* Book group selection | bolded means favorite
Grownup Fiction
The Beach Club by Elin Hilderbrand
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Daughters of the New Year by E.M. Tran
Nantucket Nights by Elin Hilderbrand
Because I like Elin Hilderbrand’s books, I feel it important to say that this one hasn’t aged well. A white lady writing a Black character was cringy in several places, 40-year-olds of any gender shouldn’t be sleeping with 18 year-olds of any gender, and the resolution acted like it wrapped things up very well, when really it set a family up for a big blowout once things come out.
Grownup Nonfiction
The Capsule Wardrobe: 1,000 Outfits from 30 Pieces by Wendy Mak
You Will Be Able to Sew Your Own Clothes by the End of This Book by Juliet Uzor
Couture Sewing: The Couture Skirt: More Sewing Secrets from a Chanel Collector by Claire B. Shaeffer
How to Accessorize: A Perfect Finish to Every Outfit by Micaela Erlanger
Gertie’s Charmed Sewing Studio: Pattern Making and Couture-Style Techniques for Perfect Vintage Looks by Gretchen Hirsch
Love Leather Accessories: 20 Easy Leather Accessories to Sew by Zoe Larkins
These were all a bit twee for my style.
How to Wear Everything: A No Nonsense Guide to Dressing by Kay Barron
Barron has firm ideas about how clothes should be worn, but also seems like it’s no skin off her back if you choose to go your own way.
Pop-up Embroidery: A Beginner’s Guide to Modern Raised Stitches by Ashley Denn
One of the most interesting embroidery books I’ve ever seen. Denn takes (mostly) standard embroidery stitches and really finds ways to make them pop.
Furoshiki: The Japanese Art of Wrapping with Fabric by Aurélie Le Marec
I probably should procure a book about this Japanese art written by someone from Japan rather than someone from France, but the library has what it has. Furoshiki was well presented, and I’m super interested. I’ll dive right in once I finish those other projects…
Mending Life: A Handbook for Repairing Clothes and Hearts by Nina Montenegro and Sonya Montenegro
Calm illustrations and good instructions. This will be one I purchase.