For this year’s list, we wanted to help everyone answer that eternal question: What book should I read next?
It’s no secret that the Temple team loves a good book, and sharing our favorite titles has become a favorite annual tradition.
All of our fabric and wallpaper collection designers who had a book to share set out to answer this question, each choosing their favorite title (or two) that they've read and loved over the last year.
We’ve got fiction, non-fiction, new releases, and oldies but goodies…something for everyone. We take any repeat titles as a true testament to the book’s quality.
Since we have so many amazing titles to share this year, we're going to send this newsletter out in two parts. Please stay tuned for the second and final part, coming to your inboxes next week!
Once again, happy reading friends!
LAUREN LOVE, ABNORMALS ANONYMOUS
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
“I’ve had this book for years, and this is round two for me. Between running a business, raising kids, and all the things, carving out a regular art practice is a challenge, but this one is easy to hop in and out of whenever I have a spare moment. My favorite part is the Artist Date: a weekly promise to take yourself on a solo creative outing to keep the inspiration flowing. Mine usually involves thrifting, art walks, taking pictures of unusual color combos out in the wild or just getting lost in art books and design magazines.”
HOPIE STOCKMAN, BLOCK SHOP TEXTILES
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
“Don’t let the 900 pages scare you. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, heartbreaking, and human. This book transcends the Western genre as a study of friendship, longing, and mortality. The quintessential American road novel, with some of the finest adventure writing I’ve ever read.”
LIA BURKE, BRIER & BYRD
Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff
“This book follows the roughly 30 year relationship of a married couple, from their meeting through their demise, as told by both partners. I loved the eccentric characters and all of their idiosyncrasies.”
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
“The trad wife story is hard to put down... I can't wait to see how it ends.”
GEORGIA TAPPERT HOWE, BRIER & BYRD
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
“A moving story about aging and family dynamics told through letters.”
BROOK PERDIGON, BROOK PERDIGON TEXTILES
You Are Here by David Nicholls
“A romantic story about two strangers who hike through Northern England and fall in love along the way. A trek of this sort is on my bucket list and I love a good friends-to-lovers story!”
The Keeper, The Searcher, and The Hunter by Tana French
“This trilogy was a bit of an unexpected read for me as I’m not usually into mysteries. The characters, landscape, and plots were all really enjoyable to read.”
CAITLIN MCGAULEY
A Marriage At Sea by Sophie Elmhirst
“Set in the 1970s, this is a true story about Maurice and Maralyn Bailey, a couple who sold their belongings to buy a sailboat with the goal of sailing it from England to New Zealand. A few months in, a whale capsizes their boat, leaving them stranded in the middle of the ocean. Beyond the suspense of survival, I was fascinated by how Maralyn kept herself occupied: designing dresses in her mind and planning elaborate dinner parties, listing every detail from the menu to the linens she would use. She would also make playing cards out of the small amount of paper that they had. It’s a survival story but also a story about creativity and the strength of Maralyn's will.
CLARE LOUISE FROST
On The Road (The Original Scroll) by Jack Kerouac
“Easy answer, I just re-read it. A completely different experience reading this book at 42 than at 16, and what a great summer read, whether you're on the road or just wanting to be.”
ERIKA POWELL, ERIKA M. POWELL TEXTILES
Poets Square: A Memoir in Thirty Cats by Courtney Gustafson
“This was a gift from a dear friend. Since the book is about a woman who rescues cats, it naturally pulled at my heart strings, but the story is about so much more.”
HELENE BLANCHE
Fresh Water for Flowers by Valérie Perrin
“A beautiful and poetic novel about a fateful meeting, but also about grief, hope, unexpected friendship, and love. It made such an impression on me that I had to pause several times while reading, simply to reflect and let it all sink in.”
CHARLOTTE HARRIS LUCAS, HOUSE OF HARRIS
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
“I loved The Wedding People for a summer afternoon, it was an easy read without feeling too fluffy!”
LIZ HARRIS CARROLL, HOUSE OF HARRIS
Strangers by Belle Burden
“Strangers is a captivating book on marriage and healing. I couldn't put it down!”
JENNIFER MCKEE
Songs of Willow Frost by Jamie Ford
“A moving historical novel set in 1930s Seattle that explores identity, family, and belonging. The story follows a young boy who becomes convinced that a famous actress is his long-lost mother. Having grown up near Seattle, I loved the way the author describes the city in such amazing detail.”
