7 Books for Adults on Your Holiday Gift List
Need I remind you that the holidays are quickly approaching? Do you
have friends and family with distinct tastes? Are there people on your
list who are just plain difficult to buy for? Here are seven books that
could solve some of your shopping problems. I hope you find just what
you were looking for.
For People Interested in Art, Fashion, and Culture
Lorraine Geiger's Fashion Fads & Fantasies: Three Decades of Outrageous Dressing
(Wisdom House Books, Aug.) Artist-designer Greiger has a passion for
street fashion. Born out Grreiger's habit to sketch the people and
clothing she sees on the streets of New York and everywhere she travels,
this collection of affecting drawings and paintings document not only
the fashions and hairstyles of the 1970s through 1990s but also the
people and attitudes of an ever-changing society. You'll recognize
yourself on many of the pages, but you'll also have many wow and ha-ha
moments as you re-live three decades of fashion history. (review copy
from the publisher)
For the Knitter
Jody Long's Contemporary Cables
(Dover, Sept.) Do you have a yarn lover on your list? Knitters of all
skill levels would be thrilled to have this collection of 21 cabled
projects. Besides stylish sweaters for both men and women, the book also
includes several smaller projects, like shrugs, a beret, a tote,
mittens, and more. There's a cozy wrap as well as a long scarf to keep
winter's cold at bay. The introduction helps crafters pick yarns and
follow the instructions, which are presented in both charts and written
form. Each project is rated by skill level and is accompanied by one or
more full-color photos. (review copy from the publicist)
For the Film Buff
Jay Jorgensen and Manoah Bowman's Grace Kelly: Hollywood Dream Girl
(Dey Street, Oct.): Before Princess Di, the world had Grace Kelly.
Everyone was enthralled with her transformation from daughter of
American businessman to Hollywood star and then to real-life princess.
This collection of photographs, costume sketches, and Hollywood
memorabilia is a gorgeous tribute to Kelly's life and work. The book
concentrates on her film career and is organized by movie. The images
include some of the more familiar publicity shots of Kelly with her
directors and costars, but you'll also find reviews, contact sheets,
candid shots, and a look behind the scenes of the movies that made her
famous. (review copy from the publisher)
For the Food Lover, Photographer, or Francophile
Alex Prud'Homme and Katie Pratt's France Is a Feast: The Photographic Journey of Paul and Julia Child
(Thames and Hudson, Oct.) Everyone knows who Julia Child is but few
know much about her husband, Paul, who was--among other things--a
serious photographer. Fortunately for us, the Childs' great-nephew got
together with Pratt, a photography curator, to compile this stunning
collection of Paul's black and white photos taken in France after the
war. Among Child's subjects are, of course, his famous wife and the
beautiful French countryside, but he also focused his lens on street
scenes, architecture, and everyday people. His talent for capturing
light and mood is breathtaking.
For the Feminist Thinker, Writer, and Activist
Anna Katz's The Nasty Woman Journal: A Journal for Women Who Refuse to Sit Down (or Shut Up!)
(Weldon Owen, Aug.) This colorful, lined journal can be used to capture
daily thoughts, plot ideas, and record dreams. However, the quotations
from strong, independent women from throughout history and the prompt
questions that appear on many of the spreads can serve as inspiration to
form and solidify thoughts on feminism and social activism. This
journal can help channel reactions to the daily doses of news, inspiring
us to stay strong and never give up. The back of the journal includes
organizations and resources for getting involved in a number of
social issues, including climate change, women's health, and
immigration. (review copy from the publisher)
Two Stocking Stuffers for the Bookish
- Faber & Faber's Poetry Planner 2018 (Aug) is perfect for the organized poetry lover on your list. This beautifully constructed weekly planner includes a poem or book cover art for every week. The layout is simple, making this a good choice for those who want an uncluttered place to record their appointments. The poetry is a mix of classic and more contemporary. (review copy from the publicist)
- Joelle Herr's A Far, Far Better Thing to Do: A Lit Lover's Activity Book (Running Press, Sept) is small collection of fun puzzles, word games, coloring pages, and quizzes for book lovers of pretty much all ages. Activities cover the Harlem Renaissance, Shakespeare, classic literary romantic couples, pen names, and more. (review copy from the publicist)
4 comments:
Nice list! I actually bought It for a Christmas gift yesterday. lol
Lovely choices! I am drawn to the Grace Kelly book...and The Nasty Woman Journal.
Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.
Ooh, France Is a Feast appeals to me! I wonder if my fashionista/blogger daughter would enjoy the fashion book. Thanks!
always looking for interesting clever gift ideas .. thanks
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