We’re back for the second installment of our Summer Reading List.
A big thank you to all of our designers who shared their recommendations. We hope these lists inspire everyone to find their next great book.
Once again, happy reading (again) friends!
ALEXIS AUDETTE, MAZY PATH
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
“Set in a small town in Pennsylvania in the 1920s and 1930s, this novel paints a beautiful, funny, and deeply moving picture of how a community filled with differences comes together to save a young child. While the story takes place a century ago, it's a book to read right now.”
VERA NEYKOV, MILTON
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
“I know many people have recently read this book - it was funny, tender, and raw. I really enjoyed it and could not put it down.”
OTTOLINE DE VRIES, OTTOLINE
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
“A beautifully written story about love, grief and regrets, told through letters written by the often hilarious, very opinionated Sybil.”
PAIGE CLEVELAND, RULE OF THREE
Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips
“Set just after the Civil War, this book is about the bond between mothers and their children, and the incredible resilience people find in the hardest circumstances. There are also these unexpected touches of mysticism and shifts through time that give the story an almost dreamlike quality and make what could be an incredibly heavy read feel deeply human.”
I Regret Almost Everything by Keith McNally
“Annoying, hilarious, and heartbreaking all at once. A truly unbelievable glimpse into the creation and evolution of some of New York's most iconic restaurants. You'll definitely need a martini and fries at Odeon afterward.”
MARY GRAHAM, SALVESEN GRAHAM
The President’s Hat by Antoine Laurain
“
A charming, whimsical novel that celebrates the unexpected ways small moments can change lives."
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
“A brilliant overview of human history that challenges how we see our past and future."
NICOLE SALVESEN, SALVESEN GRAHAM
A Far-flung Life by M.L. Stedman
“A moving tale examining themes of identity, displacement, and belonging through a childhood shaped by movement across a diverse geographic landscape.”
SUSIE ATKINSON, STUDIO ATKINSON
The White Road by Edmund de Waal
“An incredible story that reveals how one seemingly ordinary material shaped cultures and inspired obsession across centuries.”
The Names by Florence Knapp
“A beautifully observed novel with richly drawn characters and an emotionally compelling story. It's thoughtful, moving and stayed with me long after I'd finished reading it.”
JESSIE RANDALL, TEMPLE STUDIO X LOEFFLER RANDALL
London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe
“This story, about a young man who was posing as the son of a Russian oligarch and died in very suspicious circumstances, was fascinating. My two favorite genres are non-fiction and true crime so this book was right up my alley. I highly recommend it!”
MARY MATSON, TEMPLE STUDIO X MARY MATSON
Bread of Angels: A Memoir by Patti Smith
“I love Patti Smith’s voice and enjoy re-reading lines. If you liked Just Kids you will love this book. It's not too big - perfect for the pool or the beach.”
JESS MURPHY, THE LAWNS
Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
“A story about family, trauma, and money, written in a hilarious and profound way that doesn’t manage to exhaust you. You can find bits of yourself in each character’s idiosyncrasies, for better or for worse.”
Waiting for Britney Spears: A True Story, Allegedly by Jeff Weiss
“Gonzo journalism at its finest! A behind-the-scenes account from a questionably reluctant paparazzi covering Britney in her heyday. I loved the writing style and didn’t mind if some bits miiiight have been embellished…It’s thrilling, funny, tragic, and nostalgic, but most crucially, it’s deeply empathetic to one of the most exploited pop stars of our generation.”
SARAH LEDERMAN, THREE FATES TEXTILES
The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey
“A book about tennis, but really about focus, a different way of learning, and getting out of your own way. I found its ideas surprisingly applicable to design, business, and, of course, tennis.”
ELIZABETH HEWITT, TULU TEXTILES
Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy
“Arundhati Roy is one of my favorite writers in any genre - fiction, political non-fiction, magical realism, and now a memoir! Although this is about her unique and eccentric mother and their relationship, the way she tells the story somehow brings us all into our own mother - daughter story. The honesty and beauty of Arundhati Roy's writing moves me everytime.”
LAUREN EMERSON, WALTER G
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
“A beautifully written novel that weaves together family, culture and identity through the age-old traditions of tea. Such a visual read, I was swept into another time and place.”
Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy
“Arundhati Roy has such a beautiful way with words. Her deeply personal and incredible life story is woven with decades of Indian history. She was a total trailblazer - absolutely loved her story!”
GENEVIEVE HEWSON, WALTER G
The Pearl Thief by Fiona McIntosh
“A total page-turner and epic tale that transported me between 1960s Europe and wartime Czechoslovakia - I couldn't put it down!”
Collecting: Living with Art by Kym Elphinstone
“Beautifully written and shot, this book takes you inside the homes of 26 Australian art collectors. As someone naturally curious about art and how people live, I was completely absorbed. The cover itself is also a must have for a coffee table!”
Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips
“Set just after the Civil War, this book is about the bond between mothers and their children, and the incredible resilience people find in the hardest circumstances. There are also these unexpected touches of mysticism and shifts through time that give the story an almost dreamlike quality and make what could be an incredibly heavy read feel deeply human.”
I Regret Almost Everything by Keith McNally
“Annoying, hilarious, and heartbreaking all at once. A truly unbelievable glimpse into the creation and evolution of some of New York's most iconic restaurants. You'll definitely need a martini and fries at Odeon afterward.”
MARY GRAHAM, SALVESEN GRAHAM
The President’s Hat by Antoine Laurain
“
A charming, whimsical novel that celebrates the unexpected ways small moments can change lives."
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
“A brilliant overview of human history that challenges how we see our past and future."
NICOLE SALVESEN, SALVESEN GRAHAM
A Far-flung Life by M.L. Stedman
“A moving tale examining themes of identity, displacement, and belonging through a childhood shaped by movement across a diverse geographic landscape.”
SUSIE ATKINSON, STUDIO ATKINSON
The White Road by Edmund de Waal
“An incredible story that reveals how one seemingly ordinary material shaped cultures and inspired obsession across centuries.”
The Names by Florence Knapp
“A beautifully observed novel with richly drawn characters and an emotionally compelling story. It's thoughtful, moving and stayed with me long after I'd finished reading it.”
JESSIE RANDALL, TEMPLE STUDIO X LOEFFLER RANDALL
London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe
“This story, about a young man who was posing as the son of a Russian oligarch and died in very suspicious circumstances, was fascinating. My two favorite genres are non-fiction and true crime so this book was right up my alley. I highly recommend it!”
MARY MATSON, TEMPLE STUDIO X MARY MATSON
Bread of Angels: A Memoir by Patti Smith
“I love Patti Smith’s voice and enjoy re-reading lines. If you liked Just Kids you will love this book. It's not too big - perfect for the pool or the beach.”
JESS MURPHY, THE LAWNS
Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
“A story about family, trauma, and money, written in a hilarious and profound way that doesn’t manage to exhaust you. You can find bits of yourself in each character’s idiosyncrasies, for better or for worse.”
Waiting for Britney Spears: A True Story, Allegedly by Jeff Weiss
“Gonzo journalism at its finest! A behind-the-scenes account from a questionably reluctant paparazzi covering Britney in her heyday. I loved the writing style and didn’t mind if some bits miiiight have been embellished…It’s thrilling, funny, tragic, and nostalgic, but most crucially, it’s deeply empathetic to one of the most exploited pop stars of our generation.”
SARAH LEDERMAN, THREE FATES TEXTILES
The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey
“A book about tennis, but really about focus, a different way of learning, and getting out of your own way. I found its ideas surprisingly applicable to design, business, and, of course, tennis.”
ELIZABETH HEWITT, TULU TEXTILES
Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy
“Arundhati Roy is one of my favorite writers in any genre - fiction, political non-fiction, magical realism, and now a memoir! Although this is about her unique and eccentric mother and their relationship, the way she tells the story somehow brings us all into our own mother - daughter story. The honesty and beauty of Arundhati Roy's writing moves me everytime.”
LAUREN EMERSON, WALTER G
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
“A beautifully written novel that weaves together family, culture and identity through the age-old traditions of tea. Such a visual read, I was swept into another time and place.”
Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy
“Arundhati Roy has such a beautiful way with words. Her deeply personal and incredible life story is woven with decades of Indian history. She was a total trailblazer - absolutely loved her story!”
GENEVIEVE HEWSON, WALTER G
The Pearl Thief by Fiona McIntosh
“A total page-turner and epic tale that transported me between 1960s Europe and wartime Czechoslovakia - I couldn't put it down!”
Collecting: Living with Art by Kym Elphinstone
“Beautifully written and shot, this book takes you inside the homes of 26 Australian art collectors. As someone naturally curious about art and how people live, I was completely absorbed. The cover itself is also a must have for a coffee table!”
A Far-flung Life by M.L. Stedman
“A moving tale examining themes of identity, displacement, and belonging through a childhood shaped by movement across a diverse geographic landscape.”
SUSIE ATKINSON, STUDIO ATKINSON
The White Road by Edmund de Waal
“An incredible story that reveals how one seemingly ordinary material shaped cultures and inspired obsession across centuries.”
The Names by Florence Knapp
“A beautifully observed novel with richly drawn characters and an emotionally compelling story. It's thoughtful, moving and stayed with me long after I'd finished reading it.”
JESSIE RANDALL, TEMPLE STUDIO X LOEFFLER RANDALL
London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe
“This story, about a young man who was posing as the son of a Russian oligarch and died in very suspicious circumstances, was fascinating. My two favorite genres are non-fiction and true crime so this book was right up my alley. I highly recommend it!”
