The Lantern House by Erin Napier
You ever read a book and think, “Well that was interesting. Did I like it? Yes. Did I love it? Well, no.” And that is how I felt about The Lantern House by Erin Napier (with illustrations by Adam Trest). Maybe I was a little biased by the fact the book is by a celebrity. Or was not completely in the right mood or space to be reading. Yet, I know one thing about this book. I might not have loved it, but I know there […]
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
Why not take a break from the world with a strangely soothing tale of a library fire? That question appears to be pure chaos, but seriously: wouldn’t it be nice to let a meticulous journalist and storyteller narrate a well-researched account of history, memory, and true crime? Good news: you can do it! Just plug your headphones in and let Susan Orlean and The Library Book transport you to a different world. Orleans covers more than just the true-crime glitter that is strewn around the […]
Lies Sleeping by Ben Aaronovitch
Every entry into Rivers of London starts with a splash; we are always diving head-first, sometimes literally, into rivers of blood. Every delightful cover, all done by Patrick Knowles, is a map with a big, red, bloody “X” marking the spot. Every cover is a map, every map is filled with teensy tiny detail, and every seemingly unrelated sketch or nursery rhyme lyric builds together into the marvelous mess that is London. I love his minute details; I feel like I’m looking at a Where’s Waldo illustration for […]
The Seven Lamps of Architecture by John Ruskin
There is no doubt at all that John Ruskin was an odd bird indeed. But good Lord, the man had Opinions. In 1848, Ruskin toured northern France with his bride (poor girl), and I assume, earlier Italy. It was here that he fell in love with (certain examples) of Gothic architecture. For Ruskin, architecture was the first of the arts, because it was not created by a person, but rather by a culture (his primary examples being cathedrals that took, in some cases, hundreds […]
Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell
Listening to Assassination Vacation is like taking a road trip with your strangest friend. Well, Sarah Vowell is on a road trip- and is unabashedly strange- but having her narrate the journey to you is a little cozy, a little crazy, a little creepy- and a LOT of fun. Her morbid fascination with presidential assassins (both would-be and verified) and the zeal for putting friends and relatives into uncomfortable situations is a hoot, and the audio experience feels like gossiping with your own partner-in-crime. She […]
Kitten Construction Company: Meet the House Kitten by John Patrick Green
Awww kittens are soooo cute! They just snuggle up on the pages and just are…cute! They are fluffy and adorable and sweet and look so cute in their hardhats. Must post to social media. Never mind that these kittens in Kitten Construction Company: Meet the House Kittens by John Patrick Green are architects, plumbers, electricians and more. These kittens know how to build! They know how to light things up! They know how to plumb the plumbing! Never mind how cute they are… just take them […]
