Home & Garden

These staff recommendations are from our March 2010 In-Store Newsletter.

You can also view the newsletter with its original formating as a .pdf file.

Page 1  •  Page 2





$16.00
ISBN-13: 9780375760396
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Random House Trade Paperbacks, 05/01/2002

Okay, so you’ve read everything Michael Pollan has to say about food—now what? How about reading his bestselling book Botany of Desire, a study of four specific plants—apples, tulips, potatoes and marijuana—and their particular, startling effects on the human race. Pollan’s thesis is fascinating—essentially, that plants have used us to evolve, not the other way around—and his writing is, as always, bright, elegant and concise.
—Kat


$35.00
ISBN-13: 9780789313492
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Universe, 09/01/2005

Small is beautiful—and responsible. Compact Houses invites you into a handful of unique and sustainable modern homes, cabins and getaways located around the world. Step in and see how thoughtful, efficient design can be had using only a small ecological footprint.
—V.L.


By Tom Fischer, Clive Nichols (Photographer)
$12.95
ISBN-13: 9781604690842
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Timber Press (OR), 02/01/2010

In this bright and beautiful little book, Fischer takes you through the every level of the color spectrum with flowers. With big close-up shots of the flowers, you can see color, texture, and shape. Sidebars contain plant descriptions, helpful tips on how and when to grow, and the author’s suggestions for complementary color pairings. This book will help you turn your garden into a riot of color.
—Flannery


By Alain Laurens, Jacques Delacroix (Photographer), Daniel Dufour (Illustrator)
$40.00
ISBN-13: 9780810980488
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Harry N. Abrams, 10/01/2009

No longer the domain of the backyard, treehouses have grown up and gone Architectural Digest. In lush photographs, author Alain Laurens documents a number of exquisitely-designed treehouses—liveable homes that are built on top of, as well as in and around trees and groves—from an international cast of green architects. Laurens shows that it is possible to live high in the trees with minimal impact but with maximal design and comfort.
—V.L.


$22.99
ISBN-13: 9780307586452
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Potter Craft, 02/01/2010

This is one of my all-time favorite knitting books. It is full of patterns and techniques I return to again and again—especially the beautiful blanket patterns inspired by traditional quilts. The photography reminds me of why I love knitting, balancing a warm homey feel with contemporary color choices and designs. Absolutely perfect to curl up with on a sunny afternoon! —KMS


$23.95
ISBN-13: 9780979439117
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Left to Write Press, 02/01/2010

It seems like we understand the home as purposeful only through endless consumption. Hayes reminds us that the home can instead be a site of meaningful social production, with its own economy based on self-sufficiency and community. Through profiling different women and men who have opted out of consumer cultures and committed themselves to homemaking, Hayes offers an interesting, compelling, and inspiring guide to undermining a problematic system and returning home.
—K.M.S.


By Natalie Chanin, Robert Rausch (Photographer)
$35.00
ISBN-13: 9781584798231
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Stewart, Tabori and Chang, 03/01/2010

For those fans of Alabama Stitch Book, Natalie Chanin is back with a whole new book of crafts and recipes. The corn-shaped cornbread on page 93 is the cutest thing I have ever seen and I can’t wait to try the Stenciled & Sewn Table project on page 148. Chanin's style is classic and her medallion pattern is so original that it is to die for!
—Saraphine


$15.00
ISBN-13: 9780345518750
Availability: Usually ships from warehouse in 1 - 5 days
Published: Ballantine Books, 12/01/2009

Almost anything you may need to do around the home you can do yourself! You don't have to go out and buy bread, smoothies, jam, a dishwasher, toxic cleaning products, scarves, a manicure, beer, et cetera, because you can make or do all these things at home at a fraction of the cost. This book is great for the person who is looking to practice some domestic arts and cut back on unnecessary spending.
—Saraphine


$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780312537555
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: St. Martin's Griffin, 10/01/2009

Whether you are looking to alter your wardrobe, decorate your home or cook up a storm, this book has it all—and with a punk rock twist. Minx, a former clothing designer, has assembled a wide variety of projects for your home and closet. But the best part are all the vegetarian, and some vegan, recipes from some of your favorite Punk musicians.
—Saraphine


$15.99
ISBN-13: 9780007163656
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Harper Perennial, 12/01/2009

Photosynthesis is one of those ordinary, everyday occurrences that, if you stop to think about it, will completely blow your mind. Award winning science writer Oliver Morton has shed some light (sorry) on this fascinating topic in this new book, which also serves as a call to arms in a time when this delicate, life-sustaining process is threatened by climate change.
—Kat