MARY MATSON, TEMPLE STUDIO X MARY MATSON
Bread of Angels: A Memoir by Patti Smith
“I love Patti Smith’s voice and enjoy re-reading lines. If you liked Just Kids you will love this book. It's not too big - perfect for the pool or the beach.”
JESS MURPHY, THE LAWNS
Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
“A story about family, trauma, and money, written in a hilarious and profound way that doesn’t manage to exhaust you. You can find bits of yourself in each character’s idiosyncrasies, for better or for worse.”
Waiting for Britney Spears: A True Story, Allegedly by Jeff Weiss
“Gonzo journalism at its finest! A behind-the-scenes account from a questionably reluctant paparazzi covering Britney in her heyday. I loved the writing style and didn’t mind if some bits miiiight have been embellished…It’s thrilling, funny, tragic, and nostalgic, but most crucially, it’s deeply empathetic to one of the most exploited pop stars of our generation.”
SARAH LEDERMAN, THREE FATES TEXTILES
The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey
“A book about tennis, but really about focus, a different way of learning, and getting out of your own way. I found its ideas surprisingly applicable to design, business, and, of course, tennis.”
ELIZABETH HEWITT, TULU TEXTILES
Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy
“Arundhati Roy is one of my favorite writers in any genre - fiction, political non-fiction, magical realism, and now a memoir! Although this is about her unique and eccentric mother and their relationship, the way she tells the story somehow brings us all into our own mother - daughter story. The honesty and beauty of Arundhati Roy's writing moves me everytime.”
LAUREN EMERSON, WALTER G
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
“A beautifully written novel that weaves together family, culture and identity through the age-old traditions of tea. Such a visual read, I was swept into another time and place.”
Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy
“Arundhati Roy has such a beautiful way with words. Her deeply personal and incredible life story is woven with decades of Indian history. She was a total trailblazer - absolutely loved her story!”
GENEVIEVE HEWSON, WALTER G
The Pearl Thief by Fiona McIntosh
“A total page-turner and epic tale that transported me between 1960s Europe and wartime Czechoslovakia - I couldn't put it down!”
Collecting: Living with Art by Kym Elphinstone
“Beautifully written and shot, this book takes you inside the homes of 26 Australian art collectors. As someone naturally curious about art and how people live, I was completely absorbed. The cover itself is also a must have for a coffee table!”
Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
“A story about family, trauma, and money, written in a hilarious and profound way that doesn’t manage to exhaust you. You can find bits of yourself in each character’s idiosyncrasies, for better or for worse.”
Waiting for Britney Spears: A True Story, Allegedly by Jeff Weiss
“Gonzo journalism at its finest! A behind-the-scenes account from a questionably reluctant paparazzi covering Britney in her heyday. I loved the writing style and didn’t mind if some bits miiiight have been embellished…It’s thrilling, funny, tragic, and nostalgic, but most crucially, it’s deeply empathetic to one of the most exploited pop stars of our generation.”
SARAH LEDERMAN, THREE FATES TEXTILES
The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey
“A book about tennis, but really about focus, a different way of learning, and getting out of your own way. I found its ideas surprisingly applicable to design, business, and, of course, tennis.”
ELIZABETH HEWITT, TULU TEXTILES
Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy
“Arundhati Roy is one of my favorite writers in any genre - fiction, political non-fiction, magical realism, and now a memoir! Although this is about her unique and eccentric mother and their relationship, the way she tells the story somehow brings us all into our own mother - daughter story. The honesty and beauty of Arundhati Roy's writing moves me everytime.”
LAUREN EMERSON, WALTER G
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
“A beautifully written novel that weaves together family, culture and identity through the age-old traditions of tea. Such a visual read, I was swept into another time and place.”
Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy
“Arundhati Roy has such a beautiful way with words. Her deeply personal and incredible life story is woven with decades of Indian history. She was a total trailblazer - absolutely loved her story!”
GENEVIEVE HEWSON, WALTER G
The Pearl Thief by Fiona McIntosh
“A total page-turner and epic tale that transported me between 1960s Europe and wartime Czechoslovakia - I couldn't put it down!”
Collecting: Living with Art by Kym Elphinstone
“Beautifully written and shot, this book takes you inside the homes of 26 Australian art collectors. As someone naturally curious about art and how people live, I was completely absorbed. The cover itself is also a must have for a coffee table!”
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
“A beautifully written novel that weaves together family, culture and identity through the age-old traditions of tea. Such a visual read, I was swept into another time and place.”
Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy
“Arundhati Roy has such a beautiful way with words. Her deeply personal and incredible life story is woven with decades of Indian history. She was a total trailblazer - absolutely loved her story!”
