Biblio-Files

Today’s post was specially curated by one of my talented friends, Jessica Thomas. Jessica is a photo art director and creative consultant who, like me, is a self-professed maximalist. Among her collections include ephemera, printed matter (especially of the Scandinavian and Japanese sort), and books (she reads at least one a week—truly putting my slow reading habit to shame).

I can think of no better time to celebrate all things bookish than early fall. Crisp autumn temperatures mean summer’s sunburns are fading and it’s time to tap your inner nerd. Although advancing technologies continue to shrink our attention spans, we turn to print on paper for the warmth that books evoke at home.

1. These lit-inspired scents evoke the classics from Poe to Austin. Paddywax Library candles, $25, www.paddywax.com 2. If you love stacks of books, this wallpaper gives you the allusion without the fire hazard, and it’s perfect for an entryway. Designed by UK designer Tracey Kendall for Anthropologie, $198 per roll, www.anthropologie.com 3. Create your own modern bookcase; Muuto stackable bookcase, $119—$229 per shelf, www.dwr.com 4. Show off your favorite classic with this new line of book bags and coasters; Pride and Prejudice tote, $18, www.outofprintclothing.com 5. John Updike’s classic Rabbit series would be right at home between these hand-printed bookends by Wolfum; $62 each, www.wolfum.com 6. Letterpress bookplates make a great gift to a fellow bibliophile; Library bookplates by LetsBeFriends, $12 (set of 10) and Ex Libris bookplates by Moontreepress at www.etsy.com 7. Up-cycled dictionary pages, circa 1890, are the background of these original illustrations by BlackBaroque; $10, www.etsy.com 8. Known for their exquisite porcelain objects, Klein Reid lets the book become décor, doubling as bookends or vases, $198, www.kleinreid.com 9. If you must read a digital book, at least cover it with a Dodocase cover, which is handmade by traditional bookbinding methods. My fav is the ORK case designed by Jenny Beorkerem (www.orkposters.com) showcasing literary giants in the San Franscico city map, $89.95, www.dodocase.com

There’s a Virginia Woolf line I’ve highlighted in one of my notebooks that reads, “There’s no doubt in my mind that I have found out how to begin (at 40) to say something in my own voice; and that interests me so that I feel I can go ahead without praise.”

Turning 40 (more than a year ago) was not something I anticipated would be a challenge, but it was. Hitting midpoint (if I’m lucky) was like a smack in the face. Life all of the sudden seemed a lot shorter. Too much still to do and so little time. Yet, there’s also a brighter side. My once-questioning, angst-ridden self seemed to slowly give way to a confidently curious side. And I’m not alone. I talk with close friends who are the same age, dealing with similar emotions and a general need and desire for more. As a reader, I have more than ever been turning to biographies and personal essays for new perspectives to consider about this topic. These include books by Dominique Browning and Dani Shapiro. The latest to join this shelf is Planting Dandelions by a relatively new-to-me author Kyran Pittman. I related to Kyran’s book of personal essays on more than one level. She writes about marriage, motherhood, living in Little Rock (where I grew up), and coming to grips with being middle-aged, all with a fresh voice and my kind of sense of humor.

Tomorrow evening (Sept. 27), Kyran has graciously agreed to be the guest on BiblioChat, starting at 7 p.m. CST. I hope that you’ll join us for this hour-long discussion during which Kyran will share more about her insights of how she is owning her age by deciding to “lean into” midlife.

From Planting Dandelions:

“There is, in every woman I know, a creature that cannot be domesticated. It prowls through our dreams, enters the house, casts cold eyes on our mate and children, and holds us rapt in its terrible beauty. You can love your husband and children with every breath in your body and still feel restless and detached sometimes. You can be a good mother, and have daydreams of running, or simply walking away. It’s the ones who can’t accept this paradox who have the most to fear, are the most vulnerable to the sudden ambush of desire.”

Photo courtesy of Kyran Pittman

One of the many aspects I love about working in publishing is meeting so many talented people along the way. I became friends with photo stylist David Anger years ago when he was working for Better Homes and Gardens. We connected almost immediately over books, specifically design books, and anything involving Diana Vreeland and Fleur Cowles. David has since moved back to Minneapolis, where he continues his work as a successful photo stylist with a client list that includes a certain retailer whose mascot sports a red bull’s eye.

When I started this blog, I asked David if he would share his personal library, and he happily agreed. He describes his book collection as the past, present, and future. “The past is represented by all the Danish modern furniture, present by what is being read, and future by what design ideas may become reality.”

Photos by Brent Larson

What author do you identify with most? “Paul Lisicky’s childhood memoir, Famous Builder reminded me of growing up. He was gay, lived in the suburbs, and drew elaborate developed communities. As a boy, I did that for hours. Floorplans, towns, and Lego structures. I’m still partial to raised ranches and split levels.”

Which living writer do you most admire? “Carol Prisant. She’s an awesome interiors writer with such amazing style, insight, and wit.”

Which deceased writer do you most admire? “John Updike because he wrote so much, Edith Wharton because she told stories so well, and Henry James because he takes you back in time.”

What is your most treasured book? “It’s a cliche but true: My childhood Bible. It was given to me in 1972 from Parkview Church. It seems like such a simpler time, even though Vietnam remained unresolved and Watergate was one year away. As a youngster, I loved the pictures and the red cover.”

What are a few favorite design books? “Finland: Living Design and Scandinavia: Living Design. These books made me crazy for Nordic design. Then there’s Billy Baldwin Decorates, which is foolproof. Of course, decorating books by David Hicks were revolutionary for me when I discovered them 20 years ago. Hicks’ bold hues cast a huge shadow over my color palette.”

You once gave a famous writer a lift during a snowy day in Minneapolis. “It was in 1991 and I interviewed Michael Cunningham. He wasn’t yet famous and hadn’t written The Hours. He was in town promoting A Home at the End of the World. The following day, on an even snowier Minneapolis evening, I went to hear him read at the now closed Hungry Mind bookstore by Macalester College in St. Paul. He didn’t have a ride back to Minneapolis so I drove him in our ancient Pontiac Grand Prix. Imagine that! Before dropping him at the hotel, we enjoyed a glass of wine at the New French Bar. He signed my freshly purchased book, ‘To David, My Minneapolis ice-angel, love, Michael.’ I remember it so very well. I wonder if he does.”

Special thanks to David’s partner, Jim (aka “B”), for interviewing David (aka “B”) for this post and to photographer Brent Larson for the photos.

I’m excited to share this exclusive excerpt of the forthcoming book The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. Please join Eowyn for an author chat on Twitter on Tuesday, Sept. 6, starting at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CST) on #BiblioChat 

  Wolverine River, Alaska, 1920

Mabel had known there would be silence. That was the point, after all. No infants cooing or wailing. No neighbor children playfully hollering down the lane. No pad of small feet on wooden stairs worn smooth by generations, or clackety-clack of toys along the kitchen floor. All those sounds of her failure and regret would be left behind, and in their place there would be silence. Click HERE to read more….