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
“A powerful book written as a letter from Ta-Nehisi Coates to his son. He shares his experiences growing up Black in America and reflects on race, history, and identity. The book offers a personal and thought-provoking look at the challenges and realities faced by Black Americans.”
MILI SULEMAN, KUFRI
Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland
“I found this book really comforting and encouraging. A favorite quote from it is: ‘Fears about yourself prevent you from doing your best work, while fears about your reception by others prevent you from doing your own work.’”
DHARMA CASEY, KUFRI
Your Name Here by Helen DeWitt and Ilya Gridneff
“The writing style and formatting of this book are unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s confusing in a way that’s so intriguing, it was hard for me to set the book down.”
ALEXIS HARTMAN, LAKE AUGUST
How to Fall in Love with the Future: A Time Traveller's Guide to Changing the World by Rob Hopkins
“The author invites us to time-travel to the year 2030 and dream up, using each of our senses, the best possible future for the communities we live in. He also profiles future-thinking people and organizations who are taking steps towards that bright future. Instead of despairing over the state of the world, this book is full of imagination, positivity and inspiring ideas.”
The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith
“This series centers around Isabel Dalhousie: resident of Edinburgh, editor of a philosophical journal and part-time detective. The cases she takes on don't always involve crimes but are more often studies of conscience and the human condition. This is easy and relaxing reading that doesn’t insult your intelligence.”
COSI (COSTANZA) THEODOLI-BRASCHI, MAISON C
Flesh by David Szalay
“A haunting portrait of a man carried through life by fate and desire, told with an austerity that somehow makes you feel everything.”
Inner Work: Using Dreams and Active Imagination for Personal Growth by Robert A. Johnson
“This book expanded my understanding of dreamwork in the most profound way. Refreshingly direct, it feels like essential reading for anyone drawn to the inner life.”
Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff
“This book follows the roughly 30 year relationship of a married couple, from their meeting through their demise, as told by both partners. I loved the eccentric characters and all of their idiosyncrasies.”
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
“The trad wife story is hard to put down... I can't wait to see how it ends.”
GEORGIA TAPPERT HOWE, BRIER & BYRD
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
“A moving story about aging and family dynamics told through letters.”
BROOK PERDIGON, BROOK PERDIGON TEXTILES
You Are Here by David Nicholls
“A romantic story about two strangers who hike through Northern England and fall in love along the way. A trek of this sort is on my bucket list and I love a good friends-to-lovers story!”
The Keeper, The Searcher, and The Hunter by Tana French
“This trilogy was a bit of an unexpected read for me as I’m not usually into mysteries. The characters, landscape, and plots were all really enjoyable to read.”
CAITLIN MCGAULEY
A Marriage At Sea by Sophie Elmhirst
“Set in the 1970s, this is a true story about Maurice and Maralyn Bailey, a couple who sold their belongings to buy a sailboat with the goal of sailing it from England to New Zealand. A few months in, a whale capsizes their boat, leaving them stranded in the middle of the ocean. Beyond the suspense of survival, I was fascinated by how Maralyn kept herself occupied: designing dresses in her mind and planning elaborate dinner parties, listing every detail from the menu to the linens she would use. She would also make playing cards out of the small amount of paper that they had. It’s a survival story but also a story about creativity and the strength of Maralyn's will.
CLARE LOUISE FROST
On The Road (The Original Scroll) by Jack Kerouac
“Easy answer, I just re-read it. A completely different experience reading this book at 42 than at 16, and what a great summer read, whether you're on the road or just wanting to be.”
ERIKA POWELL, ERIKA M. POWELL TEXTILES
Poets Square: A Memoir in Thirty Cats by Courtney Gustafson
“This was a gift from a dear friend. Since the book is about a woman who rescues cats, it naturally pulled at my heart strings, but the story is about so much more.”
HELENE BLANCHE
Fresh Water for Flowers by Valérie Perrin
“A beautiful and poetic novel about a fateful meeting, but also about grief, hope, unexpected friendship, and love. It made such an impression on me that I had to pause several times while reading, simply to reflect and let it all sink in.”
CHARLOTTE HARRIS LUCAS, HOUSE OF HARRIS
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
“I loved The Wedding People for a summer afternoon, it was an easy read without feeling too fluffy!”
LIZ HARRIS CARROLL, HOUSE OF HARRIS
Strangers by Belle Burden
“Strangers is a captivating book on marriage and healing. I couldn't put it down!”
