Weekend Wish List

Here is my weekend wish list of books from Simon & Schuster. I picked one of them up at my local bookstore today, but you'll have to wait until next week to see which one. Happy Friday!

The Power of Glamour

Simon & Shuster provided me with a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. 

I have to admit, when I first saw this cover (which is what nearly entirely encourages me to read a book) I thought it was going to be full of fairly superficial information- which I was totally okay with. But my brain was in for some exercise, because Ms. Postrel sure did get me thinking. 

This book is really quite amazing. As someone with a obsession slight liking for all things glamorous, I now look at celebrities, advertisements, photographs, you name it, with a different perspective. 

From the cover...

In provocative detail with more than one hundred illustrations, critically acclaimed author Virginia Postrel separates glamour from glitz, revealing what qualities make a person, an object, a setting, or an experience glamorous.

What is it that creates that pleasurable pang of desire—the feeling of “if only”? If only I could wear those clothes, belong to that group, drive that car, live in that house, be (or be with) that person? Postrel identifies the three essential elements in all forms of glamour and explains how they work to create a distinctive sensation of projection and yearning.

The Power of Glamour is the very first book to explain what glamour really is—not just style or a personal quality but a phenomenon that reveals our inner lives and shapes our decisions, large and small. By embodying the promise of a different and better self in different and better circumstances, glamour stokes ambition and nurtures hope, even as it fosters sometimes-dangerous illusions.

From vacation brochures to military recruiting ads, from the Chrysler Building to the iPad, from political utopias to action heroines, Postrel argues that glamour is a seductive cultural force. Its magic stretches beyond the stereotypical spheres of fashion or film, influencing our decisions about what to buy, where to live, which careers to pursue, where to invest, and how to vote.

The result is myth shattering: a revelatory theory that explains how glamour became a powerful form of nonverbal persuasion, one that taps into our most secret dreams and deepest yearnings to influence our everyday choices.

BUY 

Rocket Girl

It's not too often I read a nonfiction book in two sittings- especially one about rocket science. They usually take me a while to get into, and then I really take my time trying to understand the person or event. Welllll, for every rule there is an exception, and this book is mine. I could not put it down. Mary Sherman Morgan traversed her way from the destitute prairies of North Dakota to the launch pad of America's first satellite. Oh, and she never even graduated college. Trying to imagine a feat more seemingly impossible is quite difficult. 

George Morgan told his mother's life story in a very refreshing way. Of course it helped that it was creative nonfiction, and certainly had to be thanks to very poor record keeping, but this book reads very differently compared to similar nonfiction selections. The reader gets glimpses not only of Mary Morgan's life, but also of the lives of many other individuals important to the space age. 

This book is just for science people, right? Oh no, my friend. I am probably one of the least sciencey (I am fully aware that is not a word) people on the planet. My brain prefers literature and only tolerates a math problem here and there. While much of the content is obviously science related (unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine, anyone?), it's so much more that a "science book." Rocket Girl is a book about an incredible woman, her unmatched talents, and her astounding sense of humility that prevented her story from being told years ago. So, thank you, Mr. Morgan, for outing your inspirational mother.

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I got my copy here

The Olympic City

images via

The 2014 Olympics may have come and gone, but I'm already looking forward to Rio. There's just something special about the Olympics. For two weeks countries come together, athletes other than Tom Brady are the center of attention, and I pretend to learn a thing or two about hockey and soccer. What could be better? Well, this book, for one. Jon Pack and Gary Hustwit have put together an incredible compilation of photographs showing Olympic cities after the the glitz and glamour have subsided. What remains is a truly remarkable- some cities have thrived, but others have sunk to near ruin. I highly recommend this book for any historian, Olympic fan, or architecture guru. There are very limited copies remaining, so snag yours before Bruce Jenner's transformation is complete soon! You might not have much time. 

BUY

Paris Street Style

I LOVE this guide to effortless chic by Isabelle Thomas & Frederique Veysset. It's everything a girl could want and more. There are tons of great fashion books out there, but this is my current fav. It is full of interesting interviews, tips for wearing classic pieces and making them your own, and advice on how to pull off tricky trends. The images are GORGEOUS and the quality of the book is the icing on the cake!

In true French form, I got my copy from Maison En Provence.

The Del: A Spring Break Favorite

One of my favorite places ever is the Hotel Del (like you need reminding). It's basically the best place in the world. Historic charm, long sandy beaches, beautiful architecture, perfect weather, gorgeous views... I could go on for days. So if you're in need of a little spring break getaway- you have my recommendation. I have numerous books on the Del, but this is one of the best. It details the construction of the resort dating back to the 1800s and is full of unique photographs and drawings. It would make the perfect gift for any Del aficionado, or a great way to hint to your travel buddy that you're in need of the next great getaway.

Buy from the Del

Stay at the Del

A Little Shakespeare Never Hurt Anyone

image via

Thanks to my new job, I've been reading quite a bit of Shakespeare. And I'm not complaining. To be honest, the majority of the time I would prefer a modern novel, but everyone once in awhile you just have to change it up. Twelfth Night is a great place to start. It has all the juicy gossip your heart desires without the guilt of a trashy romance. With plenty of love triangles (squares?) that keep you guessing and enough lovesickness to go around, I promise you won't get bored. Don't think you can handle Shakespearean language? Try a side-by-side version complete with modern text. You'll look like a genius sitting at Starbucks (and maybe score a date with a literary cutie just in time for Valentine's Day).

 

Order from Brazos Bookstore