I thought that this month’s reading list would be predictably self-improvement oriented… but when I looked at the books on my nightstand that I really wanted to read, it turned out to be more about fun! We’ve got a highly-anticipated novel, a collection of fashion industry correspondence, a coming-of-age tale about culture and class structure and a cookbook that’s completely devoted to chocolate (yes, dreams do come true!) Sure, we could make every day about sticking to our resolutions, but where would the fun be in that?! Here’s what I’m reading this month, and as always, leave a comment letting me know what’s on your list!
Mast Brothers Chocolate: A Family Cookbook. I’d had my eye on this cookbook for awhile, so I was thrilled to death when I unwrapped it just before Christmas (thanks Chanel!) There are surprisingly delicious-sounding savory dishes (Cocoa Coq au Vin, anyone?) as well as all the sweets, and I have a feeling that I’ll be getting plenty of antioxidants from all the chocolate I’ll be consuming over the next few weeks as I recipe test.
Peony in Love, by Lisa See. I’m a couple chapters into this delicately spun novel about a young girl living in 17th century China who breaks all codes of etiquette by speaking to a man when she happens upon him in the garden one night. The writing is beautiful, bringing to life the cultural norms and roles of women in China’s Ming dynasty.
Diana Vreeland Memos: The Vogue Years, Alexander Vreeland. I’ve been fascinated with this legendary editor of Vogue for years, so what could be better than reading about her reign at the magazine through her very own words? Her famous memos to have been published here for the first time, and include correspondence to such icons as Cecil Beaton, Veruschka and Cristobal Balenciaga. No doubt her larger-than-life personality will shine through the very brightest.
The Signature of All Things, by Elizabeth Gilbert. The author of Eat, Pray, Love is back with another work of fiction, this time about one extraordinary family spanning the 18th and 19th centuries, and sending the reader all over the world (London, Peru, Philadelphia, Tahiti!) I’m determined not to open this one until I can devote some time, because I have a feeling I won’t want to shut it until I’ve read the last page.
For other book ideas, be sure to check out the last few editions of On My Nightstand!
Can I just say that these monthly book suggestions have me completely hooked? Prior to discovering your monthly posts, I was striking out time and again and felt like I had run out of things to read (impossible, I know). Can’t wait to pick up Peony in Love this month! I just started the Burgess Boys and hope it lives up to the hype.
I’ve been really interested in the Burgess Boys… Looks so good. Please stop back by and let us know what you thought. And YAY, so thrilled that these posts have been inspiring your reading!! xoxo
oh my gosh the mast brothers cookbook sounds amazing.
cocoa coq au vin…yes please!
Molly {Dreams in HD}
http://www.dreamsinhd.blogspot.com
Might need to be on my weekend cooking list… I’ll let you know if I give it a try!!
I look forward to getting that cookbook. This is one I didn’t know about.
My husband thinks we have too many cookbooks, but I might have to snatch this one up!
I’m reading an amazing book called the “Happy wives club”.
It’s about one woman’s journey across the globe to find the secrets to happy and loving marriages.
Ever since I read shanghai girls I’ve been obsessed with Lisa See. I immediately read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, which was amazing! And then, the sequel to Shanghai Girls as soon as it came out. I don’t know how this happened, but I haven’t read Peony in Love but now I’M inspired to read it. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I’ve enjoyed her others! I am planning on reading Elizabeth Gilbert’s next book…I read both of her others but I have a few books I have to get through first! Always love your book recommendations!
I love this series! thanks for the recommendations. I recently finished Diary of a Nose, which you recommended recently. I loved it! Now I’m reading The Age of Miracles.
I just finished reading the Signature of All Things and wrote a pretty scathing review of it on my blog. I was not a fan however I know others who liked it so you may enjoy it as well.
I love learning about what other people are reading. In this case, I’d only heard about the Elizabeth Gilbert book, so the others are going on my library list stat. Thank you!
I might read the book about Diana Vreeland just because of that wide-open smile on her face. Anna Wintour, take note 🙂
Adding Peony in Love to my reading list. I absolutely love your On My Nightstand series!