JENNIFER MCKEE
Songs of Willow Frost by Jamie Ford
“A moving historical novel set in 1930s Seattle that explores identity, family, and belonging. The story follows a young boy who becomes convinced that a famous actress is his long-lost mother. Having grown up near Seattle, I loved the way the author describes the city in such amazing detail.”
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
“A powerful book written as a letter from Ta-Nehisi Coates to his son. He shares his experiences growing up Black in America and reflects on race, history, and identity. The book offers a personal and thought-provoking look at the challenges and realities faced by Black Americans.”
MILI SULEMAN, KUFRI
Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland
“I found this book really comforting and encouraging. A favorite quote from it is: ‘Fears about yourself prevent you from doing your best work, while fears about your reception by others prevent you from doing your own work.’”
DHARMA CASEY, KUFRI
Your Name Here by Helen DeWitt and Ilya Gridneff
“The writing style and formatting of this book are unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s confusing in a way that’s so intriguing, it was hard for me to set the book down.”
ALEXIS HARTMAN, LAKE AUGUST
How to Fall in Love with the Future: A Time Traveller's Guide to Changing the World by Rob Hopkins
“The author invites us to time-travel to the year 2030 and dream up, using each of our senses, the best possible future for the communities we live in. He also profiles future-thinking people and organizations who are taking steps towards that bright future. Instead of despairing over the state of the world, this book is full of imagination, positivity and inspiring ideas.”
The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith
“This series centers around Isabel Dalhousie: resident of Edinburgh, editor of a philosophical journal and part-time detective. The cases she takes on don't always involve crimes but are more often studies of conscience and the human condition. This is easy and relaxing reading that doesn’t insult your intelligence.”
COSI (COSTANZA) THEODOLI-BRASCHI, MAISON C
Flesh by David Szalay
“A haunting portrait of a man carried through life by fate and desire, told with an austerity that somehow makes you feel everything.”
Inner Work: Using Dreams and Active Imagination for Personal Growth by Robert A. Johnson
“This book expanded my understanding of dreamwork in the most profound way. Refreshingly direct, it feels like essential reading for anyone drawn to the inner life.”
A Marriage At Sea by Sophie Elmhirst
“Set in the 1970s, this is a true story about Maurice and Maralyn Bailey, a couple who sold their belongings to buy a sailboat with the goal of sailing it from England to New Zealand. A few months in, a whale capsizes their boat, leaving them stranded in the middle of the ocean. Beyond the suspense of survival, I was fascinated by how Maralyn kept herself occupied: designing dresses in her mind and planning elaborate dinner parties, listing every detail from the menu to the linens she would use. She would also make playing cards out of the small amount of paper that they had. It’s a survival story but also a story about creativity and the strength of Maralyn's will.
CLARE LOUISE FROST
On The Road (The Original Scroll) by Jack Kerouac
“Easy answer, I just re-read it. A completely different experience reading this book at 42 than at 16, and what a great summer read, whether you're on the road or just wanting to be.”
ERIKA POWELL, ERIKA M. POWELL TEXTILES
Poets Square: A Memoir in Thirty Cats by Courtney Gustafson
“This was a gift from a dear friend. Since the book is about a woman who rescues cats, it naturally pulled at my heart strings, but the story is about so much more.”
HELENE BLANCHE
Fresh Water for Flowers by Valérie Perrin
“A beautiful and poetic novel about a fateful meeting, but also about grief, hope, unexpected friendship, and love. It made such an impression on me that I had to pause several times while reading, simply to reflect and let it all sink in.”
CHARLOTTE HARRIS LUCAS, HOUSE OF HARRIS
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
“I loved The Wedding People for a summer afternoon, it was an easy read without feeling too fluffy!”
LIZ HARRIS CARROLL, HOUSE OF HARRIS
Strangers by Belle Burden
“Strangers is a captivating book on marriage and healing. I couldn't put it down!”
JENNIFER MCKEE
Songs of Willow Frost by Jamie Ford
“A moving historical novel set in 1930s Seattle that explores identity, family, and belonging. The story follows a young boy who becomes convinced that a famous actress is his long-lost mother. Having grown up near Seattle, I loved the way the author describes the city in such amazing detail.”
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
“A powerful book written as a letter from Ta-Nehisi Coates to his son. He shares his experiences growing up Black in America and reflects on race, history, and identity. The book offers a personal and thought-provoking look at the challenges and realities faced by Black Americans.”
