Happy Monday everyone! I thought we'd kick of the week with another edition of Blogger Book Love. Today we have an amazing list of favourites from Abbey at Abbey Goes Design Scouting. Abbey's expertise is so versatile---she's studying for her Masters in Design History, she runs a vintage shop, she designs the sweetest paper goods, plus she's soon to be a mom!---and her beautiful blog really reflects the depth and breadth of her diverse passions. Abbey Goes Design Scouting is a delicious feast for the eyes and the mind, so it comes as no surprise that Abbey's book list is one of style and substance. Without further ado, I give you:
"The Amateur Naturalist, by Gerald Durrell. I grew up in the countryside of Vermont and spent most of my time outside which as a urban adult I find increasingly hard to believe. This is a beautifully illustrated guide to exploring the outdoors. The book mixes practical tips (such as what to pack in a naturalist's daypack or how to take plaster casts of animal tracks) with detailed information about a wide variety of habitats (grasslands, desert, tundra, deciduous woodlands, mountain, ponds, streams, wetlands, shores, oceans and more).
The Flowering of American Folk Art 1776-1876 by Jean Lipman. This overview of American Folk Art was my first introduction to design as a child and it is packed with inspiration and creativity that I return to again and again. Indirectly, I think this is one of the reasons I ended up getting a Master's in the History of Design. A lesson to parents everywhere: the books you read your children do have profound effects!
The Wild Trees by Richard Preston. This non-fiction book details the awe-inspiring ecosystem of Redwood trees and the modern-day explorers who first realized the world that existed in the tops of these majestic giant trees. This books sounds like a snooze as I type this, but Preston is a superb non-fiction writer and this reads quickly and will absorb you completely. PS If you like Preston's style, you'll love his scientific non-fiction.
Kabul Beauty School: An American Woman Goes Behind the Veil by Deborah Rodriguez. I just finished this autobiography about an American hairdresser who moves to Kabul to start teaching women there how to be hairdressers (a way to help the economy and the women themselves). The book provides insight into the mostly closed world of Afghan women and the trials and triumphs of living in what amounts to a war zone.
The Good Son by Craig Nova. This novel, written by my father, is one of my favorite novels. It chronicles a family through the second world war and is both funny and wise about love and life. He is at work on a sequel to this novel which I can't wait to read.
I've also read and enjoyed just about everything written by Graham Green, Robin McKinley and Henning Mankell."
-------------------------------------
As usual I am humbled by a list of books that I not only haven't read, but that I haven't even heard of. I love Abbey's thoughts on how our childhood experiences influence what we read today--hello American Girl and my historical fiction obsession! And as a total needlepoint nerd, I've got to get my hands on that folk art book. I'm so grateful to Abbey for sharing her favourite reads. If you're just joining us, be sure to catch up on the rest of our Blogger Book Love series!
These are all new to me, but NOT for long. What a varied and compelling list of reads! "The Good Son, " in particular, will definitely join the stack residing on my bedside table. As always, thanks for the inspiration, Anne and Abbey!
Posted by: nkp | January 26, 2009 at 02:13 AM
I love Abbey and her selections! I think I have that Folk Art book - weird! Thanks for the recommendations.
Posted by: please sir | January 26, 2009 at 08:58 AM
I love this feature and am so pleased to be invited to contribute! Thanks Anne!
Posted by: Abbey | January 26, 2009 at 09:31 AM
As soon as I saw this post in my reader, I jumped up and down - I LOVE Abbey's blog, and this list is great - idiosyncratic and surprising and wonderful.
Great one!
Posted by: stephanie | January 26, 2009 at 09:45 AM
I love her blog and I really enjoy this series. I'll have to check out her dad's book. Keep em' coming.
Posted by: jess@thehomebound | January 26, 2009 at 12:55 PM
How exciting! I've never even heard of these books, and they all look so good. Her blog is darling too. Thanks for the introduction!
Posted by: christina | January 26, 2009 at 06:32 PM
What a great list (from a great bloggger!)....Thanks Abbey!
Posted by: Ellen | January 27, 2009 at 05:56 AM
the american folk art book looks awesome!
Posted by: Jamie | January 28, 2009 at 09:59 AM
The Preston book will probably become a classic.
Climbing and trees are interesting to many people from youth to adult.
Posted by: M. D. Vaden of Oregon | May 20, 2009 at 06:14 PM
Hi Guy's,
I think I have that Folk Art book - weird! Thanks for the recommendations
Posted by: dsi gaming accessories | February 05, 2010 at 10:10 PM
Considerably great your own incredible writings to myself as well as my relatives. Thus I have in fact received much due to your present sites along with which is my honor to discuss about the fantastic suggestions with you.I expect all of us may possibly make contact much more by way of that mail and also blogs.With thanks for you.
Posted by: Shox NZ | May 24, 2010 at 01:58 AM
Experienced sailors say that not cutting away the fallen mast and sail effectively made it a battering ram below water that could have destroyed the boat and the sail could have also sunk the boat when the swells started.
How could Team Abby's weather router allow her to sail into a Southern Ocean storm front, or did he
Our store offers you all kinds of favourite products like Adidas World Cup 2010 Shoes
Posted by: Adidas World Cup 2010 Shoes | August 03, 2010 at 05:25 PM
How exciting! I've never even heard of these books, and they all look so good. Her blog is darling too. Thanks for the introduction!
Posted by: free torrents downloads | August 27, 2010 at 01:23 AM
I really liked this blog entry, I love reading and some of my friends call me book worm because I'm always reading a book, but I don't care I love it!
Posted by: Sildenafil | September 02, 2010 at 02:17 PM
Abbey's books and her selections are spectacular, thank you for the recommendations.
Posted by: comprar lista de emails | October 14, 2010 at 07:18 PM
It is a pingback from a further webpage.!!!. as this really is starting to be even more widespread (that is a very good point!) I'll very likely appearance to fixing the exhibit of it.
Posted by: pumas shoes | November 09, 2010 at 04:59 AM
This post seems to get a good ammount of visitors. How do you advertise it? It gives a nice unique spin on things. I guess having something useful or substantial to say is the most important factor.
Posted by: white iphone 4 | December 01, 2010 at 12:19 AM
I have been admiring you a lot. I love every article you write.
Posted by: Canada Pharmacy | January 31, 2011 at 07:03 PM
Hey, Really great work,I would like to join your blog anyway so please continue sharing with us......
Posted by: Generic Viagra | April 08, 2011 at 10:50 PM
Love the recommendations... although I usually only like to read historical fiction it is nice to have a change once in a while!
Posted by: Jo - Historical Romance Fan | April 26, 2011 at 04:29 PM
Nice to read your blog on this website. different experience to read this blog. i get some awesome information throw this article.
Posted by: Nancy | June 15, 2011 at 05:10 AM
These kind of post are always inspiring and I prefer to read quality content so I happy to find many good point here in the post, writing is simply great, thank you for the post.
Posted by: submit your site | July 29, 2011 at 04:59 PM
Details are very true and factual, I do really learned something new upon reading this interesting post. Good job! and Thanks!
Posted by: SEO Services Company | August 27, 2011 at 11:42 PM
Hi, nice post. I have been wondering about this topic,so thanks for sharing. I will certainly be subscribing to your blog.
Posted by: dating | August 28, 2011 at 01:00 AM
Your blog seems to be very much informative. it variety of content will keep me reading you blog.
Posted by: free dating website | September 02, 2011 at 02:11 AM