This time of year I keep my eyes open for holiday reading lists. Usually the Washington Post and New York Times publish a special edition of their book review section and list great finds for holiday reading. This year is a bit different as I started stockpiling books during the quarantine, thinking I would spend summer afternoons on the cabin porch reading. It didn’t quite happen that way but now the lure of a warm fire on a cold winter night seems like just the incentive to start reading again. This is a list, in no particular order, of books I have enjoyed this year and ones that I hope will be waiting under the Christmas tree.

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer

• This collection of essays draws on the author’s life as an indigenous scientist and shows how other living beings offer us gifts and lessons, even if we’ve forgotten how to hear their voices. As someone who tries to spend more time outside than inside observing nature and the natural world through gardening, this books sounds immensely appealing.

The Long Flight Home by Alan Hlad

• Inspired by fascinating, true, yet little-known events during World War II, this book tells the story of a young English woman, who raises homing pigeons with her grandfather. Her life intersects with an American who comes to Britain to join the Royal Air Force. Their friendship grows but is interrupted when his plane is shot down behind enemy lines. Her pigeon Duchess provides a lifeline between the two, carrying messages between Germany and Britain.

A Kim Jong-Il Production: Kidnap. Torture. Murder. Making Movies North Korean-Style by Paul Fischer

• I heard about this true story about a well known South Korean actress who was kidnapped and taken to North Korea to star in movies produced by Kim Jong-Il on NPR. This one sentence is just the beginning of the story that left me sitting in the car in the driveway until the end of the broadcast.

Spirit of Place: The Making of a New England Garden by Bill Noble

• Bill Noble was interviewed by Margaret Roach on her her podcast A Way to Garden earlier this fall. In this book he tells the story of his New England garden and how it has evolved over the years. For this garden lover, I can’t wait to read more about his garden philosophy, success and lessons learned.

The French Laundry, Per Se by Thomas Keller

• As a huge fan of Thomas Keller, his cookbooks are more than just a collection of recipes. This book talks about the creation of these two iconic restaurants. The recipes are not for the beginning cook and the equipment lists are formidable. However, throughout the book are essays on how he and his team created these experiential restaurants. His perspectives on creativity and innovation are thoughtful and left me thinking about how I approach my own creativity.

Garden Secrets of Bunny Mellon by Linda Jane Holden

• Bunny Mellon’s Oak Spring is just 30 minutes from our house and on my list of gardens to visit before I die. This book is a collection of photographs of her gardens, her influence as a designer and a compendium of garden advice. I plan to keep this book close and reread as the seasons change. Every time I page through it I learn something.

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight

• I remember my first pair of Nikes many years ago. This is the incredible story of Phil Knight and the creation of Nike. For anyone who is starting a business or in business, this story is a reminder that business is a marathon, not a sprint. The story of the early years had me flipping ahead just to make sure the Nike success story really did happen. As soon as I finished it, I passed it on.

Ginkgo by Peter Crane

• A definitive portrait and history of this extraordinary tree.

Brigitte Singh Printress of the Mughal Garden Edited by Bishwadeep Moitra

• A visual history of Brigitte Singh’s work as a textile artist living and working in Jaipur. Her block print designs are inspired by India’s rich history. Part coffee table book, part biography, part text book, this book is a visual treat and arm chair travel to the Mughal gardens of India. Her style, craft and sense of color inspire me every time I open this book.

Colefax and Fowler Inspirational Interiors by Roger Banks-Pye

• English country design and interiors at their best. This coffee table/reference book is a study in timeless English interior design. Another book that inspires me and is a master lesson in combining color, pattern and texture.

Radically Simple by Rozanne Gold

• This cookbook was a gift to me from my mother years ago. I picked it up recently and was reminded at Rozanne’s mastery of combining flavors with a minimal ingredient list. The recipes are easy, sophisticated and delicious. She is on IG and I’ve been listening to some of her older podcasts (One Woman Kitchen). Her conversations around food are fascinating. The photography is stunning and a cookbook that I will return to many times in the coming year.

Life in the Studio by Frances Palmer

• Released this fall and a gift from a fellow flower lover, this book is about the work and creative life of ceramicist Frances Palmer. Her work is stunning and I’m ready to devote an entire shelf in the studio to her vessels. This is another book where I am inspired to think about how I create.

City of Djinns by William Dalrymple

• When I am missing India, I pick up this book. William Dalrymple chronicles the year he and his wife spent in Delhi in the 1990’s. It’s a fascinating exploration of the city and its history. This is one of many books he has written about India and I am determined to read them all.

Cabana Magazine edited by Martina Mondadori

• Published twice a year, this is more than a magazine. It is a feast for the senses. Armchair travel never looked this good. Each issue is study of color, architectural style, collecting beautiful objects and traveling to exotic locations across the globe. I savor each issue until the next arrives.

Birds of Virginia Field Guide by Stan Tekiela

• This year I have seen so many more birds in the garden. This pocket size field guide is organized by color so it make identification quick and easy. I keep it by the window that over looks the birdbath with a pair of binoculars. Ever the bird nerd, I’ve marked up the pages with birds I have seen - I like to keep track of who is visiting the garden!

I’d love to hear about any books that you have enjoyed this year or are on your wish list!

XO

Julie