Gift books and coffee table books

BLK ART: The Audacious Legacy of Black Artists and Models in Western Art

by Zaria Ware

Whether or not museums or patrons recognized their work, Black people have played a part in the Western art world from the beginning. From unknown models to acclaimed artists and sculptors, BLK ART is a fun, informative exploration centering those who deserve recognition. Team member Shannan brought this art history coffee table book to my attention. It’s the book she wished she would have read growing up. (You can hear her talk about it in this Patreon One Great Book bonus episode.)

Cabinets of Curiosities

by Patrick Mauriès

Ginger says: Shoutout to Mel Joulwan and Dave Humphreys of Strong Sense of Place for putting this coffee table tome crammed with intellectually diverting illustrations and photographs on my radar in their museums episode. This is an ode to collections—small and large, focused and eccentric. This volume’s prose is a bit academic, but the layout gives the feel of wandering through the winding halls of the weirdest, wonderfulest eccentric uncle’s house full of treasures galore.

Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon

by Iris Apfel

If you know someone who loves color, bold fashion, and gigantic accessories, this would be such a perfect manual for living stylishly—full of wisdom and stories and inspiration for collecting and dressing. (Don’t miss her New York Times obituary. What a life!)

Books and Libraries: Poems (Everyman’s Library Pocket Poets Series)

by Andrew Scrimgeour

Ginger says: Name a subject and the Everyman series likely has a book of poems or stories on it. Gardens, the sea, dogs, gratitude, love, solitude, music, fairies, trees… I could go on and on. These gorgeous copies feature stunning covers, creamy paper, and a ribbon bookmark sewn in so they make great gifts. They’re even inexpensive enough that I’ve used one in place of a card for a really special present. This is my favorite in the series, and I’m sure you can guess why. Familiar writers share poems about their love for readers, writers, libraries, and my favorite section: marginalia.

Hill House Living: The Art of Creating a Joyful Life

by Paula Sutton

Ginger says: Transport yourself to the British countryside with Paula Sutton. Her old-world style is completely charming. This would be a perfect chance to bring out the matching highlighters and mark up your book. My copy is flagged on so many pages—including her checklist for creating the perfect “Quiet Nook” and her best practical tips for searching out pretty decor in secondhand shops. I have given this as a gift on more than one occasion.

Great American Wreaths: The Best of Martha Stewart Living

by Martha Stewart

Ginger says: With 100 books to choose from, it’s hard to go wrong with Martha Stewart, but her book on wreaths stands out in my collection. Each wreath is inspired by the foliage of one particular state. They’re all beautiful, so it’s informative to flip through but it would be particularly fun to make a wreath inspired by your own state, or gift a copy along with a wreath from your recipient’s state of origin. Martha’s famous step-by-step instructions make it easy.

In Intimate Detail: How to Choose, Wear, and Love Lingerie

by Cora Harrington

Ginger says: I’m not even a little embarrassed to have this sitting out in my living room. The illustrations are not only informative, but also tasteful and beautiful. Foundation garments—bras, underwear, hosier, sleepwear—elevate a wardrobe and make me feel like I’m adulting. They’re mostly for myself, but they make a big difference in my appearance and fashion, so giving them attention feels like such a supportive addition (pun always intended).

Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know

by E. D. Hirsch Jr.

Ginger says: E. D. Hirsch’s nerdy (said with the greatest affection around here) premise is that in order to have shared community, you have to have a shared vocabulary. As the world has gotten broader, our cultural literacy is more scattered than ever because trends come and go so fast. So he proposes about 5,000 words and concepts we all need to know in order to understand allusions in literature, film, music, and conversation. Perusing the short entries in this volume—from Cleopatra to Cinderella to Cerberus—is educational.

14,000 Things to Be Happy About

by Barbara Ann Kipfer

Ginger says: This is the smallest gift book I own, a dog-eared paperback copy that is a treasured gift from my sister. We always kept a list of things to be happy about—our own little collection of tiny happy things, so learning that other people find life as scrumptious as we did—delighting in ripe peaches on a summer evening, piles of autumn leaves, and hot, buttery dinner rolls—thrilled us. If you’re really fond of your recipient, treat them to the author’s whole collection of little gift books. They look darling sitting on a shelf in their crisp and bright colors.

Cherry Blossoms: Sakura Collections from the Library of Congress

by Katherine Blood, Mari Nakahara

Ginger says: I’ll admit that The Tree Collectors by Amy Stewart led me to this title, as well as the fact that I coincidentally got to see both the famous cherry blossoms of Tokyo and Washington D.C. within a year. Dreamy! If either or both places are on your bucket list, you can visit vicariously through the pages of photographs, maps, and, my favorite, Hiroshige prints. If you’re giving this as a gift, pair it with the nonfiction title The Sakura Obsession: The Incredible Story of the Plant Hunter Who Saved Japan’s Cherry Blossoms. The best part is you can celebrate the friendship that has literally blossomed between Japan and the U.S. in any season, no allergy pill required.

