I’m an avid reader. I love everything from a page turning mystery to a beautiful coffee table book full of inspiration to tales of strong women to memoirs. I’m always reading (or listening) to something. These are 5 books that I’m enjoying right now!
A design book to inspire
Living with Color: Inspiration and How-Tos to Brighten Up Your Home
by Rebeca Atwood
One of my favorite things to do in my designs is play with color. I love to pull subtle or just complementary colors out of wallpaper for trim colors or find a way to play with a color from tile in the bathroom into the adjoined bedroom. So, no surprise, I adore this book by local textile artist Rebecca Atwood. She gives you practical tips in everything from cohesion to developing your own palette to the way light affects color.
A book to improve daily life
House Hushing: The Simple Method to Declutter and Decorate for a More Peaceful Home
by Myquillin Smith
I’m a fan of Myquillin Smith, and when I saw the title of her newest book, I immediately added it to my cart. I’m always thinking of ways to make your home work for you. Sure, I want it to be beautiful, but I want it to function for the way you live. One thing I especially appreciate is how she isn’t preaching minimalism, but focusing on how to be intentional so you home feels calm and not chaotic.
Historical fiction with a strong female lead
Frozen River
by Ariel Lawhon
This book is a beautifully written historical fiction in set in Maine, winter of 1789. The book begins with a crime, and we learn about the goings on of the small town through Martha, the town midwife. Martha teaches us, through her diaries, how unfairly women are treated during this time. Her bravery and confidence make her a champion for them. If you do read this, don’t skip the author’s note at the end. She tells us of the real Martha Ballard who deserves far more credit in history than she is given.
A mystery full of twists and turns
The Teacher
by Frieda McFadden
This is one of those books that has been sitting on my shelf for a while, but October seemed like a good time to pick it up. The story jumps between narrators, making this a fast read. We have dueling perspectives between a teacher at the local high school and a student who was involved in some sort of scandal the previous year that we aren’t privy to, as the reader. While I didn’t always care for where the twists and turns took me, it certainly kept me guessing.
My next read
Yesteryear
by Caro Claire Burke
I’m a little late to the party on this one, but I cannot wait to see what all the hype is about. The premise is that the main character is living as a “tradwife influencer”. One morning, she wakes up to some sort of alternate reality in the 1850’s, where what she has been putting into the world becomes more of a harsh reality than she has been accustomed to. I’ve heard I’m in for a wild ride in this book, so stay tuned!