MILI SULEMAN, KUFRI
Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland
“I found this book really comforting and encouraging. A favorite quote from it is: ‘Fears about yourself prevent you from doing your best work, while fears about your reception by others prevent you from doing your own work.’”
DHARMA CASEY, KUFRI
Your Name Here by Helen DeWitt and Ilya Gridneff
“The writing style and formatting of this book are unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s confusing in a way that’s so intriguing, it was hard for me to set the book down.”
ALEXIS HARTMAN, LAKE AUGUST
How to Fall in Love with the Future: A Time Traveller's Guide to Changing the World by Rob Hopkins
“The author invites us to time-travel to the year 2030 and dream up, using each of our senses, the best possible future for the communities we live in. He also profiles future-thinking people and organizations who are taking steps towards that bright future. Instead of despairing over the state of the world, this book is full of imagination, positivity and inspiring ideas.”
The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith
“This series centers around Isabel Dalhousie: resident of Edinburgh, editor of a philosophical journal and part-time detective. The cases she takes on don't always involve crimes but are more often studies of conscience and the human condition. This is easy and relaxing reading that doesn’t insult your intelligence.”
COSI (COSTANZA) THEODOLI-BRASCHI, MAISON C
Flesh by David Szalay
“A haunting portrait of a man carried through life by fate and desire, told with an austerity that somehow makes you feel everything.”
Inner Work: Using Dreams and Active Imagination for Personal Growth by Robert A. Johnson
“This book expanded my understanding of dreamwork in the most profound way. Refreshingly direct, it feels like essential reading for anyone drawn to the inner life.”
Songs of Willow Frost by Jamie Ford
“A moving historical novel set in 1930s Seattle that explores identity, family, and belonging. The story follows a young boy who becomes convinced that a famous actress is his long-lost mother. Having grown up near Seattle, I loved the way the author describes the city in such amazing detail.”
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
“A powerful book written as a letter from Ta-Nehisi Coates to his son. He shares his experiences growing up Black in America and reflects on race, history, and identity. The book offers a personal and thought-provoking look at the challenges and realities faced by Black Americans.”
MILI SULEMAN, KUFRI
Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland
“I found this book really comforting and encouraging. A favorite quote from it is: ‘Fears about yourself prevent you from doing your best work, while fears about your reception by others prevent you from doing your own work.’”
DHARMA CASEY, KUFRI
Your Name Here by Helen DeWitt and Ilya Gridneff
“The writing style and formatting of this book are unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s confusing in a way that’s so intriguing, it was hard for me to set the book down.”
ALEXIS HARTMAN, LAKE AUGUST
How to Fall in Love with the Future: A Time Traveller's Guide to Changing the World by Rob Hopkins
“The author invites us to time-travel to the year 2030 and dream up, using each of our senses, the best possible future for the communities we live in. He also profiles future-thinking people and organizations who are taking steps towards that bright future. Instead of despairing over the state of the world, this book is full of imagination, positivity and inspiring ideas.”
The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith
“This series centers around Isabel Dalhousie: resident of Edinburgh, editor of a philosophical journal and part-time detective. The cases she takes on don't always involve crimes but are more often studies of conscience and the human condition. This is easy and relaxing reading that doesn’t insult your intelligence.”
COSI (COSTANZA) THEODOLI-BRASCHI, MAISON C
Flesh by David Szalay
“A haunting portrait of a man carried through life by fate and desire, told with an austerity that somehow makes you feel everything.”
Inner Work: Using Dreams and Active Imagination for Personal Growth by Robert A. Johnson
“This book expanded my understanding of dreamwork in the most profound way. Refreshingly direct, it feels like essential reading for anyone drawn to the inner life.”
How to Fall in Love with the Future: A Time Traveller's Guide to Changing the World by Rob Hopkins
“The author invites us to time-travel to the year 2030 and dream up, using each of our senses, the best possible future for the communities we live in. He also profiles future-thinking people and organizations who are taking steps towards that bright future. Instead of despairing over the state of the world, this book is full of imagination, positivity and inspiring ideas.”
The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith
“This series centers around Isabel Dalhousie: resident of Edinburgh, editor of a philosophical journal and part-time detective. The cases she takes on don't always involve crimes but are more often studies of conscience and the human condition. This is easy and relaxing reading that doesn’t insult your intelligence.”
