes me wonderfully happy too.

{Tulip Gardens in Holland | Sheep in Scotland by Jim Richardson}



I often get goosebumps when I learn about powerful new concepts, you know that really good wow and awe feeling? I am empowered by learning about motivational people who have impacted and changed the lives of others -- it is moving.

{Hellen Keller | Abraham Lincoln | Ted Talks}



Food and Cool Packaging Design by themselves make me light up, so when you put those two elements together -- watch out. I can spend hours in a gourmet grocery store perusing the shelves just to look at the pretty packaging design. I also enjoy improving my cooking skills.

{Macaroons |Lemon Curd | Coconut Cupcake |Sadaharu AOKI}

Well there you go, I hope you enjoyed. What has inspired you this week -- I would love to hear about it! To keep the Blog it Forward chain alive -- yesterday was Bits of Beauty and tomorrow is Black White Yellow!