The Best Books to Give and Read Now!
I really hate New Year’s Resolutions, so let’s just call it a goal…I’m determined to read more in 2021. Reading is something I love to do, but I just haven’t made time for it. Here are a few of the books on my list for December and the year to come.
Get lost in an historical novel about scandal and the Vanderbilts, devour a true story of the final days of a musical superstar, enjoy a collection of photos of a president's life before the Oval Office, scrutinize a story inspired by the real-life College Admissions Scandal, be inspired by one of the greatest fashion designers of our time, or revisit a classic Christmas tale from one of history’s greatest writers. You can’t go wrong with any of these choices!
Ralph Lauren - In His Own Fashion by Alan Fausser
Amazon $34
A fully illustrated biography of iconic American designer Ralph Lauren told through the lens of fashion .
From the author of Dressing the Man, the seminal tome on men’s fashion, comes the illustrated biography of Ralph Lauren. Published as part of the designer's 50th anniversary, Alan Flusser’s book looks at the life of the iconic American designer through the lens of fashion and cultural impact.
I purchased Ralph Lauren, In His Own Fashion back in October and have loved sitting and drooling over the beautiful photographs of Ralph Lauren’s designs.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet
Amazon $17
From The New York Times-bestselling author of The Mothers, a stunning new novel about twin sisters, inseparable as children, who ultimately choose to live in two very different worlds, one black and one white.
This book is very timely and no doubt one I’ll read in January!
Blowing My Way To The Top by Jen Atkins
Amazon $20
Celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin (who works with the Kardashians, Chrissy Teigan, and long ago, Madonna and Jon Galiano) might be known for giving her clients "rich girl hair," but Atkin herself had a far less glamorous upbringing. When she moved to L.A. at 19 with $300 and a dream to break into hairstyling, she had no idea if she'd make it. A beauty empire later, she's got stories to tell and wisdom to impart. Pick up this memoir and career guide for some New Year inspo. - Vanity Fair
Blowing My Way to the Top, is sitting on my desk as we speak! I’m always inspired by the stories of women who started with nothing and created a successful business. I’m sure there is much great advice and inspiration in the pages of this book and I can’t wait to get started reading it!
The Last Days of John Lennon by James Patterson
Amazon $21
The greatest true-crime story in music history, as only James Patterson can tell it. Enriched by exclusive interviews with Lennon’s friends and associates, including Paul McCartney, The Last Days of John Lennon is the thrilling true story of two men who changed history: One whose indelible songs enliven our world to this day—and the other who ended the beautiful music with five pulls of a trigger. - Amazon
Everyone who is old enough remembers where they were the day that John Lennon died. This will prove to be a very interesting read!
Barak Before Obama
Amazon $28
One of Forbes’ 5 Books to Read in December
A personal, intimate photographic celebration of President Barack Obama, featuring over 200 rare and never-before seen images from the years prior to his presidency, from photographer, friend, and former aide David Katz.
Baldy and I watched David Letterman interview Barak Obama last night on Netflix and as we watched we both agreed how eloquent a speaker he is and what a great example of a human being! We throughly enjoyed it and I’m sure will love the photographs in this book!
Under a Guilded Moon
Amazon $15
From the bestselling author of A Tangled Mercy comes an enthralling novel of secrets, a tumultuous war of ideas, and murder as classes collide in the shadow of Biltmore House.
Biltmore House, a palatial mansion being built by the Vanderbilts, American “royalty,” is in its final stages of construction in North Carolina. The country’s grandest example of privilege, it symbolizes the aspirations of its owner and the dreams of a girl, just as driven, who lives in its shadow.
On a personal note…I’m really excited to read this! Living in North Carolina…the Biltmore House is one of my favorite places and always inspires!
A Christmas Memory - Truman Capote
Amazon $10
First published in 1956, this much sought-after autobiographical recollection from Truman Capote (In Cold Blood; Breakfast at Tiffany's) about his rural Alabama boyhood is a perfect gift for Capote's fans young and old. Revisit Truman Capote's beloved short story from 1956, which is set in rural Alabama, where Capote grew up. When you read those joyful first words: "It's fruitcake weather!", you'll be transported to visions of your own childhood Christmases. The story continues to inspire even in modern times - Vanity Fair
As I child, I can remember a copy of Truman Capote’s - In Cold Blood in my father’s bookcase. I never read it…maybe one day. I am however excited to read A Christmas Memory!
Admission by Julie Buxbaum
Amazon $15
The real-life Varsity Blues scandal inspired this fictional tale about a privileged teen whose parents bribed her way into college. This ripped-from-the-headlines novel takes you into the world of the hyper-competitive college admissions process, and you might even find yourself sympathizing with Chloe, the clueless daughter who learns her parents didn't have faith in her, as she tries to right the wrongs. The New York Times bestselling author of Tell Me Three Things takes on the college admissions bribery scandal that rocked the country in this timely tale of the hyper elite and the hyper competitive, and the lengths they go to stay at the top.
Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker
Amazon $17
The heartrending story of a midcentury American family with twelve children, six of them diagnosed with schizophrenia, that became science's great hope in the quest to understand the disease.
Oprah’s Book Club pick, #1 New York Times Bestseller, One of the New York Times top ten books of the year, One of The Wall Street Journal top ten books of the year, Peoples #1 best book of the year and named a Best Book of the Year by the Washington Post, NPR, Time Slate, Smithsonian and Amazon…I think that says it all!
What books would you add to this list?