The Tree Collectors: Tales of Arboreal Obsession

by Amy Stewart

Ginger says: I recently talked Baylee’s ear off about my tree obsession on a Patreon bonus episode featuring the MMD Team’s Best Summer Books. I’ve long been interested in trees; ironically enough my origin story involves a theologian and a songwriter, but that’s a story for another day. This lushly illustrated book shows just how many different forms a hobby can take. Because of this book, I have tracked down obscure documentaries, headed out to my own local natural history museum to see wood collections, watched artists and environmentalists on YouTube, and joined Facebook groups so I can follow the circular tree forests of Ethiopia in which I am now deeply invested.

The Audrey Hepburn Treasures

by Ellen Erwin, Jessica Z. Diamond

Ginger says: I love coffee table books that feature souvenirs and memorabilia tucked into pages and envelopes, allowing you to remove and explore items like photos, letters, and ticket stubs. These tactile elements make this book about film icon Audrey Hepburn really special. Yes, I was the girl with an Audrey poster on my college wall and I still love her style, grace, warmth, and wit. I like to put on an Audrey film (Paris When It Sizzles is my choice) and pretend we’re sorting through her treasure box from the attic.

Theology of Home: Finding the Eternal in the Everyday

by Carrie Gress, Noelle Mering

Ginger says: This four-book series is decidedly Catholic, which I am not. But many lovers of home can relate to the idea of approaching domestic design as if it were sacred. The photography is swoony! I feel like I’m taking a vacation each time I open the pages. Gift tip: I’m a fan of the original, but volume four in the series is truly a standout title as well. If you know a flower lover, it’s organized by month with seasonal flowers and arrangements that suit each season.

Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience

by Brené Brown

Ginger says: Brené Brown and her team of researchers identified and cataloged eighty-seven emotions to give language to what we feel. Each emotion is organized in relation to other similar emotions—what’s the difference, for example, between jealousy and envy? She explains subtle differences the way only Brené Brown can. The true gift of this book would be better knowledge of self and better communication in your relationships.

Master Pieces: The Curator’s Game

by Thomas Hoving

Ginger says: This niche paperback is a book and a game all in one. The “curator’s game” was introduced to author Thomas Hoving early in his career as director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The game is played by zooming in on details of famous pieces to test an art lover’s acumen and whether they can detect the artist and work. Tiny details, rather than the whole reprinted work, make for an interesting collection in an art book, whether you’re already a knowledgeable expert or an art neophyte interested in learning about the great works through details, style, color, technique, or theme.

Room for Children: Stylish Spaces for Sleep and Play

by Susanna Salk

Ginger says: The recent minimalistic and monochromatic trending years were a challenging time for this confirmed color-lover and maximalist. While I hear color is coming back in a big way (yay!), in the intervening years, I sought out design blogs, magazines, and books for children, even though I don’t have any myself, finding design principles there that suited my tastes. This book inspires, whether you’re decorating a child’s room or creating a space of your own.

Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves

by Glory Edim

This collection was a delightful addition to my bookshelves, curated by Glory Edim, founder of the Well-Read Black Girl book club. Contributors write about how essential it is that we all see ourselves in literature, and include essays from Jesmyn Ward, Lynn Nottage, Jacqueline Woodson, Gabourey Sidibe, Morgan Jerkins, Tayari Jones, Rebecca Walker, and more. A celebration of the power of story, filled with illustrations, inspiring words, and a big bunch of book recommendations.

Encyclopedia of the Exquisite: An Anecdotal History of Elegant Delights

by Jessica Kerwin Jenkins

Ginger says: Who doesn’t love a good miscellany—an eclectic mix or collection that you can sit down with and thumb through for hours? From luxuries like champagne to everyday ordinaries like eggs, from fruit to spices to lipstick to sports to travel, there’s something exquisite in these pages for almost anyone. Let the page fall open where it will on topics you didn’t even know you wanted to know about. I especially love the vintage-style illustrations and the alphabetical organization, which appeals to my inner nerd.

Bibliophile: Diverse Spines

by Jamise Harper, Jane Mount

I have long loved illustrator Jane Mount’s work. She followed up Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany by partnering with Diverse Spines book community founder Jamise Harper to diversify bookshelves and shine a light on books by authors who are often underrepresented. Richly illustrated, it’s full of bookworm delights like curated book stacks, bookstores owned by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and recommendations from BIPOC literary influencers. It’s a must for your favorite reader’s coffee table.

Eat, Drink, Nap: Bringing the House Home

by Soho House

Ginger says: Two words: linen cover. Need I say more? Ok, I will, but the fine outer cover is just a taste of the sumptuous offerings inside this book from Soho House, a private members club for creatives housed in cities like New York, London, and Los Angeles. I don’t live in a city with a Soho House (and am probably not cool enough to get in anyway), but I can visit vicariously through the pages, and what’s more, create my own spaces inspired by the Soho House way of living—where work, play, and relaxing all mingles. I gravitate towards gorgeous inspiration when it comes to coffee table books, but I also want practical how-tos so I can recreate lighting and parties and drinks.

Gift books and coffee table books

a gateway

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summer reading starts May 16th